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The first Prime Minister of Independent India, Jawaharlal Nehruobserved that "Democracy is tolerance, it is tolerance not only towardsthose who agree (with us) but also with those who disagree". Those whodo not believe in democracy or have no faith in democracy followpaths of violence and intolerance. But we on many occasions insocial life show intolerance, It is essential that we know moreabout democracy and adopt democracy as a way of life.

Origin of Democracy

Democracy that functions in most countries of the world,including India, is the Western model of democracy. The originof Western democracy can be traced to ancient Greece.

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Democracy as a system of governanceexisted in ancient Greece before widerinterpretation and development of theconcept of democracy.

The 'city state' system that existed in ancientGreece between 422 BC and 322 BC wasconsidered as a great model by westernthinkers, political scientists and scholarsalike. The word ‘democracy’ is formed fromthe Greek words ‘demos’ which means‘people’ and ‘kratos’ which means ‘power’.Democracy, therefore, means the power ofthe people. Democracy and its facetsunderwent changes during the period oftransformation from ancient Greece to themodern world. As a result the pattern ofdemocracy that prevailed in ancient Greeceassumed an entirely different and newshape.

Forms of DemocracyDemocracy has different forms. The practiceof democracy that existed in ancient Greece,known as the 'City state' system, was not onein which the whole people exercised powerof governance. Neither was it intended to bea system of government by the wholepeople. Democracy in the 'City State' can bedescribed as rule and control by speciallyqualified persons, citizens. Democracy washeld to be control of governance by thecitizens. But women, slaves and aliens werenot considered as citizens in ancient Greekdemocracy.

Direct DemocracyThe system of governance that was practiced

in ancient Greece is described as directdemocracy. In such a system all citizensassemble together to enact and approve thelaws required for governance and theyimplement these rules too. Citizens directlyengaged in the Judicial process. No separateofficials or court systems existed as arefollowed now. For short periods citizensthemselves performed these duties. Rulerswere selected through lot system for limitedduration. In short, in direct democracycitizens directly participate in the process ofgovernance. Direct democracy is,thus,regarded as the most complete and puremodel of democracy.

Indirect DemocracyDirect democracy does not exist in any partof the world today. Indirect democracy is theorder that prevails in the present world.What could be the reason for this change?

Nation state system is the accepted practicein the present world order. Slavery is nomore followed and universal adult sufferageis accepted facilitating equal opportunity inpolitical process. These caused the origin ofindirect democracy. The rise in populationalso contributed towards this trend. Thissystem is known as indirect democracybecause people elect their representativesand the representatives rule for the people.Since rule is by the representatives of thepeople it is known also as representativedemocracy. Indirect democracy exists incountries like India. Representatives atcentre, state and local levels are elected inthe democratic practice in India.

The Points given below are reasons contributing towards the change from directto indirect democracy. Examine how each of them influenced this change.

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1. Small city states gave way to nationstates.

2. Modern states allow sufferage towomen.

3. Growth of the ideas of equality, andequal opportunity for all.

4. Wide recognition for adult sufferage.

5. Higher growth of population in nationstates than in city states.

Direct democracy becomes impossible in theexisting situations of the nation state system.But it is also pertinent that representativedemocracy is not adequate to solve all ourproblems. The merits and demerits of theexisting pattern of democracy deserve to beexamined here.

Merits of Democracy• Efficient government is created by people

electing rulers through open elections. Itincreases the sense of responsibility in theminds of the people and they becomemore disciplined, loyal and patriotric.

• Democracy ensures personal freedom forthe individual and recognizes the dignityand freedom of the individual.

• All are treated equally in (a) democracyand the idea of equality is accorded(more) importance.

• People are encouraged to display moreinterest in common issues. Democracypromotes their spirit of love for the nationand enriches their abilities.

• Democracy fulfils the expectations andrequirements of people. Democracy is a

Indirect democracy has many unique features other than the presence of electedrepresentatives. Find out the unique features of democracy from the table givenbelow.

$ Disapproval of the constitution

$ Denial of rights for people

$ People enjoying basic rights

$ Political parties functioningindependently

$ Biased election commission

$ Government devoid of uncontrolledpower

$ Government endowed withuncontrolled power

$ Punctual and periodic elections

$ Personalised exercise of power

$ Adult sufferage

$ Independent election commission

$ Rule of law

$ Irregular elections

$ Approving of the constitution

$ Sufferage based on economicstatus

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governing system that brings intopractice the full responsibility of therulers to the people.

• Rule of law prevailes and no one is,including rulers, above the law.

• The government is more transparent.People can know about the affairs of thegovernment as there is no secrecy.

• Democracy generates the awarenessamong the people that government is ofthe people themselves and that rulers areservants of the people.

• Democracy helps attain progess andsocial stability. It also providesopportunity for debates and consensus(of opinion).

• Democracy has a prominent role inpolitically educating the people. It alsopromotes awareness of associativeclaims, rights and a sense of security inthe people.

Demerits of Democracy

The following demerits generally areattributed to democracy.

• Quantity or number is given moreimportance than quality or ability in (a)democracy. Decisions are made mostoften on the basis of the number of voters.Democracy is based on the perceptionthat every individual has the capabilityto rule. But good government requiresable and talented persons.

• Democracy does not bring in the serviceof efficient persons. Those of specialcapabilities do not often show interest incontesting elections or involve in politicalactivities. Thus, democracy is criticizedas a system of governance by inefficientpersons. This results in the nation losingthe service of talented persons.

• Efficiency of government is reduced in ademocratic system due to politicalinsecurity caused by frequent electionsand consequent change of governments.

• In democracy often the opinion of themajority is imposed on the minority.

• In democracy indifferent attitude on thepart of the people in general, towardsthe governing process prompts them tokeep away from voting.

• Sectarian party politics devoid of properfocus is another demerit of democracy.

• Democracy is an expensive system ofgovernment. Frequent elections andchanges of government renders it veryexpensive.

• In democracy all needs of the people arenot fulfilled up to their expectations

• Instability is caused in a democracy dueto the unpredictable factor of mobpsychology and frequently changinglikes and dislikes of the people.

Do you agree with the above mentioned defects of democracy?

Aren't these insufficiencies of democracy to be solved? What recommendationscan be put forward towards the success of democracy?

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Pre-conditions of DemocracyCertain preconditions are required forstrengthening democracy. Let us examinethem.

Political freedom

Political freedom is that right of individualsto get themselves politically organized. It isthat right of a person to fully and freelyexercise political preferences. In democracypeople have the right to vote (in elections),to contest public offices and to exercisepolitical power. Political freedom in ademocracy is further reinforced by the civilrights of citizens to form or organize andexpress opinion, to form associations and tocriticize the government.

Political consciousness

Political consciousness is regarded as theawareness of the people about state andpolitics. The traits of healthy competitions,co-operation, tolerance, clear politicalperceptions and consensus are implanted in

political consciousness. This is required forthe success of democracy.

Education

Education is the most prominent factor thatinfluences the political consciousness ofpeople. People should receive propereducation about the ideas and values ofdemocracy. Education will enhance thethought process of the people and theirabilities of constructive criticism. Then onlythey will be able to arrive at right decisionand act towards its realization.

Independent media

Media is highly essential to convey thefunctioning of the government anddemocratic ideas to the people. They exposeundemocratic activities like corruption,nepotism, terrorism etc. Free and impartialmedia help in forming and expressing(public) opinion.

Economic freedom and social securityprogrammesThe prevalence of economic freedom is amust for proper exercise of political rights,including the right to franchise. Economicfreedom denotes the release from povertyand insecurity along with the availability ofopportunities to participate in theproduction process, in a situation of fairdistribution of goods (and services). Theprevention of the tendency of concentration

of wealth in few and the eradication ofinequality and poverty are required toensure economic freedom for all. A sectionof people still live in poverty as a result ofeconomic inequality that existed forcenturies. Governments in democracy haveplanned various social securityprogrammes such as pension schemes for theaged and widows and comprehensive healthinsurance for the uplift of these sections ofpeople.

Economic equality is a precondition for democracy. Are the various socialsecurity schemes implemented by the government capable of achieving this?Discuss.

Do the media discharge their responsibility freely and independently in (a) democracyat present? Organize a debate in your class.

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elections meaningful. It is inevitable in ademocracy that parties shall be headed byleaders who possess a wider national visionand high democratic values.

Political parties and leaders

Political parties are inevitable in ademocracy. They help organize publicopinion and create situation conducive topolicy decisions. Political parties also make

Decentralization of power

Decentralization of power is a means formaking possible preferences and control ofpeople in formulating and implementingpolicies at the level of governance. Powerand administration are handed over to lowerlevels. This ensures greater participation ofthe people in governance.

Are political parties inevitable to protect and sustain democracy? Discuss.

Pointers for discussion

• Provide political education • Helps the formation of opinion• Organize people • Practice democracy in their own functions• Ensures participation of people •

Free and Independent Elections

Free and fearless exercise of right to vote isan important component of democracy. Anindependent election commission isdesigned with constitutional standing forthis purpose.

Collect information relating to elections in our country and discuss how are elections conducted inan independent and impartial manner in our country. Find out from the points given below thosewhich hinder free and impartial elections?

1. Franchise based on economic status2. Inclusion of name in the voters list or electoral roll for voting3. Presence of a biased election commission4. Identification card for voters5. Poverty6. Influence of black money in election7. Governments postponing elections to suit their interest8. Irregularities and malpractices in elections

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Are there other pre-requisite which you think are relevant for the making ofdemocracy more effective? Discuss.

Different Dimensions ofDemocracyDemocracy becomes complete and flawlessonly when the essence of democracy isspread to political, social and economiclevels.

Political level

This is the prevalence of democraticprinciples at the level of administration andgovernment. At the political level,democracy is based on freedom, equalityand fraternity. In addition, it is unique inensuring participative share of people andin protecting the rights of the people byrespecting their political will. At the politicallevel democracy is subject to rule of law.

Social level

Democracy at social level denotes a situation

of absence of discrimination based onreligion, caste, gender, region, race andcolour. Democratic social order envisagesequal opportunity and absence ofdiscrimination. It has the special features ofsocial equality, equality of opportunity andequal protection.

Economic levelDemocracy at political and social levelbecome meaningful only when principles ofdemocracy operate at the economic level too.The generation, control and use of wealthshould come under the guidance of society.The economic facet of democracy involvespreventing the concentration of wealth in afew or a limited segment of society. It alsostresses equality in the distribution of goodsand services as well as consumption. Thisensures the basic comforts of life to all.

Can these different levels of democracy be linked to Fundamental Rights andDirective Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India? Discuss.

Direct Democratic DevicesDemocracy became a universally acceptedpractice by the time direct democracyevolved into modern democracy(representative democracy). At the sametime participation by people got confinedto the exercise of franchise alone. Corruptionand nepotism caused democracy todegenerate. This makes methods of directdemocracy relevant.

Direct democratic methods are practicedwell in Switzerland. Some of the states in theUnited States of America follow the methodsof direct democracy in a limited form,though these are not widely practiced in theUnited States of America.

Take note of the newspaper report of thereferendum conducted in Kenya on thenewly formed constitution for the nation.This can be regarded as an example for themethods of direct democracy.

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Democracy as a way of lifeSome people regarded democracy as aprocess of voting and as a system ofgovernment and the failure of democracy isattributed to others rather than to

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Are the methods of direct democracy effective in preventing degeneration indemocracy? Discuss by gathering information from the experiences of democracyin India. Which of the above methods are suitable to our country?

ReferendumThe expression of public opinion through voting by the people on a law passedby the legislature is known as referendum. People get a chance to approve orreject a law. They develop interest and gain participation in law making. Theyalso become conscious about law. This is widely practiced in Switzerland foramendments of the constitution and for making ordinary laws. Some of the statesin the United States of America too follow this practice.

RecallThis is the removing of elected representatives from office before the end oftheir tenure when performance is unsatisfactory.

PlebiscitePlebiscite is not conducted in matters relating to legislation. Plebiscite is amechanism to ascertain the decisions of the people on issues of grave publicimportance. This will help prevent the imposing of the views of the minority onthe majority.

InitiativeInitiative means the direct involvement of the people themselves in the lawmaking process when legislature commits mistakes or defaults in law making.Such interventions are made when the law making body makes wrongcommissions or omissions. This method is resorted to when a specified numberof electors demand direct law making by themselves. A law desired by the peoplecan be submitted either in brief or in full text before the legislature. The legislatureis then bound to enact that law as submitted by the specified number of electors.In case such a law as desired by the people is not enacted by the legislature, itwill be further submitted before the whole body of electors for their finaldecision. This method is followed in Switzerland and in some of the states inthe United States of America.

themselves. But of now we discern that realdemocracy is empowerment and liberation.

Mark yes/no against the statements givenbelow.

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If your answer to all the statements is 'no'you are one who has accepted democracyas a way of life.

How can democracy be adopted as a wayof life.

• Tolerate the beliefs and practices ofothers.

• Adopt only democratic means for therealization of (your) goals.

• Show (mutual) respect in politics and in(daily) life.

• Work with the realization that allincluding us are subject to criticism.

• Respect the view points of others.

• Accept rule of law. Do not try to take thelaw into your own hands under anycircumstances or compulsions.

• Work by approving the opinion andpolitical freedoms of all.

• Treat all equally.

In short, our thoughts and words shouldreflect the spirit of democracy anddemocratic decorum should be adhered towhile talking to others, discharging (our)duties, taking food, using public pathwayand while utilizing natural resources. Wemust ensure that the freedom anddemocratic rights of others are not hinderedby our activities. Stable democratic ordercould be sustained only through such habitsof the citizens.

AnswerStatement Yes No

1.I get angry when, I hear views that areopposed to my beliefs.

2.I will adopt any means to attain things thatI long for.

3.I never respect those who have politicalviews opposite to mine.

4.No one has any right to criticize me.5.I never give any consideration to the

opinion of others.6. If I am bashed, I will retaliate.7.I don't like those who belong to other

political parties seeking vote by visiting thehouse of my own party members.

Assess the changes that are to be brought about in you to make democracy away of life.

Democracy in IndiaThe Constitution of India that came into forcefrom January 26, 1950 declares India as ademocratic Republic. The Constitution laysdown the requisites for sustaining ademocratic governmental system.

Our Constitution contains the followingdemocratic ideals:

• A system of government that holdspeople as the source of sovereign power,with the head of state elected by thepeople.

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• Fully protected fundamental rights

• Directive Principles of State Policy thatensure social and economic equality

• Special protection for those who aresocially and educationally marginalized

• Transparent and independent elections

• Governing process established underrule of law. These are held as the life-blood of democracy in India

Challenges before IndiandemocracyAttempts are made to put into practice theideas of democracy in our country. But thedemocratic order in our country is facingvarious challenges.

Many of the scholars from the westerncountries observed that elections in Indiawould be the biggest ever farce in the historyof the world and that democracy would notbe successful in a country characterized bypoverty and illiteracy. India is the largestdemocracy in the world on the basis ofpopulation. Varied ups and downs haveoccurred in our democratic process. Indiahas since independence successfullymaintained a democratic governmentalsystem when in many neighboring countriesdemocracy failed to take root. Still we arefacing many challenges in this front. Let usexamine them.

Social and economic inequality

The success of democracy demands socialand economic equality. Discriminationbased on religion, caste, class, gender andrace cause social inequality. Society in Indiaeven today is caste based. Total equality isnot yet attained though various measures forsustaining social justice have been adoptedby the government. Differences still exist inthe name of religion and caste. Femalefoeticide and dowry related quarrels remainunsolved even now.

Inequality in the economic sphere has notbeen wiped out. Major share of nationalwealth is in the hands of a limited sectionof people. Majority of the population arepoor and live in the rural areas. The gapbetween the rich and the poor is widening.Political rights cannot be independentlyexcercised so long as poverty exists.

Illiteracy

Basic education is the strength of democracy.A major part of Indian population iscomposed of illiterates. This prevents themfrom effectively participating in thegoverning process. In addition, this leads tosocial and political inequality. Law enactedby the legislature should receive thecooperation and assistance of the people forimplementation. Hence, education shall beimparted to them.

Increasing populationPopulation profile in 1950 was 36 crores inIndia and it has grown into 120 crores now.Population explosion destabilizes theeconomic system in India. Populationexplosion is one of the reasons for poverty,unemployment and problems at health care

sector. The ever increasing populationobstructs the attaining of the goal of welfaremeasures leading to economic inequality.Though government has implementedfamily welfare measures toward population

Government and voluntary organizations design and implement many pro-grammes for the eradication of illiteracy. How do these strengthen democracy?Discuss.

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Democracy in India faces challenges because it is not sufficiently strengthened.Do you agree? Discuss each of the challenges cited above in this context.

control, expected gains have not beenattained at this front.

Regional Imbalance

The economic progress of a nation requiresevenly balanced development. Some of thestates like Orissa, Bihar, Jharkand andChattisgarh are in a very backwardcondition in terms of development. Stateslike Maharashtra, Goa, Punjab, TamilNaduand Kerala are the ones that have attainedprogress. This regional imbalance causesmany problems.

Linguistic chauvinism

India is a multilingual country. Differenceson the basis of languages exist in India.Many a number of regional political partiesthrive on the basis of language. Often thisleads to political conflicts. This also createsdivision and differences of opinion amongthe people. Due to this common steps cannotbe adopted by the nation on many issues.

Communalism

Communalism is another challenge faced bydemocracy in India. Communal conflictshave occurred many a time in different states.Communal rift spoils the harmony amongpeople and hinders collective endeavors.Religious organizations have transformedinto as political parties. Communal clashesthreaten the integrity and survival of thenation.

Casteism

Caste divisions are very evident in India.Differentiations and disharmony caused bycaste divisions prevail in many parts of thecountry. Political parties make use ofcaste/s for temporary gains. Caste groupsinfluence political parties. This might lead

to the loss of values and virtues in social lifethat are achieved by the nation. Casteismpaves the way for clash between peopleignoring common national interest.

Terrorism

Terrorism is posing severe challenge todemocracy in recent times. Terrorism hasdifferent facets and there are political,religious and inter national reasons for this.Terrorist organizations endanger the life andsurvival of innocent people.

Youth are drawn into terrorism because ofpoverty, unemployment and blind religiousfaith. Social equilibrium and harmony arelost because these terrorist organizations arenot ready for open discussions andcompromises. More than creating terror,these organizations destroy peaceful life insociety. In short, the functioning and survivalof state systems is threatened. It creates asituation whereby the very foundation ofdemocratic system remains challenged.

Secessionism

Organizations that propagate secessionismoperate in different parts of the country.These organizations have become moreactive in the recent periods. These aredestructive of the integrity, stability and thevery democratic system of the nation.Secessionist ideas are growing strong inManipur, Jammu&Kashmir, Nagaland,Mizoram, Tripura etc. in India.

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Activities

Strength• Rule of law• Elections• Franchise• Fundamental rights• Independent judiciary

• Human rights

Challengesà Criminal and terrorist organizationsà Undue influence of money and mediaà Illiteracy, economic dependencyà Denial of right, economic inequalitiesà Expensive and time consuming judicial

systemà Violations of human rights

1. The view points of 'A' and 'B' are given below. Establish yourarguments on these two view points.

A. India has a complete and mature democracy in terms of ideasand structure.

B. In India we have not been able to put into practice democracyin a matured manner.

2. The points mentioned below are both a strength and a challengeto Indian democracy-substantiate.

• Media • Population

• Regionalism • Elections

• Party politics and leadership

3. Eminent personalities and experts in different walks of life, but not active politicalworkers can be brought in as members of Parliament without contesting elections.How is this made possible?To which House of Parliament are these persons selected as members? Who nominatesthem? How many such nominated persons can be brought in as members ofParliament? Prepare a list of such nominated members of Parliament.

4. Democracy is simple but not trivial. It is a process that demands a lot of men andmaterial resourses. Examine this in the light of the pointers given below.

• Election expenses-candidates, Government

• Salary and allowances of representatives of people from Grama Panchayath tomembers of Parliament.

5. Decentralization ensures the participation of people in democracy at an increasedlevel. Examine this opinion in the light of the experiences gathered from the functioningof local bodies of governance.

6. Government has designed different policies and programmes to bring down socialand economic inequality. Find out them.