The freedom of choice. The underlying foundation of the democratic state for centuries past has been the struggle of people to determine for themselves their own path in their lives. We cannot be told, what to believe and what not to believe, the way that we can choose to live our existence and many other rights are embedded in the democratic way of life.
These are basic facets that separate democracy from other forms of government.By definition, democracy is" a government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected officials. " Also, democracy is defined as the "principles of social equality and respect for the individual within the community". The respect for the life and rights of every individual is paramount in the exercise of the democratic government in the dispensation of its mandate.
The common mistake advocates of other forms of government that it is this flaw in the system that will make it ultimately collapse.But, according to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, it is that diversity that will make up for this weakness. In his words, and I quote," If liberty and equality, as thought by some, are chiefly found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost. " It can be seen when the citizens of that state participate in the electoral process, allowing their collective voices to be heard in issues that are besetting their life as individuals and as a member of the political body."The Dissenting Voice" In effect, for democracy to be truly enjoyed by all, the benefits of the democracy must be appreciated by all.
But, as in all cases, there will be exceptions to the rule, at times, very glaring ones. Quoting from Alexis de Tocqueville, "The surface of American democracy is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through."The color here is not about democracy itself, but in conforming to the social order being dictated by the majority. It is in the conforming part of the democratic state that the flaws readily display themselves.
The balance in the sharing of power in governing the State is only exercised, or wielded, by a certain "privileged", a "tyranny of the majority"(A "tyranny of the majority", a term used by John Stuart Mills, implies a government reflecting the majority can take action that oppresses a particular minority. )In democracies, it is essential to find common ground in the ventilation of issues that are being discussed by the citizenry, but in the "tyranny of the majority", the "upper class" can be a minority in the state but coerce the majority of the society to just bow down and accept the dictates of the power-holding minority. Or, the majority in society can impose itself on the minority, even if the minority will stand to be put at the losing side of an issue for, as the saying goes, "the greater good of the Majority. "
