Q.8 Distinguish between procedural and substantive democracy.
Procedural
and Substantive democracy, Successful
democracy is a holistic idea; it encompasses both procedural aspects –
political equality, effective institutions, free and fair elections,
legislative assemblies and constitutional governments, and good voter turn
outs; and substantive aspects – socio-economic equality of citizens, tolerance
for different opinions, ruler accountability, respect for the rules, and a
strong political engagement. Both aspects are complementary and dependent.
Procedural
and Substantive democracy, They
reinforce one another and also interfere with one another. Socio-economic
inequality will interfere with the achievement of political equality. Thus,
successful functioning of procedural aspects of democracy requires some aspects
of substantive – tolerance, equality etc.