“Education and democracy have same goals, the fullest possible development of human capabilities.”
- Democracy is a successful and popular form of government in the modern times. It is the modern type of government where the “Public Will” is expressed. It is an ideal form of government because it represents the general interests of the people and the general interests of the people and not of a particular class. Thus, democracy is a public kind of government. All the classes of people from layman to a lord can take part in democracy. That is why, this form of government is widely liked by nations all over the world. There are also other forms of government like communism in Russia, socialism in China etc. This system is entirely different from the dictatorship or autocracy.
- The maxim: ”Some are born to rule and others are to obey” is rejected. A former president of America Abraham Lincoln once defined it as:
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth.”
- The democratic form of government is based on the willing consent/agreement of the people. General will and not force is the basis of the state. Democracy is the mechanism through which the “General Will” is expressed. Democracy is the best form of government as it is stable and enduring. Democracy is such a mechanism through which people choose their representation by voting.
As it is well said:
“Government exists for the satisfaction of maximum desires and maximum desires can be satisfied by Maximum consultation.”
- Democracy is the guardian of the inequality, liberty and the fundamental rights of the people. Democracy stands for the “General Will” and as pointed out by Green, ”General Will is the only permanent foundation of government.”
As Abraham Lincoln said:
“The ballot is stronger than bullet.”
- The important features of democratic institutions are universal suffrage, frequent elections and well-organized parties, liberty of speech, freedom of association and freedom of opinion.
“Democracy is a mile-stone to prosperity.”
- Everyone may enjoy the freedom of thought, action and speech, by giving them a feeling of participation and a sense of responsibility. They have also the power of making and unmaking their government.
“Democracy unleashes a tone of objectivity instead of subjectivity.”
- There are several political parties in a democratic country. The party which wins by the majority of vote is called to form the government. The rest of the parties play the role of an opposition in the “Legislature Assembly”. In the assembly, important issues are discussed and decided by voting.
“The government is the agent of the people.”
- In a democratic system, people elect their own rulers. If they do not serve them well, they will not be elected again. The ministers are responsible for the legislature and as soon as they lose trust, they are made to resign. Thus, a change in government is brought about by peaceful methods and not by revolution.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God.”
- The four pillars of democracy are the rule of law, freedom of association, freedom of opinion and the freedom of press. The people can be criticized the government, expose the selfish leaders and condemn the policy of government.
“Self-criticism is the secret weapon of democracy and condour and confession are good for the public soul.”
- Democracy has some democrat also. It gives birth to party-politics which destroys the liberty and individuality of the people. Party system ignores the basic principle of democracy, the right of each individual to have a free say in every matter.
“Freedom is when the people can speak, Democracy is when the government listens.”
- The main danger in a democracy is the cruelty of the majority. All the decisions are made by majority vote. It means Counting of head, not weighing of wisdom. In Spite of its demerits, democracy is a reasonable, useful and successful system of government as democracy slaughters/kill the social evils.
“The cure of the evils of democracy is more democracy.”
- If we analyze democracy, from the point of view of our country, we come to know that it has been successful in Pakistan. No government has ever been given a chance to run its affairs smoothly. But our political leaders should pay some attention to the golden rules of Islam.
“Democracy is a device that ensures, we shall be governed no better than we deserve.”
- The best form under the circumstances is the Islamic system which accommodates the opinion of every individual if it is an accordance with the injunctions of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H). One may call it “Restricted or controlled democracy,” but it is true democracy.”
As it is well said:
…………………………………………………………...
Prepared by Engr.Sarosh Ahmad
Comments
Post a Comment