NCERT Class 9 Political Science What is Democracy.pdf

to teach students.And make topic easy for them

1. CHAPTER 2

HAT IS
DEMOCRACY?

WHY
DEMOCRACY?

OVERVIEW

‘The stories and the analysis in the previous chapter gave us a sense of
what democracy is like. There we described some governments as
democratic and some as non democratic, We saw how governments in
‘some of those countries changed from one form to the other. Let us now
draw general lessons from those stories and ask the more basic question:
What is democracy? What are its features? This chapter builds on a simple
definition of democracy. Step by step, we work out the meaning of the
terms involved in this definition. The aim here is to understand clearly the
bare minimum features of a democratic form of government. After going
through this chapter we should be able to distinguish a democratic form
‘of government from a non-democratic government. Towards the end of
this chapter, we step beyond this minimal objective and introduce a broader
idea of democracy.

In the previous chapter, we have seen that democracy is the most
prevalent form of government in the world today and it is expanding to
more countries. But why is itso? What makes it better than other forms of
‘government? That is the second big question that we tale up inthis chapter.

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2.1 Whar ıs Democracy?

In Chapter One we read many stories
from different parts of the world.
‘Through these stories we discussed
various governments and
organisations. We called some of
these democracies. Others were
described as non-democracies. Can
you recall, foreach ofthese countries,
Something about the governments
that were deseribed as democracies?
= Chile, before and after Pinochet's

rule

+ Poland, after the fall of communist
rule

= Ghana, in the early period of

Nkrumah's government

What do you think is common to
them? Why do we club them all under
the labelof democracy? What sit that

distinguishes these governments
from Pinochet's rule in Chile,
‘communist rule in Poland or the later
period of Nkrumah’s rule in Ghana?
What do these governments have in
common with the military rule in
Myanmar? Why do we say that these
_governments are not democratic?
‘On the basis ofthis analysis, write
down some common features of:
= Democratic governments
© Non-democratie governments

Why define democracy?

Before we proceed further, let us
frat take note of an objection by
Merry. She does not like this way
of defining democracy and wants
to ask some basic questions

Palestinians’ democratic choice must be respected

Tecmo noth mst a Ts

Why wait for a revolution,

Bene

EL RAI asks Bhutt
First a Parliament in:three™

"News items tke this appear very often in newspaper.
Doth ausethe word democracy inte same sense? —

Wear 1s Democracy? Wer Diwocracy?

ans King

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Her teacher Matilda Lyngdoh
responds to her questions, as other
classmates join the discussion:
Mery: Ma'am, I dont Be is tea Fst we
‘pend ove whole chaper discuscng mor
‘aces in fret parts of te wad and then
we watt fd out the rearing of domor
ra. mean logical shui we have ap
proached tie er way ound? Shaun
ening have come festa aio example?
imp Madam: cn se your point. But at
Isnt how we reason in very He. We use
words ke pen ain rove. Do we wat hare
8 fin ofthese words before we use
"hem? Come to thnk of, do we have car
(in of ese words? hi ot y sg a
word tat we understand smearing,
‘Mery But en wy o wo ne deans tal?
"ng Madar: We reed a den ony whan
cam across act inte seofawon,
We reeds derion ofan ny when we wish
Lo dstrguish rom, say. tr ruda
Thesame iste or democracy Weneedacear
ton ony because pepe ue fr ae
et purposes, because very ret nds of
‘govereers cal hemseves Goa.
‘ian: But why do we need to work ona ete
Mio? Theater day you quot Abraham Lin
cnt us: "Dermcacy sau oft poop,
for the people and by the people". We in
ehalaya aways led ouseves, Tats ac
caps by everyone. Why do we need to
clame hat?
yugóoh Madam: | an not saying we nad to
large & tof this diia very beat
fu Butwe dontknow this iste best way of
(ing ures we tink about earsees. We
mas ot accept someting ut because is
famous, ut because everyone accepts it
ean: Mala, can | sgges someting? We
den ad okay tin. Ireadsome-
were tat th word democracy comes tom a
rock word Demakrla In Grok demos
means people and Tea" means rue, So oe
moray i bythe peop Ts isthe cor
rectmearing Vine isthe ned a?
Linge Madam: Ti aso avery hat way
nin about his mat. woul ust say
thats doesnot aways work. A word does

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‘ot remain od tog, Just ink of com
‘fers. Ona ey we ser comping,
"tios very fte
sus: These wer very poner actos.
But nowadays very few pel se computers
{ox compita sans. They se for wg. for
iin, fo string to mus and for al
lings. Wordeman besame but man
ng can change wit neta case ts rat
y ust ok a rg ofa word.

Merry a am, so bascaly what you saying
Stat are a Shut ou tring about
the mater rtve, We have o ik about
As meaning and eve efron

géo Madam: You ot merit Letus geton
tn now.

Bacriviry

A simple definition
Let us get back to our discussion
on similarities and differences
among governments that are called
democracies. In the last chapter we
identified one simple actor common
to al democracies: the government
is chosen by the people. We could
thus start with a simple definition:
democracy ie a form of
government in which the rulers
Are elected by the people

“This is a uschul starting point. This
definition allows us to separate
democracy fom forms of government
that are clearly not democratic The
army rulers of Myanmar are not
elected by the people. Those who
happen to bein contol ofthe army

Dimocrane Pouries

teen! version.

the people
+ Par

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4. become the rulers of the country. almost every government that holds
People have no say in this decision. an election a democracy. That would
Dictators lke Pinochet are not elected be very misleading. As we noted in
by the people. This also applies 10 Chapter Four, every government in
‘monarchies. The king of Nepal and contemporary world wants to be
Saudi Arabia rule not because the called a democracy, even if it is not
‘people have chosen them todo so but so. That is why we need to carefully
because they happen to be born into distinguish between a government
‘the royal family that is a democracy and one that

This simple definition is not pretends to be one. We can do so by
adequate. It reminds us that understanding each word in this
democracy is people's rule. But ifwe definition carefully and spelling out
use this definition in an unthinking the features of a democratic
manner, we would end up calling government.

ang went backhome and colete some more famous quotations on democracy This time she
nat mern th names afte pepi who said or wrote these. She wats yout read these and
amet an how good oust ese hough are

CHECK. Democracy ges every man the right to be his um oppressor.
YOUR + Deocracy consists of choosing your dictators after ey’ ve ti you wha you tink tis you want

ton

OGRESS . Man's capacty fr justice matas democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes

read
the
cartoon

This carton was

dra wn election
were al in rag wih
the presence of US

andar fren

powers Wht do you

ik ns cartoons
‘ing? My is

"emo writen
the way Ris?

democracy necessary
1 Democracy isa device ta insures we hal be governed no beter tan we deserve
Atl of democracy canbe cued by more democracy.

Wars Dc Why Desc a

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2.2 FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY

We have started with a simple want in a democracy? Or must a

dehniion thatdemocracy lea form democratic government function

Stgovernment inwhich the rulers vith some ints? e À necessary

tts electos by the people. This fora democracy to respect some

raies many questions Tights of the eizens?

tWho are Che rulara in this Let us consider each of these
definition? Whichofeials must be questions with the help of some
lected for any government to be examples.
called a democracy? Which .
decisions may be taken by non Major decisions by elected
lected oficial in ademocracy? leaders

What kind ofelection constitutes In Pakistan, General Pervez
à democratic election? What Musharraf led a miliary coup in
Conditions must be fuliledforan October 1999. He overthrew a
lection to be considered democratically clected government
democratic? and declared himself the “Chief
«Who are the people who can elect Executive of the country. Later he
the rulers or get lected as rulers? changed his designation fo President
Should this include every chien on and in 2002 held referendum in
an equal basis? Can a democracy the county that granted him a ve
deny some etzens ths right? year emenslon. Pakistant media
Finally, what kind of a form of human right organisations and
government is democracy? Can democracy activists said that the
lected rulers do whatever they referendum was based on

read

the
cartoon

IS THAT CLEAR 77
Syfiaisasmat west
‘Asan cour. The
‘ing Bath Party and
same fs sal
aos arte only
partes alowed nat
out Do you think
‘his carton coud
appt Cina or
ico? Wat does
the crown at eaves
on eacracy
sony?

a DuvocrnePounes

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6. the
cartoon

Tis cartoon was
awn ne contes
latin America. De
ou ik applies to
e Pakistan stuion
as wel? Tico!
oer counts where
ths coud app?
Dos is Papen
sometnesin our
aunty as wel?

malpractices and fraud. 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 civlian
cabinet is supervised by a Nation
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
Clearly, there are many reasons
why Pakistan under General
Musharraf should not be called a
1 democracy. But let us focus on one
co ofthese. Can we say that the rulers
are elected by the people in
Pakistan? Not quite. People may
have elected their representatives
the national and provinci
assemblies but those elected
representatives are not really the

Wear 1s Democracy? Wer Diwocracy?

rulers. They cannot take the final
decisions, The power to take final
decision rests with army officials and
with General Musharraf, and none
of them are elected by the people.
‘This happens in many dictatorships
and monarchies. They formally have
an elected parliament and
government but the real power is
with those who are not elected. In
the last chapter we read about the
role of USSR in communist Poland
and that of US in contemporary iraq,
Here the real power was with some
external powers and not with locally
elected representatives. This cannot
be called people's rule

"This gives us the first feature. Ia a
democracy the final decision
making power must rest with
those elected by the people.

Free and fair electoral
competition
In China, tions are regular held
ater every ve years for electing the
country’ parliament, called
Quango Renmin Daibiao Dati
{National People's Congress) The
National Peoples Congress has the
power to sppoin the President ofthe
Country. Te has nearly 3,000
members elected from all over
China. Some members ere elected
by the army. Before contesting
élections, a candidate needs the
approval ofthe Chinese Communist
Party Only those who are members
of the Chinese Communist Party or
Sign male paris alle co were
Allowed to contest elections held in
20020. the government l always
formed by the Communist Pay
‘Since it independence in 1590,
Mexico holds lesions aher every ak
ears to elect te President, The
Rey Bas never been under a
star or dictator's rer But untl
2000 every cketion was von by a

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7. party called PRI (Institutional
Revolutionary Party). Opposition
parties did contest elections, but
never managed to win. The PRI was
known to use many dirty trikes towin
elections. All those who were
‘employed in government offices had
toattend its party meetings. Teachers.
of government schools used to force
parents to vote for the PRI. Media
largely ignored the activities of
‘opposition political partes except to.
criticise them. Sometimes the polling
booths were shifted from one place
to another in the last minute, which
made t dificult for people o cast their
votes. The PRI spent a large sum of
money in the campaign for its
candidates.

‘Should we consider the elections
described above as examples of
people electing their rulers? Reading,
these examples we get a sense that
we cannot. There are many problems.
here. In China the elections do not
offer the people any serious choice,
‘They have to choose the ruling party
and the candidates approved by it
Can we call this a choice? In the
Mexican example, people seemed to
really have a choice but in practice
they had no choice. There was no
way the ruling party could be
defeated, even people were against
it. These are not far elections.

‘We can thus add a second feature
to our understanding of democracy.
Holding elections of any kind is not
Sulicient. The elections must offer
a real choice between political
alternatives. And it should be
possible for people to use this choice
to remove the existing rulers, if they
wish 50. So, a democracy must be
based on a free and fair election
where those currently in power
have a fair chance of losing. We
shall find out more about a
‘democratic election in Chapter Four.

read
the

cartoon

This cartoon was
tiled Bung
Democracy and was,
‘rst pubs na
Latin American
publication. What do
"moneygs sity
ee? Coa dis
carton be apple o
(3

EEE el
One person, one vote,
one value

Inthe last chapter we read about how
the struggle for democracy was linked
to the demand for universal adult
franchise. This principle has now come
to be accepted almost all over the
‘world. Yet there are many instances
of denial of equal right to vote:

Sin 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 minority ind

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,

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 mus
have one value, We shall read more
about it in Chapter Four.

Dimocrane Pouries

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8. read
the
cartoon

Tis cartoon abou
the a lion ht
ae Saddam
Hussal's rege wa
otero. He
shown behind the
‘rs, What the
ceo saying
Pere? Compare the
message ofthis
cartoon wih he est.
carton inthis

ao

Rule of law and respect
for rights

Zimbabwe attained independence
from White minonty rule in 1980,
Since then the country has been
ruled by ZANU-PE the party that led
the freedom struggle. Its leader,
Robert Mugabe, has been ruling the
country since independence
Élections have been held regularly
and always won by ZANU-PF
President Mugabe ls popular but also
Over the yeas his government has
hanged the constitution several
mes to increase the powers ofthe
President and make him less
accountable. Opposition party
Workers are harassed and their
meeting disrupted. Public protests
and demonstratione against the

0) government are declared illegal

‘There is a law that limits the right
to criticise the President, Television
and radio are controlled by the
government and give only the ruling,
party's version. There are

Wear 1s Democracy? Wer Diwocracy?

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independent newspapers but the
went harasses those
is who go against it. The
government has ignored some court
Judgments that went against it and
has pressurised judges.

‘The example of Zimbabwe shows
that popular approval ofthe rulers is
necessary in a democracy, but it is
not sufficient. Popular governments,
can be undemocratic. Popular leaders
can be autocratic, Ive wish to assess
‘democracy, it is important to look.
at the elections, But it is equally
important Look before and after the
elections. There should be stficient
room for normal politcal activity
including political opposition, in the
period before elections. This requires
that the state should respect some
basic rights ofthe citizen, They should
be free to think, to have opinions, to
express these in public, to form
associations, to protest and take other
political actions, Everyone should be
qual in the eyes of law, These rights
‘must be protected by an independent

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9. Judiciary whose orders are obeyed by
everyone. We shall read more about
these rights in Chapter Six.

Similarly, there are some conditions
that apply to the way a government
is run after the elections. 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. Each of theseis accountable not
only to the people but also to other
independent officials. We shall read
more about this in Chapter Five.

Both these aspects give us the
fourth and final feature of democracy
a democratic government rules
‘within Limits set by constitutional
aw and citizens’ rights,

We started with a simple definition

that democracy is a form of

‘government in which the rulers are

lected by the people, We found that

this definition was not adequate
unless we explained some of the key
words used in it. Through a series of
examples we worked out four features
of democracy as a form of
government. Accordingly, 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; and

= The exercise of this choice leads
10 a government limited by basic
rules of the constitution and
citizens rights.

Dimocrane Pouries

i

read

the
cartoon

Chinese government
acted ee tow of
tomaten onthe
inet by lacing
restons on popular
webstas ike ‘Googe
and Yahoo. The
imag of tanks an an
rammed student
reminás o ea a
anther mjc event
recen Chinese
istry, Find ox about
‘hat een

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10. Read these five examples of working

onal of democracy Match each ofthese withthe

releant feature of democracy discussed abo
CHECK Example Feature
YOUR ng of Bhutan as dined tain ture he wie Pah alta
guide by te advice sven to im by elected represents 000
PROGRESS any tn oros who mite tom nda wee ‘Respect for Rights

Ban ao ve Sana
‘eg fel pose hn nl ae
e ee
no Sıpeme Cota ate sh
aaron) as una

Poa pris m Ban ve aed aan
Gore shall te oy te nes

2.3 WHY DEMOCRACY?

An argument broke out in Madam hates how does mate a fee?
Lyngdoh's class. She had finished The pois al Ds canbe fe best rm of
teaching the previous section on goemment Democracy sallabou chaos.
what is democracy and asked the sb caption ad hypocisy olas
students ifthey thought democracy gh among themselves, Who cases for the
was the best form of government. county?

Everyone had something to Poimon:
Back tothe Brit ule? bt some Kings to

ebating pres of rue this county?
jemociac Rese: dato thik hat hs cour needs
owe Nes hace Wes “O stress sien

Inthe ast chapter al over wot people Lo oler about lets ad partment. One
ant democracy. Counties hat wee ot emo eat Shah have al he powers. He should
al eter a becoming democraticnow. Al beable to do whatever is ead in county's
¡ea peslotavesidic tings abou democ- ines Thal done canremove coupon and
Fa brut demoracyistebest? poverty kom this comity.
Doweneedto debate his? ‘Someone shouted ra cal ari!
hn: But Lyngdoh Madam had said we Hol: What i hat person stats using a ese
MOP “sroulintacceptsometingjustbecauseiis powers for himself and his fami? What he
famous, us because eveyone ese accepts is comp himself?
AL st possible that everyone is folowing a Ross: Lam speaking only ofthe hones, sincere
wrong path? and suongleade,
Vs, actualy a wrong pth. What has Hol: Ba at not fa. You te comparing as
moray brought ur county? More than democracy with an heal dictatorship. We
oc alfa cet of democracy and thee is so shoulfcompare an idea with an ideal thee
D ooo = uc gover nthe county. with be rea. Go and check record of deta
122222222222 bang But al has democracy goto do wi tors inal ie They ae mst coup solis
ann Do we have poverty because wear demo andlriatsjust Mal we don't eto know
222222 atic do we have poverty despite being about this. And whats wore, you can ven
E dencre tr of em,

ine Soc Wien e

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11. Madam Lyngdoh was listening to government only ensures that
this discussion with interest. Now people take their own decisions. This
she stepped in: “I was delighted to does not guarantee that their
‘see you all arguing so passionately. decisions will be good. People can
1 dont know whois right and who is make mistakes. Involving the people
‘wrong, That is for you to sete. But in these decisions does lead to
Tid feel that you all wanted to speak delays in decision making, I is also
your mind. You may have felt very true that democracy leads to

is cartoons om
Bra a county hat
has ong experience

aca tis
Tal decos ined to stop your frequent changes in feaderakip, m mg
Matane pole yon loging. Bometimen ts can ver wack og e a nn
what you fa Would jou be able decisions and effect, the US
Go that in a country thet fe not govemment’s eMcency pes
democetictlathatageodargument “These arguments show that PSU
for democracy?” democracy of the kind we see MAY necessary for every
Sido ie Men em pre | SARE TI
Arguments against But thatiemotaquestion een CDI Nea
jemocracy ren LR. The ral question we face Mm? Fe
This conerantion has most of the diferente demon better thas y MORON
pines It we may hear otter fa ofqrermisnts Qatar E eel
Sent denccragy ist us go over there for le ls Bou? ue

Eee aa

ados Re cheating in a Arguments for democracy nn
e o U ae

de el) tar meta co Ms ea

competition and power play. There history. Nearly three erore people
is no scope for morality Ye tie Amine During ose Teod
«So many people have to be days, India’s economic condition the
consulted in a democracy that it was not much better than China. Yet

leads to delays India did not have a famine of the MMMM

«Elected leaders do not know the kind China had. Economists think
best interest of the people. It leads.

to bad decisions.

Democracy leads to corruption for

{tis based on electoral competition.
= Ordinary people dont know what

is good for them; they should not

decide anything.

Are there some other arguments
against democracy that you can
think of? Which of these arguments
applies mainly to democracy? Which
of these can apply to misuse of any
form of government? Which of these
do you agree with?

Clearly, democracy is not a
magical solution for all the
problems, It has not ended poverty
in our country and in other parts of
the world. Democracy as a form of

a DuvocrnePounes

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12. that this was a 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. China too had
‘multi party elections, an opposition
party anda press free tocrticse the
government, then so many people
‘may not have died in the famine.

“This example brings out one of the
reason why democracy is considered
the best form of government
Democracy is better than any other
form of government in responding to
the needs of the people. A non-
democratic government may and can
respond to the peoples needs, but it
all depends on the wishes of the
people who rule. If the rulers dont
want to, they don’t have to act
according to the wishes ofthe people.
A democracy requires thatthe 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.

‘There is another reason why
democracy should lead to better
decisions than any non-democratic
government. Democracy is based on
consultation and discussion. A
democratic decision always involves
many persons, discussions and
meetings. When a number of people
put their head together, they are
able to point out possible mistakes
in any decision. This takes time, But
LLL there is a big advantage in taking,
12 time over important decisions. This

500) reduces the chances of rash or
00000 irresponsible decisions. ‘Thus
4000. democracy improves the quality

2.0.0000 of decision making.

Wear 1s Democracy? Wer Dinocrscr?

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This is related to the third
argument. Demoeracy provides a
method to deal with differences
and confliets, In any society people
are bound to have differences of
opinions and interests. These
differences are particularly sharp in
a country like ours which has an
‘amazing social diversity. People
belong to different regions, speak
different languages, practise
different religions and have diferent
‘castes. They look at the world very
differently and have different
preferences. The preference of one
group can clash with those of other
‘groups. How do we resolve such a.
Conflict? The conflict can be solved
by brutal power. Whichever group
is more powerful will dictate its
terms and others will have to accept
that, But that would lead to
resentment and unhappiness,
Different groups may not be able to
live together for long in such a way.
Democracy provides the only
peaceful solution to this problem. ln
‘democracy, no one is a permanent
winner, No one is a permanent loser.
Different groups can live with one
another peacefully. In a diverse
‘country ike India, democracy keeps
‘our country together.

“These three arguments were about
the effects of democracy on the
‘quality of government and social lie
But the strongest argument for
democracy is a not about what
“democracy does to the government.
Ie is about what democracy does to
the citizens, Even if democracy does
not bring about better decisions and
accountable government, itis still
better than other forms of
government. Democracy enhances
the dignity of citizens. As we
discussed above, democracy is.
based on the principle of political
‘equality, on recognising that the

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13. poorest and the least educated has the rulers have to change their
the same status as the rich and the decisions, or the rulers can be
‘educated, People are not subjects of changed, This cannot happen in a.
a ruler, they are the rulers non-demoeratic government.
themselves. Even when they make Let us sum it up. Democracy
mistakes, they are responsible for cannot get us everything and is not
their conduct. the solution to all problems. But it

Finally, democracy is better than is clearly better than any other
other forms of government because alternative that we know. It offers
it allows us to correct ite own better chances of a good decision, it
‘mistakes. As we saw above, there is is likely to respect people's own,
o guarantee that mistakes cannot wishes and allows different kinds of
‘be made in democracy. No form of people to live together. Even when.
government can guarantee that. The it fils todo some of these things, it
advantage in a democracy is that allows a way of correcting its
such mistakes cannot be hidden for mistakes and offers more dignity to
long, There is a space for public all citizens. That is why democracy.
discussion on these mistakes. And is considered the best form of
there is a room for correction. Either government.

ca vin Me Ot Cer, Cors Cage Core

“WY STOLE OUR MONEY. SOLONINE 2BNEREGONG (MERE GONG D
I BOF SET vere ven ssc n,

ash and Muza rad an ar showed that no democracy has eer gone o war with another
democracy. Wars ke place only when one ofthe two governments on-democratc. The arte
said hat this was a great mor of democracy. fer reading the essay, Raesh and Muar had

This carton was
bishod in anata
us tar ts
alamenary
étions of 2005.
rere, ini
the carbon,
expected te Lea
arty to win once
gan. Men the
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uber Pay lost
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carton an agur
apa democracy or
tor democracy?

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‘ferent reactions. Rajesh said hat this was nata good argumentfor democracy. twas sta matter CHECK
ofchance.tispossbe hatin tur docaces may have was. Muza sit hat coudnatbe y) UR

“mater of chance. Democracies take decisions in such away that reduces the chances of va
‘Which ofthe two postions do ou agree with and why?

PROGRESS

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Tis famous cartoo 2.4 BROADER MEANINGS OF DEMOCRACY
RK Laman
Eee Im this chapter we have considered through their elected representatives
corn te the meaning of democracy in a This become necessary because:
ya” limited and descriptive sense. We + Modern democracies involve such
ee oy have understood democracy as a a large number of people that itis
one form of government. This way of physically impossible for them to
lenken? defining democracy helps us to sit together and take a collective
ann identity a clear set of minimal — decision
EN features that a democracy must + Even ifthey could, the citizen does
nu have. The most common form that nothave the time, the desire or the
nn” democracy takes in ourtimes that skills to take part in all the
ofa representative democracy. You decisions
have already read about this in the — This gives us a clear but minimal
previous classes. Inthe countries we understanding of democracy. This
ER Satcmocracyaltne people donot clarity helps us to distiaguieh
Fle. A majority is allowed to take democracies from non-democracies.
the
decisions on behalfofall the people. But it does not allow us to
al Even the majority does not rule distinguish between a democracy
directly. The majority of people rule and a good democracy. It does not

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allow us to see the operation of
‘democracy beyond government. For
this we need to turn to broader
‘meanings of democracy.

‘Sometimes we use democracy for
organisations other than the
government. Just read these
Statements:

We are a very demoeratie family
Whenever a decision has to be taken

we all sit down and arrive at a

consensus. My opinion matters as much

as my father's”

= dont tke teachers who donot allow
students 1 speak and ask questions in
the class. [would lke to have teachers
with democrat temperament.”

= “One leader and his family members
decide evening inthis party How an
they talk of democracy”

These ways of using the word
democracy go back to its basic sense
of a method of taking decisions. A
democratic decision involves
consultation with and consent ofall,
those who are affected by that
decision. Those who are not
‘powerful have the same say in taking
the decision as those who are
powerful. This can apply to a
government ora family or any other
organisation. Thus democracy is
also a principle that can be applied
to any sphere of life.

Sometimes we use the word
democracy not to describe any
existing government but to set up
an ideal standard that all
democracies must aim to become:
= “True democracy will come to this

‘country only when no onegaes hungry

to bed”

In a democracy every ctizen must be
able to play equal role in decision
making. Forthis you don need just an
‘equal right to vote. Every chen needs
10 have equal information, basic
‘education, equal resources and alt of

then no country in the world is a
democracy. Yet an understanding of
democracy as an ideal reminds us
of why we value democracy. It
enables us to judge an existing
democracy and identify its
weaknesses. It helps us to
distinguish between a minimal
democracy and a good democracy.

In this book we do not deal much
with this expanded notion of
democracy. Our focus here is with
some core institutional features of
democracy as a form of government.
Next year you will read more about
a democratic society and ways of
evaluating our democracy. At this
Stage we just need to note that
democracy can apply to many
spheres of life and that democracy
can take many forms. There can be
various ways of taking decisions in
a democratic manner, as long as the
basic principle of consultation on an
equal basis is accepted. The most
common form of democracy in
today's world is rule through
people elected representatives. We
Shall read more about that in
Chapter Four. But ifthe community
is small, there can be other ways of
taking democratic decisions. All the
people can sit together and take
decisions directly. This is how Gram
Sabha should work in a village. Can
you think of some other democratic
‘ways of decision making?

EY

Dimocrane Pouries

Gram Sabha never

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‘This also means that no country the weakness of democracy’ the fate

is a perfect democracy. The features of the country depends not just on
of democracy that we discussed in what the rulers do, but mainly on
this chapter provide only the what we, as citizens, do.

minimum conditions of a This is what distinguished
democracy. That does not make it democracy from other governments.

ideal democracy. Every Other forms of government like

democracy has to try to realise the _ monarchy, dictatorship or one-party.
Ideals of a democratic decision rule do not require al citizens to take
making. This cannot be achieved part in politics. In fact most non-
once and for all. This requires a democratic governments would like
constant effort to save and citizens not to take part in politics.
Strengthen democratic forms of But democracy depends on active
decision making. What we do as political participation by all the
citizens can make a difference to citizens. That is why a study of
making our country more or less democracy must focus on

democrs

exercises 1

jc. This s the strength and democratic politics.

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 oficial religion
do not have a right to vote

Country B: The same party has been winning ele
‘twenty years

© Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections

4 Country D: There is no independent election commission

ns for the last

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

5 Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers.
of the judiciary

© Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with
another country without taking permission from its neighbouring
country.

4 Country S: All the major economie decisions about the country
are taken by officials ofthe central bank which the ministers cannot
change.

Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
a. People feel free and equal in a democracy

2 Democracies resolve confict in a better way than others

‘© Democratic government is more accountable to the people

4 Democracies are more prosperous than others

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Each ofthese statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic

element. Write out the two separately for each statement,

À minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament
in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade
Organisation

» The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency
where lange scale rigging was reported

‘© Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10
percent, This led women’ organisations to demand one-third seats
for women.

Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser

possibility of famine in a democratic country?

& Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation,

à. Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of
the country.

© Government fears its defeat in the next elections.

à People are free to believe in and practice any religion.

‘There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made
zo 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
3 Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.

© Organising public meetings against government policies

4 Paying money to government officials to get water

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.

5 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.

© If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why
not invite them to guide us in polities as well. The country should
be ruled by religious leaders.

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 your
marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them.

» Teacher to student: Don't distur my concentration by asking me
questions in the classroom.

© Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced
according to the law.

Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would
call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.

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exercises

10

a All the citizens ofthe country have right to vote. Elections are held
regulary.

» The country took loan from international agencies. One of the
conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce
its expenses on education and health

«© People speak more than seven languages but education is available
only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people
‘of that country.

4 Several organisations have given a cal for peaceful demonstrations:
and nation wide strikes in the country to oppose these policies.
Government has arrested these leaders.

© 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 policies and protests.

In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing
inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the
participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to
influence the decisions taken by the government. The report
highlighted that:

a Ifan average Black family earns $ 100 then the income of average
White family is $ 162. A White family has twelve times more wealth
than the average Black family

= Ina Presidents election ‘nearly nine out of 10 individuals in families
with income over $ 75,000 have voted. These people are the top
20 % of the population in terms of their income. On the other
hand only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than
$ 15,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population
in terms of their income.

‘= About 95 % contribution to the political parties comes from the
rich. This gives them opportunity to express their opinion and
‘concem, which is not available to most eitizens.

= As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does
not listen to their concerns ~ coming out of poverty, getting job,
education, health care and housing form them. Politicians hear
most regularly about the concerns of business and the most rich

Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty” using the information

given in this report but using examples from India.

Most newspapers have an editorial page. On that page the newspaper
publishes it own opinions about current affairs. The papers also publishes:
the views of other writers and intellectuals and letters written by the
readers. Follow any one newspaper for one month and collect editorials,
articles and leters on that page that have anything to do with democracy.

a

ssify these into the following categories:
‘= Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy
© Citizens rights

= Electoral and party polities

Criticism of democracy

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