Is democrcay the best form of government?

What makes a government truly effective? Is it the concentration of power or its distribution among the people? Democracy is a political system rooted in the principles of equality, representation, and liberty. It evolved through key historical milestones such as the English parliamentary system, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Unlike monarchies, dictatorships, or aristocracies, democracy enables citizens to influence governance through elected representatives while safeguarding their fundamental rights. Today, most modern democratic states operate under representative democracy, where periodic elections hold leaders accountable and ensure the people’s voice shapes public policy. Democracy also fosters transparency, freedom of expression, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. Its adaptability across cultures and its resilience in the face of global challenges further underscore its strength as a governing model.

What, exactly, is democracy? Many authors define it as rule by the people. In fact, as a form of government, it means the rule of many, and as a representative government, it means rule by the majority. In a democracy, people surrender certain rights to representatives under the condition that those rights—life, liberty, property—will be safeguarded. These representatives are bound to fulfill the aspirations of the people; failure to do so risks their removal in the next term. Thus, a system of accountability and responsibility is established, which enhances government effectiveness. Modern democracy is the product of three major historical developments: the English parliamentary system, the French Revolution (1789), and the Industrial Revolution. The modern indirect form of democracy emerged in the 19th century and gradually spread across the globe. While many forms of government have been tried, democracy has proven to be the most effective—at least compared to its alternatives such as monarchy, dictatorship, aristocracy, and communism.

To begin with, the credibility of any government is measured by its ability to meet the needs of its people. Democracy fulfills this criterion as it is rooted in public welfare. It supports the socio-economic needs of citizens, improving their satisfaction with elected representatives. J.S. Mill, a major advocate of democracy, identified two key reasons why it is superior: it empowers individuals to claim their rights and promotes general prosperity. This clearly shows that democracy is the best form of government.

Furthermore, democracy embodies equality. It rejects the outdated notion that some are born to rule and others to obey. It refuses to draw distinctions based on class, privilege, wealth, or birth. Unlike aristocracy or monarchy, where hierarchies are inherent, democracy promotes the idea that all citizens are equal before the law and in political participation.

Moreover, democracy protects the rights of minorities. In democratic societies, minority groups are not treated as third-class citizens; their political, economic, social, and religious rights are upheld. Minority individuals can rise to prominent political roles—as evidenced by their representation in countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Such inclusive representation is largely absent in authoritarian or theocratic systems.

In addition, democratic governments function under popular control. The people are sovereign, and elected officials are accountable to them. Regular elections and freedom of speech serve as checks on authority. These mechanisms compel representatives to act diligently and responsibly, ensuring better governance—a feature unique to democracy.

Freedom is essential to all humans, and democracy guarantees it. Western civilizations have achieved unprecedented liberty under democratic governance. The freedom of speech and association promotes tolerance and progress. Open dissent in democratic systems fosters critical thinking and innovation—traits vital for societal development.

Justice is another cornerstone of democracy. It is no coincidence that countries ranking high in the justice index also score high on the democracy index. An independent judiciary—free from executive interference—ensures the rule of law. Without justice, democracy would be tyranny in disguise.

Education, too, thrives under democracy. It encourages character development and civic responsibility. By involving citizens in governance, it instills patriotism and a sense of belonging. Educated citizens become active participants, making the system stronger and more responsive.

Democracy is also built on an optimistic view of humanity. It believes in the potential of the common man and rejects deterministic views that people’s fates are fixed. With the right environment and resources, anyone can rise to greatness—be it a peasant’s child becoming a general or a laborer’s son turning into a scientist. This humanistic approach sets democracy apart from other forms of governance.

Nevertheless, democracy is not without its flaws. The spread of misinformation and disinformation is a serious threat, especially in the digital age. The 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal illustrates how data misuse can influence elections, mislead voters, and erode trust in democratic institutions.

Additionally, deep-rooted social and economic inequalities continue to hinder democracy’s effectiveness. While democratic ideals promote equal participation, disparities in wealth and education limit the political voice of many. In South Africa, for instance, the legacy of apartheid still restricts true empowerment despite formal democratic structures.

In Pakistan, democracy has been a fragile experiment. The country has oscillated between civilian rule and military authoritarianism, with about 33 years under direct military control. However, despite these interruptions, Pakistan’s democratic spirit persists. The current threats—polarization, limited literacy, judicial politicization, and elite capture—stem not from democracy itself, but from its poor implementation. With a large and youthful population, Pakistan holds immense democratic potential—if it invests in political education and institutional reforms.

To nurture a flourishing democracy, certain conditions must be met. As Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue in Why Democracies Die, mutual tolerance and institutional forbearance are essential. Rival parties must recognize each other as legitimate opponents, and power must be exercised with restraint. Without these norms, democracy can deteriorate into authoritarianism.

Equally crucial is the promotion of education. Illiteracy and democracy are incompatible. Informed citizens are the foundation of democratic governance. As John Dewey aptly said, “The only safeguard of democracy is education.”

To conclude, democracy is more than a political system—it represents humanity’s collective hope for justice, dignity, and freedom. Despite its imperfections, its values and mechanisms make it the most inclusive and resilient form of governance. Flourishing democracies around the world, and even struggling ones like Pakistan, show that when properly implemented, democracy can deliver remarkable results. As Winston S. Churchill rightly put it:
“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government—except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”