The government in a democratic country is expected to work for the welfare of the people in several ways. They are expected to provide public goods and services, protect citizens from harm, ensure economic stability and promote social justice. This means that the government works to ensure that the needs of the people are met and that they have a good quality of life.
A democratic government is one in which the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf. The government protects the rights of the people and ensures that they have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Public goods and services benefit everyone and are provided by the government, such as education, roads, and parks. Protecting citizens from harm includes providing law enforcement and national defense. Ensuring economic stability means keeping inflation low and employment high. Promoting social justice means ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity and access to social services.
For example, a democratic country like India has certain key components that make up its system of government. These components include the Constitution, the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Together, these components work to ensure that the government works for the people and their welfare.
- The constitution is the supreme law of the land and it lays out the framework for how the government is to function. It also outlines the rights and duties of the citizens. The written constitution lays out the framework for how the government is to operate. It establishes the different branches of government and their respective powers. The constitution also outlines the rights of the people.
- The legislature is the body of elected representatives who make the laws. They are elected by the people. It ensures that one branch of government does not have too much power. The different branches can check and balance each other, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- The executive is the body of officials who carry out the laws. The rule of law is a principle that holds that the government can only act within the bounds of the law. This ensures that the government is accountable to the people and cannot act arbitrarily. They are appointed by the legislature and are accountable to them.
- The judiciary is tasked with interpreting the law and ensuring that the government adheres to it. The judiciary is independent of the other branches of government, and this helps to ensure that it can act impartially. They are appointed by the executive and are accountable to the constitution.
People’s Expectations from Government in a Democratic Country
In general, people living in a democracy can expect their government to be:
- Representative of people’s interests and needs: Representative democracy is a type of government where the people elect officials to represent their interests and needs. The officials then make decisions on behalf of the people they represent. This type of government allows the people to have a say in how their country is run and it ensures that their interests and needs are taken into account.
- Efficient and effective in its operations: It allows for a government to be responsive to the needs of the people. In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people and can be changed if the people are not happy with it. This means that the government can quickly respond to the needs of the people and make changes that are necessary.
- Accountable to people for their actions: One of the key features of democratic government is accountability. This means that government officials are accountable to the people for their actions. They must explain their actions and decisions to the public, and they can be held accountable if they do not act in the best interests of the people.
- Transparent in its decision-making: A democratic government is one in which the people have a say in how the government is run. This means that the government is transparent in its decision-making, and the people have a voice in what the government does.
- Protect rights and freedoms: Democratic government protects the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This includes the right to vote, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of speech and religion, and the right to own property.
- Provide basic needs: Democratic government is a system of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised through their elected representatives. The government is responsible for providing people with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
- Promote economic well-being: One of the goals of democratic government is to promote economic well-being. This is accomplished through policies that encourage economic growth and protect the economic rights of citizens. For example, democratic governments typically enact laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace and guarantee workers the right to form unions. They also invest in public goods and services that improve the quality of life for all citizens.
- To safeguard security: A democratic government is one in which the people have a say in how the government is run. This can be done through voting, or through other means such as referendums. The government is accountable to the people, and this accountability helps to safeguard the security of the state.
- Protect the environment: The democratic government is responsible for protecting the environment. This is done through a number of policies and regulations that are designed to promote sustainable practices and limit pollution. The government also provides funding for environmental protection initiatives and supports public education campaigns about the importance of preserving our natural resources.
- Uphold the rule of law: The rule of law is a cornerstone of any democratic government. It ensures that everyone is treated equally under the law and that the government is held accountable to the people. without the rule of law, democracy would not be possible.
FAQs on Democracy
Question 1: Why expectation of democracy is high?
Answer:
Democracy is based on the idea of majority rule, with the minority protected from oppression by the majority. The most basic expectation is that the government will protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political views. In a democracy, the government is also expected to be responsive to the needs of the people and to act in their best interests.
Question 2: What are the benefits of a democratic government?
Answer:
- The first and most important benefit of a democratic government is that people have the freedom to elect their representatives.
- People have the right to participate in the government and have a say in how the country is run.
- Democratic governments are usually more stable than other types of government.
- People in a democracy have equal rights and opportunities.
- Democracies are usually more prosperous than other types of government.
- Democracies tend to be more peaceful than other types of government.
Question 3: How do democratic governments ensure transparency?
Answer:
- Democratic governments ensure transparency by having freedom of information laws that give citizens the right to access government records.
- Having laws that require government officials to disclose their financial interests.
- Many democratic governments have independent agencies that monitor compliance with transparency laws and investigate allegations of corruption.