Tests of Democracy: In view of the various meanings of democracy, let us see what are the characteristics and conditions which make a State or government democratic.
Does the right of free expression of opinion and opposition exist?
Democracy is based on free discussion. It recognises and welcomes differences of opinion. Indeed, one of its chief characteristics is to provide the machinery for the free expression of differences of opinion. fore a law is made, the opinion of those who would be most adversely ected by it must be heard. In short, democracy does not believe in the ppression or control of opinion but in its free expression. Free expression a safety-value. Repression means oppression and may end in a revolution.
Do the people have the right to change the government?
In a true democracy, the people should have the right to discuss, Criticise and change the government. Free expression of opinion and discussion implies the right to change the government when the opinion of the people has changed. Democracy accepts the existence of contrasting policies and of politicians ready and eager to replace those in power. It •Xists where alternative leadership is possible. If the government cannot be Changed, it becomes a dictatorship and not a democracy
Is there equality before law?
Democracy presupposes the equality of all citizens before law, whether rich or poor, officials or private citizens. This equality should not only be enjoyed in theory but in fact also.
Are the rights of the individual assured and protected?
In a democracy the State grants and protects rights of all citizens, both against other citizens as well as against government. Equality of rights ll essential to democracy. Every citizen has equal rights, especially political rights. The old formula, “one man, one vote”, is the only basis of a democracy. But, besides the right to vote, he has also equal right to Contribute freely to the making of public opinion by speech or writing, in public meetings and press, by forming parties, associations and groups, without any hindrance or regulation. He enjoys freedom of discussion and Criticism of the powers that be.
Are there opportunities for the ‘common man’?
Turning to the personal and private life of an individual, democracy provides all opportunities for the common man or the ordinary Citizen. The essence of democracy consists in the kind of life it opens up for •n ordinary citizen. It offers him the fullest educational possibilities. It enables him to enter the profession of his own choice. It protects him, his life and property, and provides for the fullest development of his personality.
Are the people free from tenor?
One of the essential features of democracy is the freedom from fritr of those who wield power, whether political or of wealth. Common Citizens should fear neither police nor men of privilege nor men of wealth.
It is government by consultation, discussion and peaceful persuasion. It believes that truth is not the monopoly of any person or class of persons, that everybody knows best what is good for him and can contribute his own opinion to the attainment of the common good. For this purpose he must have rights of free expression of opinion, of association, discussion and persuasion. “The rights are integral to democracy because they make possible free discussion and the continuous participation of the people in the government.” Democracy, writes C.D. Burns, as an ideal, is, therefore, a society not of similars but of equals, in the sense that each is an integral and irreplaceable part of the whole. It is based on the rule of law, respect of individual rights and equality before law.
Democracy is based on the conviction that average man is fit to choose men for public office. It believes in the ordinary man’s political common-sense. It does not mean that he has universal knowledge or is able to understand the technicalities of the problems in political life. But an average citizen can understand the broad issues, the essential principles on which policies and programmes rest, and choose between them. Moreover, he has the rights to offer his opinion after a study and experience of the problems confronting him. He does not make policy, or carry it out, but chooses between alternative policies and principles on which they are based. He is not to govern but to choose his governors. Democracy believes that he has enough political wisdom and intelligence to choose the right type of persons to exercise political power. In this way, democracy achieves the supreme task of political organisation, namely the adjustment of authority of the State with the liberty of the individual.
Peace
Democracy is essentially a’ philosophy of peace. It is opposed to war and any other form of violence. The reason is simple, as democracy is based on the principle of consent, given after free discussion and peaceful persuasion. It will not be possible if force and violence are used. Moreover, in times of war, citizens are forced to obey the government blindly which decides things secretly without public consent and criticism. All this is detrimental to democratic processes and principles. Furthermore, democracy is opposed to imperialism, that is, to the conquest, enslavement and exploitation of weak nations by the strong ones.
Imperialism is doubly detrimental to democracy: it corrupts the imperialist nation and also prevents the growth of democratic principles and habits in the country enslaved by the imperialists. This fact is amply illustrated by the history of the imperialist Democracies of Europe and America. Only universal peace and freedom would ensure the growth of democracy all over the world. War or threat of war and conquest leads to the growth of fascism and despotic governments.