Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow :
Despite the mixed record of the democratic experience, the people in all these countries of South Asia share the aspiration for democracy. A recent survey of the attitudes of the people in the five big countries of the region showed that there is widespread support for democracy in all these countries. Ordinary citizens, rich as well as poor and belonging to different religions, view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy. They prefer democracy or any other form of government and think that democracy is suitable for their country. These are significant findings, for it was earlier believed that democracy could flourish and find support only in prosperous countries of the world.
(i) Assess the popularity of representative democracy.
(ii) Analysethe reasons for the widespread support for democracy in the five big countries of South Asia.
(iii) How far do you agree with the statement that democracy can flourish and find support only in prosperous countries.
(i) Representative democracy has gained popularity due to widespread support in the five big countries, where ordinary citizens – rich and poor, belonging to different religions, view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
(ii) The reason for widespread support for democracy in the five big countries of South Asia is that it suits their country and gives the hope of fulfilling their aspirations.
(iii) I do not agree with this view as the examples of India and Sri Lanka are a proof of the success of democrary. Other countries also have successful democracies.
