Democracy and Human Excellence
Question
Democracy's superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity
(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.
Options
the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
the methods for strengthening executive leadership.
a superior individual with dynamism and vision.
a band of dedicated party workers.
Explanation
This question tests understanding of the fundamental virtue of democracy. Democracy's key strength is not in creating superior individuals or strong executives, but in its ability to involve and utilize the talents, intelligence and character of ordinary citizens. This represents the democratic ideal of citizen participation and collective wisdom rather than reliance on charismatic leaders or elite governance. The other options suggest alternatives that contradict democratic principles: option (b) emphasizes executive strength, option (c) suggests reliance on a superior individual (contrary to democratic equality), and option (d) suggests party oligarchy rather than broad citizen participation. > Key insight: Democracy's virtue is in empowering ordinary people, not creating elite rule or strengthening individual authority. Answer: (a).
Question details
Year
2017
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q42
Subject
Polity
Sub-topic
Democratic principles and governance
Type
Factual single
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Political Theory - Democratic Values
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