Question

Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
(a)The Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore the army should rule the country.
(b)Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.
(c)If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.

Answer 1

Hint: A democratic government is commonly termed as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Under a democratic government, people are the source of government authority and thus, they either directly contribute to decision making or elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Everyone is treated equally and given a range of political rights and freedoms which are protected by the State like freedom of speech and expression, freedom of movement, freedom of association among others. This ensures that everyone can openly share their opinions and have a right to be heard.

Complete Step by Step answer: (a)Historically, every time an army has occupied a country through a coup or otherwise, it has created a military dictatorship. The army ends up taking complete political control and authority. Precisely because it is such a powerful organisation, the army shouldn't rule over citizens in the name of stability.
(b)When authority is not rested within all people equally rather only in the hands of a few, the wealthy and elite end up exerting unequal influence on the people. All decisions are taken from the viewpoint of what benefits them and not the people at large and leads to an oligarchy. Instead what should be done is strengthen the institutions and practice of democracy and make people aware of their rights and choices to ensure maximum participation.
(c)By vesting power and control upon the religious leaders and institutions, the state turns into a theocracy and the religious leaders start ruling in the name of God. This can lead to the exploitation of the masses in the name of faith and religion.

Note: Other than democracy, forms of government have included—autocracy (civilian and military dictatorship), monarchy, oligarchy (aristocracy, theocracy, plutocracy, etc).