Notes

Abraham Lincoln once defined “Democracy” as “

“The government of the people, by the people for the people”

It means that in democratic form of the government common man plays the pivotal role. The artistry, the landlords and politicians have to work according to the wishes of the common man. The main object of their political activities is thus the welfare, betterment and amelioration of poor masses of the country whose elect them as their duties and responsibilities.

In many parts of the world this form of government has been adopted very successfully. USA and India can be cited as two bright examples of democracy. In USA people indirectly participate in the working of the government. The president is responsible for all his decisions and actions to the congress that comprises the representatives of the people. The policy of check and balance is followed to prevent the three pillar of the government, i.e. legislature, executive and judiciary to trespass their limits. Thus the people of the USA are enjoying the fruits of democracy fully as they have their limits. Moreover, they have their due share in the function of the government. They have freedom to express their views and opinions in proper manner. They have also any easy access to justice and can defend their rights.

Democracy is a system of rule by laws, not by individuals. In a democracy, the rule of law protects the rights of citizens, no one above the law, not even a king or elected president. The law of fairly, impartially and consistently enforced by the courts that are independent of the other branches of the government. Torture and cruel and inhumane treatment are absolutely forbidden. No ruler, minster, or political party can tell a judge how to decide a case.

But it is pity that in developing and under developed countries like Pakistan democracy is used as a weapon against the people. In these countries democracy has bred and encouraged hater, hooliganism and with hunting.

The main causes of the failure of democracy in these countries, is that the education is not common here. People are mostly illiterate and are ignorant of their rights and responsibilities, even they cannot make difference between right and wrong, the rulers and the law-makers of the country are usually the big landlords or industrialists who have no concern with education and not have patriotic feelings.