Democracy
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from
the earth.” Abraham Lincoln
Origin
The term “Democracy” goes as back as to the ancient times. It was first used for the purpose
of governing a state in Greece.
Definition
In Greek language it is divided into two words demos and krates.
Demos mean people and krates means power making the word democracy as power of
people which implies that people to rule themselves, directly or indirectly through their
representatives.
With the beginning of modern period, it was first Locke who gave, Theory of Consent, to
govern the state. This meant that state to be governed by the parliament which was to be
created through representation of people.
Sealy held that democracy is a government in which everyone has a share.
Dicey defined democracy is a government in which the governing body is large organization
of entire nation.
To McIver democracy is not a way of governing whether by majority or otherwise but
primarily a way of determining who should govern and broadly to what ends.
Democracy is a culture rather than a process
Democracy as a culture
Democracy as a culture refers to the deeply ingrained values, practices, and behaviors that
support and sustain democratic governance beyond formal institutions.
It includes active citizen participation, respect for diversity and pluralism, adherence to the
rule of law, protection of individual rights and freedoms, commitment to equality and
inclusiveness, promotion of civic education and informed public discourse, and a willingness
to cooperate and seek compromise. This cultural foundation ensures that democracy is not
just a system of government but a way of life reflected in everyday interactions and societal
norms.
Democracy as a culture therefore also gives weightage to its value system which is defined
through its different essential elements.
Democratic culture stands for progressive values that make political process fair and just.
Features of Democratic Culture
Inclusive Participation
o Active engagement of citizens
o Informed decision-making
Protection of Rights and Liberties
Rule of law
Minority rights
Accountability and Transparency
Open government
Checks and balances
Emphasis on human rights
Stable political institutions
Free and fair elections
Equality of all citizens
Educated citizen / High literacy rate
Independent judiciary
Strong civic institutions
Tolerance and pluralism
Democracy as a process
Democracy as a process refers to the systematic and structured methods through which
democratic principles are implemented and maintained. It encompasses the mechanisms,
procedures, and activities that enable citizens to participate in decision-making and hold
their leaders accountable.
Democracy as a process may be taken up as a system for the purpose of running the state
government.
Key elements include:
Periodic cycle of elections
Legislation
Deliberation
Presence of multiparty system
Majoritarian form of government
Forms of Democracy
Direct Democracy:
Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes without intermediary
representatives. Examples include referendums, initiatives, and town hall meetings.
Representative Democracy:
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the most common
form of democracy. Examples include:
1. Parliamentary Democracy: The executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is
accountable to the legislature (parliament). Examples: United Kingdom, Canada, India.
2. Presidential Democracy: The executive branch is separate from the legislature; the president
is both head of state and government. Examples: United States, Brazil, Indonesia.
F
eatures/Charasterictics/Culture of Democracy
Educated Masses
National Political Parties
Party Election
Independent and Powerful Election Commission
Frequent Election
Real Opposition
Active Civil Society
Responsible Media
Free and Wise Judiciary
Threats to the Future of Democracy in Pakistan
Personalization of politics
Absence of meaningful electoral reforms
Mass illiteracy
Intervention by Military
Unabated corruption
Deadlocks on ethnic and regional issues
Positive Prospects for Future of Democracy in Pakistan
58-2B deleted
High treason redefined
Military becoming mature
Vibrant media and civil society
Dynamic role of social media
Improvement in education
A return towards local Government system
