Q. Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity

• 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.

Answer: (a) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.

Notes:

• Democracy is a form of government in which people elect their representatives by exercising their vote.
• The take-off point for a democracy is the idea of consent, i.e. the desire, approval and participation of people.
• It is the decision of people that creates a democratic government and decides about its functioning.
• Since a democracy requires decision-making by the people by exercising their vote, the process involves people’s intelligence and character.
• According to John Stuart Mill the object of government according to Mill’s views, being the attainment of values and virtues in men, their self-development, it is essential that the government should be of those whose self development is being sought.