Democracy: What is it and Why do we need it?

Chapter introduces democracy by building upon a simple definition and dissecting its terms.
The goal is to identify the minimum requirements for a democratic government.
Aims to differentiate democratic governments from non-democratic ones.
Explores the broader concept of democracy beyond minimal requirements.
Addresses the prevalence of democracy and its advantages over other forms of government

Democracy defined as "rule by the people," originating from the Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratia’ (rule).
Meanings of words evolve over time, like 'computers' which originally meant calculators.
Need to think critically about the meaning of democracy instead of blindly accepting definitions.
Definitions become necessary for words when encountering difficulties in their usage.
Abraham Lincoln’s definition: “Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people”.
One simple factor common to all democracies is: the government is chosen by the people.
Simple Definition: Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
This definition distinguishes democracy from non-democratic governments like the army rulers of Myanmar, dictators like Pinochet, and monarchies like Saudi Arabia.
The definition isn't adequate because nearly every government wants to be called a democracy.

Key questions to consider:
- Who are the rulers in a democracy, and which officials must be elected?
- What constitutes a democratic election?
- Who is eligible to elect rulers or be elected?
- Can elected rulers do whatever they want, or are there limits?

Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf: Military coup in 1999, referendum in 2002.
Legal Framework Order: President can dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
National Security Council: Supervised the civilian cabinet dominated by military officers.
Elected representatives were not the real rulers; final power rested with army officials and General Musharraf.
In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

China: Elections held every five years for the National People’s Congress.
Candidates need approval from the Chinese Communist Party to contest elections.
Government is always formed by the Communist Party.
Mexico: Until 2000, every election was won by the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).
The PRI used dirty tricks to win elections, including requiring government employees to attend party meetings and pressuring parents to vote for them.
In a democracy, elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.
It should be possible for people to use their choice to remove the existing rulers.
A democracy must be based on free and fair elections where those in power have a fair chance of losing.

Democracy is based on the principle of political equality.
Instances of denial of equal right to vote:
- Saudi Arabia: Women did not have the right to vote until 2015.
- Estonia: Citizenship rules make it difficult for Russian minorities to vote.
- Fiji: The vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.
In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote, and each vote must have one value.

Zimbabwe: Ruled by ZANU-PF since 1980, with Robert Mugabe as leader.
Constitution was changed to increase the powers of the President.
Opposition party workers were harassed; public protests were declared illegal.
Government controlled media and pressured judges.
Popular approval is necessary but not sufficient for democracy.
A democracy requires respect for basic rights such as freedom of thought, opinion, expression, association, and protest.
Everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law.
Rights must be protected by an independent judiciary.
A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Democracy is a form of government in which:
- Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.
- Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to change current rulers.
- This choice and opportunity is available to all people on an equal basis.
- The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights.

Democracy is considered the best form of government, but is it?
Arguments against democracy:
- Leaders keep changing, leading to instability.
- It’s all about political competition and power play, with no scope for morality.
- Consultation leads to delays.
- Elected leaders may not know the people’s best interests, leading to bad decisions.
- Democracy leads to corruption due to electoral competition.
- Ordinary people don’t know what’s good for them and shouldn’t decide anything.
Democracy ensures that people take their own decisions, but this doesn’t guarantee good outcomes.

China’s famine of 1958-1961: Nearly three crore people died.
India, with a similar economic condition, did not have a famine due to different government policies.
No large-scale famine has ever taken place in an independent and democratic country.
Democracy is better at responding to the needs of the people.
A democratic government is more accountable.
Democracy improves the quality of decision-making through consultation and discussion.
Reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
Provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts peacefully.
Enhances the dignity of citizens.
Democracy is based on political equality.
Allows for the correction of its own mistakes through public discussion and change of rulers or decisions.

Democracy as a form of government helps identify minimal features.
Representative democracy: People rule through elected representatives.
Minimal understanding of democracy distinguishes democracies from non-democracies but doesn't differentiate between a democracy and a good democracy.
Democracy extends beyond government to other organizations.
Democratic decision-making involves consultation and consent of all those affected.
Ideal standard: Democracy as an ideal reminds us why we value it.
Helps judge existing democracies and identify weaknesses.
Democracy can apply to many spheres of life and take many forms.
Various ways of making decisions democratically, as long as consultation on an equal basis is accepted.

No country is a perfect democracy.
Features of democracy discussed provide only minimum conditions.
Every democracy must try to realize the ideals of democratic decision-making.
Requires constant effort to save and strengthen democratic forms of decision-making.
Active political participation by all citizens is essential for democracy.