NOTES PREPARED BY
ADIL AHMAD,M.A,M.Phill
TEACHER SCHOOL EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Politica Science
Chapter 1
What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Exercises
1. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries write 'democratic', 'undemocratic' or 'not sure' against each of these.
(a) Country A: People who do not accept the country's official religion do not have a right to vote.
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Ans.
(a) Undemocratic
(b) Not sure
(c) Democratic
(d) Undemocratic
2.Here is some information about four countries . Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write 'democratic', 'undemocratic' or 'not sure' against each of these.
(a) Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
(c) Country R: The country's leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighboring country.
(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot
Ans.
(a) Undemocratic
(b) Democratic
(c) Undemocratic
(d) Undemocratic
3. Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
(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.
Ans. Option 'D' Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favor of democracy as there are many countries such as Sri Lanka, India which opted for democracy but not prosperous where other countries such as China or Saudi Arabia which have communist and monarchy rule respectively are more prosperous. The prosperity of any
country depends on the correct policies of the government. It also depends on the availability of natural resources not with the form of
government. Democracy can't guarantee prosperity.
4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament Organisation (WTO). in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.
(c) Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women's organisations to demand one-third c for women.
Ans.
(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament - Democratic element to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). - Undemocratic element
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency Democratic element large-scale rigging was reporte -Undemocratic element
(c) This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women. - Democratic element
Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 percent. - Undemocratic element
5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic 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.
Ans. Option 'd' is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country. This is because practising a religion has nothing to do with preventing famine.
6. There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need which of these is not a democratic method?
(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to life.
(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
(c) Organising public meetings against government's policies.
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
Ans. Option 'd', which advocates paying the government officials money, is an undemocratic method.
7.Write a response to the following arguments against democracy.
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore, army'should rule the country.
(b) Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.
(c) If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.
Ans.
democracy is government elected by the people, from among the people themselves. The Army is integral in protecting the country, but it is not elected by the people; hence, it cannot form a democratic government. The second statement is not true as all people are intelligent to some extent. The third statement is dangerous because bringing religion into politics can cause serious conflict.
8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
(a) Father to daughter: I don't want to hear your opinion about marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to
(b) Teacher to student: Don't disturb my concentration by questions in the classroom.
(c) Employee to the Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.
Ans.(a) This statement of father is undemocratic as every adult has right to choose their life partner. The father does not have right to impose their choice on daughter.
(b) This statement also is not under democratic setup. The student have right to ask question. This is undemocratic if his right is denied.
(c) The third statement is democratic as it calls for a rule of law which is beneficial for the employees
9.Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would Give reasons to support your decision.
(a) All the citizens of the country have right to vote Elections are held regularly.
(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for given loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
(c) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of the country.
(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
(e) The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about government's policies and protests.
Ans.(a) This is democracy as only democratic setup allow and also election at regular time period.
(b) A democratic country has to look after the welfare of its people. The condition of reducing of expenses on health and education is against the welfare of the people.
(c) In democracy, education is available
in all languages as it basic right. Official language can be the language of majority of people.
(d) In a democracy, people have right to express their opinion in peaceful manner. It is un demo-cratic behaviour.
(e) This is undemocratic nature as in democracy freedom of press and media is must if government own radio and television, then freedom of press violated
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY QUESTIONS
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Q. Give the broader meaning of democracy?
Ans. The term democracy comes from the Greek language and means "rule by the people". Democracy is that type of government in which
people elect their rulers. Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. In a democracy people have the freedom to express views.
In our times, representative democracy is the most common form. It is the indirect form of democracy. A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people in its broader meaning; we use democracy for organization other than the government. Democracy is also a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life. Democracy a more accountable form of government than any other form of government.
Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves. Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own mistakes.
Q. What are the features of democracy?
Ans. Democracy is that form of government in which people elect their rulers. They make the laws and frame policies of the government. information. Democracy
In a democracy, people enjoy freedoms of speech, expression and ensures the rule of law. Law is the supreme and all the citizens are equal in the eyes of law.
In a democracy independence of judiciary is an essential feature. Another important feature of democracy is the presence of organized party or parties in the state. The opposition keeps an eye on the policies and working of the government.
Q. List few arguments against democracy?
Ans.Some of the arguments against democracy are as:
1. In democracy, elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
2. Democracy is all about Chaos instability, corruption and hypocrisy.Politicians fight among themselves.
3. Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
4. Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, they should not decide anything.
5. Leaders keep changing in democracy. This leads to
Q. Why is democracy important?
Ans: Democracy is considered to be the best form of govt. It is better than any from of govt in responding to the needs of the people. Democracy enhance the dignity of citizens. Democracy is also important because it is a more accountable form of govt Democracy provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflict.
Q. What do you mean by free and fair periodic elections?
Ans:- The main feature of democracy is free and fair periodic elections.Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for the policies and their conduct in office. Elections have to occur at regular intervals, as prescribed by law. For elections to be free and fair, they have to be administered by a neutral, fair and professional body that treats all political parties and candidates equally. Elections are held after every fixed intervals and all the parties have the right to campaign freely and voters vote for any leader they wish.
Q. What is the role of citizens in democracy?
Ans:-Citizens have many roles to perform in democracy. The key role of citizens in a democracy is to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders use their powers. Voting in elections is another important civic duty of all citizens. A vital form of participation comes through active membership in independent, non- governmental organisations that we call "Civic Society" in a democracy citizens are free to choose which party to support.
Q. Give two strong arguments in favour of democracy?
Ans. The two strong arguments in favour of democracy are as:
1. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
2. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
Q. What is representative democracy?
Ans.Representative democracy is the indirect form of In representative democracy all people do not rule. The form of govt. that rests on the principle of the people being represented by individuals they elect is called representative democracy.
Q. What is meant by consensus?
Ans.Consensus means a general agreement. It may be defined as an acceptable resolution, one that can be su orted even if not the "favorite of each individual".
Q. What is meant by 'Rule of Law
Ans. The influence and authority of law within society, especially as a constraint upon behavior, including behavior of govt. officials. All citizens are equal before law. The rule of law protects the rights of citizens maintains order and mits the power of government.
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