Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.
Democracy are of two types— direct democracy and indirect democracy. In a direct democracy the citizen of a country have the right to elect and form the government choosing their favourite candidate by voting. But in an indirect democracy citizens cannot elect their candidate directly. In this system the citizens elect a good number of representatives and then these people select their leader from amongst themselves to form the government. Bangladesh follow the direct democracy and USA follow the indirect democracy.
According to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the USA and one of the illustrious statesmen of the world, "Democracy is a form of government of the people, by the people and for the people."
Every citizen in a democratic state should have the opportunity to develop his personality. He must have access to knowledge, must be able to earn an adequate wage. The state must guarantee him the right to work as well as leisure. All these raise the important question of education of the citizens of a democratic state. Education must teach them to think and act freely and express their views boldly.
Without proper organization, the people cannot express themselves effectively. The leader of the party must be responsible, honest and courageous.
Given favorable conditions, democracy is the best form of government known so far. It reconciles liberty and authority; it imbues the citizens with a sense of patriotism; it aims at giving the greatest happiness to the greatest number of citizens in a state. Under the democratic form of government, human character develops and the individual realizes his best self.
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