12 Pros and Cons of Democracy

October 22, 2017 by Louise Gaille

A democracy is a form of government where eligible members of a state or
the entire population has a voice in the decisions that must be made. When
eligible members represent distinct population districts, they are usually
elected to provide this representation. Democracies can also occur in
business structures and during personal decisions.

The primary advantage of democracy is that it is one of the fairest systems of

government that has been created. Every person has a voice, either on their
own merit or through an elected official, which allows them to influence the
policies and procedures that are developed for governing. Everyone can be as
active or as inactive as they wish to be with the political process.

The disadvantage of a democracy is that it is a rather inefficient form of

governing. Because everyone has the opportunity to offer their opinion, it
takes time for a decision to be made. In times of crisis, help can be delayed
because all policies and procedures are subjected to a voting process. In a
true democracy, every person would need to vote on every decision before
something could be accomplished.

Here are some additional pros and cons of a democracy to think about when
studying the various forms of government structures that are available today.

List of the Pros of Democracy

1. It encourages personal involvement.
In one way or another, it is the people who control their own fate under the
scope of a democracy. They can choose to vote or choose not to vote. They
can vote for certain policies and against others. Whether they are in the
majority or not, there is always the possibility of freely expressing a personal
opinion. That is a level of freedom that other forms of government do not
always provide.
2. It promotes equality.
Within a democracy, every vote is weighted with the same value. It doesn’t
matter what your gender identification happens to be. It doesn’t matter how
much money you make. It doesn’t matter where you live, what religion you
prefer, if you’re a jerk, or if you’re the nicest person who has ever lived.
Everyone gets a vote with the same value, even if it is through an eligible
representative, and that basic structure promotes equality on a vote level.
3. It decentralizes governmental power.
A government with power over the people can dictate how populations live
their lives. In a democracy, the governmental power is decentralized because
it lies in the hands of each voter. If an elected official isn’t doing their job, then
they can be voted out of office during the next election. In a true democracy,
each vote is its own source of power. That makes it easier for people to stay
in control over the direction of chasing their dreams.
4. It inspires loyalty and patriotism.
A democracy enables people to stand up for what they believe. It gives them a
chance to express their unique perspectives and opinions in a safe
environment. Success can be achieved together because the differences
people have can be celebrated instead of being feared. This gives people the
best chance possible to work towards policies, procedures, and legislation
that can benefit as many households as possible.
5. It provides societal consistency.
Voting on decisions provides more consistency in government when
compared to a government that changes over in power every time a new
political party is elected as a majority. People who are given the power to vote
are able to maintain the momentum they want on specific legislative items so
that, over time, society can be shaped in a way that benefits virtually
everyone.
6. It stops exploitation.
Any form of government is at-risk for exploitation by individuals with power.
Because that power is distributed within a democracy, there are more checks
and balances in place to ensure that no one is given a form of absolute power.
At a core level, the people are always those that have the most power, no
matter what an elected politician might say.
7. It encourages GDP growth.
People within a democracy are given the opportunity to be whatever they wish
to be. By allowing people to pursue their passions, the GDP of a nation is
usually higher. Economic opportunities have more stability. Households have
an opportunity to form in whatever way suits their needs the best.
List of the Cons of Democracy
1. It requires voters to be well informed to be effective.
In a democracy, it is possible to cast a vote without having any knowledge
about what is being voted on. For this governmental structure to be effective,
it is necessary for every voting individual to be well-versed on the subject
matter being voted upon. Without that knowledge, an unnecessary or
potentially harmful piece of legislation could be passed.
2. It focuses solely on the needs of the majority.
Within the structure of a democracy, those who find themselves in the minority
on a decision will feel like their country didn’t listen to their ideas and
perspectives. If someone finds themselves in the minority on a consistent
basis, then they may begin to feel marginalized. The majority could even
attempt to enact policies that harm the minority without protective structures in
place to prevent such an action.
3. It encourages a herd mentality.
People tend to stay in their comfort zones. More than ever before in the US,
people are maintaining friendships within their own political party, but rarely
outside of it. Neighborhoods, communities, and even states become polarized
because people search for their comfort zone. A democracy, over a long
period of time, encourages mob thinking because it discourages the idea of an
open mind. Each vote is an us versus them scenario.
4. It is costly.
Every vote that is taken in a democracy has a monetary cost associated with
it. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, $544 million in
lost productivity occurs during a US Presidential election on Election Day.
Since 2000, every election cycle in the US has cost more than $1 billion. At
the local level, it is not unusual for mayoral, city council, and school council
elections to exceed $100,000 in costs.
5. It requires a lot of time.
Voting requires time to make changes to legislation. Sometimes, however, a
decision must be made very quickly. Imagine if the US had to conduct a
nationwide vote after an attack by North Korea before a response could be
authorized? Even in a representative democracy, the amount of time that it
takes to pass meaningful legislation can extend beyond one year quite
frequently.
The pros and cons of democracy show us that it is a system of government
that promotes freedom. That freedom comes at a steep cost, however, and
some societies may decide that other forms of government are better suited to
meet their needs.

How do you feel about the pros and cons of a democracy?

https://vittana.org/12-pros-and-cons-of-democracy
11. Democratic Schools
At present there are 208 schools across
29 countries and 85 schools were listed
in 33U.S states and Puerto
th
at practice democratic education and
administration in their management
(Education Revolution, 2000a). The
characteristics that these schools exhibit
include a student centered teaching
approach that is characterized by
maximum involvement of student in the
learning process. In democratic schools
there are communities that organize
various activities to encourage student’s
participation. Moreover democratic
schools also provide students equal
share in decision making (Education
Revolution, 2000b).
11.1 Democratic Administration
In the era today individuals are more
concerned with getting rights,
responsibilitie
s and freedom at their
work place similar to what they enjoy
outside the work environment. This
highlights the fact that workers of an
org
anization must be treated as citizens. A
person comes to his work place not only
with his skills and knowledge
but also with his feelings and social
necessitates. And for this reason
managers of today’s era are obliged to
manage
the whole organization in a framework
of values of democracy. Therefore it is
essential to create a
work space
where workers are considered as a part
of organization and free to exercise their
view points. This type of work
env
ironment should also be practiced in
educational institutes to promote
democracy (Manville, Ober, 2003).In
any
t
ype of organization; leaders have to
make numerous decisions on daily
basis. However, these decisions are not
al
ways subjected to choose between good
and bad. Occasionally the decisions are
subjected to select one of the two
bad choices. In the view of the fact that
solutions of these issues were not stated
in policies, laws or any other guide
lin
es, decision making can be really tough
task (Duignan,2006).In such
circumstances democracy plays a crucial
role and in
deed democratization of educational
administration becomes essential. A
robust management style in
educational institute’s management can
be attained if the adm
inistrator takes into account other view
points at the
time of making decisions. This in turn
promotes a democratic environment in
schools.
. Establishment of democratic
administration will be possible in sc
hool only if the head of school follows
the
rules and regulation of democracy in the
management activities. A true
democratic head will take all decisions
with
j
ustice and distribute the work equally
according to everyone’s ability and
capability and distribute responsibilities
according to it among student’s workers
parents in order to form the successful
education system in school. He will
consider every person related with
school management equally important
for and would provide equal
opportunities
for everyone working in school.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to
survive and maintain a reputable
position in a
societ
y for an antidemocratic organization.
Managements have to tak
e some effective steps in order to
influence
human resources successfully, to
achieve organizational objectives. These
steps include development of the
organizational structure, teamwork,
beneficial use of information and
technologies, leadership and
involvement of
employees into decision-making. This
new organizational structure is more
clearly open and simplest for
in
novations (Lawler, 2001). According to
Lawler (2001) for organizations to be
more productive, high officials and
boss of
the organization reflect elements of
democratic leadership in their attitude
with subordinates a brief and
necessary behavior for a democratic
school management are as follows:
x Employees should have rights to free
express their views and share their
thoughts with management with
co
mfort.
x Environment should be provided in
which management co
nsider the appropriate ideas of
employees, in
benefit of both employees and
management.
x Staff should be encouraged for tak
ing initiatives, responsibility and risk
issues.
x Rejecting the wrong rules and orders
which accuses students, employees and
parents,5)
x Establishing a cooperative culture,
where th
e responsibilities are shared, support
should be provided to staff
in their hard times
Management should take effective steps
to create a w
orking environment in which respect,
cooperation, and all
possible assistance is provided within
the organization, where the
responsibility is shared, where the
failure and
success is not the responsibility and not
depend upon any individual, where
teamwork is appreciated, such steps will
enhance the solidarity between the
organizations' employees. Such steps
will motivate employees even in
difficult
situations. As understood, certain
conditions must be fulfilled in order to
implement a democratic management
approach educational organizations as
implemented in the ancient Greek city-
states where all of the citizens
participate ad
ministration actively. The most
important of them is the simplification
of organizational structure, as
bureaucracy-free as possible. The other
most important need is
to state a democratic leadership
behavior in
management department. Such
educational environments in which
elements and principles of democracy
are
fulfilled and every individual can
survive successfully in today’s
competitive environment.
11. Democratic Schools
At present there are 208 schools across
29 countries and 85 schools were listed
in 33U.S states and Puerto
th
at practice democratic education and
administration in their management
(Education Revolution, 2000a). The
characteristics that these schools exhibit
include a student centered teaching
approach that is characterized by
maximum involvement of student in the
learning process. In democratic schools
there are communities that organize
various activities to encourage student’s
participation. Moreover democratic
schools also provide students equal
share in decision making (Education
Revolution, 2000b).
11.1 Democratic Administration
In the era today individuals are more
concerned with getting rights,
responsibilitie
s and freedom at their
work place similar to what they enjoy
outside the work environment. This
highlights the fact that workers of an
org
anization must be treated as citizens. A
person comes to his work place not only
with his skills and knowledge
but also with his feelings and social
necessitates. And for this reason
managers of today’s era are obliged to
manage
the whole organization in a framework
of values of democracy. Therefore it is
essential to create a
work space
where workers are considered as a part
of organization and free to exercise their
view points. This type of work
env
ironment should also be practiced in
educational institutes to promote
democracy (Manville, Ober, 2003).In
any
t
ype of organization; leaders have to
make numerous decisions on daily
basis. However, these decisions are not
al
ways subjected to choose between good
and bad. Occasionally the decisions are
subjected to select one of the two
bad choices. In the view of the fact that
solutions of these issues were not stated
in policies, laws or any other guide
lin
es, decision making can be really tough
task (Duignan,2006).In such
circumstances democracy plays a crucial
role and in
deed democratization of educational
administration becomes essential. A
robust management style in
educational institute’s management can
be attained if the adm
inistrator takes into account other view
points at the
time of making decisions. This in turn
promotes a democratic environment in
schools.
. Establishment of democratic
administration will be possible in sc
hool only if the head of school follows
the
rules and regulation of democracy in the
management activities. A true
democratic head will take all decisions
with
j
ustice and distribute the work equally
according to everyone’s ability and
capability and distribute responsibilities
according to it among student’s workers
parents in order to form the successful
education system in school. He will
consider every person related with
school management equally important
for and would provide equal
opportunities
for everyone working in school.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to
survive and maintain a reputable
position in a
societ
y for an antidemocratic organization.
Managements have to tak
e some effective steps in order to
influence
human resources successfully, to
achieve organizational objectives. These
steps include development of the
organizational structure, teamwork,
beneficial use of information and
technologies, leadership and
involvement of
employees into decision-making. This
new organizational structure is more
clearly open and simplest for
in
novations (Lawler, 2001). According to
Lawler (2001) for organizations to be
more productive, high officials and
boss of
the organization reflect elements of
democratic leadership in their attitude
with subordinates a brief and
necessary behavior for a democratic
school management are as follows:
x Employees should have rights to free
express their views and share their
thoughts with management with
co
mfort.
x Environment should be provided in
which management co
nsider the appropriate ideas of
employees, in
benefit of both employees and
management.
x Staff should be encouraged for tak
ing initiatives, responsibility and risk
issues.
x Rejecting the wrong rules and orders
which accuses students, employees and
parents,5)
x Establishing a cooperative culture,
where th
e responsibilities are shared, support
should be provided to staff
in their hard times
Management should take effective steps
to create a w
orking environment in which respect,
cooperation, and all
possible assistance is provided within
the organization, where the
responsibility is shared, where the
failure and
success is not the responsibility and not
depend upon any individual, where
teamwork is appreciated, such steps will
enhance the solidarity between the
organizations' employees. Such steps
will motivate employees even in
difficult
situations. As understood, certain
conditions must be fulfilled in order to
implement a democratic management
approach educational organizations as
implemented in the ancient Greek city-
states where all of the citizens
participate ad
ministration actively. The most
important of them is the simplification
of organizational structure, as
bureaucracy-free as possible. The other
most important need is
to state a democratic leadership
behavior in
management department. Such
educational environments in which
elements and principles of democracy
are
fulfilled and every individual can
survive successfully in today’s
competitive environment.
11. Democratic Schools
At present there are 208 schools across
29 countries and 85 schools were listed
in 33U.S states and Puerto
th
at practice democratic education and
administration in their management
(Education Revolution, 2000a). The
characteristics that these schools exhibit
include a student centered teaching
approach that is characterized by
maximum involvement of student in the
learning process. In democratic schools
there are communities that organize
various activities to encourage student’s
participation. Moreover democratic
schools also provide students equal
share in decision making (Education
Revolution, 2000b).
11.1 Democratic Administration
In the era today individuals are more
concerned with getting rights,
responsibilitie
s and freedom at their
work place similar to what they enjoy
outside the work environment. This
highlights the fact that workers of an
org
anization must be treated as citizens. A
person comes to his work place not only
with his skills and knowledge
but also with his feelings and social
necessitates. And for this reason
 managers of today’s era are obliged to
manage
the whole organization in a framework
of values of democracy. Therefore it is
essential to create a
work space
where workers are considered as a part
of organization and free to exercise their
view points. This type of work
env
ironment should also be practiced in
educational institutes to promote
democracy (Manville, Ober, 2003).In
any
t
ype of organization; leaders have to
make numerous decisions on daily
basis. However, these decisions are not
al
ways subjected to choose between good
and bad. Occasionally the decisions are
subjected to select one of the two
bad choices. In the view of the fact that
solutions of these issues were not stated
in policies, laws or any other guide
lin
es, decision making can be really tough
task (Duignan,2006).In such
circumstances democracy plays a crucial
role and in
deed democratization of educational
administration becomes essential. A
robust management style in
educational institute’s management can
be attained if the adm
inistrator takes into account other view
points at the
time of making decisions. This in turn
promotes a democratic environment in
schools.
. Establishment of democratic
administration will be possible in sc
hool only if the head of school follows
the
rules and regulation of democracy in the
management activities. A true
democratic head will take all decisions
with
j
ustice and distribute the work equally
according to everyone’s ability and
capability and distribute responsibilities
according to it among student’s workers
parents in order to form the successful
education system in school. He will
consider every person related with
school management equally important
for and would provide equal
opportunities
for everyone working in school.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to
survive and maintain a reputable
position in a
societ
y for an antidemocratic organization.
Managements have to tak
e some effective steps in order to
influence
human resources successfully, to
achieve organizational objectives. These
steps include development of the
organizational structure, teamwork,
beneficial use of information and
technologies, leadership and
involvement of
employees into decision-making. This
new organizational structure is more
clearly open and simplest for
in
novations (Lawler, 2001). According to
Lawler (2001) for organizations to be
more productive, high officials and
boss of
the organization reflect elements of
democratic leadership in their attitude
with subordinates a brief and
necessary behavior for a democratic
school management are as follows:
x Employees should have rights to free
express their views and share their
thoughts with management with
co
mfort.
x Environment should be provided in
which management co
nsider the appropriate ideas of
employees, in
benefit of both employees and
management.
x Staff should be encouraged for tak
ing initiatives, responsibility and risk
issues.
x Rejecting the wrong rules and orders
which accuses students, employees and
parents,5)
x Establishing a cooperative culture,
where th
e responsibilities are shared, support
should be provided to staff
in their hard times
Management should take effective steps
to create a w
orking environment in which respect,
cooperation, and all
possible assistance is provided within
the organization, where the
responsibility is shared, where the
failure and
success is not the responsibility and not
depend upon any individual, where
teamwork is appreciated, such steps will
enhance the solidarity between the
organizations' employees. Such steps
will motivate employees even in
difficult
situations. As understood, certain
conditions must be fulfilled in order to
implement a democratic management
approach educational organizations as
implemented in the ancient Greek city-
states where all of the citizens
participate ad
ministration actively. The most
important of them is the simplification
of organizational structure, as
bureaucracy-free as possible. The other
most important need is
to state a democratic leadership
behavior in
management department. Such
educational environments in which
elements and principles of democracy
are
fulfilled and every individual can
survive successfully in today’s
competitive environment.
11. Democratic Schools At present there are 208 schools across 29 countries and 85 schools were listed
in 33U.S states and Puerto that practice democratic education and administration in their management
(Education Revolution, 2000a). The characteristics that these schools exhibit include a student centered
teaching approach that is characterized by maximum involvement of student in the learning process. In
democratic schools there are communities that organize various activities to encourage student’s
participation. Moreover democratic schools also provide students equal share in decision making
(Education Revolution, 2000b). 11.1 Democratic Administration In the era today individuals are more
concerned with getting rights, responsibilities and freedom at their work place similar to what they
enjoy outside the work environment. This highlights the fact that workers of an organization must be
treated as citizens. A person comes to his work place not only with his skills and knowledge but also with
his feelings and social necessitates. And for this reason managers of today’s era are obliged to manage
the whole organization in a framework of values of democracy. Therefore it is essential to create a work
space where workers are considered as a part of organization and free to exercise their view points.
This type of work environment should also be practiced in educational institutes to promote democracy
(Manville, Ober, 2003).In any type of organization; leaders have to make numerous decisions on daily
basis. However, these decisions are not always subjected to choose between good and bad.
Occasionally the decisions are subjected to select one of the two bad choices. In the view of the fact that
solutions of these issues were not stated in policies, laws or any other guide lines, decision making can
be really tough task (Duignan,2006).In such circumstances democracy plays a crucial role and indeed
democratization of educational administration becomes essential. A robust management style in
educational institute’s management can be attained if the administrator takes into account other view
points at the time of making decisions. This in turn promotes a democratic environment in schools. .
Establishment of democratic administration will be possible in school only if the head of school follows
the rules and regulation of democracy in the management activities. A true democratic head will take all
decisions with justice and distribute the work equally according to everyone’s ability and capability and
distribute responsibilities according to it among student’s workers parents in order to form the
successful education system in school. He will consider every person related with school management
equally important for and would provide equal opportunities for everyone working in school. Nowadays,
it is very difficult to survive and maintain a reputable position in a society for an antidemocratic
organization. Managements have to take some effective steps in order to influence human resources
successfully, to achieve organizational objectives. These steps include development of the organizational
structure, teamwork, beneficial use of information and technologies, leadership and involvement of
employees into decision-making. This new organizational structure is more clearly open and simplest for
innovations (Lawler, 2001). According to Lawler (2001) for organizations to be more productive, high
officials and boss of the organization reflect elements of democratic leadership in their attitude with
subordinates a brief and necessary behavior for a democratic school management are as follows: x
Employees should have rights to free express their views and share their thoughts with management
with comfort. x Environment should be provided in which management consider the appropriate ideas
of employees, in benefit of both employees and management. x Staff should be encouraged for taking
initiatives, responsibility and risk issues. x Rejecting the wrong rules and orders which accuses students,
employees and parents,5) x Establishing a cooperative culture, where the responsibilities are shared,
support should be provided to staff in their hard times Management should take effective steps to
create a working environment in which respect, cooperation, and all possible assistance is provided
within the organization, where the responsibility is shared, where the failure and success is not the
responsibility and not depend upon any individual, where teamwork is appreciated, such steps will
enhance the solidarity between the organizations' employees. Such steps will motivate employees even
in difficult situations. As understood, certain conditions must be fulfilled in order to implement a
democratic management approach educational organizations as implemented in the ancient Greek city-
states where all of the citizens participate administration actively. The most important of them is the
simplification of organizational structure, as bureaucracy-free as possible. The other most important
need is to state a democratic leadership behavior in management department. Such educational
environments in which elements and principles of democracy are fulfilled and every individual can
survive successfully in today’s competitive environment