Highlight any three merits and any three demerits of democracy.

Merits of democracy

1. Popular participation: It allows the people to take part in government through voting and other means, giving legitimacy to the government.
2. Protection of rights and freedoms: It safeguards the fundamental human rights and liberties of citizens.
3. Accountability and change of government: Rulers are accountable to the people and can be peacefully removed through periodic elections.

Demerits of democracy

1. Slow decision-making: Wide consultation and debate make the process of taking decisions slow and cumbersome.
2. Rule by the ignorant majority: Decisions may be based on the votes of an uninformed majority rather than on merit or competence.
3. Expensive to operate: Conducting elections, running the legislature and maintaining democratic institutions consume enormous public funds.

(Other valid points such as tyranny of the majority, and equality before the law, are acceptable.)