Democracy Without Democratic Citizenry: Institutions in Crisis

Democracy Without Democratic Citizenry: Institutions in Crisis

"......democracy is assessed in terms of public reasoning (Chapters 15–17), which leads to an understanding of democracy as ‘government by discussion’ (an idea that John Stuart Mill did much

to advance). But democracy must also be seen more generally in terms of the capacity to enrich reasoned engagement through enhancing informational availability and the feasibility of interactive discussions. Democracy has to be judged not just by the institutions that formally exist but by the extent to which different voices from diverse sections of the people can actually be heard. (Idea of Justice by Amartya Sen, pp xii-xiii)

Democracy is widely regarded as a system where the power rests in the hands of the people. It operates on the principles of equality, liberty, and rule of law, with political institutions designed to represent and serve citizens. However, democracy requires much more than just institutions like parliaments, courts, and elections; it demands active engagement from its citizens, who must embody democratic values, participate in civic duties, and make informed decisions. In many countries, democratic institutions have been established, but the cultivation of a truly democratic citizenry has been neglected. This imbalance—strong institutions without a democratic populace—poses a serious threat to the survival of democracy.

Democratic backsliding is a pressing concern in modern times. Yet, if we seek to halt this regression, the remedy must arise from within the system itself. Democracy, much like an intricate organism, thrives on the harmonious functioning of its core elements. We must, therefore, turn our attention to these foundational components, identifying whether they are compromised, and seek to restore them to health. If the fundamental principles of democracy remain robust and intact, its decline is neither inevitable nor natural. Democracy, in essence, should be nurtured as a living entity—fragile yet resilient—sustained through continuous care and introspection.

The Role of Democratic Institutions

Institutions like legislatures, courts, and executive branches form the backbone of any democracy. They ensure that the will of the people is expressed through elected representatives, that laws are applied impartially, and that individual rights are protected. Supporting structures, such as independent electoral commissions, free media, and watchdog organizations, help safeguard democracy by ensuring transparency and accountability.

While essential, these institutions alone cannot guarantee the success of a democracy. They are the mechanisms through which democracy functions, but the real vitality of democracy lies in the attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of its citizens. Institutions can be seen as the hardware of governance, while democratic citizens provide the software that ensures they function effectively. Without a citizenry that values tolerance, civic responsibility, and respect for the rule of law, even the best-designed institutions cannot operate as intended.

The Democratic Citizenry: Essential, Yet Neglected

At the core of any thriving democracy is an engaged, informed, and responsible citizenry. Democracy is unique in its need for active participation from citizens—not just through voting but through debate, holding leaders accountable, and engaging in public life. Citizens must understand governance basics, respect the law, and value differing opinions in a diverse society. These qualities make democracy dynamic and vibrant.

Yet, in many modern democracies, this focus has diminished. Public education has shifted away from civic education, with greater emphasis on job training and economic development. As a result, many citizens lack the necessary knowledge and skills to fully participate in the democratic process, leaving democratic institutions functioning without an informed populace to support them.

The consequences of this neglect are dire. When citizens lack democratic training, they become susceptible to populism, misinformation, and authoritarianism. Poor electoral choices, disengagement from politics, and intolerance of diverse viewpoints lead to greater social conflict and political dysfunction.

 Institutions Without Democratic Citizens: A Dysfunctional Democracy

Democratic institutions rely on citizen participation to function effectively. If citizens fail to vote, the electoral system loses its purpose. If the judiciary is disrespected, courts cannot administer justice impartially. When public discourse becomes dominated by hostility and intolerance, reasoned debate—essential to democratic decision-making—breaks down.

In a democracy, the institutions are designed to represent the people and are often staffed by individuals from the citizenry. This close relationship means that the values, attitudes, and behaviors of citizens directly influence how these institutions function. If individuals who lack democratic training rise to power, they bring with them undemocratic tendencies that erode the very essence of democracy.

For example, individuals with feudal or authoritarian mindsets may prioritize hierarchy, privilege, and obedience over democratic principles like accountability, participation, and transparency. Even well-established institutions can be corrupted when they are run by individuals who uphold authoritarian values. This highlights the urgent need to educate citizens in democratic values to prevent such dysfunction.

 Public Goods and Democratic Survival

Public goods—education, healthcare, and public broadcasting—play a critical role in fostering a democratic citizenry. They provide the intellectual and moral foundation necessary for democratic participation. Civic education, community engagement programs, and public media cultivate informed, responsible citizens who understand democratic values and engage in governance meaningfully.

Unfortunately, the weakening of public goods has eroded democratic behavior. Without exposure to democratic principles, citizens are more vulnerable to authoritarian rhetoric, populism, and political apathy. This directly contributes to the dysfunction of democratic institutions, which increasingly operate without the necessary democratic citizenry to sustain them.

 Public Trust and Democratic Values

Equitable access to public goods strengthens public trust in democratic institutions. When governments provide essential services efficiently and fairly, citizens develop confidence in the system, fostering a sense of civic responsibility. This reciprocal relationship is crucial for democratic survival. A democracy that provides for its citizens is less susceptible to authoritarian threats, while one that fails in this regard creates fertile ground for authoritarian leaders to rise to power.

The Struggle for Democratic Survival

A democracy without a corresponding democratic citizenry is vulnerable to corruption, manipulation, and authoritarianism. Disengaged citizens contribute to a vicious cycle of institutional dysfunction, disillusionment, and further political withdrawal. The survival of democracy depends on the re-establishment of a healthy relationship between citizens and their institutions.

Countries like India face particular challenges in this regard. While India boasts a vibrant electoral system and an independent judiciary, many citizens lack knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. Caste-based politics, corruption, and authoritarian tendencies have taken root, partially due to the failure of public education and civic engagement programs to instill democratic values. Similar challenges are evident in the United States, where political polarization and declining trust in institutions undermine democratic norms.

The Need for Democratic Education and Civic Engagement

To sustain democracy, a renewed emphasis on public education and civic engagement is essential. Schools must teach democratic values, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. Civic engagement programs should encourage participation in local governance, community service, and public debates, providing citizens with real-world opportunities to practice democracy.

Social and economic reforms are also necessary to support democratic survival. Addressing income inequality, improving education access, and reducing social alienation will create conditions for a healthy democratic citizenry to emerge.

Conclusion

 We may import the idea of Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow, which explains how individuals often make quick decisions or judgments based on rules of thumb (heuristics) that work on average but may not truly reflect what they genuinely want or think. Kahneman emphasizes that these rapid judgments may not represent their deeper preferences if they had more time to deliberate.

Democracy depends on more than institutions—it requires active, informed, and engaged citizens. Without this foundation, even the most well-constructed institutions will falter. The current crisis in democracy, marked by political disengagement and rising authoritarianism, is a direct result of the failure to cultivate democratic citizens.

To preserve democracy, governments must prioritize public goods that promote democratic values while addressing social and economic inequalities that lead to political disengagement. Only by fostering an informed and engaged citizenry can democratic institutions thrive.

As democracy faces mounting challenges worldwide, the focus must shift from maintaining structures to nurturing the behaviors that will keep these structures alive.

RAHUL RAMYA

17.09.2024, PATNA