Democracy | Types, Features, Institutions & Pillars of Democracy - 2023

Democracy can be defined as a government of the people, by the people and for the people in ordinary terms. Democracy has been defined by various philosophers and writers in different ways e.g. Aristotle definition of democracy, It is the rule of mob and condemns it.

See lay defined it as a government in which everyone has a share.

In short democracy is that form of government in which sovereignty remains in the hands of the entire nation, which can make and unmake the government.

Types of Democracy

Following are two types of democracy

1. Direct Democracy

Under this system the people take direct in the affairs of the state. The people themselves are the rulers and they are the ruled at the same time. They themselves make the laws, enforce them and decide cases according to these laws. Such a democracy existed in City States of ancient Greece and Rome. Some practices of direct democracy are still observed in Switzerland and in some states of the USA.

2. Indirect or Representative Democracy

After the creation of large nation states, it became impossible for all the people directly to participate in the affairs of the state. Under this form of government the people elect a small number of representatives or delegation and give them the authority to run the government. Since the people rule through these representatives, we give the system the name of indirect or representative democracy. Today in almost all the countries of the world there is indirect or representative democracy.

Features Of Democracy

Periodic election.
Franchise
Political parties
Free association and groups
Secret ballot.

Democratic Institutions

Independent National Electoral Commission.
Pressure groups
Political parties
Arms of government

Pillars Of Democracy

The People
Democratic Institutions
Rule of Law
Transparent Electoral Processes
Majority Rule and Minority Rights

Democracy | Types, Features, Institutions & Pillars of Democracy