1. Liberal theory of democracy

2. Characteristics of liberal democracy
Liberty
Equality
Fraternity
Sovereignty with the people
Open competition for political parties
Respect for opposition
Freedom to form political parties
Periodic elections
Faith in constitutional means

3. Rule of majority
Independent and impartial judiciary
Rule of law
Provision of rights
Independent means of propaganda
Decentralization of powers
Secularism
Responsible government
Opposition of socialism and support of capatilism
Rejection of violence
Pluralistic nature of society

4. Criticism of the liberal theory of democracy
More importance to quantity than quality
It is based on the principle of unnatural equality
It is cult of incompetence
Dominance of bureaucracy
It is expensive government
Unstable government
Bad effects of political parties

5. Dictatorship of the majority
It lowers the moral standard of people
It is not government of all
It is the government of rich
Weak government during emergency
Politics becomes a profession
It weakens national unity
Indifferent attitude of voters
Rejection of liberal democracy by Marxists
Criticism by elites

6. References
Aggarwal R.C., Principles of Political Science, S.Chand Company, New Delhi, 1976.
Badyal, J.S, Political Theory, Raj Publishers, 2012, Jalander.
Garner James Wildford, Political Science and Government, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1951.
Gauba O.P, An Introduction to Political Theory, Macmillan Publisher, Delhi, 2009.
Heywood Andrew, Political Theory An Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2005.
Misra K.K & Iyengar Kalpana. M, Modern Political Theory, S.Chand Company, New Delhi,
Ray Amal, Political Theory Idess and Institutions, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1988
Johari J.C, Principles of Modern Political Science, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 1989.

7. DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,By
Dr. AMANDIP KAUR
DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,
PGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARH.