📘 POLITICAL THEORY – DEMOCRACY (CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY)
Popular Rule, Liberal Model, Participatory Vision & Democratic Crisis | UPSC PSIR Notes
1️⃣ WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
Democracy literally means “rule of the people”.
It refers to a system where political power ultimately rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
- Political equality
- Participation
- Accountability
- Majority rule with minority rights
2️⃣ CLASSICAL DEMOCRACY – ATHENS
- Direct participation
- Citizens voted in assemblies
- Limited citizenship (excluded women, slaves)
Foundation of participatory ideals.
3️⃣ LIBERAL DEMOCRACY
Modern representative democracy based on:
- Universal adult franchise
- Rule of law
- Separation of powers
- Fundamental rights
- Free and fair elections
Balances majority rule with constitutional safeguards.
4️⃣ ELITIST THEORY – SCHUMPETER
Democracy is competition among elites for votes.
- Citizens choose leaders
- People do not directly govern
- Pragmatic model of democracy
Redefines democracy as method, not moral ideal.
5️⃣ PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY
Advocates deeper citizen engagement beyond elections.
- Local governance
- Grassroots participation
- Deliberative forums
Influenced by Rousseau and contemporary civic theory.
6️⃣ MARXIST CRITIQUE
Liberal democracy masks capitalist domination.
- Formal equality vs material inequality
- Economic power influences political power
Calls for substantive democracy.
7️⃣ FEMINIST CRITIQUE
Democracy historically excluded women.
- Private–public divide
- Representation gap
- Need for gender justice
8️⃣ CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
- Populism
- Majoritarianism
- Money power in elections
- Media manipulation
- Decline of civic trust
Debate: Is democracy in crisis?
📝 UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
- Critically examine liberal democracy.
- Is democracy merely a method as per Schumpeter?
- Discuss Marxist critique of democracy.
- Is democracy facing a global crisis?
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Athens → Direct Democracy
- Liberal Model → Representation + Rights
- Schumpeter → Elite Competition
- Marxists → Economic Inequality
- Feminists → Gender Justice
- Today → Populism & Crisis Debate
Democracy survives not by elections alone, but by equality, justice and active citizenship.
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