Democracy is a form of government in which citizens hold supreme authority. The term “democracy” is derived from the Greek word for “popular government.”
Democracy, by concept, is a political system in which citizens have ultimate power in the decision-making process and can choose people to represent them.
It is also the political affiliation of those who support a government run by the people or their elected leaders.
Direct and representative democracy are the two general types of democracy. People participate actively in lawmaking and other government actions in a direct democracy.
In contrast, representatives elected by the people participate in making laws and essential decisions in a representative democracy.
There are benefits and burdens to a democracy, which has a representative form of government in which we vote for people to make decisions on various issues for the citizens.
Though the democratic leadership style provides many benefits to the people, it also has unique imperfections. Let us examine how democracy has both advantages and disadvantages.
“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the country’s voters.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Table of Contents
Advantages of Democracy
Why exactly do a vast majority of citizens across the globe prefer democracy over authoritarian rule? Let us go through the pros of democracy and find out more in detail.
1. Democracy Grants Everyone A Choice
The individual with the smallest voice in the community may have the most brilliant idea. Unfortunately, these concepts can go unrecognized.
In an Oligarchy, even if a peasant has the grandest idea in the empire, no one will ever pay heed to him.
But, one can also use this example in the opposite direction. A ruler or autocrat may have the most heinous suggestion about an essential aspect of keeping the country running. And this can lead to an economic recession and a populist uprising.
However, in a democracy, the citizens can present a bill to amend the law if the government passes a new law. It is then debated in the House of Representatives before being voted on.
2. By The People And For The People
In a democratic government, everybody is entitled to vote and evaluate what they imagine about the country’s political, social, and economic factors.
Ensuring that whatever decision is taken is in their best interests, not just the government representatives. The general populace would wield power and have valid opinions.
This sense of engagement would enable uncommon feelings of pride and patriotism in participative leadership in different political structures.
3. Democracy Structure Minimizes Administrative Exploitation
All administration advancements are vulnerable to exploitation as a result of individuals who are appointed to powerful positions.
The superiority of constitutional democracy over autocracy is that professionals are distributed more uniformly in a democratic representative government.
The decision reports in this structure establish governing rules to ensure that no single individual has dominion over the administrative cycle.
4. A more robust level of patriotism
Democracy’s formations are distinctive in allowing everyone to compete for what they want in life.
Each individual can undertake their dreams while also working to shape society into a vision that suits their requirements.
Even if the concept contradicts popular opinion or falls outside of an anticipated moral spectrum, it is possible to express it, presuming that the effort harms no one. That is why democracy fosters greater loyalty and patriotism.
5. No One Individual Has All Power
Another significant advantage of democracy is the distribution of political power. No single person wields all or even the vast bulk of power. This inhibits, or at least aids in preventing, corruption and human exploitation.
This can stop future dictatorships like North Korea. In an Oligarchy, a ruler or head of state may become overly greedy and exert cruel and harsh control over the land. And nobody can do anything because they have more authority than them.
6. Allows For Appropriate Policy Changes
Per ordinary citizens, this is possibly the most significant benefit of democracy. People’s power is vital in establishing changes to the system when they believe it is necessary, which are then willfully agreed upon with elected representatives.
These changes can occur without conflict, as energy is transmitted from one party to another via election, which implies the government is only obligated in power by terms divided into yearly increments.
The change would be steady, and the governing party would have to work for the familiar people or risk losing power.
The authority granted by the people would enable a political process that does not abuse power granted.
Disadvantages of Democracy
Many people now believe that democracy is the best government available today because it allows everyone to have a say. Even so, there are still several cons of democracy.
1. Prone To The “free time rules” System
Individuals with the most leisure hours would be able to attend meetings more frequently in a democracy, influencing government actions.
On the other side, people with full and busy timetables would have no chance to attend these gatherings and would not have the same force.
2. Sluggish In Responding To Critical Issues
There is no doubt that something needs to be done to restructure various governmental processes that might be tedious and time-consuming, for instance, but there is no ideological will to do so.
If we had a more authoritarian dictator, they could order the government to address the issue.
But, because we live in a democracy and voters are unsure of what they want, nothing gets accomplished on time.
3. Risk Of Concocting A Conflict Of Interest Within The Government
Most citizens work hard to keep what they have earned. That is why households carry on making home loans or rental payouts, managers continue to strengthen their competence, and politicians strive to remain in power.
Democracies put systems in place to minimize the impact of one person on society as a whole, but this was not always the case.
4. Cost Of Democracy Is Broadly High
Democracy is currently one of the minor cost-effective forms of government. The time and monetary resources required to run an election can cost billions.
Even a prime minister, mayor, or educational board election can cost thousands of dollars.
The presidential elections in the United States are watched by billions of people every four years, and this process is very costly.
Although it is beneficial for the people to have an opinion, their taxes provide that possibility.
5. Democracy Can Inspire Mob Rule
Individuals gravitate toward communities, career opportunities, and even romantic relationships based on how at ease they are around other individuals.
Because there is anxiety about being wrong in democratic systems, it is common to have family and neighbors who share your viewpoint.
When it comes to governance, no one wants to be on the outside, glancing in. A few states in the United States are even becoming divided as households continue to relocate to stay within their comfort bubble.
Since every election becomes a “us versus them” ordinance, democracies promote mob thoughts and ideas.
6. Risks Lack Of Knowledge Among People
Because the people can elect representatives into office, they are frequently not as well informed on political matters as they should be.
This indicates that many of those with voting power are not as informed about significant matters as they should be.
This is not always preferred because familiar people who do not understand societal problems will vote in an ominous context during elections.
Overview of the pros and cons of democracy
| Pros |
|---|
| Democracy Grants Everyone A Choice |
| By The People And For The People |
| Democracy Structure Minimizes Administrative Exploitation |
| A more robust level of patriotism |
| No One Individual Has All Power |
| Allows For Appropriate Policy Changes |
| Cons |
|---|
| Prone To The “free time rules” System |
| Sluggish In Responding To Critical Issues |
| Risk Of Concocting A Conflict Of Interest Within The Government |
| Cost Of Democracy Is Broadly High |
| Democracy Can Inspire Mob Rule |
| Risks Lack Of Knowledge Among People |
The benefits and drawbacks of democracy demonstrate that it is a government system that promotes liberty.
Regrettably, that liberty comes at a high cost, and some nations may decide that other government systems are better suited to their requirements.
Every system of government has shortcomings. People have differing opinions about various political systems.
Before reaching any decision, one must carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of any form of government.
Labeling any form of government can be complicated, especially democracy, where determining whether it is good or bad depends on many variables.
However, democracy is the ideal political system in the grand scheme because only democracy provides people with the most outstanding amount of individual freedom and opportunity.
As a result, it would be preferable if more countries worldwide succeeded in establishing a functioning democracy over time.
(Last Updated on August 28, 2022)
