Liberal Democracy

Government based on a combination of democratic values (open, free and fair periodically held elections based on universal suffrage) and liberal-constitutional values (liberty and rights of individuals, checks and limitations on government). Main principles are representative government, open and free elections, adult suffrage, majority principles as decision-making criteria, checks and balances between different branches of power, individual rights and liberties and a limited and accountable government. Liberal democracy is the desired form of government that prevails in almost all capitalist-industrial societies and in many welfare economies such as India. John Locke, James Mill, Jeremy Bentham, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine, John Stuart Mill, William Blackstone, A V Dicey, James Bryce, Ivor Jennings, Dadabhai Naoroji, Mohd. Ali Jinnah, B R Ambedkar, J L Nehru, Friedrich Hayek, Robert Nozick, Francis Fukuyama, and host of writers, theorists, practitioners and observers have advocated, upheld and supported liberal democracy. Indian constitution enshrines liberal democratic tenets. Fundamental rights, adult suffrage, elections and representative government with separation of powers make Indian democracy liberal democracy.