The United States of America and India are two of the countries which are governed by democracy and India being the largest one in terms of population. Both these countries have affirmed their faith in the democratic dispensation and accepted the people to be their ultimate masters. Elections are regularly held to elect governments and participation in these democratic

exercises is huge and enthusiastic. And their the comparison ends. The American democratic system is fairly old compared to that of India. Having been there for more than two centuries, the American democratic has matured into one of democratic ways being accepted as part of life. Unlike India which opted for democracy in the backdrop of centuries of feudal rule. Thus the functioning of our democratic system is heavily influenced by our feudal past. The common people look upon their governments as 'mai-baap ki sarkar' and that never gets extended to 'my government' or 'our government'. The identification of the masses with government is remote and loose. Thus on the slightest provocation the property of the government becomes the unfailing target to give vent to frustration and anger, which is our property!

Despite criticism of the USA which to large measure is valid for its adventurist foreign policies paradoxically propping up dictatorial regimes outside USA to further its narrow ends. But the success it built through it internal democratic is too brilliant to be ignored by us . It has opened up its doors to the influx of global talent irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It has nurtured talent through establishment of centers of excellence in education and knowledge which attract the cream of talents globally available. Unlike India where the caste, region and religion still unfortunately – consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously- rule our minds in our choice. Family background counts very little in the USA. If a person is endowed with merit and talent, his development is assured in that country.

Compare the scenario in India, a minister in a government behave more like a feudal lord and looks upon his ministry as his fief. He brings in his own men in key position flouting all democratic norms, promotes his cronies, satraps beyond the scrutiny of any institution. But in USA all key appointed routed through the Senate and the prospective candidates are grilled by the Senate committee on their past and once appointed are subject to strict control of these committees. Such a thing might sound outlandish in our land. Even an all-powerful President like Late Nixon had to pay the price for deviant ways in Watergate scam.