U.S.
president Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) defined democracy as: “Government of the people, by the people,
for the people.” Democracy is by far the most challenging form of government
- both for politicians and for the people. The term democracy comes from the
Greek language and means "rule by the (simple) people". The so-called
"democracies" in classical antiquity (Athens and Rome) represent
precursors of modern democracies. Like modern democracy, they were created as a
reaction to a concentration and abuse of power by the rulers. Yet the theory of
modern democracy was not formulated until the Age of enlightenment (17th/18th
centuries), when philosophers defined the essential elements of democracy:
separation of powers, basic civil rights / human rights, religious liberty and
separation of church and state.
So,
Democracy is a form of government, where a constitution guarantees basic
personal and political rights, fair and free elections, and independent courts
of law.
Key
elements/characteristics of democracy
In order to
deserve the label modern democracy, a country needs to fulfill some basic
requirements. The key elements of democracy are as under:
1.Rule of law: Most important
characteristics is to ensure rule of law. All are equals in the eyes of law. No
one is above law.
2.Guarantee of basic human rights to
every individual person: In a democracy all citizens are covered by its
laws and equal rights.
3.Separation of power: Government,
Parliament and courts should be separate and independent but they should have
coordination.
4.Freedom of speech, media, press:
In democracy people enjoys freedom of speech, expression and information.
Democracy allows everyone to any sort of things like forming and quiting party
association. Criticizing the governments works etc.
5.Religious liberty: People have
the right to choose their religion without any fear and all have the same right
to perform religion.
6.Right to vote: All adult
citizens have the right to vote in elections.
7.An elected government and leadership:
In democracy, leaders are elected by the people who makes laws and create
policies of the government.
8.Independent judiciary: It is
the essential characteristics of democracy. Judiciary must be free from any
control and honest.
9.Organized opposition: It is
also an important characteristics. Majority party forms the government and
minority forms the opposition party.
