Democracy is the system of government where people are given the power to elect the political leaders who will form the government. Dictatorship is the government where a single person rules. This person is called the dictator. In democracy citizens of the state choose their leaders and play an active role in building nations. Dictatorship, in contrast, is the type of Government where the power lies in the hands of a single leader, political group or entity and people have no right to elect their leader.
Long and Short Essay on Democracy vs. Dictatorship
Essay 1 (250 words)
Introduction
The difference between democracy and dictatorship is that in a democracy people get to choose their leaders while in dictatorship single individual or political entity rules the country. Democracy allows the free development of human personality whereas the other form of government hinders the development of human personality. Both are opposite political philosophies in terms of perception and approach and come with some merits and demerits.
What do you Prefer
The basic characteristics of democracy are equality, liberty, and fraternity. It gives freedom of thought, speech, and expression. It promises active participation and involvement of the governed in the governance. The chief principle of democracy is that power is implemented with respect to human rights. It makes people interested in the country and its democratic process. In a democratic government, individuals’ freedom and rights are given importance. Democracy gives the right to eligible people to choose their leader but most people make irrational judgments. The majority of the population in developing nations such as India is illiterate and the judgment made is not completely independent.
In a dictatorship, the governed have no right to voice his/her opinion. In a dictatorship, absolute power is concentrated in the hands of the dictator. A strong and well-run dictatorship can be very effective. It can prove to be better than democracy. But there is fear that the dictator may become authoritarian and ruthless. A dictatorship can run smoothly and steadily as the power lies in the hands of a single individual. It is solely on the dictator as to how he uses the power. He can use it for the advancement of the nation or for purposes like exploiting people, terrorism and so on.
Conclusion
There is no guarantee that justice would be served in any form of government. The success of any form of government is based on the selection of rulers or political leaders selected by-elections. Personally, I value the dignity of the individual, equality, and justice. I believe democracy is any day better than the other alternatives.
Essay 2 (400 words)
Introduction
Democracy and Dictatorship are two political philosophies. We often hear these two terms together as these two are the most common types of government often at odds with one another. Democracy is the government of the people which gives the right to all the eligible citizens to participate in electing their political leaders by giving them a voice in legislation. Dictatorship gives absolute power to one individual, dictator.
Democracy vs. Dictatorship
Both democracy and dictatorship have some pros and cons. Democracy allows full freedom to the general public to express their thoughts and have a voice in legislation. In a dictatorship, people are bound to follow the rules and laws decided and defined by the dictator.
Some attributes of democracy are rule of law, freedom of judiciary and press and human rights, but in unstable democracy, these may be weak and can lead to slow economic growth. The decision-making process can be much slower than hampers the development of the nation. In fragile and unstable democracy political leaders may be corrupt and mean.
A strong and stable dictatorship can prove to be better than a weak democracy. If the dictator is efficient and works for the advancement of the nation he can make quick decisions and enforce discipline for the progress of the nation. In-country like India where people are ignorant and not educated enough to make correct judgments the government formed can be corrupt. A strong democracy is important for the development of people and society.
Which of the Two is Better?
Democracy is better compared to dictatorship as it allows people the right to express and voice their opinion. In a dictatorship, there is no freedom of thoughts and expression and people are subjected to ideas and beliefs of a single ruler. Democracy is the government by the people so it is less endangered to revolution as the government is chosen by the people and they can change their leaders by electing other leaders. There is no freedom of expression in a dictatorship which can lead to unhappy people and violent revolutions.
However, whether it is democracy or dictatorship, there is no guarantee of good conduct from any political leader. We are witness to political leaders who are corrupt or often misuse their power to lead their own party. In the end character, moral standards, integrity and ethical approach of the political leaders are what lead to strong government.
Conclusion
A good dictator is better than a bunch of corrupt, petty and selfish leaders coming to rule in Democracy. On the other hand, a strong democracy with political leaders that work for social reform and advancement of the society and nation can be better than a ruthless and corrupt dictator. So, it all depends on the kind of person/people in power.
Essay 3 (500 words)
Introduction
Democracy is a type of government in which eligible citizens have the right to elect a representative to form a governing body. It involves citizens directly by giving them a voice in legislation. Dictatorship, on the other hand, in the form of government where all the power is placed in the hands of one person that is the dictator. Democracy and dictatorship have emerged as the two major forms of government across the world since the beginning of the 19th and 20th centuries.
What is the Democratic Form of Government?
Democracy is the government elected by the majority of the people. It generates the citizens’ interest in the country’s politics by giving them the right to elect the members of the government. It is important in a democratic system that the citizens of the country participate and are aware of the social issues and their right to vote. There should be a sense of responsibility in people. The elections should be monitored impartially to ensure system integrity.
Characteristics of Democracy
Some characteristics of democracy are legal equality, rule of law and political freedom. Democracy runs with the principle of majority rule. Under democracy, all eligible citizens have equal access to legislative processes and are equal before the law. Vote by every eligible citizen is valuable and has equal weight. The rights and liberties of the citizens are protected by the constitution. Democracy protects human rights through co-operation and coordination. It offers diversity to represent all the communities. Equality lies at the heart of democracy.
What is the Dictatorship Form of Government?
In a dictatorship, absolute power is with the dictator. The dictator is the political leader who holds extraordinary power and exercises his power for self-interest. In a dictatorship, the ruler is the one who acts for the whole Nation.
Characteristics of Dictatorship
Dictatorship is characterized by some chief features such as civil liberties, suspension of elections, rule by decree, the proclamation of the state of emergency and repression of political opponents without acting in accord to the rule of law.
The most common feature attributed to dictators is to take advantage of their position, usually by restraining the freedom of speech of the people citizens. It is done in order to maintain social and political supremacy. People have no right to voice their thoughts on the way they are governed. There are no elections held and people have no right to choose their leaders. In a dictatorship, the law-making body is a single person that is the dictator. So, law enforcement may become brutal at times. In such type of government, there is little regard for the rights of people.
Conclusion
In a democratic form of government, people enjoy a great deal of liberty. The power is with masses. They can choose the government and they can change the government. Every eligible citizen has equal rights and freedom of self-expression. In a dictatorship, there is the rule of a dictator. People have no right to elect their leaders and have to follow the laws and rules of the dictator. Thus, democracy is the best form of government that leads to the development of people and society as the rights and liberties of the citizens are highly respected.
Essay 4 (600 words)
Introduction
Democracy and Dictatorship are two different types of government or political philosophies. These are the two types of governments exactly unlike one another. Democracy is the government allowing people to govern via a voting system. Dictatorship, on the other hand, takes the power away from people and grants it to one individual ruler.
Merits and Demerits of Democracy
Merits of Democracy: Democracy is the government of people as compared to the government of a single ruler or of a class of people. It gives voice to the citizens of the country in legislation and develops a sense of responsibility among them. People elect the members of the government themselves in a democratic government so it gives the freedom of thought and speech.
Democracy has been defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. People have the right to elect their representatives by giving their valuable votes. These representatives represent the citizens in the legislature. If the citizens are not happy with their representatives then in the next elections they may not re-elect them.
Demerits of Democracy: Democracy has its set of disadvantages as well and one of the biggest disadvantages is the rule of ignorance. People who are not educated or intelligent are likely to take the wrong decisions in the casting of votes and this can lead to the wrong choice of government leaders. In our country, people fail to make sound or independent decision. The corrupt politicians or those who lack skills but are famous personalities like actors often get elected due to the ignorance of people.
Merits and Demerits of Dictatorship
Demerits of Dictatorship: In a dictatorship, the majority of power is granted to one individual. People have no right to interfere in the way they are governed and are unable to involve in the political system. A dictatorship is a dominant form of government. There are no elections and there are human rights issues concerned in this form of government. In a dictatorship, law enforcement and lawmaking can often become forceful and violent. The dictators may often use their power for personal benefits and make wrong judgments that are not in favor of the country. The chief issues in this form of government are propaganda, repression, and media blackouts.
There is no freedom of speech and thought under a dictatorship. People can get into trouble for opposing their government. An individual does not enjoy liberty and right for the development of his personality and is forced to act as governed by his ruler. Dissenters can be a threat to the dictator. So, dictators often use their power to give unfair verdicts. In a dictatorship, there is no freedom of individual expression and political diversity which can often lead to unhappy people and violent revolutions.
Merits of Dictatorship: However, there are certain advantages of dictatorship. The election is a complicated process. As mentioned above, the majority of the population, especially in the developing nations, is ignorant and illiterate and cannot make a correct judgment. Some argue that something as unpredictable and complex as elections can prove to be a disaster. Instead, in dictatorship government can move quickly by giving power to an individual.
A dictator is a leader who is an expert in the field of administration and organization. He is the one who has quick decision-making ability that can work in favor of his country and people. Dictators can bring social reforms and eliminate social evils and crimes through a set of laws and regulations. A dictator, who works for the advancement and betterment of his country proves to be successful and is liked by all. A dictatorship can lead to stable government as the dictator remains in power for a long time.
Conclusion
Thus, both democracy and dictatorship are political philosophies that have their own set of merits and demerits. However, democracy is considered better as it is the government of people.
