What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

-

 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?





Introduction -Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.


Features Of Democracy


In a democracy the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current government.

This choice and opportunity is available to everyone. Everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value.


A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizen’s right.


Why Democracy?

Arguments against Democracy


Leaders keep changing in democracy. This leads to instability.


Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.

So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.

Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.


Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decision.


Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.


Arguments for Democracy


A democratic government is a better government because it is more accountable form of government.

Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.

Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows the people to correct their mistakes.


Broader Meanings Of Democracy


The most common form that democracy takes in our times is that of a representative democracy where majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people.

The majority of people rule through their elected representatives.

A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision.


False democracy in China



In China, elections are regularly held after every five years. Before contesting elections, a 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 2002-03. The government is always formed by the Communist Party. This it the reason that China is not democratic, because in a democracy there exist free and fair elections where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing


Mugabe and his undemocratic policies


It is ruled by ZANU-PF the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader Robert Mugabe has been ruling the country since independence. Elections are held regularly but always won by the ZANU-PF. President Mugabe uses unfair means in the elections. He has changed the constitution several times to increase the power of the president. Radio and TV are controlled by the government.


Democracy and Syria



In practice, Syria is a one-party state where independent parties are outlawed; with a powerful secret police that cracks down on dissidents. Since the 1963 seizure of power by its Military Committee, the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party has governed Syria as a totalitarian police state.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CLASS 7 SOCIAL SCIENCE 2025-26 MID TERM

-
HISTORY --- Chapter 1: Kings and Kingdoms #### NCERT Questions and Answers 1. **Who were the parties involved in the “tripartite struggle”?**    The Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas were involved in the tripartite struggle over the control of Kanauj. 2. **What were the qualifications necessary to become a member of a committee of the sabha in the Chola empire?**    The person had to be a landowner, know the Vedas, aged between 35–70, and should not have been involved in any criminal activity. Anyone failing to submit accounts was disqualified. 3. **What were the functions of the sabha?**    The sabha was responsible for managing irrigation, agricultural activities, collection of taxes, temple maintenance, and village administration. #### Extra Questions (20–60 words) 1. **What is a sabha in Chola rule?**    Sabha was a Brahmin village assembly that managed local issues, including temple construction and irrigation systems. 2. **Who was ...
Read more

ONLINE CONTENT CLASS VIII SOCIAL SCIENCE

-
Image
Chapter 1: From Trade to Territories Textual Questions  1. What attracted European trading companies to India?European trading companies were attracted to India by the fine qualities of cotton and silk produced here. India also had a rich supply of spices like pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, which were in great demand in Europe. 2. What were the "diwani" rights? Explain their significance for the British.       The "diwani" rights were the right to collect revenue on behalf of the Mughal Emperor. After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the British East India Company was granted the Diwani of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor. This was highly significant for the British as it allowed them to use the vast revenue of Bengal to finance their expenses, buy goods for export, and maintain their troops, effectively eliminating the need to bring gold and silver from Britain to buy Indian goods. 3. Explain the system of "subsidiary alliance."     The subsidiary al...
Read more

Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights

-
Image
  Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights As citizens of India, understanding the literacy rate of our country is crucial. India, the world's largest democracy, has made significant progress in improving literacy levels over the years. However, challenges remain, with disparities across states and between genders. In this article, we provide an updated and detailed analysis of the literacy rate in India in 2025, including state-wise data, key trends, and insights into how we can further improve literacy levels nationwide. India's Literacy Rate in 2025: As of 2025, India's overall literacy rate stands at 77.7%, reflecting steady progress from earlier years. While this is an improvement from the 2011 Census figure of 74.04%, it still means that nearly one in four Indians remains unable to read or write. The male literacy rate is 84.7%, while the female literacy rate is 70.3%, highlighting a persistent gender gap. Key Highlights of India's Literacy Rate  - Categor...
Read more