Democratic Government: Democratic State and Democratic Society

Another useful distinction is made between a democratic State, government and society. It is not necessary that the three may be identical and co-existent. A democratic government is one which is controlled by and responsible to the electorate. A democratic State means the mode of appointing, controlling and dismissing a government. A democratic government is not possible without a democratic State, but a democratic State can be possible without a democratic government.

The characteristics of a democratic government are elected representatives, majority rule, and enforceable responsibility of the government; while those of the democratic State are universal adult franchise, political rights and civil liberties, free press, effective influence of the public opinion, etc.

A democratic society is one in which there are no distinctions and prejudices of caste, class, colour or creed, and persons enjoy equal rights and privileges. It is a society based on the brotherhood of Man, in which the common man or woman is a determining factor. It has faith in the personality of man. It is possible that a democratic society may not have a democratic State.

For instance, the Muslim countries have a democratic society, but very few of them have a democratic State and government. Hindu society is undemocratic, because it is caste-ridden, but India is a democratic State with a democratic government. In spite of these distinctions, they are interdependent. A democratic government can exist and thrive only when it is supported by a democratic State in a democratic society.

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