Democracy in India

Democratic India

India is a democratic country . What is meant by democracy? Is it merely a system of

government?

See the opinion of J.W Garner, the great political scientist "Democracy has been variously conceived as a political status, an ethical concept, and a social condition."

�� Collect different opinions about democracy and evaluate them. Democracy is a system of living on the basis of certain social values. What are the peculiar values of democracy?

�� Freedom

�� Equality

�� Fraternity

�� Fundamental rights

�� Social justice

�� Independence of judiciary

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Let us examine certain circumstances that

put these values into practice

�� All get opportunities

�� Share responsibilities

�� Opinions are expressed freely

�� Respect the opinion of others

�� Accept the opinion of the majority

�� Ensure peoples’ participation

�� Every one waits for his/her turn

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Many more peculiarities can be found out Then what is democracy in its total sense?.

�� “Democracy is not just a form of government, but also a way of life”. What is your reaction to this opinion? Conduct a discussion on it Direct Democracy Should there not be the direct participation of all people at all areas functioning of the government for democracy to be effective as a system of government

If the people directly involve themselves in the governance such a system is called Direct Democracy. This system prevailed in ancient India, Greece and Rome.The adult citizens used to assemble together and decide public matters Switzerland is the country which maintain certain system having the essence of direct democracy. Here are some examples. Referendum, by which the people directly express their opinion on governmental policy or decision. Recall, by which the people call back a representative before the completion of his term when he/ she goes against the interests of the public Initiative, through which people can take preliminary steps to suggest a legislation which they think necessary Plebiscite, through which people express

their opinion on specific political issues Institution of Gramasabha which came into existence consequent on the 73rd amendment of the constitution of India in 1993 is an example of a device of direct democracy. But direct democracy in the whole country in its true sense is impracticable in the present day condition.

Why?

�� Population explosion

�� Vastness of territory

�� Different linguistic groups

�� Cultural diversity

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This is the situation in most of the countries today. Then what type of democracy is practicable to us?

Representative Democracy India follows Representative Democracy. What are the features of it?

�� Rule by the representatives of the people

�� Existence of a definite representative mechanism

�� Periodic elections

�� Political parties compete for political authority

�� Existence of interest and pressure groups

�� Practice of Universal Adult Franchise

�� Election is an inevitable process of Representative Democracy.

Right of the people to elect their representative is the fundamental feature of this system.