The Pros and Cons of Democracy

Churchill’s claim that “democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried” is deliberately provocative and intended to challenge the reader’s simplistic ideal that democracy is without faults. There are an estimated 114 democracies in the world today (Wong, Oct 3rd lecture). A figure that has increased rapidly in the last century not necessarily because democracy is the best form of government, but primarily for reason that in practice, under stable social, economic and political conditions, it has the least limitations in comparison to other forms of government. Be it the transparency of a democratic government or the prevalence of majority rule, all subdivisions of democracy benefit and hinder its people. While I agree with Churchill’s statement, one must understand that we do not live in a utopian society or under a perfect form of government, and that one must have tolerance for democracy’s shortcomings. The forthcoming essay will compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in comparison to other forms of government, and attempt to answer Churchill’s proclamation as to why democracy is unsurpassed so far.

An undeniable strength of any democracy is the independence, liberty and rights it gives its citizens. In modern democracies all citizens should have an equal impact in government affairs, an equal right to power and also sit equal before the law. Philosopher Benjamin Constant writes in his comparison of ancient and modern liberty that modern “governments have new duties… [to] show more respect for individuals’ customs, affections, and independence.” Constant’s further assessment that modern governments will incorporate these, and commerce, in addition to being free f...

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...may diminish the disparity of wealth, it has been proven to be too idealistic to work.

The limitations of Democracy are clear, the complexity of its government, social divisions and other political, economic and social shortcomings detract from its successes. Additionally, it could be argued that democracy would not be as attractive as it is today had the world not witnessed the repression of authoritarian rule. Lack of personal freedoms, rapid change and many other faults in ancient democracy, fascism and communism are contrary to what people desire and resultantly enlighten what democracy advocates, aiding its increasing prevalence around the world today. Just as the late philosopher Aristotle said, “Man is by nature a political animal” (Wong/Kopstein, Sept. 12 lecture). People want political power, and so far democracy is their best attempt at achieving this.