The form of government in which …
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The form of government in which political power rests with the people is known as
democracy. Abraham Lincoln, a former President of the United States, gave a brief and
clear definition of this form of government. According to him, "Democracy is the
government of the people, by the people and for the people." According to Prof.
Puntambekar, Democracy is that government in which power of the state is exercised by
the elected representatives of the people and they enjoy support of the majority.
Similarly, on the basis of definitions given by Dicey and many other scholars it can be
easily said that democracy as a form of government is a system in which people govern
themselves either directly, or indirectly through their representatives, in the interest of
the entire country. The government is not an end in itself but it is a means for the social
good.
Many political scientists use the term 'democracy' not only as a form of government, but
also as a kind of state. Democracy, as a kind of state implies such a state in which the
supreme political power rests with the people. This power is used by the people while
determining their form of government and while electing their representatives. Thus,
people are ultimate decision makers in all political matters. In this respect democracy is
considered to be a type of state. In other words, a democratic state allows people to freely
set up their political institutions. If they do not function properly and effectively, they can
be modified or replaced by the people.
There are scholars who would not like to limit democracy only to the form of
government, kind of state and political aspects of the individual. They consider it to be a
form of society which is based on social equality, liberty of the individual and fraternity,
thus extending the scope of democracy to various aspects of the life of the individual.
Real democracy is not possible in a country so long as the people do not accept
democracy as a faith and as a way of life. A successful democracy ensures democratic
conduct and behaviour by individuals. As a matter of fact, democracy is a philosophy for
all round development of the personality of the man. Democracy as a way of life
promotes social attitudes based on cooperation, understanding and respect for the fellow
human beings.
The above discussion shows that democracy has become the most important guide of
mankind today, Democracy is not only the aim of political way of life but also of
economic and social life. The man has always been debating the utility of various forms of government. Which form of government is best has been the subject of discussion
among scholars and researchers for a longtime. At times monarchy and aristocracy were
also considered good governments. But, in the contemporary thinking no other
government is considered as good as democracy. Democracy believes in liberty and
equality as the objectives of civilised life.
a. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it in point only,
using abbreviation, whenever necessary. Also suggest a suitable title.
b. Write a summary of the passage in not more than so words, using notes you have
made
Posted by Abhishek Sharma 6 years, 9 months ago
- 4 answers
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Lalita Kumari 6 years, 9 months ago
3Thank You