Why Do We Need Democracy?
Democracy is at the core of most revolutions and revolts the world has witnessed, offering rays of hope for those pained and overburdened by oppression and tyranny. This is because it evokes in us, as human beings, the desire to be free. Democracy is often considered the mode through which freedom can flourish. We all want to be free to practice our religions, express our views, and opinions, and live life independently without being ruled by the decisions of a controlling power. However, it is tough to explain the relationship that exists between democracy and freedom. Democracy becomes an elusive dream if democratic processes and institutions themselves start working in opposition against the very wishes of an individual for personal liberty.
That is a big question presently overhanging modern-day America, where several types of challenges to individual freedoms and rights have emerged in recent years. With growing divisions within society and increasing political polarization, this becomes a test for democratic principles themselves. Where does a country that prides itself as a representative democracy start to tip over into something else entirely? The future of democracy in America depends on how well it protects individual freedoms, makes the democratic process inclusive, and is responsive to the needs of its people. The ability of the United States to successfully continue the difficult task of balancing the will of the majority with the rights of the minority becomes an important factor in continuing the democracy which this nation was founded upon.
What is Democracy?
America was built upon a base of representative democracy, but what does this actually mean? According to Britannica contributor Sanat Pai Raikar, representative democracy is defined as a "political system in which citizens of a country or other political entity vote for representatives to handle legislation and otherwise rule that entity on their behalf" (1). There exist two forms of democracy, direct and representative. A direct democracy is where citizens are directly involved in making decisions. In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.
These are the basic principles that describe this governmental system:
Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives.
Political Equality: Every citizen has an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives, usually through voting.
Rule of Majority with Protection of Minority Rights: Decisions are taken by the will of the majority, but the rights of the minorities are not denied.
Rule of Law: The same law is applied to all individuals, and the government will be responsible before the rule of law.
Individual Rights: A citizen enjoys certain inalienable rights which the state cannot violate.
Why Do We Need Democracy?
First, democracy is important because it represents such values as freedom, equality, and justice. In essence, democracy empowers citizens to air their voices in the processes of decision-making about their life concerns. Empowerment will enable the citizen to express an opinion, advocate for rights, and take part in the making of laws and policies governing them. Freedom in a democratic society implies that individuals have liberties in thought, speech, and action without any fear of retribution. This concept invites a lot of thoughts to coexist and prosper.
Furthermore, democracy plays an important role in ensuring equality among all citizens. It creates an enabling environment where everyone has an equal chance to participate in the political process despite his or her background. Inclusiveness in this respect is crucial for the eradication of inequality in society. It ensures that the voice of the voiceless is catered for. Democracy affords equal opportunities for citizens to contribute to the running of a country through their representatives and enables fair distribution of both power and available resources.
Justice is another basic attribute and the essence of democracy. Justice ensures that the rule of law prevails and there is accountability for every action taken, irrespective of status and influence. The legal system in a democratic system ensures the operation of the rule of law in protecting the rights of all citizens and helping them where there is some kind of injustice. This commitment to justice reinforces public trust in governmental institutions and nurtures the sense of security and stability in society.
Another main attribute of democracy is a peaceful transfer of power. This process is crucial in maintaining order and continuity within a nation. When elections are conducted in a free and transparent manner, it brings forth the will of the people. This would provide continuity even when there is a change of administration. Besides establishing legitimacy for the elected, it also tells the citizens that their involvement in the election process was worthwhile and meaningful.
However, it requires the active involvement of its citizens to make the governance system representative and responsible. Civically active citizens have the power to build a culture of accountability and responsiveness through activities like voting, town hall meetings, and community organizations. Activities like these allow for a sense of community and mutual responsibility in handling challenges. Democracy provides for the creation of educated citizens who foster social cohesion and the capacity of individual citizens to speak up against things the government does which they think are wrong.
Democracy is not dispensable; this form of government promotes freedom, equality, and justice, but, above all, it allows for the peaceful exchange of power and involves citizens in their government. All these components combined create a society that perceives individuals as valued, enabled, and interconnected with one another; thus, it gives rise to a superior resistant community.
References
Raikar, Sanat Pai. "Representative Democracy". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/representative-democracy. Accessed 21 January 2025.
Bhuiyan, Monirul. “The Importance of Democracy.” Chatham House, 2025, https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/04/importance-democracy. Accessed 24 January 2025.