Abraham Lincoln defines democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people

Though democracy in India has been appreciated worldwide for its working, there is still a lot of scope for improvement. The above-mentioned steps must be taken to ensure smooth functioning of democracy in the country.
Indian democracy can be successful and vibrant only when its citizens imbibe and reflect in their behavior the basic democratic values like equality, freedom, social justice, accountability and respect for all. Their mindset, thinking and behavior are expected to be in tune with the essential conditions of democracy. They have to appreciate the opportunities for their desired roles like participation, making the system accountable, fulfilling obligations, and playing proactive roles to actualize the goals of democracy.

(i) India has a Parliamentary form of democracy.
(ii) The Indian Parliament comprises the elected representatives of people.
(iii) It makes the laws for the country.
(iv) The participation of people in the decision making and the consent of citizens are the two important elements of Parliamentary form of government in India.
(v) India is the largest democratic country in the world.
(vi) Democracy in India works on five basic principles.
(vii) These are sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and republic.
(viii) Every citizen of India who is not less than 18 years of age can exercise their right to vote in India.
(ix) There is no descrimination based on a person's caste, creed, religion, gender and education when it comes to providing the right to vote.

(i) Empowerment of the poor and illiterates to enjoy the goodness of democracy.
(ii) Willingness among the elected people not to misuse their powerful position and public wealth.
(iii) Eradication of social evils and dangers from which democracy suffers.
(iv) An impartial and efficient press to form public opinion.
(v) Presence of strong public opinion.
(vi) Feeling of tolerance and communal harmony among the people.
(vii) Awareness among the people of the fundamental rights that they are entitled to enjoy.
(viii) Conscious check and vigilance on the working of the elected representatives.
(ix) Powerful and responsible opposition

Democracy is the dominant form of government in the contemporary world. It has not faced a serious challenge or a rival so far. In the last hundred years, there has been an expansion of democracy all over the world. The various aspects of democracy and its challenges are:
1. Illiteracy
2. Poverty
3.. Gender discrimination
4. Regionalism
5. Casteism, communalism and religious fundamentalism
6. Corruption
7. Criminalisation of politics.
8. Political violence

(i) Elected representatives of people and final decision-making power to the representatives.
(ii) Free and fair elections.
(iii) Universal adult franchise with each vote having equal value.
(iv) Fundamental rights and protection of individual freedom.

(i) Democracy is a form of government that allows people to choose their rulers.
(ii) Only leaders elected by people should rule the country.
(iii) People have freedom to express views, freedom to organise and freedom to protest.

A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives and which has an elected (or) nominated President rather than a Monarch.
e.g., India, Australia.