Answer:

DEMOCRACY in most countries today can be called representative democracies. That is: • All the people do not RULE. • A majority is ALLOWED to take decisions on behalf of all the people. • Even the majority does not rule directly. • The majority of people rule through their elected representatives. Only representative democracies are viable in today’s world. Because MODERN democracies involve a large number of people and it is physically impossible for all of them to sit together and take a collective decision. Now LET us look at the other aspects of democracy: • A democratic decision involves constitution with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. • Those who are not powerful have the same say in taking the decision of those who are powerful. • Democracy can apply to a government or a family or any other organization. • Democracy is also a principle that can be applied to any existing government but to set up an ideal standard that all democracies must aim to become. • When the true meaning of the word ‘democracy’ is understood, one begins to value democracy. • Understanding the ideals behind the word ‘democracy’ enables one to judge n existing democracy and identify its weakness. • Understanding the principles behind the word ‘democracy’ helps one to distinguish between a minimal democracy and a good democracy.