Democracy /| cracy {MNO' ical SY’ in a politic t ernmen form of 1 \e elect tO eeuality and class\es What Is Democracy? Why Democracy? 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY 2.1 Final Decision rest with elected representatives 22. Free and Fair Electoral Competition 23 One Person, One Vote, One Value 24 Rule of Law and Respect for rights 3.0 WHY DEMOCRACY? 3.1 Arguments in favour of (Merits of) Democracy 3.2. Arguments Against (Demerits of) Democracy EXERCISE-1 EXERCISE-2 EXERCISE-3 Unit oneWhat is Democracy? Why democracy? 41.0 INTRODUCTION The word 'Democracy’ has been derived from a Greek word 'Demokratia’, 'Demos' means people and 'Kratia’ means rule, so democracy is the rule by the people, Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. 2.0 24 1. 2. According to Prof. Seeley, “Democracy is a government in which every one has a share.” In the words of Gettel, “Democracy is that form of government in which the mass of population possess the right to share in the exercise of the sovereign power.” ‘American President Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “a government of the people, by the people and for the people.” According to Lord Bryce, “Democracy is that form of government in which the ruling power of the state is vested not in a particular class or classes but in the members of the community as a whole.” FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY Fi Decision rest in elected representatives In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. Later he changed his designation to President and in 2002 held a referendum in the country that granted him a five year extension. Pakistani media, human rights organisations and democracy activists said that the referendum was based on malpractices and fraud. In August 2002, he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan, According to his Order, the President can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies. The work of the civilian cabinet is supervised by a National Security Council which is dominated by military officers. After passing this law, elections were held to the national and state assemblies. So Pakistan has had elections, elected representatives have some powers. But the final power rests with military officers and General Musharraf himself. This cannot be called the people's rule. This gives us the first feature. In a democracy, the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people. 22.2 Free and Fair Electoral Competition er ie wig nF th ey hy er hee In China elections are regularly held after every five years for electing the country’s parlia- ment, called National People’s Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui). The National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of the county. It has nearly 3,000 members elected from all over China, Some members ate elected by the army, 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, Since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its president. The country has never been under a military or dictator's rule. But still it cannot be called a democratic country. Free and fair election is the basic feature of democracy but in Mexico this is not so. 39.Class IX Social Science In Mexico until 2000, every election was won by party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to win. 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 patents to vote for the PRI. Media largely ignored the activities of opposition political parties except to criticize them. Sometimes the polling booths were shifted from one place to another in the last minute, which made it difficult for people to cast their votes. The PRI spent a large sum of money in the campaign for its candidates. ‘© We can thus add a second feature to our understanding of democracy. Holding elections of any kind is not sufficient. The elections must offer a real choice between political altematives. And it should be possible for people to use this choice to remove the existing rulers, if they wish so, So, a democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing. 2.3. One person, One Vote, One Value © In Saudi Arabia, women do not have the right to vote. © Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to Russian mi- nority find it difficult to get the right to vote, ‘© In Fiji the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fijians have more value than that of an Indian-Fijian Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. That gives us the third feature of democracy : In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value. 2.4 Rule of Law and Respect for rights ‘© Zimbabwe attained independence from White minority rule in 1980. Since then the country has been ruled by ZANU-PF. the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe, has been ruling country since independence. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections Over the years his government has changed the constitution several times to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable. © Opposition party workers are harassed and their meetings disrupted. Public protests and 3 demonstrations against the government are declared illegal. There is a law that limits the right # i to criticise the President. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party's version. There are independent newspapers but the government harasses those journalists who go against it. The government has ignored some court judgments i that went against it and has pressurised judges. ‘© There are some conditions that apply to the way a government is nun after the elections. A 3 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. Each of these is accountable not only to the people but also to other independent officials. ‘Thus, this gives us the fourth feature of democracy that is a democratic government rule within is set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.er ie wit can Fi th my hy ey he 929 What is Democracy? Why democracy? 3.0 WHY DEMOCRACY? 3.1 Arguments in favour of (Merits of) Democracy Democracy is considered to be the best form of government these days. Most of the countries in the world have adopted democracy in last few years, The following arguments have been given in favour of Democracy : L Safeguards the interests of the people Chief merit of democracy lie in that it safeguards the interests of the people. Real power lies in the hands of the people who exercise it by the representatives elected by them and who are responsible to them. Its said that social, economic and political interest of the individu- als are served better under this system Based on the principle of Equality Democracy is based on the principle of equality. All members of the State are equal in the eyes of law. All enjoy equal social, political and economic rights and state cannot discrimi- nate among citizens on the basis of caste, religion, sex or property. All have equal right to choose their government. Accountable Form of Government Chinese famine of 1958-1961 was the worst recorded famine in world history. Nearly three crore people died in this famine. During those days, Indians economic condition was not much better than China. Yet India did not have a famine of the kind China had. Economists think that this was the result of different government policies in the two countries. The existence of democracy in India made the Indian government respond to food scarcity in a way that the Chinese government did not. They point out that no large scale famine has ever taken place in an independent and democratic country. If China too had multi party elections, an ‘opposition party and a press free to criticise the government, then so many people may not have died in the famine. ‘A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government. Quality Decision ‘A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussion 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 deci- sions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus democracy improves the quality of decision making, Based on open debate, persuasion and compromise Inany society, there are differences of opinion and interest on most questions of public policy. People belonging to different castes, religions, communities and regions have different views of life. Democracy provides an equal opportunity to all for the expression of their differences. It provides them avenues to negotiate their differences and arrive at consensus through compromise. atClass IX Social Science Stable Government Democracy is based on public will It conducts state business with public support. Itis, therefore, more stable than other forms of Government. Helps in making people good citizens Success of democracy lies on its good citizens. Democracy creates proper environment for the development of personality and cultivating good habits. D. Trequville is of opi that “Democracy is the first school of good citizenship. Citizens learn their rights and duties from birth till death in it.” nm Suitable for Reforms Reforms in keeping with the change of time become necessary in political, social, economic and religious fields. Under democracy, it is convenient to carry out reforms because admin- istration is in the hands of people's representatives. Two hundred years of British rule in India could do little in the fields of reforms. After independence, our pace of progress has been exemplary for many backward states. Female education, abolition of the sati system, purdah system, untouchability and host of superstitions have been possible because under democracy, India is architect of its own fate. Reforms are necessary to remove other impedi- ments in the way of national reconstruction. 3.2 Arguments Against (Demerits of) Democracy 1. Voters do not take interest in Election Voters do not cast their vote in a spirit of duty as democracy requires them to do. Contestants of election persuade them. Even then, it is generally found that tum out comes to 50 to 60 percent only. This forfeits the very tall claim of holding elections. Lowers the Moral Standard The only aim of the candidates becomes to win election. They often employ underhand practices, foul means to get elected. Character assassination is openly practised, unethical ways are eagerly adopted. Muscle power and money power work hand-in hand to ensure success to him. Thus, morality is the first casualty in election. It is a big loss for ‘character is lost, everything is lost’ becomes explicit in due course. Democracy is a Government of the Rich Modem democracy is, in fact, capitalistic. It is rule of the capitalists. Electioneering is carried > ‘out with money. The rich candidates purchase votes. Might of economic power rules over the whole process. The net result is that we get plutocracy under the garb of democracy- 4 democracy in name and form, plutocracy in reality. It cares a fig for the common man. The 3 rich hold the media and use it for their own benefit. Big business houses influence news dailies 2 and use these dailies for creating public opinion to their favour. Influence of rich people over ? politics is probably clear in England, America and India. Consequently, communists don't © accept it democracy at all. According to them, Socialist democracy is democracy in the right } sense of the term because the welfare of the labour class and farming community can be safe- guarded properly only under socialist democracy.er ie wit can Fi th my hy ey he 929 What is Democracy? Why democracy? Misuse of Public Funds and Time Democracy is a huge waste of time and resources. It takes much time in the formulation of laws. A lot of money is spent in election. Electioneering is getting costlier. Ministers are proving only white elephants. They are heavy burden on the public exchequer as they waste public money upon their tour programmes. No Stable Government When no party gets absolute majority, coalition governments are formed. The coalition of political parties with a view of sharing power is only a marriage of convenience. Whenever there is clash of interests, the coalition is lost and governments crumble down. Thus, stable governments under democracy generally don't exist. France lost the World War Il because there ‘was no stable government in the country at that time. We, in India, have been experiencing the same thing in the present. Bad Influence of Political Parties Political parties are the basis of democracy. A political party aims at capturing power. Its members are to safeguard the interests of the party. Sometimes, they overlook the overall interest of the state for the sake of their party. They try to win election by hook or crook. Practising these immoral methods, empty ideals, inciting hatred, spreading caste feelings, commu- nalism have become practice. It lowers the national character. a3Class IX : Social S: a) LEVEL-I 1. In August 2002, Musharraf issued a 'Legal Framework Order’ that amended the Constitution of Pakistan. According to this Order, the President could (A) Appoint the National Assemblies (B) Dismiss the National and Provincial Assemblies (C) Amend the Constitution on his own (D) Declare elections 2. — Which party always won elections in Mexico since its independence in 1930 until 2000? (A) Revolutionary Party (B) Mexican Revolutionary Party (C) Institutional Revolutionary Party (D) Institutional Party 3. The most common form that democracy takes in our time is that of (A) Limited democracy (B) Representative democracy (C) Maximum democracy (D) None of these 4. Democratic government rules within the limit set up by constitutional laws. Consider the above mentioned statement and choose the right opinion from the given options. (A) Itis true in all conditions (B) Itis false and misleading in all conditions (C) Itis false and misleading in few cases (D) It is true in few cases but false and misleading in most cases 5. For how much of years did Pervez Musharraf give himself extension through referendum held in 2002? (A) 6 years (B) 5 years (C) 8 years (D) 2 years 6. — Which of the following did not say that the referendum held in 2002 in Pakistan was based on malpractices and fraud? (A) Pakistani media (B) Human Rights Organizations (C) Democracy Activists (D) None of these 7. Who among the following dominated a National Security Council in Pakistan? (A) Civilian officers (B) Elected Representatives (C) Members of Judiciary (D) Army officers 8. Assertion (A): The final powers rested with military officers in decision making in Pakistan. Reason (R): The work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council (A) Both A and R are True and R is the correct explanation of A (B) Both A and R are Tiue but R is not the correct explanation of A (C) Ais True R is False (D) A is False R is True 9. Which of the following bodies in China appoint the President of the Country? (A) Student wings of Chinese Communist Party (B) Eight smaller parties affiliated to the Chinese Communist Party (C) President is directly elected by the people (D) National People's Congress 10. Which of the following countries has never been under a military or dictator's rule? (A) Myanmar (B) Pakistan (C) Mexico (D) Brazil Aen ie wig can Fit my hy er he 20Fath ey by et 20120 Ea! EN What is Democracy? Why democracy? 1. LEVEL-II Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? (A) People feel free and equal in a democracy (B) Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others (C) Democratic government is more accountable to the people (D) Democracies are more prosperous than others Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a demo- cratic country ? (A) Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation (B) Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country (C) Government fears its defeat in the next elections (D) People are free to believe in and practice any religion Read the following (1) Democracy gives every man the right to become oppressor. (2) In 2002 General Pervez Musharraf held a referendum in Pakistan. (3) In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value . incorrect? (B)2 (3 (D) None of these Read the following in relation to democracy. (1) Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions. (2) Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers. (3) This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis. (4) The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the Constitution and Citizens’ rights. Which is incorrect? (A) 1&2 (B) 1,2,3 (C) only 3 (D) None of these Which among the following is an argument in favour of Democracy? (A) Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability (B) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality (C) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions (D) A democratic government is more accountable form of government Assertion (A): Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people. Reason (R): A democratic government is a mote accountable form of government. (A) Both A and R are True and R is the correct explanation of A (B) Both A and R are True but Ris not the correct explanation of A (C) Ais True R is False (D) A is False R is True What was the designation taken by Pervez Musharraf for himself when he overthrew the democractic government of Pakistan in 1999? (A) President (B) Chief Executive (C) Chief Military Officer (D) Executive Director a5Class 10. 1. 12. 13. 14. 15. IX : Social S nce In which of the following countries do the people of Russian origin constitute minority group? (A) Pakistan (B) China (C) India (D) Estonia Which of these is permitted under the Rule of Law? (A) Prime Minister can be punished for violating the Constitution (B) Police has a right to kill anybody (C) Women can be paid lesser salaries (D) President can rule for as long as he wants Assertion (A): A democratic government can not do whatever it likes, Reason (R): A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens! rights. (A) Both A and R are Tive and R is the correct explanation of A (B) Both A and R are Tiue but R is not the correct explanation of A (C) Ais True Ris False (D) A is False R is True Assertion (A): Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. Reason (R): In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value. (A) Both A and R are Tiue and R is the correct explanation of A (B) Both A and R are True but R is not the correct explanation of A (C) A is True R is False (D) A is False Ris True A democratic government is better than a non-democratic government because (A) It may or may not be accountable (B) It always responds to the needs of the people (C) It is a more accountable form of government (D) None of the above In any society, people are bound to have difference of opinions and interests. Which is a better way of dealing with these conflicts? (A) By brutal power exercised by the government (B) By allowing one group to dictate terms to others (C) By providing equal opportunities to all (D) By opting for a strong leader who should have all the powers How does democracy allow us to comect its own mistakes? (A) Mistakes are hidden and cannot be corrected (B) Re-electing the same government to enable it to correct its mistakes (C) The rulers can be changed (D) None of the above Assertion (A) : Democracy improves the quality of decision making Reason (R) : Democracy is based on consultation and discussion (A) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true but R is false. (D) A is false but R is true, Ph een by te 01920er ie wig cn Fi my hy ee he 29 What is Democracy? Why democracy? [Exercise -2 | Bee) Very Short Answer Questions 1. Write the meaning of democracy in simple words. 2. What is the meaning of the right to vote? Who are those who are disqualified from voting? What is the meaning of social democracy? ._ What is the meaning of public opinion? Short Answer Questions What amendment did Pervez Musharraf bring in the Constitution of Pakistan by issuing a Legal Framework Order? 7. "Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf should not be called a democracy’. Explain. 8. What were dirty practices used by Institutional Revolutionary Party to win the elections in Mexico? 9. — Give any three arguments in favour of democracy. 10. Give any three arguments against democracy. 11. How does democracy improve the quality of decision making? 12. How is the dignity of Citizens enhanced in democracy? 13. How would you define democracy in respect of Rule of Law and Respect of Rights. 14. What is the difference between democracy and dictatorship? 15. What is ideal democracy? 16. With reference to Zimbabwe, describe how the popular approval of rulers is necessary in a democracy, but not sufficient for true democracy? Long Answer Questions x Why is democracy considered the best form of government in resolving conflicts and differences? Write in detail Although the principle of Universal Adult Franchise has now come to be accepted almost all over the world there are many instances of denial of equal right to vote. Explain with examples. ° Give some reasons for non-participation of common people in the voting process. x ° Explain the importance of liberal democracy. a7Class IX : Social S: Canc 1. Read the following statement and indicate which one is correct? (NTSE STAGE I ODISHA 2012) Statement : (i) Democracy is a form of government in which the Governing Body is a comparatively large fraction of the entire population. (ii) Democracy really means nothing more or less than the rule of the expressing their sovereign will through their votes. Indications: (A) (i) is true, (ii) is false (B) (i) is false, (ii) is true (C) Both (i) and (i) are tue (D) Both (i) and (ii) are false kee RE ANSWERS EXERCISE-1 LEVEL-I Quel i [2]3[4[si[e6l[7 {sis {o ‘Ans. pfofafofc ° a > ol LEVEL-II Que.| 7 [8 [9 [10] a1] 12] 13 | 14 [5 ans.[ po {| o][alo[o{[alelofaltalal[c{[c[cla s e . o o EXERCISE-3 Que. 1 Ans.| 3 +e Aer ie wit cen Fn ah ey hy eer he 20