Question

How is democracy better than other forms of government in promoting freedom of citizens? Explain with examples.

Hint:

Frame the answer around dignity and freedom of the individual, then give concrete examples such as equality for women, the fight against caste discrimination, and the right to complain and seek redress.

Answer 1

Concept:

• Democracy is judged not only by what it produces but by how it treats the people who live under it.
• Its strongest claim is that it promotes the dignity and freedom of the individual, something no other form of government guarantees.

Step 1: Democracy rests on the equal worth of every citizen.
Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracies throughout the world have recognised this, at least in principle, by treating all citizens as equal before the law and by giving each one vote of equal value.
The passion for respect and freedom is the very basis of democracy.

Step 2: It gives women the standing to claim equal treatment.
The question of the dignity of women is now recognised in law. Democracies across the world have accepted the principle of equality between men and women, and Indian law treats discrimination against women as an offence.
Because of this, women can demand fair treatment instead of merely asking for it.

Step 3: It allows the weak to challenge unjust practices.
Caste inequalities and untouchability could be questioned openly only under a democratic order. The Constitution abolished untouchability and gave every citizen the right to move the courts.
A citizen who is wronged can complain, appeal and seek redress, which is not possible where power is unaccountable.

Step 4: It protects freedom of expression and choice.
Citizens are free to speak, write, form associations, follow any faith and criticise the government without fear of punishment. The right to complain against the government is itself treated as a sign of success, not of failure.

Final Answer: Democracy is better because it accepts that every person deserves respect, gives women legal equality, lets the weak challenge caste discrimination and other injustices through the courts, and protects the freedom to speak, believe and complain.