Educated Citizenry - Personal Statement Example

R.Preeti 11/7/2007 Analytical Essay A country's citizenry often determines the progress of the country, it is said. This essay attempts to discuss if an educated citizenry is necessary for the proper functioning of a democracy. According to me, it is important for a democracy to consist of educated citizenry. I feel this way, because of the fact that an educated citizenry can solely understand the prerogatives and the initiatives taken by the government, for the welfare of the masses.

In addition to this, educated citizenry can actually differentiate and recognise any wrong-doers or the emergence of an autocratic government.Educated masses are an important asset to any country, more so for one that follows the democratic form of government. By education, we do not simply mean the literacy rate and its level in the democracy, but the level of awareness that exists amidst them. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Democracy is a form of government by the people, of the people and for the people".

Therefore, those people need to be aware of the way the government functions, why a certain policy is being adopted and what are the rights he or she can avail in the system. An educated citizenry, that is well-informed about the current affairs of the State, the rights and the duties it needs to perform and the process of give of take, can be of crucial help to the government and the democracy, as a whole. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why a Democracy can benefit from an educated citizenry.

The second reason stated deals with the fact that the citizenry should be well informed and educated, since it needs to identify and recognise where the democracy is headed. In addition to this, if the democracy, which is a people-oriented form of government is misleading them and if it assumes dictatorship tendencies; the educated masses need to recognise this and take the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences. Educated and aware audiences can channelize the democracy towards prosperity and success; as they help the government work faster and better.

If my argument is in place, educated citizens, who aid the government in attaining set goals, and in creating an atmosphere of enlightenment and awareness are the best kind of citizens. They pave way for quicker development and consequently, growth.