Forms of Democracy

In the previous chapter, a reference had been made to democracy as practiced in ancient Greece. We no longer have city-states. Just for the reason of size, it is not possible to have Greece-type democracy in modern States. The system has since been substituted by what is now known as Representative Democracy.

Under this system, the people elect representatives for a fixed tenure. These representatives constitute the legislature. The elected representatives exercise power but only on behalf of the people. The Constitution of India specifically lays down that sovereignty rests with the people of India.

Direct democracy is still in vogue in Switzerland. In a country like India, the legislators comprising the elected representatives make the laws for the country. Under a system of direct democracy, every citizen votes for every proposed legislation. This is possible in Switzerland since it is a small country. No other country in the world follows this form of democracy.

Referendums on issues that are likely to affect the country in a big way are held in France, Denmark, and New Zealand. Democratic societies however make sure that the rules to choose the representatives are fair and are executed in good faith.

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