Definition of Democracy
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. One chief factor common to all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people. It also helps students to demarcate between democratic and non-democratic governments. From the non-democratic government, take the example of Myanmar, where rulers were not elected by the people. Those who were in charge of the army of the country took over as rulers and people had no say in this decision. Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) are not elected by the people. This also applies to monarchies.
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. One chief factor common to all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people. It also helps students to demarcate between democratic and non-democratic governments. From the non-democratic government, take the example of Myanmar, where rulers were not elected by the people. Those who were in charge of the army of the country took over as rulers and people had no say in this decision. Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) are not elected by the people. This also applies to monarchies.
Features of Democracy
The simple definition of democracy gives rise to various questions, which are given below:
The simple definition of democracy gives rise to various questions, which are given below:
- Who are the rulers in this definition?
- What kind of election constitutes a democratic election?
- Who are the people who can elect the rulers or get elected as rulers?
- Finally, what form of government is a democracy?
Major decisions by elected leaders
Some countries like Pakistan do not follow this rule. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He overthrew the democratically elected government and went on to become the President of the country. In 2002, he also held a referendum in the country that granted him a five-year extension. Meanwhile, after passing of this ‘Legal Framework Order’ elections were held to the national and provincial assemblies and elected representatives were granted some powers. But the final power rested with military officers and General Musharraf himself. Hence, we can conclude it was not a democratic country. The same thing happens in many dictatorships and monarchies. Thus, we can conclude that in a democracy the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
Some countries like Pakistan do not follow this rule. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He overthrew the democratically elected government and went on to become the President of the country. In 2002, he also held a referendum in the country that granted him a five-year extension. Meanwhile, after passing of this ‘Legal Framework Order’ elections were held to the national and provincial assemblies and elected representatives were granted some powers. But the final power rested with military officers and General Musharraf himself. Hence, we can conclude it was not a democratic country. The same thing happens in many dictatorships and monarchies. Thus, we can conclude that in a democracy the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
Free and Fair Electoral Competition
In China, elections are held after every five years for electing the country’s parliament, called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s Congress). Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. The government is always formed by the Communist Party. Alternatively, since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its President. But until 2000 every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Should we consider the elections described above as examples of people electing their rulers? Reading these examples we get a sense that we cannot. Democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.One person, one vote, one value one value
Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. However, there are many instances of denial of the equal right to vote. Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to the Russian minority found it difficult to get the right to vote. In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian. Definitely not a democratic government. The feature of democracy this highlights is that in a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and in turn, each vote must have one value.
In China, elections are held after every five years for electing the country’s parliament, called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s Congress). Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. The government is always formed by the Communist Party. Alternatively, since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its President. But until 2000 every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Should we consider the elections described above as examples of people electing their rulers? Reading these examples we get a sense that we cannot. Democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.One person, one vote, one value one value
Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. However, there are many instances of denial of the equal right to vote. Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to the Russian minority found it difficult to get the right to vote. In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian. Definitely not a democratic government. The feature of democracy this highlights is that in a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and in turn, each vote must have one value.
Rule of law and respect for rights
Zimbabwe attained independence from White minority rule in 1980 and from then the country has been ruled by the party that led the freedom struggle, ZANU-PF. Its leader,Robert Mugabe ruled the country since independence. Even if elections were held regularly, it was always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe was popular but also used unfair practicesin elections. There was a law that limited the right to criticise the President. Television and radio were controlled by the government and gave only the ruling party’s version. There were independent newspapers but the government harassed those journalists who went against it and so on. Not a democratic government. Democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.
Hence, we can deduce that democracy is a form of government in which:
Zimbabwe attained independence from White minority rule in 1980 and from then the country has been ruled by the party that led the freedom struggle, ZANU-PF. Its leader,Robert Mugabe ruled the country since independence. Even if elections were held regularly, it was always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe was popular but also used unfair practicesin elections. There was a law that limited the right to criticise the President. Television and radio were controlled by the government and gave only the ruling party’s version. There were independent newspapers but the government harassed those journalists who went against it and so on. Not a democratic government. Democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.
Hence, we can deduce that democracy is a form of government in which:
- Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions
- Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers
- This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis
- The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights
Why Democracy?
Cons of Democracy
- Leaders keep changing in a democracy leading to instability
- Democracy is all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality
- Many people have to be consulted in a democracy that leads to delays
- Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people, resulting in bad decisions
- Democracy leads to corruption since it is based on electoral competition
- Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything
From these arguments, we can see that democracy of the kind we see may not be the ideal form of government. However, we will see if democracy is better than other forms of government that are there for us to choose from.
Arguments in Favour of Democracy
1. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government: Take the example of India and China famines in 1958-1961. While China was hit badly, India did not fare as badly, despite its economic condition. Reason for this could be that India responded to the food scarcity in a way that the Chinese government did not. Here, we see that democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people.
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making: Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people, discussions and meetings and they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This may take time. However, the advantage of taking time over important decisions is that it reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: In any society, people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly more in a country like ours with amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practise different religions and have different castes. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other groups. How do we resolve such a conflict? Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner or loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
4. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens: Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. It recognises that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.
5. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own mistakes: Even if no government can guarantee that no mistakes will be made, in a democracy one can be sure that it will not be hidden for too long. It makes space for public discussion on these mistakes. There is also room for correction. Rulers have to change their decisions or they could themselves be changed.Thus, we can correctly infer that while democracy may not be the solution to all problems, it is still clearly better than any other alternatives.
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making: Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people, discussions and meetings and they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This may take time. However, the advantage of taking time over important decisions is that it reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: In any society, people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly more in a country like ours with amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practise different religions and have different castes. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other groups. How do we resolve such a conflict? Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner or loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
4. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens: Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. It recognises that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.
5. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own mistakes: Even if no government can guarantee that no mistakes will be made, in a democracy one can be sure that it will not be hidden for too long. It makes space for public discussion on these mistakes. There is also room for correction. Rulers have to change their decisions or they could themselves be changed.Thus, we can correctly infer that while democracy may not be the solution to all problems, it is still clearly better than any other alternatives.
Broader Meanings of Democracy
In this chapter, the meaning of democracy is discussed in a descriptive sense. Students get to learn about democracy as a form of government, thus helping them to identify a clear set of minimal features that democracy requires. The common form adopted by democracy is representative democracy. In democratic countries, all people do not rule. A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people through their elected representatives.
In this chapter, the meaning of democracy is discussed in a descriptive sense. Students get to learn about democracy as a form of government, thus helping them to identify a clear set of minimal features that democracy requires. The common form adopted by democracy is representative democracy. In democratic countries, all people do not rule. A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people through their elected representatives.
This has become necessary for the reasons given below
- Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a collective decision.
- Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part in all the decisions.
Democracy as a principle can go beyond the government and can be applied to any sphere of life. People use the word democracy not to describe any existing government but to set up an ideal standard that all democracies must aim to become. However, if the ideals of democracy are considered then no country in the world is correctly democratic. Still, having an understanding of democracy as an ideal will explain why to value democracy. It enables people to judge an existing democracy and identify their weaknesses. It also helps to distinguish between a minimal democracy and a good democracy. The most common form of democracy in today’s world is being ruled through people’s elected representatives. However, for a small community, there can be other ways of making democratic decisions. All people can sit together and make decisions directly. This is how the Gram Sabha should work in a village.
Question and answers 1-mark
1. Who said these words, “Democracy is the rule of people, for the people and by the people”?
Ans: Abraham Lincoln.
2. Democracy comes from which Greek word?
Ans: Greek word, “Demokrati”.
3. Name the ruling party of Syria?
Ans: The Baath Party.
4. Which two countries of the world have allowed the ruling parties to contest elections?
Ans: China and Mexico.
5. Name the country where women are not allowed to take part in the election.
Ans: Saudi Arabia.
6. Name the any one country of the world where there is no democracy.
Ans: Zimbabwe.
7. What type of government would you like to have in your country?
Ans: Democracy
8. Name the ruler who had established dictatorship in Germany?
Ans: Democracy
8. Name the ruler who had established dictatorship in Germany?
Ans: Adolf Hitler.
9. Who is President of Zimbabwe?
Ans: Robert Mugabe.
10.When did Zimbabwe achieve independence?
Ans: 1980.
11.Which party is ruling over Zimbabwe since independence?
Ans: ZANU-PF.
12.Write a drawback of the electoral system of Fiji?
Ans: In Fiji, the value of the vote of the indigenous Fiji is more as comparison to an Indian Fijian.
Ans: In Fiji, the value of the vote of the indigenous Fiji is more as comparison to an Indian Fijian.
13.What is PRI?
Ans: PRI is the political party of Mexico- Institutional Revolutionary Party.
14.What does referendum means?
Ans: Referendum is the direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.
Ans: Referendum is the direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.
15.When did Parvez Musharraf come to power in Pakistan?
Ans: October 1999.
16.Why are quality decisions always possible in a democracy?
Ans: Because democratic decisions always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
Ans: Because democratic decisions always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
17.After how many years does Mexico hold elections for electing its president?
Ans: After every six year.
18.Name the country that does not give voting rights to minorities.
Ans: Estonia.
19.By whom the President of China appointed?
Ans: Members of the National People’s Congress.
20.Name a country which has multi-party system.
Ans: India.
SHORT QUESTION AND ANSWERS 3-MARK
1. What amendments did Parvez Musharraf bring in the constitution of Pakistan by issuing a legal framework order?
Ans. In August 2002 he issued a legal framework order that amended the constitution of Pakistan.According to this order, the president can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.The work of the civilians’ cabinet is supervised by a National Security Council which is dominated by military officers.
Ans. In August 2002 he issued a legal framework order that amended the constitution of Pakistan.According to this order, the president can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.The work of the civilians’ cabinet is supervised by a National Security Council which is dominated by military officers.
2. Pakistan under General Pervez Musharaff was a democratic country or non democratic.
Give reasons.
Ans. Pakistan under General Pervez Musharaff was a non democratic country.
He amended constitution according to his own will and for his personal benefits.
He dismissed the national and provincial assemblies.
Give reasons.
Ans. Pakistan under General Pervez Musharaff was a non democratic country.
He amended constitution according to his own will and for his personal benefits.
He dismissed the national and provincial assemblies.
Final power was rests with military officers.
3. ‘Some countries are not ready to give voting rights to its citizens’. Explain.
Ans. In Saudi Arabia women do not have the right to vote.
Estonia had made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
In Fiji the electoral system was is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian Fijian.
Ans. In Saudi Arabia women do not have the right to vote.
Estonia had made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
In Fiji the electoral system was is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian Fijian.
4. What dirty practices were used by IRP to win the elections in Mexico?
Ans. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections.
All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings.
Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI.
Ans. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections.
All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings.
Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI.
Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties except to criticize them.
5. Name any two countries where elections are held regularly but they cannot be considered as democratic countries. Explain.
Ans. Mexico and China are two countries where elections are held regularly but they cannot be considered as democratic countries.
In china before contesting elections a candidate need the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. People have no choice. The government is always formed by the communist party. This is against the democratic system of elections.
In Mexico, PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections. All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings. Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI. Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties except to criticize them. This is against the democratic system of elections.
Ans. Mexico and China are two countries where elections are held regularly but they cannot be considered as democratic countries.
In china before contesting elections a candidate need the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. People have no choice. The government is always formed by the communist party. This is against the democratic system of elections.
In Mexico, PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections. All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings. Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI. Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties except to criticize them. This is against the democratic system of elections.
6. How is the dignity of citizens enhanced in democracy?
Ans. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.People are not subjected of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves. All the citizens are equal before law.
Ans. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.People are not subjected of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves. All the citizens are equal before law.
7. How do democracy provide platform to deal with differences and conflict?
Ans. Democracy provides the method to deal with differences and conflict.
In any society people are bound to have differences of opinion and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in country like ours which has an amazing social diversity.
Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy no one is the permanent winner. No one is the permanent looser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
Ans. Democracy provides the method to deal with differences and conflict.
In any society people are bound to have differences of opinion and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in country like ours which has an amazing social diversity.
Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy no one is the permanent winner. No one is the permanent looser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
8. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
Ans. Democracy is considered the best form of government because:
Ans. Democracy is considered the best form of government because:
- Democracy provides the method to deal with differences and conflict.
- Democracy allows us to correct its own mistakes.
- Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
- Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
9. How does democracy allow us to correct its own mistakes?
Ans. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in democracy.
No form of government can guarantee that. The advantage in a democracy that such mistakes cannot be hidden for long.
There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction.
Ans. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in democracy.
No form of government can guarantee that. The advantage in a democracy that such mistakes cannot be hidden for long.
There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction.
Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be changed.
10.How does democracy improve the quality of decision making?
Ans. Democracy is based on consultations and discussion.
A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision.This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions.
Ans. Democracy is based on consultations and discussion.
A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision.This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions.
11.Under what conditions government run after the elections?
Ans. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an election.
It has to respect some basic rules. In particular it has to respect some guarantees to the minorities.
Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations. Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law.
Ans. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an election.
It has to respect some basic rules. In particular it has to respect some guarantees to the minorities.
Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations. Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law.
12.Who was Robert Mugabe?
Ans. Robert Mugabe was the leader of ZANU-PH.
Robert Mugabe has been ruling the country since independence. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PH.
President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections.
Over the years his government has changed the constitutional several times to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable.
Ans. Robert Mugabe was the leader of ZANU-PH.
Robert Mugabe has been ruling the country since independence. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PH.
President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections.
Over the years his government has changed the constitutional several times to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable.
Opposition party workers are harassed and their meeting disrupted.
13.Write any three features of democratic elections.
Ans. Three features:
Ans. Three features:
- All citizens have a political right to vote with equal value.
- Elections were held regularly after every five or four years.
- Elections are conducted in a free and fare manner where people can choose as they really wish.
14.Write any three drawbacks of non democratic elections.
Ans. The drawbacks of non democratic elections are:
Ans. The drawbacks of non democratic elections are:
- All citizens are not given right to vote.
- Elections are not held regularly.
- Elections are held in a free and manner.
- People face many restrictions.
- People don’t have choice.
15.Is India a democratic country? Write any three arguments in favour of your answer.
Ans. Yes, India is democratic country. It is largest democracy of the world.
In India people have right to criticize the government and express their views freely
People choose their own government.
The real and final power is in the hands of people.
Ans. Yes, India is democratic country. It is largest democracy of the world.
In India people have right to criticize the government and express their views freely
People choose their own government.
The real and final power is in the hands of people.
There are free and fair elections.
16.Assess any three conditions that applied to the way a democratic government is run after the elections.
Ans. People should have the freedom to express their views.
They should have freedom to form associations and to protest also.
Country is governed by the constitutional law.
Everyone should be equal in the eye of law.
Ans. People should have the freedom to express their views.
They should have freedom to form associations and to protest also.
Country is governed by the constitutional law.
Everyone should be equal in the eye of law.
People’s rights should be respected and it must be protected by law.
17.Write any three basic principles of democracy.
Ans. a) Sovereignty of the people. People are free from outside powers.
b) Rulers are elected by the people.
Ans. a) Sovereignty of the people. People are free from outside powers.
b) Rulers are elected by the people.
c) Free and fair elections.
18.Explain the difficulties faced by the people in a non democratic country.
Ans.
- People cannot change their rulers according to their own wish.
- People cannot choose their rulers also.
- People cannot question the authority of the dictator.
- People cannot criticize the government.
19.How far is it correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Zimbabwe. Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Zimbabwe
Opposition party workers were harassed and their meetings disrupted.
Public demonstrations and protests were declared illegal.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Zimbabwe
Opposition party workers were harassed and their meetings disrupted.
Public demonstrations and protests were declared illegal.
There is a law that limits the right to criticize the President.
20.How far is it correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Pakistan.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Pakistan.
In August 2002 he issued legal framework order that amended the constitution of Pakistan.
According to this order, the President can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies.
The work of the civilian cabinet is supervised by the National Security Council which is dominated by military officers.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Pakistan.
In August 2002 he issued legal framework order that amended the constitution of Pakistan.
According to this order, the President can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies.
The work of the civilian cabinet is supervised by the National Security Council which is dominated by military officers.
21.How far is it correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in China.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in China. Elections procedure is not democratic in china.
The national People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of country.
Before contesting elections, candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.
Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller parties allied to it were allowed to contest elections held in 2001-03.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in China. Elections procedure is not democratic in china.
The national People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of country.
Before contesting elections, candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.
Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller parties allied to it were allowed to contest elections held in 2001-03.
The government is always formed by communist party.
22.How far is it correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Mexico.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Mexico. Elections procedure is not democraticThe PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win the elections.All those who are employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings.Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for PRI.Opposition parties did contest elections but never manage to win.
Explain.
Ans. Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Mexico. Elections procedure is not democraticThe PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win the elections.All those who are employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings.Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for PRI.Opposition parties did contest elections but never manage to win.
23.Why is representative democracy necessary?
Ans. Representative democracy is the most common form of democracy.
This form of democracy is necessary because the population of modern democratic states is very large and it is physically impossible for each member to participate in decision making process.
Even they could sit together, do not have the time, desire, experience for participating in decision making process.
Ans. Representative democracy is the most common form of democracy.
This form of democracy is necessary because the population of modern democratic states is very large and it is physically impossible for each member to participate in decision making process.
Even they could sit together, do not have the time, desire, experience for participating in decision making process.
24.What are the features of a good democracy?
Ans. Every citizen must be able to play equal role in decision making.
An equal right to vote is not enough; people need to have equal information, basic education, and equal resources.
Good democracy will come only when no one goes hungry to bed.
Ans. Every citizen must be able to play equal role in decision making.
An equal right to vote is not enough; people need to have equal information, basic education, and equal resources.
Good democracy will come only when no one goes hungry to bed.
When every person has employment and accessibility of basic needs.
25.Are elections sufficient to guarantee the existence of democratic government?
Ans. Only elections are not sufficient to guarantee the existence of democratic government.
There should be choice before the voters to elect the representatives. Election system should not be like China.
Ans. Only elections are not sufficient to guarantee the existence of democratic government.
There should be choice before the voters to elect the representatives. Election system should not be like China.
One vote one Person and one value. Elections should be based on this principle.
26.“Rulers and the rules, both are responsible for making of an ideal democracy”. Explain.
Ans. It depends upon on the citizens that what type of representative they are elected.
It depends on the awareness and participation of people.
In a democracy every citizen must be able to play equal role in decision making.
Ans. It depends upon on the citizens that what type of representative they are elected.
It depends on the awareness and participation of people.
In a democracy every citizen must be able to play equal role in decision making.
Both the rulers and the ruled should try to realize the ideals of democratic decisions.
27.The army is the most disciplined and corruption free organization in the country. There
for the army should rule the country. Give reason.
Ans. No the army should not rule the country.
The army officials are not elected by the people.
for the army should rule the country. Give reason.
Ans. No the army should not rule the country.
The army officials are not elected by the people.
Whereas the in democracy the rulers are elected by the people.
28.What is responsible government?
Ans. Democratic government is a responsible government.
The representatives elected by the people so it remains responsible towards people.In case they do not remain responsible before the people can change them during the next elections.
Ans. Democratic government is a responsible government.
The representatives elected by the people so it remains responsible towards people.In case they do not remain responsible before the people can change them during the next elections.
29.What do understand by political equality?
Ans. Democracy is based on political equality which ensures equal rights.
Both the rich and poor the educated and educated get equal rights.
Ans. Democracy is based on political equality which ensures equal rights.
Both the rich and poor the educated and educated get equal rights.
Democracy enhances the dignity of the people.
30.What do you understand by room for correction?
Ans. It is only in democracy that mistakes are admitted and all attempts are made to correct these
mistakes.
If mistakes are made it is only in democracy that they are admitted and then corrected.
In democracy thus there is a room for correction
Ans. It is only in democracy that mistakes are admitted and all attempts are made to correct these
mistakes.
If mistakes are made it is only in democracy that they are admitted and then corrected.
In democracy thus there is a room for correction