Democracy
(Your suggestion on the best form of government)
Outline: (Main points only)
- Introduction
- Merits of democracy
- Demerits of democracy
- The Islamic concept of democracy
Democracy is the most
popular form of government in modern times. Another familiar name of Democracy
is “Government by Consent”. To quote Abraham Lincoln, it is commonly defined as
“Government of the people, by the people,
and for the people”. In simple words, it may be any scheme of government in
which the people are allowed to take part as a matter of right. It may be of
two kinds: direct and indirect. The indirect democracy is in vogue these days.
It is also called representative democracy or Government through
representatives. Like all other systems, it has some merits and some demerits.
Democracy has many
merits. First, it works for the betterment of the common man. Second, it is
based on equality. Every citizen is thought to be equal to the law. Third, it
allows people the right to change the government through the vote. Fourth, it
gives birth to a stable government because it reduces the danger of revolt.
Fifth, in democracy, more importance is given to the education of man. It gives
people a sense of self-help and responsibility.
Democracy has some
demerits also. First, it gives birth to party-politics which destroys the
liberty and individuality of the people. Second, it is a very expensive form of
government. Third, moral values are ignored in democracy. Everything is fair
for winning the elections. Fourth, bribery and corruption are common abuses of
democracy. Fifth, it is an irresponsible and inefficient government. The
elected people are usually ignorant of their responsibilities.
The Islamic concept of
Democracy is different from the modern concept of democracy. First, in Islam,
authority lies in God and not in the people. Secondly, the government is there
not to please the people but to enforce the orders of God. Third, there are no
party-politics in the Islamic concept of democracy. Fourth, quality is given
more importance in the election or selection of representatives.
Modern democracy can
be improved if we run in on the lines given by Islam. Then it can bring real
peace and justice in the world. It is then that we may call it the best form of
Government.
Comments