The term “democratic” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution signifies the form of governance chosen for the country, emphasizing the role of citizens in electing representatives and participating in the decision-making process.
- Popular Sovereignty: “Democratic” reflects the principle of popular sovereignty, where the ultimate authority to govern resides with the people. It emphasizes that governmental power is derived from and subject to the will of the people.
- Representative Democracy: It affirms the system of representative democracy, where citizens elect their representatives through free and fair elections. These representatives, chosen by the people, govern on behalf of and are accountable to the citizens.
- Right to Participate: The democratic principle guarantees citizens the right to participate in the democratic process, including voting, expressing opinions, and engaging in political activities. It ensures that citizens have a say in decision-making through their elected representatives.
- Rule of Law and Civil Liberties: Democracy in the Indian context also encompasses the rule of law, protection of civil liberties, and respect for fundamental rights. It ensures that the government functions within the framework of the Constitution and upholds individual freedoms and rights.
- Checks and Balances: The democratic system includes mechanisms for checks and balances, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the prevention of authoritarianism or abuse of power.
The inclusion of “democratic” in the Preamble emphasizes India’s commitment to a form of governance that is based on the will of the people, promotes participation, protects individual rights, and operates within a framework of laws and institutions designed to foster democratic principles and values.
