Origin of Democracy
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The term Democracy is derived from the Greek words ‘Demos’ (people) + ‘Kratos’ (rule or power) = Rule by the People.
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First practiced in ancient Athens (5th century BC) in a direct form.
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Modern democracy developed after the Glorious Revolution (1688) in England and the American & French Revolutions in the 18th century.
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Abraham Lincoln’s definition: “Democracy is government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Types of Democracy
1. Direct Democracy
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People directly participate in decision-making.
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No representatives, citizens themselves decide laws & policies.
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Practiced in ancient Greece (Athens) and today in Switzerland (through referendums, initiatives, recall).
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Features:
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Referendum – Direct voting on laws.
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Initiative – Citizens propose laws.
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Recall – Citizens can remove elected officials before term ends.
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2. Indirect (Representative) Democracy
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People elect representatives who make laws and policies on their behalf.
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Most countries follow this model (India, USA, UK).
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Features:
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Universal adult franchise.
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Periodic elections.
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Majority rule with protection of minorities.
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Rule of law & Constitution.
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Hindrances to Democracy
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Illiteracy – People unable to make informed decisions.
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Poverty & Inequality – Poor citizens vulnerable to exploitation.
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Corruption – Misuse of power weakens democratic values.
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Communalism & Casteism – Divides society and manipulates votes.
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Lack of Political Awareness – Citizens don’t know rights/duties.
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Weak Institutions – If judiciary, election commission, media are weak, democracy fails.
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Authoritarian Tendencies – Leaders undermining democratic norms.
PYQ Questions (Explained)
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UPSC Prelims 2017
Q: Democracy’s success depends mainly on:
(a) Economic development
(b) Participation of people
(c) Centralized government
(d) Strong military
👉 Answer: (b) Participation of people
Explanation: Democracy = rule of people; without participation it becomes meaningless. -
SSC CGL 2020
Q: The word ‘Democracy’ is derived from which language?
👉 Answer: Greek -
RRB 2019
Q: Which country is known for practicing direct democracy?
👉 Answer: Switzerland
10 MCQs on Democracy
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The word “Democracy” is derived from:
(a) Latin
(b) Greek
(c) Sanskrit
(d) French
👉 Answer: (b) Greek -
Which of the following is an example of direct democracy?
(a) Indian Parliament
(b) Swiss Referendum
(c) U.S. Congress
(d) British Parliament
👉 Answer: (b) Swiss Referendum -
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people” was defined by:
(a) Aristotle
(b) Plato
(c) Abraham Lincoln
(d) Rousseau
👉 Answer: (c) Abraham Lincoln -
Which of the following is a feature of indirect democracy?
(a) Recall
(b) Referendum
(c) Election of representatives
(d) Initiative
👉 Answer: (c) Election of representatives -
The main hindrance to democracy in developing countries is:
(a) Strong economy
(b) Illiteracy & poverty
(c) Free press
(d) Judicial independence
👉 Answer: (b) Illiteracy & poverty -
Which of the following countries follows direct democracy elements even today?
(a) USA
(b) India
(c) Switzerland
(d) UK
👉 Answer: (c) Switzerland -
The theory of social contract as a basis of democracy was given by:
(a) Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau
(b) Marx & Engels
(c) Plato & Aristotle
(d) Bentham & Mill
👉 Answer: (a) Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau -
One major weakness of democracy is:
(a) Respect for individual rights
(b) Slow decision-making
(c) Equality before law
(d) Rule of law
👉 Answer: (b) Slow decision-making -
Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for “Universal Adult Franchise”?
(a) Article 14
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 326
(d) Article 370
👉 Answer: (c) Article 326 -
In India, democracy is established on the principle of:
(a) Hereditary rule
(b) Majority rule & representation
(c) Divine theory of kingship
(d) Monarchy
👉 Answer: (b) Majority rule & representation
UPSC & SSC PYQ: Switzerland is the best example of Direct Democracy.
RRB & JKSSB PYQ: Article 326 of Indian Constitution provides for Indirect Democracy through Universal Adult Franchise.
Assertion-Reason Questions on Democracy
Q1.
Assertion (A): Democracy ensures equality before law.
Reason (R): In democracy, rulers are not above the Constitution.
Options:
(a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, R is false.
(d) A is false, R is true.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Equality before law is guaranteed because in democracy no one is above the Constitution, including rulers.
Q2.
Assertion (A): Direct democracy is not practical in large countries.
Reason (R): Large countries have diverse populations and geographical barriers.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Both are true, and reason correctly explains why direct democracy is unsuitable for large countries.
Q3.
Assertion (A): India follows a system of indirect democracy.
Reason (R): Citizens in India directly vote on every law and policy.
👉 Answer: (c)
Explanation: India follows indirect democracy (true), but citizens don’t directly vote on laws (false).
Q4.
Assertion (A): Corruption is a major hindrance to democracy.
Reason (R): It weakens institutions and reduces people’s trust in government.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Both are true, and corruption directly undermines democratic functioning.
Q5.
Assertion (A): Switzerland is considered the best example of direct democracy in the modern world.
Reason (R): It regularly uses referendum and initiative in decision-making.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Switzerland actively uses direct democracy tools like referendum, making it the best modern example.
Q6.
Assertion (A): Abraham Lincoln is called the father of modern democracy.
Reason (R): He defined democracy as “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Both are true; Lincoln’s definition is world-famous and explains democratic principles.
Q7.
Assertion (A): Universal Adult Franchise is the basis of Indian democracy.
Reason (R): Article 326 of the Indian Constitution provides voting rights to all citizens above 18 years.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Both are true and logically connected.
Q8.
Assertion (A): Democracy guarantees quick decision-making.
Reason (R): Because all sections of society are consulted before decisions are made.
👉 Answer: (d)
Explanation: Assertion is false (democracy is slow in decision-making), but reason is true.
Q9.
Assertion (A): Political awareness among citizens strengthens democracy.
Reason (R): Informed citizens can hold representatives accountable.
👉 Answer: (a)
Explanation: Both are true and correctly related.
Q10.
Assertion (A): In a democracy, majority rule means the majority can suppress the minority.
Reason (R): Protection of minority rights is not necessary in democracy.
👉 Answer: (d)
Explanation: Assertion is false because democracy protects minorities; Reason is also false.
Direct vs Indirect Democracy (Comparison Table)
| Feature | Direct Democracy | Indirect Democracy |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | People themselves directly participate in decision-making. | People elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. |
| Origin | Ancient Greece (Athens). | Modern age, especially after American & French revolutions. |
| Participation | Citizens personally take part in law-making and policy formulation. | Citizens elect representatives through elections. |
| Examples | Switzerland (Referendum, Initiative, Recall). | India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia. |
| Methods Used | - Referendum: Direct vote on issues. - Initiative: People propose laws. - Recall: Removing elected officials. | - Parliamentary system (India, UK). - Presidential system (USA). |
| Advantages | - True expression of people’s will. - Transparency. - Less chance of misuse of power. | - Suitable for large states. - Practical & efficient. - Allows division of labor (specialists in law-making). |
| Disadvantages | - Impractical in large countries. - Requires high literacy. - Expensive & time-consuming. | - Representatives may misuse power. - People may feel disconnected from decision-making. |
| Best Suited For | Small states with educated population. | Large and diverse countries with huge populations. |