The term democracy has been derived from the word Greek demos which simply mean people. Democracy is a system of government, which gives due respect to individualism. It is the people of the country who hold the true power over the government and the legislator. Today many countries have adopted it for their advantage. Different countries have it defined differently but there are some elements, which are common to all the definitions. The two main elements are freedom and equality. The most correct definition has been quoted by Abraham Lincoln- “Democracy is a government created by the people, for the people, and of the people”.
Some of the basic principles and characteristics of democracy are mentioned below:
• In the government of democracy, power and responsibility are exercised by all the citizens, either directly or through the medium of elected representatives.
• It is a set of principles that emphasizes and protects human freedom.
• It considers the principle of majority rule clubbed with minority and individual rights. The rights of individual and minority groups are protected along with respect to the majority will.
• Democracy is characterized with decentralization of the central government to the regional and local government, in order to have the government responsive and accessible to the people as far as possible.
• It protects the basic freedom of expression, speech and religion. All the citizens have the opportunity to participate in the economic, cultural and political works of the society. All also bear the right to protection under the eyes of law.
• Democracy countries hold regular free elections, which are open to all the citizens of the country. The elections are marked with authentic competition for the support of the people.
• The citizens of the democratic also have few responsibilities towards the country through fair participation and voting which in turn protects their rights.
