Democracy
Democracy is
that form of government in which the ruling power of a state is legally vested
not in any particular class or classes, but in the members of the community as
a whole. it is a government in which the will of the majority of citizens rules
without overriding the rights o the minority. The ideal of democracy is that of
equality, freedom and welfare for all. it involves the abolition of very form
of restriction and privilege. Ancient democracy was based on the direct
participation of the masses in public affairs. Modern democracy is
representative in character and it demands not only universal adult suffrage,
but also the active participation of the people in government. Thus, in a
democratic state, the acts of the government are in accordance with the will of
the people, since they have the right to elect and remove their leaders and the
right to determine the main lines of policy. Nevertheless, democracy is a
matter of degree, and no complete expression has yet been given tot eh ideal of
democracy.
"Our constitution is named a
democracy, because it is the hands not of the few, but of many. But our laws
secure equal justice for all private disputes, and our public opinion welcomes
and honors talent in very branch of achievement, not for any sectional reason,
but on grounds of excellence alone." These words of Pericles uttered in
the 5th century B.C., still hold good and may be considered by far the best
definition of democracy. democracy is in truth, "government of the people,
by the people and for the people." Thus, if the people of Malaysia rule
the people of Malaysia for the benefit of the Malaysians there is democratic
form of government in Malaysia. every citizen has a share in the government of
a democratic state. democracy rests on the will of the people and not on force.
Democracy implies political
liberty. Political liberty consists of the right to vote, the right to sand as
a candidate for election, the right to hold public offices, freedom of speech,
of association, of worship and of opinion. All these secure the individual, the
most fundamental right of political participation. By giving everyone a share
in the government, democracy prompts patriotism.
Democracy is based on the
doctrine of equality. Inequality has been the cause of all the revolutions
which have changed the face of the world. Popular government resting on the
will of the people and on the principle of equality are immune from all
revolutionary disturbances. moreover, this form of government also implies the
possibility of an alternative government in place of an inefficient one. These
characteristics ensure the stability of the democratic form of government.
The greatest merit of democracy
is that it elevates the character of the citizens. It demands a high standard
of morality and honesty on their part. It provides for the fullest possible
development of all its citizens and gives each citizen, a sense of
responsibility. In a democratic society, reason governs the conduct of men and
each man feels responsible for his actions. Here every person contributes some
thought or feeling to the common life. Thus, democracy is not only a form of
government, but also a way of life. In a democratic state, each citizen is an
integral and irreplaceable part of the whole. it gives each citizen, a sense of
responsibility. "When political institutions call upon him to bear a part
in their working, he is taken out of the narrow circle of his domestic and
occupational activities, admitted to the larger life, which opens wider
horizons, associated in new ways with his fellows forced to think of matters
which are both his and theirs" says Bryce.
The above principles imply that
every citizen in a democratic state should have the opportunity to develop his
personality. he must have access to knowledge, must be able to earn an adequate
wage. The state must guarantee him the right to work as well as leisure. It
must protect him from being exploited by the well-placed sections of the
community or the privileged class. All these raise the important questions of
education of the citizens of a democratic state. Education must teach them not
only to assert their rights, but also to discharge their duties. It must teach
them to think and act freely and express their views boldly. But, the system of
education must guard against making the citizens selfish or overcritical. The
education system must be adapted to suit the needs of democracy.
Also, leadership and proper
organization are other important requisites of democracy. Without proper
organization, the people cannot express themselves effectively. The leader of
the party must be responsible, honest and courageous. He must be able to think
clearly and act boldly. He must have the ability to judge public opinion
correctly. Above all, he must adhere to high principles. An unscrupulous leader
might easily become a dictator and endanger democracy.
Given favorable conditions, democracy is the best form of government known so far. It reconciles liberty and authority; it imbues the citizens with a sense of patriotism; it is a government by discussion; it rests on the will of the people; it treats all individuals as equals and tolerates the opposition; it aims at giving the greatest happiness to the greatest number of citizens in a state. Under the democratic form of government, human character develops and the individual realizes his best self.