When you hear the word democracy, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? My first thoughts were United States of America, freedom, and voting. When I think of a democracy, it is hard to get my mind off the U.S. because that is where we live, isn’t it? Yes.
After reading and reading and literally shoving my head in books to finish the endless amounts of reading that have been assigned this past month, I have learned so much more about what life can be like living in a democracy. India, the biggest democracy in the world, is so much different than that of the United States. It was established differently, is at times run differently and to a certain extent is more successful than certain aspects of the American democracy.
In a lecture last week focused on talking about Indian politics, we learned about the history of Indians democratic system and several leaders who have shaped and contributed to the Indian government. One thing that surprised me was how involved the citizens of India are in electing officials, and getting involved in elections. In India, elections take place in five phases and at five different locations around the country because so many people come out to the polls and for safety reasons they have the entire Indian army present at the poll booths. Besides the voter turnout, the other aspect I found unique about India’s democracy was the political parties. Unlike the United States, India has multiple political parties, not just two. India does not elect officials based on a majority but plurality instead. In the United States we usually identify as a Republican or Democrat and if you’re independent you probably have views of both parties but in India they vote for a candidate. I wonder what the United States would be like, how our government would be, if we had multiple political parties? hmm…. It would be interesting to view the United States in that environment.
India seems like a spectacular country. I love it a little more each time I read something about it. I am going into this trip with a completely open mind because I know the entire experience with be different than anything I have ever experiences and it will be completely different than life in the U.S. I am excited. Excited to wear their clothing, practice some of their beliefs, learn a bit of the language and last but not least observe their politics. 11 days.
