Democracy vs. Theocracy
Main DifferenceDifferent forms of government exist which are followed by separate countries to run their matters and every way of running the country has its advantages of disadvantages. There is always an argument made on which one can be better than the other based on certain set of topics but there can be no winner. Two similar forms of government which will be talked about are theocracy and democracy. These are distinct from each other, but one cannot comprehend which one is better because they both can be beneficial in their own way. Some of the differences between them are stated here. Democracy can be defined as the form of government which makes sure that the rule of the people is maintained. Theocracy, on the other hand, is the type in which people do not get much of a say and the sole entity which runs the country is God and its teachings. There are many other differences as well, for example in a democratic system there is a proper set of representatives who are elected by the people to put forward their cause in a bigger scope. In theocracy people cannot elect their own members and have to depend on the person who is in charge to appoint someone for them. The constitution in case of democracy is set up by the people, keeping in view the needs of a country and other circumstances while in a theocratic system, the law is according to the holy book of the religion which has this type of rule. Many countries in the world have moved towards a democratic system while many of the states in the past followed the theocracy system. The ruler of a country is elected through a democratic process while rule is inherited or the ruler appointed, in a theocratic system. There are many other differences too, which will be listed down at the end. Brief description of these two types is given in the paragraphs which follow.

Difference Between Democracy and Theocracy
Democracy vs. Theocracy
In a democratic system the ruler is elected through voting system while in a theocratic system the ruler is either appointed on the rule is inherited from family to family.
Democracy vs. Theocracy
There is the concept of parliament which takes decisions on the matters which are critical while in a theocratic system there may or may not be a parliament.
Democracy vs. Theocracy
Many countries in the world have moved towards a democratic system while many of the states in the past followed the theocracy system.
Democracy vs. Theocracy
People are free to choose their own representatives in a democratic system while they are appointed for people in a theocratic system.
Democracy vs. Theocracy
Head of state has the full power in democracy while there is no human source of power in a theocratic system.
Democracy vs. Theocracy
According to the current situation democracy suits more because of the division between religions while theocracy can be a better rule if people are religiously united.
Democracynoun
(uncountable) Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
Theocracynoun
Government under the control of a state-sponsored religion.
Tibet was a Buddhist theocracy ruled by the Dalai Lama.Democracynoun
A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.
Theocracynoun
Rule by a god.
Democracynoun
(uncountable) Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".
Theocracynoun
a political unit governed by a deity (or by officials thought to be divinely guided)
Democracynoun
the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives
Theocracynoun
the belief in government by divine guidance
Democracynoun
a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
Democracynoun
the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group
Comparison Chart
Democracy | Theocracy |
Can be defined as the form of government which makes sure that the rule of the people is maintained. | Form of government in which the sole power of origin is god or a higher entity which gives people the power of running the country according to its rules. |
Ruler | |
The ruler is elected through voting system. | The ruler is either appointed on the rule is inherited from family to family. |
Parliament | |
There is the concept of parliament which takes decisions on the matters which are critical | There may or may not be a parliament. |
Elections | |
People are free to choose their own representatives | Representatives are appointed |
Definition of Democracy
Democracy can be defined as the form of government which makes sure that the rule of the people is maintained. The way of governing the country is founded by the simple form of representation. People of the country elect their representatives by voting for them during the elections. The individuals who are chosen become part of the parliament and attend the sessions to act on behalf other citizens. If the person who has voted for a person are not happy with their representatives, they may not vote for them again in the next elections. It also has some other features, there is no possibility of unrest being created by the people because actually they are the ones who have selected the people to make different policies. The leaders get to take different terms and mostly are not electable after two terms in the office. There are also some wide-ranging benefits, for example, people when given the right to choose their own leaders, won’t come out against them that often which maintains the state of calmness. There is also a limit on how many times a person can be selected which helps in new people coming through the ranks. To summarize, the best way to explain this term is the most famous sentence used for it. The government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Definition of Theocracy
This is a different form of government in which the sole power of origin is god or a higher entity which gives people the power of running the country according to its rules. This type of government used to be very common in the old times when nations were divided on the basis or religion and wars were fought in order to prove that one religion is better than the other. Different religions such as Muslims and Christians had theocracy where the book of God was made the law and all the actions that were taken after that were in accordance to that. Although most religions tend to have similar powers given to the people there are always exceptions. The way of ruling is same though, where one person or more are elected and act as serving and implementer of God’s will. There is no proper parliament and even if there is, it can be overruled by the higher power. Many Christian countries did away with this form of government long ago and went towards democracy. Though the believers say that implementing the real message itself is democracy.
ConclusionThere are forms of government which are similar to each other and then there are some forms which are totally opposite to each other, the two terms explained in this article are Theocracy and Democracy which basically are antonyms. This space has given a brief but precise explanation of two terms to help people know what they mean.