Democracy refers to a system of government of a nation-state (or an organization) where every citizen or member has equal voting rights in policy-making or election of government representatives. The English word ‘Democracy’ is derived from the Greek word Demo Kratia which is a combination of the Greek words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratia’. The word ‘demos’ means ‘people’ and the word ‘Kratia’ means ‘rule’.
In a democracy, all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in proposing, drafting, and drafting laws, either directly or through elected representatives. While the term “democracy” is generally applied to a political state, it may also apply to other organizations, such as universities, trade unions, state-owned enterprises, and so on.
Before we can understand this democracy, we need to have a clear idea of the difference between democratic and republican. And these things are managed through popular thought. This thought is acceptable to all, that’s name is scientific management. However, let’s move to our main discussion.
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Etymology of Democracy:
The Bengali term “democracy” comes from English Democracy. The English word is derived from the Greek word democratia, meaning “rule of the people.” The term was first used in the 5th century BC to refer to the existing political system in Athens and other Greek cities. About two and a half thousand years ago, a new type of government of Clisthenes was introduced, and with it, the world’s first it was formed in Athens, a small city-state in Greece. This city-state consisted of the city of Athens and its surrounding countryside.
Clisthenis put an end to the traditional practice of choosing leaders from different tribes to run the state. Instead, he formed new alliances of people and divided each alliance into parishes. Every free citizen is given the right to participate directly in the management of city-state governments when making state decisions. This phenomenon is generally regarded as the first manifestation of democracy, after which it is called Democratia, meaning the power of the demos (Kratos).
What is Democracy?
It has been defined in different ways at different times. Klein defined democracy in 422 BC as follows: That shall be the democracy which shall be the people, for the people. Much later, Abraham Lincoln gave such a popular definition in one of his poems.
Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
This means – a democratic government with the participation of the people, by the people, and for the people. According to Professor Gettell, “Democracy is a system of government in which the people have a right to participate in the exercise of sovereign power.
The Charter of England and the Glorious Revolution, the Marxist Independence Movement, and the French Revolution have had a significant impact on the development of modern democratic ideas. In particular, the French Revolution’s message of “equality, friendship, and freedom” has been instrumental in popularizing democracy. Apart from this, various theories and ideas of it have been developed in the hands of English philosopher John Locke, French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and US President Thomas Jefferson.
Positive Aspects:
Democracy is the most popular form of government in modern times. The reason for its popularity is its many benefits. Significant benefits are: In this system, the people have a role to play in the election of the ruling class. Public opinion is important in governance. Elected rulers are accountable to the people and do their best for the welfare of the people. In this system, the people can actively participate in the work of the state. As a result, democratic consciousness, sense of responsibility, awareness of rights, and patriotic attitude developed among the people. In this system, people enjoy the freedom of thought and expression. Legally equal rights and dignity are recognized.
As programs and decisions were taken in unison with the Nan Dalmat, on the one hand, brotherhood and tolerance developed between the two, and on the other hand, it was possible to take developmental and welfare-oriented steps in the political, social, and cultural spheres. If any action is taken against the public interest, the people can oppose it. The possibility of a change of government at the end of a certain period reduces the risk of rebellion, uprising, or revolution.
Conclusion:
Democracy is basically the rule of law of the people in politics and politics. But without socio-economic equality, the rule of law alone cannot ensure the equality of all people. That is why if we want to make it meaningful, we want the economic liberation of the people and the establishment of social equality. At the same time, we want a responsible system of governance to ensure the basic rights of the people. Otherwise, democracy will not be able to bring overall success.
