Democracy is a system of government where power lies with the people. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes. This participation can take many forms, including voting, advocacy, and civic engagement. However, democracy is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. Citizens must actively engage in their democracy to ensure it functions effectively. This blog explores the responsibilities of individuals in a democratic society and offers solutions for fostering a culture of active participation.
Understanding Democracy
Before delving into responsibilities, let’s define democracy. The term originates from the Greek words “demos,” meaning people, and “kratos,” meaning power or rule. Thus, democracy literally means “rule by the people.” In a democratic system, citizens have the right to elect their representatives and influence laws and policies. This system promotes equality, freedom, and justice.
Democracy can take various forms, including direct democracy and representative democracy. In direct democracy, citizens vote on laws and policies directly. In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Regardless of the form, the core principle remains the same: the power resides with the people.
When we say democracy promotes equality, freedom, and justice, it is not always the case. Sometimes, society’s elected representatives can be biased and make policies favouring a particular group.
Responsibilities of Citizens in a Democracy
Educate Yourself
One of the primary responsibilities of citizens in a democracy is to educate themselves about political issues. Knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions. Citizens should stay updated on current events, political candidates, and proposed legislation. This understanding enables them to engage in meaningful discussions and make choices that reflect their values. But, as I mentioned in my previous blog, ‘Democracy A Responsibility: Part 1 – PolyBlogger.com’, respect and value others’ opinions as well.
Vote
Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility in a democracy. Citizens must participate in elections at all levels—local, state, and national. Each vote counts and can significantly impact the outcome of an election. By voting, citizens express their opinions and influence the direction of their government. It is essential to research candidates and issues before casting a ballot.
Selecting your candidate means safeguarding your interests, community, territory, unity, infiltration, laws, peace, prosperity, etc. Now, you can decide whether to vote or to enjoy that day as a holiday and later repent of unwanted nuisances.
Engage in Civic Activities
Civic engagement goes beyond voting. Citizens should participate in community activities like town hall meetings, public forums, and local organisations. Engaging in civic activities fosters community and encourages dialogue among citizens. It also provides opportunities to voice concerns and advocate for change.
Most importantly, civic activities exchange views on important issues or developments. They also exchange intellect, business, and other types of ideas. They help build a sense of unity, togetherness, and support for civic society.
It isn’t always a good thing to be introverted and reserved. In fact, such activities push away any introversion and reservedness. If everyone says, “Let others handle it; I have better things to do,” soon, you will end up compromising on many things because you didn’t participate. Then, history will question society and its actions when such incidents were happening freely. Remember, you can change the present and future but certainly not the past. Now you decide if you want the past to look in the golden words or bizarre dreamlike.
Advocate for Change
In a democracy, citizens have the right to advocate for policies and changes they believe in. This can involve writing letters to elected officials, participating in protests, or joining advocacy groups. Advocacy helps raise awareness about important issues and can lead to meaningful change. Citizens should feel empowered to speak out on matters that affect their lives and communities.
However, when one writes about advocacy, the chance to influence our thought process is a cent per cent. Spreading false propaganda about the government and its policies is a prime business of many, especially those who want to break the country’s core values. Please be aware of it. Just for mere money or short-term benefit, do not spoil the future of your generations. So, study yourself before some idiots influence you.
Hold Elected Officials Accountable
Democracy requires citizens to hold their elected officials accountable. This means monitoring their actions and decisions. Citizens should demand transparency and integrity from their representatives. If officials fail to meet their responsibilities, citizens must voice their concerns and push for accountability. This can involve attending public meetings, contacting representatives, or participating in campaigns.
Respect the Rule of Law
In a democracy, the rule of law is paramount. Citizens must respect laws and regulations, even if they disagree with them. This respect ensures that society functions smoothly and that everyone is treated equally. Citizens should also understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. This knowledge helps them navigate legal issues and advocate for justice.
Moreover, studying the law and inspecting and analysing it may provide a better solution than the current law. Of course, making the new law is difficult, but amending it is even more difficult. But eventually, it may happen.
Those who do not respect the law, believe me, are either one or multiple of the terrorists, traitors, disloyal to the country, quisling, fifth columnists, infiltrators and anti-national. Though it is hard and harsh to say but, we don’t want them. They should be deported back; their asylum should be cancelled; they should be jailed. Sometimes, some groups of organisations (like terror organisations) demand separate laws, a complete change of laws and constitution change, a separate country, etc. They, on quite a few occasions, should be assassinated. One may think, how harshly can I speak so? But think of it differently. What if the law be changed entirely to favour them or drown your community, society, values, or beliefs? What is your constitution that will change and suddenly become against you?
If you think this has never happened in history, maybe you need to read real history and a little brain tonic.
- The whole Middle East,
- a separately created country, Pakistan, based on religion.
- The recent incident in Bangladesh, where people now need separate constitutions and laws favouring them alone
- another recent example of Syria where rebels have taken over Damascus
- stories of Libya and Morocco
- very recent and near everyone’s heart, i.e. Germany’s and London’s example—proves what I said above is absolutely right. They don’t want such people.
Unfortunately, almost every law protects them based on human rights, humanitarian grounds, asylum grounds, religious freedom, tribals, etc. Imagine how dangerous that could be.
However, the same human rights never understand the rights of original people, natives, and innocents. Isn’t that a business? Is there a lobby of terrorists that controls human rights? Aren’t there unbiased, intelligent people in it? Are they getting bribes to perform such one-sided activities?
Participate in Political Discussions
Engaging in political discussions is vital for a healthy democracy. Citizens should share their views and listen to others. This exchange of ideas fosters understanding and can lead to consensus on important issues. It is essential to approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.
Also, read the fourth point, ‘advocate for changes,’ above. Participation may increase your reach, aura, and recognition.
Unfortunately, most political rallies are only one-sided communication. The most obvious reason is that politicians cannot bear questions praising the opposition or highlighting their dark work, illegal connections, illegal business, etc. In short, they do not like getting exposed. Also, most communication happens only around election time. Most politicians fear being attacked, but it would be great if civilians could catch them without harm.
Civilians must not hesitate to give befitting, candid, stinging, appreciative responses that expose duplicity, partiality, or bias, but politely without being too aggressive.
Support Democratic Institutions
Democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies, are crucial in maintaining democracy. Citizens should support these institutions and advocate for their independence. A strong and impartial judiciary ensures justice, while a free press promotes transparency. Citizens must defend these institutions against threats and work to strengthen them.
As I mentioned above in the sixth point, ‘Respect the rule of Law,’ I would also mention respect for the existence of these judiciary systems. Rules are meant to make life easier, not to be broken. Those who want to change it fight in the election and try to change it. If someone wants to forcibly change it, throw that person out of the country, jail him, or break his and others morale who have similar motives. Genuinely, it is the time to stand and speak up for ourselves. If we can’t do it now, there might not be another chance to change it.
Remember the example of the ‘Kurdish’ community in Syria and Iraq. Terrorism completely vandalised them. They killed all men and boys (even newborn boys) and used women of any age as sex workers. Such terrorism challenged the judiciary and won.
Do you want this to happen in your country? Then wake-up.
Conclusion –
Maintaining democracy is the only choice if you want to make your country politically stable, progressive, and free from infiltration and other threats. For democracy to be strong, its political environment and judiciary system must be strong. If you want these systems to be strong, you must follow your duties. Someone else will take advantage if you Ignore your duties. Then you can’t cry blaming your destiny.
- Ask a ‘Kurdish’ person, if any are alive on the earth, what the situation was;
- ask an Indian historian what happened to their temples and Nalanda University;
- ask an American historian what happened to Native American tribals;
- ask ‘Parsi people in India how their ancestors fled from Iran seeking asylum in India,
- ask India what problems they are facing after the 1947 partition of India-Pakistan.
These are only basic statements you may hear: it was horrific, changed history altogether, and irradicated mass people due to genocide and rapes everywhere. Take care of your most significant gift, ‘democracy’ anyhow.
