Democracy is one of the governing systems in the world. As matter of fact, a democratic nation whereby the citizens are eligible to make their decisions. The people in a democratic government have the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable for their conduct in office and the policies they formulate and implement. Democracy has various components that demonstrate how the people are more powerful. Democracy needs meticulous planning, trained leadership, and careful strategy to make it work effectively. One of the components of democracy is that the government, which takes control of the country, gets its powers form the public through elections (Tilly, 2007). The elections in a democratic system are fair, free, frequent and competitive.
In addition, democracy is characterized by the number of those who rule. The majority in this perspective has the powers and always rules. The ultimate power, which is popular sovereignty, rests in the hands of the people. The rule of law also takes control of various activities of the nation. Everyone in a democratic system must adhere to the rule of law. The rule of law must protect and uphold to human dignity; this means that all people must rest on human dignity and protect it (Tilly, 2007). Another component is that people have political freedom and enjoys the right to be informed on issues of public interest. Moreover, people must respect the rights and freedom of other people regardless of their religion, race, culture, tribe, status, or political affiliation.
Plato was one of the greatest philosophers that debated and criticized the issue of democracy. In fact, Plato showed no keenness for democracy; this is because he believed that all people in society do not have the potential to make decisions. Plato asserted that democracy does not work; this is a reality according to Plato because ordinary individuals do not have the skills and experience to lead and make decisions (Monoson, 2001). For example, the ordinary people have no knowledge on military strategy, economics, laws, and ethics, which are crucial in the running of a state. Moreover, Plato’s view on democracy is that decision making entailed a lot of expansionist war, which is not health for a nation (Monoson, 2001). In Plato’s view, only a few women and men could rule a society. The ordinary individuals are affected by emotions in making decisions. Therefore, Plato’s views were against democracy, and supported republic.
Reference
Monoson, S. S. (2001). Plato's Democratic Entanglements: Athenian Politics and the Practice of Philosophy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Tilly, C. (2007). Democracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
