UPSC Prelims 2017 Q42: Indian Polity – Political Theory & Concepts
- (a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
- (b) the methods for strengthening executive leadership.
- (c) a superior individual with dynamism and vision.
- (d) a band of dedicated party workers.
Answer: (a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
Explanation
Democracy's superior virtue
Democracy rests on the participation of ordinary citizens.
It asks every man and woman to think, judge and choose.
This calls into activity their intelligence and character.
| Option | Belongs to | Fits democracy's virtue? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Intelligence and character of ordinary men and women | Democracy | Yes |
| (b) Methods for strengthening executive leadership | Any strong government | No |
| (c) A superior individual with dynamism and vision | Rule by one great leader | No |
| (d) A band of dedicated party workers | One-party or cadre rule | No |
J.S. Mill made a similar point in Considerations on Representative Government (1861).
He argued that taking part in government improves the citizens themselves.
Answer: (a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Democracy draws on the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
- (b) Incorrect. Strengthening executive leadership is not special to democracy.
- (c) Incorrect. Reliance on a superior individual is the mark of authoritarian rule.
- (d) Incorrect. A band of dedicated party workers describes cadre rule, not democracy's virtue.
Key point
Democracy's virtue lies in the participation of ordinary people, which draws out their intelligence and character.
Remember
Democracy = ordinary people's intelligence and character.
Common mistakes
- Choosing strong leadership, which any system of government can claim.
- Linking democracy to a great leader instead of the common citizen.
- Treating party workers as the core of democracy, not the voters.
Exam tip
In democracy questions, look for the option about ordinary people. Leaders and parties are secondary.
Sources
- NCERT Class IX — Democratic Politics I (What is Democracy? Why Democracy?)
- J.S. Mill — Considerations on Representative Government (1861)