Compare the features of Democratic and non-democratic governments.

Democratic Government

Non-Democratic Government

a. Only those elected by the people, rule the country. The electorate chooses their representatives at the time of the election.

b. Citizens enjoy various freedoms like freedom of expression of freedom to form associations.

c. Major decisions are taken by the elected leaders.

d. A democratic government is based on free and fair elections where those in power have a fair chance of losing.

e. In a democracy, each adult has one vote and each vote had one value. There is political equality.

f. A democratic government functions within limits set by the constitutional laws and citizens’ rights.

a. People cannot choose their rulers or change them. They are either military dictators or hereditary rulers e.g. in Myanmar and in Saudi Arabia.

b. People do not have any freedom. They cannot criticise the government. They cannot form associations.

c. People may not have any elected representatives e.g. in Pakistan. Even if they elect they cannot take final decisions. The decisions are taken by their leaders (dictators and monarchs).

d. There are no free and fair elections e.g. In China only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party are allowed to contest elections and form the government.

e. There are many instances of denial of political equality e.g.Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia women are denied the right to vote.

f. A non-democratic government can do whatever it likes. e.g. Robert Mugabe, a popular leader became an autocratic ruler. He also changed the constitution to because more powerful and less accountable.