Question

Difficulty: EasyDemocracy: Meaning, Types, Features, and Prerequisites

Which of the following is considered an essential feature of a democratic system of government?

  1. Periodic, free, and fair electionsAnswer
  2. B
    Governance strictly through executive military decrees
  3. C
    Exercise of absolute coercive power without constitutional limitations
  4. D
    Total concentration of law-making, executive, and judicial powers in a single organ

Answer

Periodic, free, and fair elections constitute a fundamental feature of democracy.
Periodic, free, and fair elections serve as the primary mechanism through which citizens express popular sovereignty, elect representatives, and enforce governmental accountability in a democratic state.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define democracy and its essential tenets
Democracy is governance by the people, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
Understanding the core definition helps identify key prerequisites and institutional features.
2
Evaluate the options against democratic features
Periodic, free, and fair elections guarantee popular participation, competitive political choice, and peaceful transfer of power.
Without regular and credible electoral mechanisms, a government loses popular consent and constitutional democratic legitimacy.

Key Concept

Essential Features and Prerequisites of Democracy
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