Write a response to the following argument against democracy.

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.

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.

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 neighbouring country.

(d) Country S : All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the 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

(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.

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 in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported.

(c) Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women’s 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?

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?

Write a response to the following argument against democracy.

Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore army should rule the country.

Write a response to the following argument against democracy.

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.

Write a response to the following arguments against democracy.

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.

Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?

Father to daughter : I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to do.