Procedural democracy

Procedural Democracy A view of democracy

1. Procedural Democracy Submitted to- Dr. Jyotika Teckchandani Mam

2. Democracy It is derived form the Greek root 'demos' which means 'the people’ and ' cracy ' which means 'rule' or 'government'. Thus, literally, democracy signifies 'the rule of the people'. Abraham Lincoln said, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people”.

3. Types Of Democracy There are two types of democracy: Direct or Pure Democracy- A direct democracy or  pure democracy  is a type of democracy where the people govern directly. It requires wide participation of citizens in politics. Indirect or Representative Democracy- Indirect democracy, or representative democracy, is when citizens elect representatives to make laws for them. This is what most modern countries have today.

4. Views Of Democracy There are two views to understand democracy- Procedural Democracy Substantive Democracy

5. Procedural Democracy Procedural democracy is a term used to denote the particular procedures, such as regular elections based on universal suffrage, that produce an electorally-legitimated government. It argues that regular competitive elections on the basis of universal adult franchise and plural political participation would produce a democratically elected government.

6. Procedural Democracy In India So far it has been largely agreed that procedural democracy in India functions quite well. Elections are held regularly and India has never faced a military coup. The three constitutionally mandated institutions, the Supreme and the high courts, the President and the Election Commission are autonomous.

7. Procedural Vs. Substantive Democracy Procedural Democracy - Substantive Democracy Presence of “free, fair, competitive” Procedural standards Elections met Hurdles are present for More political rights and real democratic procedures civil liberties are offered

8. Procedural Democracy in the system Selection of leaders is based on eligibility and campaigning. Government rule is limited and temporal. Information is plural and alternative. Nature of political action is based on human rights, tolerance, respect for minorities, freedom and equality etc.

9. Robert Dahl’s Procedural Democracy “Procedural democracy" in a weak or minimal sense-that is, in relation to its own demos and the agenda that it controls-if, and only if, it satisfies three criteria: Political equality Effective participation The criterion of enlightened understanding

10. Advantages Stability of democratic institutions. Proper functioning of democratic system .

11. Disadvantages Fallacy of electoralism Illiberal democracy The elected leaders could manipulate procedures and power for their own benefit leading to concealed authoritarianism. People are perceived as passive beyond electoral participation in Procedural view and thus are governed by their representatives. This view does not focus on liberty and freedom as it emphasizes how to elect a democratic government.

12. References An Introduction To Political Theory O.P Gauba 8th edition (Pg.-564,611,612,613) Introduction To Political Theory third edition John Hoffman And Paul Graham (Pg.-99,98,102,108) https://thewire.in/politics/procedural-versus-substantive-democracy-how-india-fares https://pesd.princeton.edu/node/251 R. Dahl, Modern Political Analysis