Question

In 2005, some new laws were made in Russia giving more powers to its president. During the same time, the US president visited Russia. What, according to this cartoon, is the relationship between democracy and concentration of power? Can you think of some other examples to illustrate the point being made here?

Answer 1

1. Democracy is for, by, and of the people. Democracy, in general, reflects the will of the people. However, when power is concentrated in a single hand, as in a democratic government, that individual outlasts the will of the people. The cartoon depicts the same situation in which democracy is ruled by a few people, power is concentrated in their hands, and they act according to their will without regard for the well-being of the broader public.
2. Other bad examples of democracy include Pakistan, which has an elected democratic government but does not accurately represent the desires of the people. Once elected, the powerful men manage the country according to their wishes. Iraq was another example of democracy being run in an autocratic manner.