Describe any two basic principles of democracy.
The basic principles of democracy are described below:
(i)Sovereignty of People - Sovereignty resides in the people and the administration is run in accordance with the wishes of the people.
(ii)Free and Fair Election - The process of electing leaders are be free and fair, without any malpractices.
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.
Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
Teacher to student : Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.
Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
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.
All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
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