most people think freedom of speech is necessary for a democratic government. in countries without free speech, people might be afraid to say what they think. then, the government does not know what the people want. if the government does not know what they want, it cannot respond to their wants. without free speech, the government does not have to worry as much about doing what the people want. some people say this is why some governments do not allow free speech: they do not want to be criticised, or they fear there would be revolution if everyone knew everything that was happening in the country.