Political science · An Introduction To Political Theory 9th Edition O. P. Gauba

Chapter 22 : Concept of Democracy

Table of contents50 sections

1.Concept of Democracy
2.Meaning of Democracy
3.Democracy as a Form of Government
4.Critique of Lincoln's Definition
5.The Challenge of 'Government by the People'
6.Critiques and Alternatives to Democracy
7.Key Terms
8.📌 Exam Tidbits
9.Classical Notion of Democracy
10.From Ancient to Modern Times
11.Dicey's Account of Democracy
12.Bryce's Account of Democracy
13.Key Terms
14.📌 Exam Tidbits
15.Growth of Democracy
16.Key Terms
17.📌 Exam Tidbits
18.Concept of Liberal Democracy
19.Principles of Liberal Democracy
20.Mechanism of Liberal Democracy
21.Distortions in Developing Nations (e.g., India)
22.Key Terms
23.📌 Exam Tidbits
24.Problems of Representation
25.Types of Representation
26.Theories of Representation
27.Key Terms
28.📌 Exam Tidbits
29.Electoral Systems
30.Types of Electoral Systems
31.Key Terms
32.📌 Exam Tidbits
33.Methods of Minority Representation
34.1. Concurrent Majority
35.2. Consociational Democracy
36.Key Terms
37.📌 Exam Tidbits
38.Conditions for Successful Working of Democracy
39.Specific Conditions
40.Conclusion
41.Key Terms
42.📌 Exam Tidbits
43.Democracy as a Way of Life
44.Key Terms
45.📌 Exam Tidbits
46.Significance of Multiculturalism
47.A Critical Appraisal
48.Key Terms
49.📌 Exam Tidbits
50.Quick-Recall Box

Chapter preview

Concept of Democracy

Meaning of Democracy

The idea of democracy has existed in Western political thought since ancient times.

Origin: The term was first used in the fifth century BC by Greek historian Herodotus to mean 'rule by the people'.
Etymology: Derived from two Greek words: demos ('the people') and kratien ('to rule').
Abraham Lincoln's Definition: "government of the people, by the people, for the people".
Core Implication: Ultimate authority is vested in ordinary people; public policy conforms to their will and serves their interests.

Democracy as a Form of Government

Several exponents treat democracy chiefly as a form of government, including John Austin (1790-1859), James Bryce (1838-1922), A.V. Dicey (1835-1922), John Seeley (1834-95), and A.L. Lowell (1856-1943).

A.L. Lowell: Democracy is only an experiment in government.
John Seeley: Government in which everyone has a share.

Critique of Lincoln's Definition

D.D. Raphael (Problems of Political Philosophy; 1976) analyses Lincoln's definition:

'Government of the people' → conveys little, as all government is of the people.
'Government for the people' → a benevolent despotism can also rule in the interests of the people (though European political experience doubts despotism can remain benevolent for long).
Conclusion: The essential idea of democratic government is 'government by the people'.

The Challenge of 'Government by the People'

Direct Democracy: Literally means all public decisions are taken by the whole body of citizens.
Example: Fourth century BC Athens (ancient Greek city-state).
Limitation: It was not a true democracy as it was ruled by a tiny section ('freemen'); slaves and women had no political rights.
Indirect/Representative Democracy: Evolved because modern states are too large for direct democracy. People rule through representatives chosen for a definite period (2 to 6 years), allowing for testing, re-election, or replacement.
Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights: Public decisions cannot be unanimous, so they are taken by majority vote.
The majority must behave responsibly, accommodate minority opinions on essential issues, and protect minority interests.
In normal conditions (free information/opinion), majorities and minorities are fluid.

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Chapter 23 : Contemporary Theory of Democracy