question_answer

Distinguish between democratic and non-democratic conditions.

Answer:

 (a) A democracy is based on the consent of the people which provides natural legitimacy to the government. (b) It upholds individual liberties and provides equal opportunities to all its citizens whereas in a non-democratic condition, e.g., in a dictatorship, the people are not given any right and dissent not to be tolerated. (c) The dictator possesses absolute power and the people have no say in the government. (d) The people cannot change such a government even if they are unhappy with it.