Our constitution is named democracy, because it is in the hands not of the few but of the many. But our laws secure equal justice for all in their private disputes and our public opinion welcomes and honours talents in every branch of achievement. And as we give free play to all in our public life, so we carry the same spirit into our daily relation with one another. We have no black looks or angry words for our neighbour if he enjoys himself in his own way and we abstain from the little acts of churlishness which, though they leave no mark, yet cause annoyance to those who note them. Open and friendly in our private intercourse, in our public acts we keep strictly within the control of law. We acknowledge the restraint of reverence, we are obedient to whom- so-ever is set in authority, and to the laws, more specially to those which offer protection to the oppressed and to those unwritten ordinances whose transgression brings admitted shame.
“Our laws secure equal justice for all.” This is a social virtue. Find out from the passage some other social virtues which democracy produces.

Explanation

Idea—Principles of democratic way of life. The citizen of democracy is free in his personal and private life, but he is bound by laws in public life. He respects law and authority.
Secure equal justice—guarantee equality and justice to all, Tal-ents……achievement— honour the talented man in every field of life and career, Black ………words—discouragement and jealousy, Little …… churlishness—little acts of anger and jealousy, Unwritten Ordinances— moral laws, Transgression—disobedience.