Democracy overrated

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Avatar for Chirolee32
2 years ago

Sir Winston Churchill once stated that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried in the past. Democracy has its particular flaws, however, it may be better than the other governmental systems that exist. Though the perspective that democracy is a panacea that cures all political ills is false and critics accuse it of being hyped up, it stays viable. It meets the aspirations of the people and gives a powerful approach to handling the country.

Democracy garners a lot of help from the famous perception that an alternative regime is a dictatorship or a monarchy. While not all monarchies or dictatorships convey catastrophe to their subjects, the critics of democracy frequently elude that democracy results in the oppression of the minority by the majority. Critics also say that elections, especially in third world nations, aren't performed in a free and truthful manner, and this is important standards for real democracy. However, the factor about oppression by the majority isn't usually valid. The outcomes of elections, and thus, the performance of the people’s declaration of political will, depend upon numerous factors, including the form of the electoral system in place. A proportional electoral system is considered to be the most truthful since it covers the variety of outlooks that exist in every society. Depending on local peculiarities, every country makes use of the most appropriate form of electoral system: proportional, majority, or mixed. Besides, considering all points of view, it is impossible to please everyone; therefore, a compromise is needed. Democracy offers more opportunities for a consensus than any other political system. Thus, it is tough to unequivocally claim that in a democracy one organization of people implicitly oppresses another.

Critics of democracy point to the economic success of authoritarian China, as opposed to the economic malaise currently faced by the democratic West. They connect economic success to the type of political regime, claiming that manual management of the economy, in various degrees, is typical for authoritarian countries and is more efficient than a free market economy. However, China’s progress is specifically caused by the liberalization of the market and society. As China grows into an economic superpower, capable of rivalling the United States, its people aspire for greater political freedom, as shown by the more relaxed leadership style adopted by President Xi Jinping (The Straits Times, 2013). To ensure the People’s Republic of China continues developing successfully and that its current political and social foundation remains intact, the Chinese Communist Party needs further support from the people. This means the deepening of the democratization processes. Economic gains are difficult or impossible without loosening the reins; thus, democracy positively affects the state of the economy.

Critics of democracy also claim if a society values each individual’s outlook and point of view, conflicts are almost inevitable, since the diversity of interests and positions causes collisions. However, most democracies have a variety of safeguards against potential abuse, which protects the rights of their citizens and the basics of their systems of governing and managing the state. These safeguards include written constitutions, human rights legislation, judicial review of laws, etc. (Brittan, 2012). With these checks and balances, democracy provides a certain degree of protection to the masses. Democracy also has protection mechanisms for regulating the solely political spheres of life, saving them from misuse. For example, the U.S. electorate might well have voted to give both Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton a third term, but the constitution forbade this as a protection against dictatorial aspirations and entrenchment of power.

Therefore, claiming democracy as overrated is not fair. Though this political system possesses several drawbacks and is sometimes inefficient, it is still the most suitable form of government for most modern societies. Though some critics blame democracy in the oppression of the minority by the majority, in practice, a democratic process is a constant search for a compromise that satisfies as many people as possible. Democracy is an important factor of economic efficiency and a reliable mechanism of the institution

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Avatar for Chirolee32
2 years ago

Comments

I don't agree with your conclusion, but it is an important discussion, because democracy has become a new religion that may not even be questioned. My own point is much more negative. You can find it here: https://read.cash/@Mictorrani/assorted-absurdities-of-democracy-ce00a359

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