DEMOCRACY

Outline
1. Introduction
2. Meaning of Democracy
3. Democratic Values and Virtues
4. Government under Democracy
5. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Democratic values are the fundamental beliefs
They are the constitutional principles of a society.
2. Meaning of Democracy
The word Democracy was derived from Greek work (Demos + Kratia) which
means People (Demos) Rule (Kratia).
A democratic government is a government of the people, by the people and for the
people.
Democracy is the right form of government for the realisation of a just society.
3. Democratic Values and Virtues
The assurance of liberty, freedom and rights of individuals.
Free to secure their own well being and pursue their life plans.
To provide economic empowerment to the individual persons.
The freedom of thought, expression, speech and writing.
The right to know all that is happening which has any bearing on the life of
community.
4. Government under Democracy
Respect for the sentiment of minority groups, and evolving consensus on
contentious and potentially divisive issues through open debate and discussions.
Competing political parties are an essential feature of the parliamentary form of
democracy.
Political morality demands that the political power be utilised for the long term
growth of all sections of the society.
Corruption, scams, unholy alliances for capturing power, and increasing
criminalisation of politics are some of the seamier aspects of our political
democracy.
The success of democracy depends on the socio-political awareness and alertness
of the general public.
The public virtues are on decline, even amongst the educated, elite and
professional classes.
Democracy is not merely a form of government but a foundational societal value.
Democratic values should be reflected not only in the functioning of the state and
the society but should also form an integral part of the individual temper.
5. Conclusion

1
 The refined, and liberal, values like democracy, justice, rule of law, etc. cannot be
realised in practice simply by making institutional changes.
Education and educational institutions are the best means for seeking such a
positive change in the value temper of the society.
Therefore education in democracy, democratic values and democratic processes
must be made an essential component of our system of education.
References
Tripathi, A. N. (2009), Human Values, New Age International Publishers, 3 rd
Edition, pp. 60 66.