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CHAPTER 1

What is
Democracy?
Why
Democracy?

OVERVIEW
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.
Democracy is the most prevalent form of government in the world today
and it is expanding to more countries. But why is it so? What makes it
better than other forms of government? That is the second big question
that we take up in this chapter.

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1.1 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
You have already read about different But we don’t know if this is the best way of
forms of government. On the basis of defining unless we think about it ourselves. We
your understanding of democracy must not accept something just because it is
so far, mentioning a few examples famous, just because everyone accepts it.
write down some common features of: Yolanda: Ma’am, can I suggest something? We don’t
< Democratic governments need to look for any definition. I read somewhere
< Non-democratic governments that the word democracy comes from a Greek
word ‘Demokratia’. In Greek ‘demos’ means
Why define democracy? people and ‘kratia’ means rule. So democracy is
rule by the people. This is the correct meaning.
Before we proceed further, let us Where is the need to debate?
first take note of an objection by Lyngdoh Madam: That is also a very helpful way
Merry. She does not like this way of thinking about this matter. I would just say
of defining democracy and wants that this does not always work. A word does not
to ask some basic questions. remain tied to its origin. Just think of computers.
Her teacher Matilda Lyngdoh Originally they were used for computing, that is to
responds to her questions, as other say calculating, very difficult mathematical sums.
classmates join the discussion: These were very powerful calculators. But nowa-
Merry: Ma’am, I don’t like this idea. First we spend days very few people use computers for comput-
time discussing democracy and then we want ing sums. They use it for writing, for designing, for
to find out the meaning of democracy. I mean listening to music and for watching films. Words
logically shouldn’t we have approached it the remain the same but their meaning can change
other way round? Shouldn’t the meaning have with time. In that case it is not very useful to look
come first and then the example? at the origins of a word.
Lyngdoh Madam: I can see your point. But that is Merry: Ma’am, so basically what you are saying
not how we reason in everyday life. We use is that there is no shortcut to our thinking about
words like pen, rain or love. Do we wait to have the matter ourselves. We have to think about its
a definition of these words before we use them? meaning and evolve a definition.
Come to think of it, do we have clear definition Lyngdoh Madam: You got me right. Let us get on
of these words? It is only by using a word that with it now.
we understand its meaning.
Merry: But then why do we need definitions at all? A C T I V I T Y
Lyngdoh Madam: We need a definition only when
we come across a difficulty in the use of a word.
We need a definition of rain only when we wish to Let us take Lyngdoh Madam seriously and try to I have heard a
distinguish it from, say, drizzle or cloudburst. The write down the exact definition of some of the different version.
same is true for democracy. We need a clear simple words that we use all the time: pen, rain Democracy is off
definition only because people use it for different and love. For example, is there a way of defining a the people, far
purposes, because very different kinds of gov- pen that distinguishes it clearly from a pencil, a (from) the people
ernments call themselves democracy. brush, a chalk or crayon. and (where they)
Ribiang: But why do we need to work on a defini- < What have you learnt from this attempt?
buy the people.
tion? The other day you quoted Abraham < What does it teach us about understanding the
Why don’t we
Lincoln to us: “Democracy is government of meaning of democracy? accept that?
the people, by the people and for the people”.
We in Meghalaya always ruled ourselves. That
is accepted by everyone. Why do we need to A simple definition
change that? Let us get back to our discussion on
Lyngdoh Madam: I am not saying we need to similarities and differences among
change it. I too find this definition very beautiful. governments that are called

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democracies. One simple factor because they happen to be born into
common to all democracies is: the the royal family.
government is chosen by the people. This simple definition is not
We could thus start with a simple adequate. It reminds us that
definition: democracy is a form of democracy is people’s rule. But if we
government in which the rulers are use this definition in an unthinking
elected by the people. manner, we would end up calling
This is a useful starting point. This almost every government that holds
definition allows us to separate an election a democracy. That would
democracy from forms of government be very misleading. As we shall find
that are clearly not democratic. The out in Chapter 3, every government
army rulers of Myanmar were not in contemporary world wants to be
elected by the people. Those who called a democracy, even if it is not
happened to be in control of the army so. That is why we need to carefully
became the rulers of the country. distinguish between a government
People had no say in this decision. that is a democracy and one that
Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) are not pretends to be one. We can do so by
elected by the people. This also understanding each word in this
applies to monarchies. The kings of definition carefully and spelling out
Saudi Arabia rule not because the the features of a democratic
people have chosen them to do so but government.

Ribiang went back home and collected some more famous quotations on democracy. This time she
did not mention the names of the people who said or wrote these. She wants you to read these and
comment on how good or useful these thoughts are:
CHECK < Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.

YOUR < Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they’ve told you what you think it is you want
to hear.
PROGRESS < Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes
democracy necessary
< Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
< All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

read
the
cartoon
©Stephane Peray, Thailand, Cagle Cartoons Inc.

This cartoon was


drawn when elections
were held in Iraq with
the presence of US
and other foreign
powers. What do you
think this cartoon is
saying? Why is
‘democracy’ written
the way it is?

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY? 3

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1.2 FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
We have started with a simple want in a democracy? Or must a
definition that democracy is a form democratic government function
of government in which the rulers with some limits? Is it necessary
are elected by the people. This for a democracy to respect some
raises many questions: rights of the citizens?
< Who are the rulers in this Let us consider each of these
definition? Which officials must questions with the help of some
be elected for any government to examples.
be called a democracy? Which
decisions may be taken by non-
Major decisions by elected
elected officials in a democracy? leaders
< What kind of election constitutes In Pakistan, General Pervez
a democratic election? What Musharraf led a military coup in
conditions must be fulfilled for an October 1999. He overthrew a
election to be considered democratically elected government
democratic? and declared himself the ‘Chief
< Who are the people who can elect Executive’ of the country. Later he
the rulers or get elected as rulers? changed his designation to President
Should this include every citizen on and in 2002 held a referendum in
an equal basis? Can a democracy the country that granted him a five-
deny some citizens this right? year extension. Pakistani media,
< Finally, what kind of a form of human rights organisations and
government is democracy? Can democracy activists said that the
elected rulers do whatever they referendum was based on

read
the
cartoon
Syria is a small west
©Emad Hajjaj, Jordan, Cagle Cartoons Inc. 7 June 2005

Asian country. The


ruling Ba’ath Party
and some of its small
allies are the only
parties allowed in that
country. Do you think
this cartoon could
apply to China or
Mexico? What does
the crown of leaves
on democracy
signify?

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rulers. They cannot take the final
decisions. The power to take final
read decision rested with army officials
the and with General Musharraf, and

©Ares, Caglecartoon.com, Cagle Cartoons Inc. 22 January 2005


none of them were elected by the
cartoon people. This happens in many
dictatorships and monarchies. They
This cartoon was formally have an elected parliament
drawn in the context and government but the real power
of Latin America. Do is with those who are not elected.
you think it applies to In a few countries, the real power
the Pakistani situation was with some external powers and
as well? Think of not with locally elected
other countries where representatives. This cannot be
this could apply? called people’s rule.
Does this happen This gives us the first feature. In a
sometimes in our democracy the final decision-
country as well? making power must rest with those
elected by the people.

malpractices and fraud. In August Free and fair electoral


2002 he issued a ‘Legal Framework
Order’ that amended the
competition
Constitution of Pakistan. According In China, elections are regularly
to this Order, the President can held after every five years for
dismiss the national and provincial electing the country’s parliament,
assemblies. The work of the civilian called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao
cabinet is supervised by a National Dahui (National People’s Congress).
Security Council which is The National People’s Congress has
dominated by military officers. After the power to appoint the President
passing this law, elections were of the country. It has nearly 3,000
held to the national and provincial members elected from all over
assemblies. So Pakistan has had China. Some members are elected
elections, elected representatives by the army. Before contesting
have some powers. But the final elections, a candidate needs the
power rested with military officers approval of the Chinese Communist
and General Musharraf himself. Party. Only those who are members
Clearly, there are many reasons of the Chinese Communist Party or
why Pakistan under General eight smaller parties allied to it were
All this is so remote Musharraf should not be called a allowed to contest elections held in
for me. Is democracy. But let us focus on one 2002-03. The government is always
democracy all of these. Can we say that the rulers formed by the Communist Party.
about rulers and are elected by the people in Since its independence in 1930,
governments? Can Pakistan? Not quite. People may Mexico holds elections after every
we talk about a have elected their representatives to six years to elect its President. The
democratic the national and provincial country has never been under a
classroom? Or a assemblies but those elected military or dictator’s rule. But until
democratic family? representatives were not really the 2000 every election was won by a

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY? 5

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©Nerilicon, El Economista , Mexico, Cagle Cartoons Inc.
17 May 2005
party called PRI (Institutional
Revolutionary Party). Opposition
parties did contest elections, but
read
never managed to win. The PRI was the
known to use many dirty tricks to
win elections. All those who were cartoon
employed in government offices
had to attend its party meetings. This cartoon was
Teachers of government schools titled ‘Building
used to force parents to vote for the Democracy’ and was
PRI. Media largely ignored the first published in a
activities of opposition political Latin American
parties except to criticise them. publication. What do
Sometimes the polling booths were moneybags signify
shifted from one place to another in here? Could this
the last minute, which made it cartoon be applied to
difficult for people to cast their votes. India?
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 One person, one vvot
ot
otee ,
we cannot. There are many problems one value
here. In China the elections do not Earlier, we read about how the struggle
offer the people any serious choice. for democracy was linked to the
They have to choose the ruling party demand for universal adult franchise.
and the candidates approved by it. This principle has now come to be
Can we call this a choice? In the accepted almost all over the world. Yet
Mexican example, people seemed to there are many instances of denial of
really have a choice but in practice equal right to vote.
they had no choice. There was no < Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia women

way the ruling party could be did not have the right to vote.
< Estonia has made its citizenship
defeated, even if people were against
it. These are not fair elections. rules in such a way that people
We can thus add a second feature belonging to Russian minority
find it difficult to get the right to
to our understanding of democracy.
vote.
Holding elections of any kind is not
< In Fiji, the electoral system is
sufficient. The elections must offer
such that the vote of an
a real choice between political indigenous Fiji has more value
alternatives. And it should be than that of an Indian-Fijian.
possible for people to use this choice Democracy is based on a
to remove the existing rulers, if they fundamental principle of political
wish so. So, a democracy must be equality. That gives us the third
based on a free and fair election feature of democracy: in a
where those currently in power democracy, each adult citizen must
have a fair chance of losing. We have one vote and each vote must
shall find out more about a have one value. We shall read more
democratic election in Chapter 3. about it in Chapter 3.

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read
the
cartoon
©John Trever, Albuquerque Journal, US, Cagle Cartoons Inc.
This cartoon is about
the Iraqi election held
after Saddam
Hussein’s regime was
overthrown. He is
shown behind the
bars. What is the
cartoonist saying
here? Compare the
message of this
cartoon with the first
cartoon in this
chapter.

R ule of la
laww and rrespe
espe
especc t government harassed those
for rights journalists who went against it. The
Zimbabwe attained independence government ignored some court
from White minority rule in 1980. judgments that went against it and
Since then the country has been pressurised judges. He was forced
ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led out of office in 2017.
the freedom struggle. Its leader, The example of Zimbabwe shows
Robert Mugabe, ruled the country that popular approval of the rulers is
since independence. Elections were necessary in a democracy, but it is
held regularly and always won by not sufficient. Popular governments
ZANU-PF. President Mugabe was can be undemocratic. Popular leaders
popular but also used unfair practices can be autocratic. If we wish to assess
in elections. Over the years his a democracy, it is important to look
government changed the constitution at the elections. But it is equally
several times to increase the powers important to look before and after the
of the President and make him less elections. There should be sufficient
accountable. Opposition party room for normal political activity,
workers were harassed and their including political opposition, in the
meeting disrupted. Public protests period before elections. This requires
and demonstrations against the that the state should respect some
Why talk about government were declared illegal. basic rights of the citizen. They should
Zimbabwe? I read There was a law that limited the right be free to think, to have opinions, to
similar reports from to criticise the President. Television express these in public, to form
many parts of our and radio were controlled by the associations, to protest and take other
own country. Why government and gave only the political actions. Everyone should be
don’t we discuss ruling party’s version. There were equal in the eyes of law. These rights
that? independent newspapers but the must be protected by an independent

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY? 7

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©Eric Allie, Pioneer Press, US, Cagle Cartoons Inc., 27 February 2006
judiciary whose orders are obeyed by S ummar
ummaryy def inition
definition
everyone. We shall read more about
Let us sum up the discussion so far.
these rights in Chapter 5.
We started with a simple definition
Similarly, there are some conditions
that democracy is a form of
that apply to the way a government
government in which the rulers are
is run after the elections. A elected by the people. We found that read
democratic government cannot do
whatever it likes, simply because it
this definition was not adequate
unless we explained some of the key
the
has won an election. It has to respect
some basic rules. In particular it has
words used in it. Through a series of cartoon
examples we worked out four features
to respect some guarantees to the of democracy as a form of
minorities. Every major decision has government. Accordingly, democracy Chinese government
to go through a series of is a form of government in which: blocked free flow of
consultations. Every office bearer has < Rulers elected by the people take information on the
certain rights and responsibilities all the major decisions; internet by placing
assigned by the constitution and the < Elections offer a choice and fair restrictions on popular
law. Each of these is accountable not opportunity to the people to websites like ‘Google’
only to the people but also to other change the current rulers; and ‘Yahoo’. The
independent officials. We shall read < This choice and opportunity is image of tanks and an
more about this in Chapter 4. available to all the people on an unarmed student
Both these aspects give us the fourth equal basis; and reminds the reader of
and final feature of democracy: < The exercise of this choice leads another major event in
a democratic government rules to a government limited by basic recent Chinese
within limits set by constitutional rules of the constitution and history. Find out about
law and citizens’ rights. citizens’ rights. that event.

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Read these five examples of working or denial of democracy. Match each of these with the relevant
feature of democracy discussed above.

CHECK Example Feature


YOUR King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be Rule of law
guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives.
PROGRESS Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were Respect for Rights
not given a right to vote in Sri Lanka.
One person one vote
The king imposed a ban on political gatherings,
one value
demonstrations and rallies. Free and fair
The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of electoral com
petition
Bihar assembly was unconstitutional.
Major decisions by
Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral
elected leaders
government should rule the country at the time of elections.

1.3 WHY DEMOCRACY?

An argument broke out in Madam Jeni: Whatever, how does it make a difference?
Lyngdoh’s class. She had finished The point is that this can’t be the best form of
teaching the previous section on government. Democracy is all about chaos, in-
what is democracy and asked the stability, corruption and hypocrisy. Politicians
students if they thought democracy fight among themselves. Who cares for the coun-
was the best form of government. try?
Everyone had something to say. Poimon: So, what should we have instead? Go
back to the British rule? Invite some kings to
Debating merits of rule this country?
Rose: I don’t know. I think what this country needs
democracy is a strong leader, someone who does not have
Yolanda: We live in a democratic country. All over to bother about elections and parliament. One
the world people want democracy. Countries that leader should have all the powers. He should
were not democratic earlier are becoming demo- be able to do whatever is needed in country’s
cratic now. All great people have said nice things interest. That alone can remove corruption and
about democracy. Isn’t it obvious that democracy poverty from this country.
is the best? Do we need to debate this? Someone shouted: That is called dictatorship!
Tangkini: But Lyngdoh Madam had said we should Hoi: What if that person starts using all these pow-
not accept something just because it is famous, ers for himself and his family? What if he is
just because everyone else accepts it. Isn’t it corrupt himself?
possible that everyone is following a wrong Rose: I am speaking only of the honest, sincere
path? and strong leader.
Jeni: Yes, it actually is a wrong path. What has Hoi: But that is not fair. You are comparing a real
democracy brought to our country? Seven democracy with an ideal dictatorship.
I want to be in decades of democracy and there is so much We should compare an ideal with an ideal, the
Lyngdoh Madam’s poverty in the country. real with the real. Go and check the record of
class! That sounds Ribiang: But what has democracy got to do with dictators in real life. They are most corrupt, self-
like a democratic it? Do we have poverty because we are demo- ish and brutal. It is just that we don’t get to know
classroom. cratic or do we have poverty despite being a about this. And what is worse, you can’t even
Doesn’t it? democracy? get rid of them.

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Madam Lyngdoh was listening to people take their own decisions.
this discussion with interest. Now This does not guarantee that their
she stepped in: “I was delighted to decisions will be good. People can This cartoon is from
see you all arguing so passionately. make mistakes. Involving the people Brazil, a country that
I don’t know who is right and who in these decisions does lead has long experience
is wrong. That is for you to settle. to delays in decision making. It of dictatorship. It is
But I did feel that you all wanted to is also true that democracy leads entitled “The Hidden
speak your mind. You may have felt to frequent changes in leadership. Side of Dictatorship”.
very bad if someone tried to stop you Sometimes this can set back Which hidden sides
or if someone punished you for big decisions and affect the does this cartoon
saying what you felt. Would you be government’s efficiency. depict? Is it
able to do that in a country that is These arguments show that necessary for every
not democratic? Is that a good democracy of the kind we see may dictatorship to have a
argument for democracy?” not be the ideal form of government. hidden side? If
But that is not a question we face in possible, find this out
Arguments against democracy real life. The real question we face about the dictators
This conversation has most of the is different: is democracy better than including Pinochet in
arguments that we routinely hear other forms of government that are Chile, Jaruzelski in
against democracy. Let us go over there for us to choose from? Poland, Sani Abacha
some of these arguments: in Nigeria and
< Leaders keep changing in a Arguments for democracy Ferdinand Marcos in
democracy. This leads to instability. China’s famine of 1958-1961 was the Philippines.
< Democracy is all about political the worst recorded famine in world
competition and power play. There history. Nearly three crore people
is no scope for morality.
< So many people have to be
died in this famine. During those
days, India’s economic condition
read
consulted in a democracy that it was not much better than China. Yet the
leads to delays. India did not have a famine of the
< Elected leaders do not know the kind China had. Economists think
cartoon
best interest of the people. It leads
to bad decisions.
< Democracy leads to corruption for
it is based on electoral competition.
< Ordinary people don’t 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
Cagle Cartoons Inc. 6 December 2004

of these can apply to misuse of any


form of government? Which of these
do you agree with?
©Osmani Simanca, Brazil,

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
government only ensures that

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that this was a result of different This is related to the third
government policies in the two argument. Democracy provides a
countries. The existence of method to deal with differences
democracy in India made the and conflicts. In any society people
Indian government respond to food are bound to have differences of
scarcity in a way that the Chinese opinions and interests. These
government did not. They point out differences are particularly sharp in
that no large-scale famine has ever a country like ours which has an
taken place in an independent and amazing social diversity. People
democratic country. If China too had belong to different regions, speak
multiparty elections, an opposition different languages, practise
party and a press free to criticise the different religions and have different
government, then so many people castes. They look at the world very
may not have died in the famine. differently and have different
This example brings out one of the preferences. The preferences of one
reasons why democracy is considered group can clash with those of other
the best form of government. groups. How do we resolve such a
Democracy is better than any other conflict? The conflict can be solved
form of government in responding to by brutal power. Whichever group
the needs of the people. A non- is more powerful will dictate its
democratic government may and can terms and others will have to accept
respond to the people’s needs, but it that. But that would lead to
all depends on the wishes of the resentment and unhappiness.
people who rule. If the rulers don’t Different groups may not be able to
want to, they don’t have to act live together for long in such a way.
according to the wishes of the people. Democracy provides the only
A democracy requires that the rulers peaceful solution to this problem. In
have to attend to the needs of the democracy, no one is a permanent
people. A democratic government is winner. No one is a permanent loser.
a better government because it is a Different groups can live with one
more accountable form of another peacefully. In a diverse
government. country like India, democracy keeps
There is another reason why our country together.
democracy should lead to better These three arguments were about
decisions than any non-democratic the effects of democracy on the
government. Democracy is based on quality of government and social life.
consultation and discussion. A But the strongest argument for
democratic decision always involves democracy is not about what
many persons, discussions and democracy does to the government.
meetings. When a number of people It is about what democracy does to
put their heads together, they are the citizens. Even if democracy does
able to point out possible mistakes not bring about better decisions and
What would have in any decision. This takes time. But accountable government, it is still
happened if India there is a big advantage in taking better than other forms of
was not a time over important decisions. This government. Democracy enhances
democracy? reduces the chances of rash or the dignity of citizens. As we
Could we have irresponsible decisions. Thus discussed above, democracy is
stayed together as democracy improves the quality based on the principle of political
a single nation? of decision-making. equality, on recognising that the

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY? 11

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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-democratic government. This cartoon was
themselves. Even when they make Let us sum it up. Democracy published in Canada
mistakes, they are responsible for cannot get us everything and is not just before its
their conduct. the solution to all problems. But it parliamentary
Finally, democracy is better than is clearly better than any other elections of 2004.
other forms of government because alternative that we know. It offers Everyone, including
it allows us to correct its own better chances of a good decision, the cartoonist,
mistakes. As we saw above, there is it is likely to respect people’s own expected the Liberal
no guarantee that mistakes cannot wishes and allows different kinds of party to win once
be made in democracy. No form of people to live together. Even when again. When the
government can guarantee that. The it fails to do some of these things, it results came, the
advantage in a democracy is that allows a way of correcting its Liberal Party lost the
such mistakes cannot be hidden for mistakes and offers more dignity to elections. Is this
long. There is a space for public all citizens. That is why democracy cartoon an argument
discussion on these mistakes. And is considered the best form of against democracy or
there is a room for correction. Either government. for democracy?

©Cam Cardow, The Ottawa Citizen, Canada, Cagle Cartoons Inc. 30 May 2004.
read
the
cartoon

Rajesh and Muzaffar read an article. It showed that no democracy has ever gone to war with another
democracy. Wars take place only when one of the two governments is non-democratic. The article said
that this was a great merit of democracy. After reading the essay, Rajesh and Muzaffar had different
reactions. Rajesh said that this was not a good argument for democracy. It was just a matter of chance. CHECK
It is possible that in future democracies may have wars. Muzaffar said that it could not be a matter of
chance. Democracies take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war. Which of the two
YOUR
positions do you agree with and why? PROGRESS

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This famous cartoon 1.4 BROADER MEANINGS OF DEMOCRACY
by R K Laxman
comments on the In this chapter we have considered through their elected representatives.
celebrations of the the meaning of democracy in a This become necessary because:
limited and descriptive sense. We < Modern democracies involve such
fifty years of
independence. How have understood democracy as a a large number of people that it is
many images on the form of government. This way of physically impossible for them to
wall do you recognize? defining democracy helps us to sit together and take a collective
Do many common identify a clear set of minimal decision.
features that a democracy must < Even if they could, the citizen does
people feel the way the
common man in this have. The most common form that not have the time, the desire or the
cartoon does? democracy takes in our times is that skills to take part in all the
of a representative democracy. You decisions.
have already read about this in the This gives us a clear but minimal
previous classes. In the countries we understanding of democracy. This
read call democracy, all the people do not clarity helps us to distinguish
the rule. A majority is allowed to take democracies from non-democracies.
decisions on behalf of all the people. But it does not allow us to
cartoon Even the majority does not rule distinguish between a democracy
directly. The majority of people rule and a good democracy. It does not

©R.K. Laxman, The Times of India

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allow us to see the operation of If we take these ideals seriously,
democracy beyond government. For then no country in the world is a
this we need to turn to broader democracy. Yet an understanding of
meanings of democracy. democracy as an ideal reminds us
Sometimes we use democracy for of why we value democracy. It
organisations other than the enables us to judge an existing
government. Just read these democracy and identify its In my village the
statements: weaknesses. It helps us to Gram Sabha never
< “ We are a very democratic family. distinguish between a minimal meets. Is that
Whenever a decision has to be taken, democracy and a good democracy. democratic?
we all sit down and arrive at a In this book we do not deal much
consensus. My opinion matters as much with this expanded notion of
as my father’s.” democracy. Our focus here is with
< “I don’t like teachers who do not allow some core institutional features of
students to speak and ask questions in democracy as a form of government.
the class. I would like to have teachers Next year you will read more about
with democratic temperament.” a democratic society and ways of
< “One leader and his family members evaluating our democracy. At this
decide everything in this party. How can stage we just need to note that
they talk of democracy?” democracy can apply to many
These ways of using the word spheres of life and that democracy
democracy go back to its basic can take many forms. There can be
sense of a method of taking various ways of taking decisions in
decisions. A democratic decision a democratic manner, as long as the
involves consultation with and basic principle of consultation on an
consent of all those who are affected equal basis is accepted. The most
by that decision. Those who are not common form of democracy in
powerful have the same say in today’s world is rule through
taking the decision as those who are people’s elected representatives. We
powerful. This can apply to a shall read more about that in
government or a family or any other Chapter 3. But if the community is
organisation. Thus democracy is small, there can be other ways of
also a principle that can be applied taking democratic decisions. All the
to any sphere of life. people can sit together and take
Sometimes we use the word decisions directly. This is how
democracy not to describe any Gram Sabha should work in a
existing government but to set up village. Can you think of some other
an ideal standard that all democratic ways of decision making?
democracies must aim to become:
< “ True democracy will come to this
country only when no one goes hungry
A C T I V I T Y
to bed.”
< “In a democracy every citizen must be Find out the total number of eligible voters in your
able to play equal role in decision assembly constituency and your parliamentary
making. For this you don’t need just an constituency. Find out how many people can fit
equal right to vote. Every citizen needs into the largest stadium in your area. Is it possible
to have equal information, basic for all the voters in your parliamentary or assembly
education, equal resources and a lot of constituency to sit together and have a meaningful
commitment.” discussion?

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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.
an 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 all citizens to
making. This cannot be achieved take part in politics. In fact most
once and for all. This requires a non-democratic governments
constant effort to save and would like citizens not to take part
strengthen democratic forms of in politics. But democracy depends
decision-making. What we do as on active political participation by
citizens can make a difference to all the citizens. That is why a study
making our country more or less of democracy must focus on
democratic. This is the strength and democratic politics.

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.

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 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.

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.

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exercises
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
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 barely reached 10
per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats
for women.

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 practise any religion.

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.

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.

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 your
marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them
to.
b Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me
questions in the classroom.
c Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced
according to the law.

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

16 DEMOCRATIC POLITICS

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exercises 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 giving 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 that country.
d Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations
and nation wide 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.

10 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:
< If an 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.
< In a President’s election ‘nearly 9 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 opinions and
concerns, which is not available to most citizens.
< 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 for them. Politicians hear most
regularly about the concerns of business persons and the 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 its own opinions about current affairs. The paper 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 letters on that page that have anything to do with democracy.
Classify these into the following categories:
< Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy
< Citizens’ rights
< Electoral and party politics
< Criticism of democracy

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