POWER SHARING

Topics in the Chapter

-Story of Belgium

-Story of Sri Lanka

-Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka Accommodation in Belgium

-Why power sharing is desirable?

-Forms of power sharing

Story of Belgium
-Belgium is a small country in Europe which has a population of a little over one crore

-The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex.

-Out of the total population of the country, 59 percent lives in the Flemish region and speaks
Dutch language. Another 40 percent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French,
remaining one percent of the Belgians speak German.

-In Belgium's capital, Brussels, 80 percent people speak French while 20 percent are Dutch
speaking.
-The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This made
Dutch-speaking community angry as they the benefit of economic development and
education much later.
-During the 1950s and 1960s, tensions between the Dutch speaking and French speaking
communities created due to these differences.

Story of Sri Lanka

- Sri Lanka is an island nation, south of India having diverse population of about two crore
people.
-The major social groups are the Sinhala speakers (74 percent) and the Tamil speakers (18
percent)
-Tamils are divided into two groups:
---Sri Lankan Tamils (13 percent) - Tamil natives of the country.
--- Indian Tamils (5 percent) came from India during colonial period as plantation workers.

-Most of the Sinhala speaking people are Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are Hindus or
Muslims.
There are about 7 percent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.

Majoritarianism in Sri Lanka

The democratically elected government adopted a series of Majoritarian policy measures to
establish Sinhala supremacy. These are:

--Sinhala as the only official language.

-- The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for
university positions and government jobs.

-These decisions gradually increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.

-The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an
official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing education
and jobs:

-By 1980s several political organisations were formed demanding an independent Tamil
Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

-It soon turned into Civil War.

Accommodation in Belgium
-Between 1970 and 1993, Belgian's constitution amended four times to work out an
arrangement that would make everyone to live together.

The elements of the Belgian model:

→Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be
equal in the central government.

-Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the two
regions of the country.
-Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal
representation,

-There is also provision of community government' elected by people belonging to one

language community which has the power regarding cultural, educational and Language
related issues.

Why power sharing is desirable?

-Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social
groups.
-Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.
- A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have
to live with its effects.
Forms of power-sharing
-In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms.

---Horizontal distribution of power: Power is shared among different organs of government,

such as the legislature, executive and judiciary Example India.

→Federal Government (Vertical distribution of power): Power can be shared among

governments at different levels a general government for the entire country and
governments at the provincial or regional level. Example: USA.

→Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and
linguistic groups. Example: 'Community government' in Belgium.

-Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure groups
and movements control or influence those in power.

QUESTIONS
1. What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies! Give an example
of each of these

Answer
The different forms of power sharing in modern democracies are:

-Horizontal Distribution of Power: The power is shared among the different organs of
government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary Example: The distribution of
power between Indian Parliament (legislature), the council of ministers headed by chief
ministers (executive) and Courts of India

-Vertical Distribution of Power: The power is shared among governments at different levels a
general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional
level. Example in India, power is shared among Central government, State government and
local governments.

-Distribution of Power among different Social Groups: Power may also be shared among
different social groups such as the religious and linguistic groups. Example. Community
Government' in Belgium,

-Distribution of Power among Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements: Political
Parties, Pressure Groups and Movements control or influence those who are in power:
Different political parties contest elections for power which ensures that power does not
remain in one hand and shared among different political parties that represent different
ideologies and social groups. Pressure groups and movements influence the decision
making process.

2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power sharing with an example
from the Indian context.

Answer
-Prudential Reason: Power sharing helps in reducing the conflict between various social
groups. Hence, power sharing is necessary for maintaining social harmony and peace. In
India, seats are reserved for the weaker sections of society, Example: reservation of seats for
scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This allows the weaker sections also to participate in
the running of the Government.

→Moral Reason: It upholds the spirit of democracy. In a truly democratic setup, the citizens
too have a stake in governance. In India, the citizens can come together to debate and
criticise the policies and decisions of the government. This in turn puts pressure on the
government to rethink its policies and reconsider its decisions.

3. What is the state religion of Sri Lanka?

Answer
-Buddhism is the state religion of Sri Lanka.

4. Which measure adopted by the democratically elected government to establish Sinhala

supremacy?

Answer
-Majoritarian measure was adopted by the democratically elected government to establish
Sinhala supremacy.

5. What is meant by 'vertical division of power"?

Answer
-The division of powers between higher and lower levels of government is called vertical
division of power.

6. Which community was rich in Belgium?

Answer
-The minority French speaking community was rich in Belgium.

7. Which system of power sharing called ‘Checks and Balances’?

Answer
-Horizontal distribution of power sharing is called system of Checks and Balances.

8. Who elects the community government in Belgium?

Answer
The community government' is elected by people belonging to one language community-
Dutch, French and German speaking matter where they live.

9. Power sharing in the true spirit of democracy justify this statement?

Answer
-Power sharing in the very spirit of Democracy:
-A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have
to live with its effects.
-People have a right to be Consulted on how they are to be governed. A legitimate
government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a stake in the citizens,
through participation, acquire a stake in the system.
-It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.

10. Describe any three forms of power sharing in modern democracies.?

Answer
Three forms of power sharing with examples:

•Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary.

• Power can be shared among governments at different levels - a general government for
the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level

Power may also be shared among different social groups such as the religious and linguistic
groups. 'Community government' in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.

Q11. "Both Belgium and Sri Lanka are democracies but they follow different systems of
power sharing. Support the statement by giving three points of difference.

Answer
• In Belgium, communities have equal share in the government while in Sri Lanka leaders of
the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their
majority.

-In Belgium, there is provision of special government called 'Community government' to look
after cultural, educational and language-related issues while In Sri Lanka, none of the major
political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was sensitive to language and culture of
Tamils.
-In Belgium, there is no discrimination between various religions while In Sri Lanka,
Buddhism is the official religion of the country.

Long Answer Questions (LAQS

1. What is majoritarianism? How has it increased the feelings of alienation among Sri
Lankan Tamils! Explain with examples.

Answer
Majoritarianism refers to the policy of domination ever minority, just by the virtue of being
in majority in Sri Lanka, it has led to the feelings of alienation among the Tamils. They feel
that none of the major political parties, led by Buddhist Sinhala leaders are sensitive to their
language and culture. According to them, the Constitution and the government policies have
denied them equal political rights and discriminated against them in getting jobs and other
opportunities and ignored their interests.

This alienation among the Tamils in due to the following reasons:

-In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus
disregarding Tamil.
-The government framed policies favouring Sinhala people for government jobs.

-The new Constitution specified that the state shall protest and foster Buddhism.
FEDERALISM

What is Federalism?
-Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central
authority and various constituent units of the country.

Features of Federalism
-There are two or more levels of government.

-Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each government have power
independent of the other.

-The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be changed by one level of

government.

-The judiciary prevents conflict between centre and regional government in the exercise of
their powers.
-Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial
autonomy.

Kinds of Federations
"Coming together Federations: The independent States coming together on their own to
form a bigger unit.

-"Holding together' Federations: A large country decides to divide its power between the
constituent States and the national government.

What makes India a federal country?

-The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government Central
Government, representing the Union of India and the State governments.

-Later, the third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

-The Constitution divides powers between the Union Government and the State
Governments within three lists:
-Union List includes subjects of national importance.
-State List contains subjects of State and local importance.
-Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as
well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption
and succession.
-Residuary subjects: Those subjects which are not mentioned in any of the three lists or any
other matter that arise with passage of time.

Features of Indian Federation

-All states of India do not have equal powers.

-The Parliament cannot on its own change power sharing. These changes need the approval
of both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority

-The judiciary oversee the implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures.

How is federalism practised?

Linguistic states
-In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new
States.
-On the basis of language.
-On the basis of culture.

Language policy
- Our Constitution has not made any language the national language of India.

-Hindi was identified as the official language.

-Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the
Constitution.

-States too have their own official languages.

-English along with Hindi used for official purposes.

Centre State relations

-The sharing of powers between Centre and States by the constitution has also strengthened
federalism in India.

-After 1990, many regional political parties rise in many States of the country which started
an era of coalition governments' at the Centre which make it difficult for the Central
Government to dismiss state governments in non-democratic manner.

Decentralisation in India
-When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local
government, it is called decentralisation.

-Before 1992, the local bodies were directly under the state governments.
-Regular elections were not held.
-The local bodies did not have any resources or powers of their own.

-After 1992, the Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more
powerful and effective,
The steps taken are:
- Mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
-Seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
-At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
-An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each
State.
-The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies.

Rural Local Government

•Popularly known by the name Panchayati raj.

Gram Panchayat: It is the decision-making body for the entire village. Panchayat Samiti: A
few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti
or block or mandal.

Zilla Parishad: All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together form the zilla
parishad.

Urban Local Government

• In larger urban areas, there are corporations and in smaller urban areas, there are
municipal corporations.

QUESTIONS
1. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one
feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Answer
In India, just like in Belgium, the central government has to share its powers with the
regional governments. However, unlike India, Belgium has a community government in
addition to the central and the state government.

4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one?
Explain with an example.

Answer: In a federal form of government, the central government shares its powers
with the various constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is divided
between the government at the Centre and the various State governments.

In a unitary form of government, all the power is exercised by only one government. For
example, in Sri Lanka, the national government has all the powers.

5. “India has a large cultural real and religious diversity but there is unity among people.”
what factors are responsible for this! Elaborate.

Answer
Factors which we responsible for this are:

-Right to equality
-No discrimination on the basis of caste, creed region or religion.
- SCs & STs have some seats reserved and do get representation.
- Right to freedom of religion and cultural and educational rights.

6.Explain the factors that make federal government in India so attractive?

Answer
-Mobilization
-Administrative knowledge of the people at all the levels.
-Efficacy in solve all kinds of issues at respective levels

7. Highlight any three steps taken by India towards making it a federation.

Answer
-Reorganization of states on linguistic basis.
-Centre state relations.
-Decentralisation or any other reinvent point.

4. What is the special status the Jammu and Kashmir enjoys?

Answer
Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a special status. It has its pan Constitution. Many provisions of
the than Constitution are not applicable to this State without the approval of the State
Assembly Indians who are sot permanent residents of this State cannot buy land or house
here.

5.Explain five changes towards decentralisation brought in the Constitution after

Amendments made in 1992.

Answer
-Decentralization: when power is taken from central and state governments and is given to
local government, called decentralization. The Constitution was amended in 1932 to make
the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.

-Provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1952 are

1) Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.

2) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heath of these institutions for
SC, St and OBCs.
3) At least one third of all positions are reserved for women.
4)An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in each
state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections
5)The state governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies.

6. Is it right to say that India is federal country but the word federalism is not used
anywhere in the Constitution? Explain

Answer
-India had emerged as an independent nation after a painful and bloody partition.
-Soon after independence several princely states become a part of the country
-The constitution declared India as a Union of States.

Although it did not use the world federation, the Indian Union is based on the principles of
federalism India is fulling all the requirements which are required for a federal country.

7.What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain the structure of Rural local
government in India

Answer
The basic Idea behind decentralization:

-Large number of problems and issues are best settled at the local level because people have
better knowledge of these local problems.

-It helps in promoting direct participation.

Structure of Rural Local Government

-Zila Parishad: All the mandals in a district together constitute the Zila Parshad. Most of the
members are elected and headed by a chairperson.
Panchayat Samiti or Mandal or Block: The members of this body are elected by the entire
panchayat members in that area. A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form this
government body.
Gram Panchayat: A council consisting of several ward members often called Panch. The
president is called sarpanch. It in the decision-making body for the entire village.

DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY

Civil Rights Movement in the USA

-This is a set of events and reform movements aimed at abolishing legal discrimination
against African Americans.

-The movement is led by Martin Luther King during the period of 1954-1968.

Differences, similarities, divisions

What is Social Differences

Social Differences are social identities based on accident of birth or an individual choices.

Origin of Social Differences

-Most of the social differences are based on an accident of birth.

-Some of the differences are based on sur choices

Social Division
-It is a situation of conflict based on social inequalities such as religion, caste etc.

-Every social difference does not lead to social division. Social differences divide solar people
from one another, but they also unite very different people.

Overlapping Differences
-Social division takes place when some social differences over laps with other differences

Cross-cutting differences
If Social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to pit one group of people against
other.

Politics of social divisions

-Democracy involves competition among various political parties.

-Competition divides society and turns them into political divisions which ultimately lead to
conflict, violence or even disintegration of a country
Three factors that determine the outcome of politics of social divisions

-The outcome depends on how people perceive their identities.

if people see their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to
accommodate

-Depends on hew political leaders raise the demands of any community

It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are
not at the cost of another community

-Depends on how the government reacts to demands of different groups

If the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of
minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country.

Q1) Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes or politics or Social divisions?

Answer
Three factors which determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions

-The people's perception of their identities: When this is singular, the accommodation of
other identities becomes difficult.

-Representation of a community by political leaders: While representing a community, if

politicians raise demands that are constitutional, then it is easier to accommodate those
demands.

The government's reactions: If the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by

the government, then it leads to social divisions, which in turn threaten the integrity of the
country.

2. When does a social difference become a social division?

Answer
A social difference becomes a social division when it overlaps with some other social
difference. For example, the Whites were rich and powerful and the Blacks were poor and
homeless and discriminated against. When one kind of social difference becomes more
important than the other, then it leads to division

3.How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

Answer: In politics, there is competition between political parties. If these political parties
use this competition in support of some social divisions, it can lead to political divisions. This
can lead to conflict, violence or even disintegration of a country.
-- One example is of Northern Ireland where religious divisions led to ethno-political conflict.
Two major sects of Christianity: 53% Protestants and 44% Catholics dominate the country.
The Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland and the Protestants
wanted to remain with UK. This led to years of violence where thousands were killed. Only in
1998, peace returned when the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty
and stopped all violence.

--The second example is of Yugoslavia where the political parties refused to accommodate
each other. Each ethno-religious group wanted to dominate the other. Result - disintegration
of Yugoslavia into seven independent countries.

Q4) What do you mean by Civil Rights Movement in the USA?

Answer
Civil Rights Movement in the USA refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed at
abolishing legal racial discrimination against African Americans.

Q5. Tommie Smith and John Carlos belong to which ethnic group of America?

Answer
African American

Q6. Which event in the USA is referred as the Black Power Movement 1966-707

Answer
Movement to end racism

Q7: Name the leader of the Civil Rights Movement In USA

Answer
Martin Luther King Junior

Q8: What was Civil Rights Movement' in United States? Explain

Answer
-Civil Rights Movement in the USA refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed at
abolishing legal racial discrimination against African Americans

-It was led by Martin Luther King Jr.

-This movement practiced non-violent methods of civil disobedience against racially

discriminatory laws and practices

Q9: Which type of social difference is more dangerous and why?

Answer
-Overlapping difference happens when some social differences overlap other differences

-When one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other and people
starts feeling that they belongs to different communities.
-Thus, they create possibilities of deep social division sand tensions. For example, Black and
white differences
- When one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other and people
starts feeling that they belongs to different communities

Thus, they creats possibilities of deep social division sand tensions. For example, Black and
white differences in US becomes a social division because the blacks tends to be poor and
landless, and often face injustice and discrimination

Q10. How far does the emergence of social differences lead to social division? Explain by
giving a suitable example

Answer
-If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to avoid clashes between the groups
that hold different views

-It means that groups that share a common interest on one issue are likely to be in different
sides of a different issue. For example, in Northern Ireland class and religion tend to cut
across each other leading to social tensions.
Q11. "Social division takes place when some social differences overlap with other
differences." Justify the statement

Answer
-The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because
the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
- In our country Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often fate discrimination and
injustice.
-One kind of social difference becomes more important when other people start feeling that
they belong to different communities.

Q12: What are the three factors that determine the outcome of social visons in politics?
Explain

Answer
-The people's perception of their identities: When this is singular, the accommodation of
other identities becomes difficult.
-Representation of a community by political leaders: While representing a community, if
politicians raise demands that are constitutional, then it is easier to accommodate those
demands.
-The government's reaction: if the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by
the Government then it leads to social divisions, which in turn threaten the integrity of the
country.

Q13. Politics and social divisions must not be allowed to mix, Substantiate this statement,
with five arguments.

Answer
-Democracy involves competition among various political parties. Their competition tends to
divide any society if they start competing in terms of some existing social divisions, it can
make social division into political division and lead to conflict, violence or even disintegration
of a country.

-Hundreds of civilians, militants and security forces were killed in the fight between
Unionists and Nationalists and between the security forces of the UK and the Nationalists. It
was only in 1998, that the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty after
which the nationalists suspended their armed struggle.

- Political competition along religious and ethnic lines led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia
into six independent countries.

-In a democracy, it is only natural that political parties would talk about the social divisions,
make different promises to different communities, look after due representation of various
communities and make policies to redress the grievances of the disadvantaged communities.

-Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to prefer
some party to others. In many countries, there are parties that focus only on one community

Q14. Name five countries of the world which have already faced or are facing the
problems of social divisions Explain in brief the causes of social divisions

Answer
-UK faced the problem based on religious divisions between Protestants and Catholics in
Ireland.
--Sri Lanka is still facing the problem of language, cultural and religious diversities.
--India is facing the problems of social divisions based on caste, religion, gender, etc.
-- Belgium faced the problem of linguistic diversities. The problem has been resolved with
the formation of community government.
-- USA faced the problem of racial discrimination.
GENDER RELIGION AND CASTE

Gender Division
Sexual Division of Labour: A system in which all work inside the home is either done by the
women of the family while men are expected to work outside to earn money

This belief is not based on biology but on social and expectations and stereotypes

Feminist movements
•Social movements that aim at establishing equality between men and women are called
feminist movements.

Women's Oppression in various ways

Literacy Rate: The literacy rate among women is only 65.46% compared with 82.14% among
men.

→Jobs: There is very low percentage of women in the high paid and high value jobs as just a
few girls are encouraged to take up higher education.

→Wages: Despite the Equal Wages Act, women in all areas are paid lesser than men, be it
sports, cinema, agriculture or construction works.
-Sex Ratio: Most parents prefer boy children to girl children. Female infanticide and feticide
are common in our country. This has resulted in unfavourable sex ratio.

Social Evil: Society in general and urban centres in particular, is not safe for women. Dowry
harassment, physical abuse, sexual harassment are routine tales.

Women's political representation

•Political representation of women in India is very low. It has never crossed 5% in any of the
Vidhana Sabhas and never crossed 12% in Loka Sabha

Religion, Communalism and Politics

Religion Differences in Politics
-Human rights activists allege that people from minority religious community suffer a lot
whenever there is communal violence.

Communalism
-Extreme and partisan attachment to one's own religion is called Communalism.

What is Communal Politics?

-Problem in the society begins when one religion is pitted against the others.

-The problem becomes serious when demands of one religious groups is formed in
opposition to other religions.

-The problem becomes very acute when the Government uses its power to fulfil the
demands of only one Religious group.
-This kind of using religion is politics is called Communal Politics.

The Theory of Communal Politics

-Religion is the main basis of formation of the society.

-The followers of a religion must form one community.

-Their fundamental interests are the same.

Why is theory of Communal Politics wrong?

-People of the same religion do not have same interest and aspirations in every context.

-Everyone has different identities in different contexts

Steps taken to combat communalism

-India is a secular state. There is no official religion or state religion in India.

-Everyone is free to practice, profess and property any religion.

-The constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

Caste and Politics

Caste inequalities
•Members of the same caste group formed the social community that practiced the same or
similar occupation, married within the caste group, and did not eat with members from
other caste groups.

Why does caste system still persist?

-Most people prefer to marry within their own caste or tribe.

-Untouchability has not ended a completely

• The caste groups that had access to education have continue to do well.

How Caste influences Politics

-When parties choose candidates in elections, they keep in mind the caste the composition
of the constituency.

•Political parties and candidates appealing to the caste sentiment of the people.

Caste alone cannot determine Indian Elections

-No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single caste.

-No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste our community.

-If that caste group has many to choose from, the other caste groups have none, if they were
to vote only on the basis of caste.

-The voter's attachment to his party and the party ideology can be stronger than his
attachment to his caste group.

The Outcome of Political Expression of Caste

-It has provided space and opportunity for the disadvantaged groups to demand their share
in power.
-It also has helped them to fight for social justice.

-Caste based politics is certainly not healthy in democracy.

-It can divert attention from other important issues like poverty, development and
corruption.
-It can also lead to tensions, conflicts and violence.

Q1) Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged
in India?

Answer
- In India, women are discriminated and disadvantaged in the following ways
-They are not provided adequate education. Thus, the literacy rate among women is just
54%.
-Most of the labour done by them is unpaid. Where they are paid for their work, they
receive lesser wages than men.
- Due to the preference for the boy child, female foeticide is practiced in many parts of the
country.

Q2. State different forms of communal politics with one example each

Answer
Different forms of communal politics:
-The expression of communal superiority in everyday beliefs
Militant religious groups are a good example of this

-The desire to form a majoritarian dominance or a separate state Separatist leaders and
political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Central India are an example of this the use of
religious symbols and leaders in polities to appeal to the voters.

-This technique is applied by many politicians to influence voters from the two largest
religious communities in the country

-In addition to all this, communal politics can take the form of communal violence and riots,
like the nots in Gujarat in 2002.

Q3. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India?

Answer
Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India.
---Even now most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
---Untouchability has not ended completely despite constitutional prohibition
----Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today, e g, Caste
continues to be closely linked to economic status.

Q4. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India

Answer
Caste alone cannot determine election results in India because:
-No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of one single caste.

-No party wins all the votes of a particular caste.

Q5. What is the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies?

Answer
When it comes to representation of women in legislative bodies, India is among the bottom
group of nations in the world. Women's representation has always been less than 10% in Lok
Sabha and 5% in the State Assemblies.

On the other hand, the situation is different in the case of local government bodies. As one-
third of seats in local government bodies (panchayats and municipalities) is reserved for
women, there are more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local
bodies.

Q6. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Answer
Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:
-Freedom to practice, profess and propagate the religion of one's choice.

The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

7. Define a feminist?

Answer
-A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all human beings.

8. Explain the term Feminist Movement.

Answer
-A Feminist Movement is a movement aimed at equality in personal and family life for men
and women

9. What do you mean by Patriarchal society?

Answer
Male dominated society

10. What do you mean by Gender division?

Answer
Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women

11. In which country is the participation of women in public life very high?

Answer
Sweden.

12. At which level of government in India 1/3rd of seats are reserved for women?

Answer
Local Self Government bodies.

Q13. Explain the concept of sexual division of labour with example. What are the results of
this concept?

Answer
Sexual division of labour is a system in which all work inside the home is either done by the
women of the family, or organised by them through domestic help. Example: cooking,
washing clothes etc. done by women.
Results:
-Women's face disadvantage and discrimination.
-Many girls are not sent to school.
-Women can less than men.

Q14. How does communalism create problems in politics?

Answer
When one uses religion in politics, it is communal politics.
- It creates problems when one sees religion as the basis of the nation.
-When one religion considers itself superior to other religions.
-When there is discrimination against the followers of the other religion.

Q15. What is secularism? Mention any three provisions of the Indian Constitution which
makes it a secular state.

Answer
Secularism means all religions are given the same respect and there is no state religion.

-No religion has a special status.

-Freedom to practice, profess and propagate one's religion is allowed by the Constitution.
-No discrimination of any kind is allowed on religious grounds.

Q16. Suppose a politician seeks your vote on the religious ground. Why is his act
considered against the norms of democracy? Explain.

Answer
His act is against the spirit of democracy as the said politician is not working as per the
Constitution.

-It also exploits the social difference.

-It may create social discard and may lead to social division.
-It is also biased attitude and neglects the principle of equality.
POPULAR STRUGGLES AND MOVEMENTS
Topics in the Chapter
-Popular struggles in Nepal and Bolivia
-Movement for democracy in Nepal
-Bolivia's Water War

Mobilisation and organisations

-Who joined struggle in Nepal?
-Who joined struggle in Bolivia?

-Differences between political parties and pressure groups

-Pressure groups/Interest Groups and movements
-Sectional interest groups
-Public Interest Groups
Movement Groups
-Issue Specific
-Generic Movements
-What is NAPM?
-How do Pressure groups and Movements influence politics in India?
-Relationship between Pressure/Movement Groups and Political Parties
-Influence of Pressure/Movement Groups on Indian Politics
Positive Influences
Negative influences

Popular struggles in Nepal and Bolivia

Movement for democracy in Nepal

-Nepal won democracy in 1990.

-King Birendra, who has accepted constitutional monarchy, was killed in a mysterious
massacre of the royal family in 2001.

-King Gyanendra, the new king of Nepal, was not prepared to accept democratic rule.

-In February 2005, the king dismissed the then Prime Minister and dissolved the elected
Parliament.
-The movement of 2006 started to regain democracy.
-All major political parties formed a Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and called for a 'four day
strike in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

-The protest turned into indefinite strike joined by Maoist ad other organisations also.
-They demanded restoration of parliament, power to an all-party government and a new
constituent assembly
-On 24 April 2006, the last day of the ultimatum, the king was forced to accept all the three
demands.
-Girija Prasad Koirala became the new Prime Minister of the interim government as chosen
by SPA
-The Maoists and SPA agreed to have a new Constituent Assembly.
-This struggle came to be known as Nepal's second movement for democracy

Bolivia's Water War

-Bolivia is a poor country in Latin America.

-The World Bank forced the government to give up its control of municipal water supply and
sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multi-national company (MNC).

-After controlling water supply, the company increased the price by four times.

-This led to a spontaneous popular protest.

-In January 2000, a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders called
FEDECOR organised a successful four-day general strike in the city.

-The government agreed to negotiate and the strike ended but nothing changed.

-The protest started again in February and police used brutal methods to control it.

-Another strike followed in April and the government imposed martial law

-But the power of the people forced the officials of the MNC to flee the city and made
government accept all their demands

-The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the
municipality at 0ld rates

-This came to be known as Bolivia's water war.

Mobilisation and organisations

Who joined struggle in Nepal?

-SPA or the Seven Party Alliance in Nepal which included some big parties that had some
members in the Parliament

-The protest was joined by the Nepalese Communist Party (Maoist) which did not believe in
parliamentary democracy
-Other than political parties, all the major labour unions and their federations joined this
movement
-The organisation of the indigenous people, teachers, lawyers and human rights groups also
extended support to the movement

Who joined struggle in Bolivia?

--The protest against water privatisation in Bolivia was led by an organisation called
FEDECOR This organisation comprised local professionals, including engineers and
environmentalists which were supported by a federation of farmers, the confederation of
factory workers' unions, middle class students from the University of Cochabamba and the
city's growing population of homeless street children

-Later, the movement was supported by the Socialist Party In 2006, this party came to power
in Bolivia

Differences between political parties and pressure groups

-Pressure groups da not enjoy power directly, whereas the political parties do

-Pressure groups usually represent a particular section or view of the society, on the other
hand, political parties represent bigger social divisions

-Pressure groups do not contest elections, whereas political parties contest elections and
run the government

-At a given point of time, a person can be a member of only one political party but a
member of many pressure groups.

-Examples of pressure groups are Lawyers Association, Teachers 'Association, Trade Unions,
Students "Unions and so on.

Examples of political parties are BJP, INC, NCP etc.

Pressure groups/Interest Groups and movements

-Pressure groups are organisations that attempt to influence government policies.

•These organisations are formed when people with common occupation, interest,
aspirations or opinions come together in order to achieve a common objective.

-Like an interest group, a movement also attempts to influence politics rather than directly
take part in electoral competition.

-Examples are Narmada Bachao Andolan, Movement for Right to Information, Anti-liquor
Movement, Women's Movement, Environmental Movement.
-Unlike the interest groups, movements have a loose organisation.

-Their decision making is more informal and flexible.

-They depend much more on spontaneous mass participation.

Sectional interest groups

-They seek to promote the interests of a particular section or group of society such as
workers, employees, business persons, industrialists etc.
Examples are Trade unions, business associations.

-Their main concern is the betterment and well-being of their members, not society in
general.

-However, sometimes they represent some common or general interest that needs to be
defended.

Public Interest Groups

-Also called promotional groups as they promote collective rather than selective good

-They aim to help groups other than their own members.

-Example: A group fighting bonded labour fights for everyone who is suffering under such
bondage

-In some cases, the members of a public interest group may undertake activity that benefits
them as well as others too

Movement Groups
-Movement Groups are of two types: Issue specific and Generic Movements.

Issue Specific
-Most of the movements are of these types that seek to achieve a single objective within a
limited time frame.

Example: Nepalese movement for democracy arose with the specific objective of reversing
the king's orders that led to suspension of democracy

-Narmada Bachao Andolan started with the specific issue of the people displaced by the
creation of Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada River.

-Its objective was to stop the dam from being constructed.

-Gradually became a wider movement that questioned all such big dams and the model of
development that required such dams.

-Movements of this kind tend to have a clear leadership and some organisation

-These movement usually have short life

Generic Movements
-These movements seek to achieve more than one issue in a very long term.

-Example: Environmental movement and the women's movement.

-There is no single organisation that controls or guides such movements.

-All of these have separate organisations, independent leadership and often different views
on policy related matters.

-Sometimes these broad movements have a loose umbrella organisation as well. For
example, the National Alliance for Peoples Movements (NAPM)

What is NAPM?
-NAPM stands for National Alliance for Peoples Movements. it in association of organisations
which coordinates the activities of a large number of peoples' movements in India

How do Pressure groups and Movements influence politics in India?

-They try to gain public support and sympathy for their goals and their activities by carrying
out information campaigns, organising meetings, filing petitions, etc

-They try to influence the media into giving more attention to these issues.

-They often organise protest activity like strikes or disrupting government programmes

-Business groups often employ professional lobbyists or sponsor expensive advertisements.

-Same persons from pressure groups or movement groups may participate in official bodies
and committees that offer advice to the government.

-interest groups influence political parties.

-They have political ideology and political position an major issues

Relationship between Pressure/Movement Groups and Political Parties

-In some instances, the pressure groups are either formed or led by the leaders of political
parties. Example most trade unions and students organisations in India are either
established by, or affiliated to a political party.

-Sometimes political parties grow out of movements, Example: Asom Cana Parisha in Assam,
DMK and the ALADMK in Tamil Nadu

-In most cases, parties and interest or movement groups are Opposed to each other yet they
are in dialogue and negotiation

-Most of the new leadership of political parties comes from interest or movement groups

Influence of Pressure/Movement Groups on Indian Politics

Positive influences
-Pressure groups and movements have deepened democracy

-Governments can aften came under group of rich and powerful people Public undue
pressure from a small grove interest groups and movements perform a useful role of
countering this undue influence and reminding the government of the needs and concerns
of ordinary citizens.

Negative Influences
-Sometimes, pressure groups with small public support but lots of money can hijack public
discussion in favour of their narrow agenda.

-These groups exercise power without responsibility

-When one group starts dominating and dictating the government, other pressure groups
have to bring counter pressure

EXERCISE
Q 1. In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

Answer
-Pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics in a variety of ways.

-They try to gain public support and sympathy for their cause by carrying out information
campaigns, organising meetings, filing petition, etc.
- By organising strikes and disruptions, they seek to make the government take note of their
demands.
-They also influence decision-making by lobbying
-The issues raised by them often influence the policies of political parties.

Q2. Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Answer
The relationship between political parties and pressure groups can take different forms
--Pressure groups are often formed and led by politicians and political parties. Must trade
unions and Students organisations in India are either established by, or affiliated to one or
the other major political party.
-Political parties sometimes grow out of movements. Parties like DMK and AIADMK were
formed this way.
- Many a times, the issues raised by pressure or movement groups are taken up by political
parties, leading to a change in the policies of the parties.

Q3. Explain how the activities of pressure groups are useful in the functioning of a
democratic government?

Answer
Pressure groups help in the deepening of democracy. As long as everyone gets the
opportunity, putting pressure on the rulers is not an unhealthy activity in a democracy,
Governments can often come under undue pressure from a small group of rich and powerful
people. Pressure groups perform a useful role of countering this undue influence of
reminding the government of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens

Q4. What is a pressure group? Give a few examples.

Answer
A pressure group is an organisation which attempts to influence government policies
through protests and demonstrations. Pressure groups are formed when people with similar
opinions get together for similar objectives. Examples of pressure groups are FEDECOR and
BAMCER

Q5. What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Answer
A pressure group is an organised or an unorganised body that tries to promote its interests.
They hight and try to achieve a common objective. Political parties contest elections because
their aim is to achieve political power. They have more than one interests, they have their
own ideology. They represent various interests and have their own way of achieving their
aims.
POLITICAL PARTIES
Why do we need Political Parties?

Meaning of Political Party

-A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold
power in the government

Functions of a Political Party

-Parties contest elections.

-Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose from them. A
party reduces a vast number of opinions into a few basic positions which it supports

-Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country.

-Parties form and run governments.

-Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power.

How many Parties should we have?

-There are three types of party system a country can have.

One Party System

• Only one party is allowed to control and run the government.

Two Party System

Power usually changes between two main parties.

Multi-Party System
• Several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance
of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with others.

Election Commission
-Every party in India has to register with the Election Commission.

• The Commission treats every party as equal to the others, but it offers special facilities to
large and established parties.
• They are given a unique symbol and are called, "recognised political parties.
State Parties.

-A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative
Assembly of a State and wins at least two seats is recognised as a State party.

National Parties
-A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or
Assembly elections in four States and wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha is recognised
as a national party

Indian National Congress (INC)

-Popularly known as the Congress Party
-Founded in 1883
-Played a dominated role in Indian politics, at the national and state level for several decades
after India's Independence.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)

-Founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bhartiya Jana Sangh

-Cultural nationalism (or "Hindutva) is an important element in its origination of Indian

nationhood and politics
-Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

-Formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kashi Ram.

-Seeks to represent and secure power for the Bahujan samaj which includes the Dalits,
Adivasis, OBCS and religious minorities

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)

-Founded in 1964
-Believes in Marxism Leninism
-Supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism.

Communist Party of India (CPI)

-Formed in 1925
-Believes in Marxism Leninism, secularism and democracy

-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

-Formed in 1999 following a split in the Congress party
-Accepted democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and federalism.
State Parties
-Other than these six parties, most of the major parties of the country are classified by the
Election Commission as "State parties.

Challenges to Political Parties

-Lack of Internal Democracy
-Challenge of Dynastic Succession
-Growing Rule of Money and Muscle Power
-Meaningful choice

How can Parties be reformed?

-Recent efforts and suggestions in India

-The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from changing parties.

-New law states that if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in the
legislature.

-The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and criminals

•The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold
their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.

Some suggestions to reform political parties

-A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.

-To give a minimum number of tickets, about one-third, to women candidates

-There should be state funding of elections.

-There are two other ways in which political parties can be reformed.

EXERCISES
Q1. State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Answer
-The various functions political parties perform in a democracy are:

-Candidates are put forward by political parties to contest in elections. These candidates
may be chosen by the top leaders, or by members of the party.
-Parties put forward their policies and programmes for voters to choose from them.

-Political parties play a major role in making laws for the country. No law can become a bill
unless majority parties support it.
-Political parties form and run governments.
-Parties that lose election play the role of opposition to the party in power.
-Parties shape public opinion.
-Political parties form an important link between the government and the people. It is easy
for the public to approach their local leader than a government official. The local leader has
to listen to the public demand, otherwise he will lose the next election.

Q2. What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

Answer
The various challenges faced by political parties are:

-Lack of Internal democracy:

-Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in decision-making process.

-Every member is not consulted before taking a decision.

-There is no proper organisation or registration of members.

-Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary members.

-Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.

-Dynastic Succession: With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to
their family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their
positions.

-Money and Muscle Power:

Money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings and speeches to publicise the
image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise money for the party and
win elections with their money. Sometimes parties also support criminal candidates because
they can win elections.

→Meaningful choice to others: Most of the political parties have same fundamental and
ideological issues. Voters do not have a meaningful choice. Even leaders keep changing
parties, thus confusing the voter.

Q3. Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?

Answer: Some reforms to strengthen parties are:

-A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
-It should be mandatory for political parties to give a minimum number of tickets, about
1/3rd to the women candidates

-There should be state funding of elections. The government should give parties money to
support the election expenses.

Q4: What is a political party

Answer
A political party is a group of people who follow an ideology and thus come together to
contest elections and hold power in the government.

Q5. What are the characteristics of a political party?

Answer
-Characteristics of a political party are:
-A political party has members who agree on some policies and programmes for the society
with a view to promote common good
-It seeks to implement the policies by winning popular support through elections
-The presence of a leader, the party workers and supporters.
-It is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the
government.

Q6. What are the components of a political party?

Answer
A political party has three components:
-Its leaders
-Its active members and
- Its followers.

Q7. Describe any three main features of Two-Party system.

Answer
Main features of two-party system:

• Power usually changes between two parties; several other parties may exist.
-In such system, people get clear choice.
• The party that wins majority forms the government and the other sits in opposition.

Q8. What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system? Explain.
Answer
-Multi-party system: If several parties compete for power and more than two parties have a
reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in alliance with
others, we call it a multi-party system.

-India adopted a Multi- party system because

-There is social and geographical diversity in India.

-India is such a large country which is not easily absorbed by two or three parties.

Q9. What is a political party? State any two points of the ideology of Bhartiya Janta Party?

Answer
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power
in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view
to promote the collective good.
- Ideology of BJP:
-Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

-A uniform civil code for all people living in the country irrespective of religion.
- Cultural nationalism.

Q10. What is meant by 'regional political party? State the conditions required to be
recognized as a "regional political party'.

Answer
A regional party is a party that is present in only some states. Conditions required for a
party to be recognized as a regional political party are:

-A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative
Assembly of a state.
-Wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly
Q11. Describe any five major functions of political parties

Answer
Functions of political parties:
-Parties contest elections.

-They put forward policies and programmes.

-Parties play a decisive role in making laws

-Parties form and run government.

- Defeated parties in the election play its role of opposition to the parties in power.

Q12. How do money and muscle power play an important role in elections? Explain.

Answer
Money and muscle power play an important role in elections because:

-Role of money and muscle power in parties especially during elections is growing.
-Parties tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money.
-Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to have influence on the
policies and decisions of the party.
-In some cases, parties support criminals who can win election.
-Democrats all over the world are worried over the increasing role of rich people and big
companies in democratic politics

Q13: Explain two functions each of the ruling party as well of the opposition parties?

Answer
Functions of the ruling parties:
-They play a major role in making laws for the country.
• They form the government and run the country.
• They recruit leaders, train them and then make ministers to run the government.

Functions of the opposition parties:

-They oppose the government by voicing different views.
-They criticize government for its failure and wrong policies.
• They mobilize opposition to the government.
OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
How do we assess democracy's outcomes?

-Democracy is a better form of government because:

-It promotes equality among citizens.
-It enhances the dignity of the individual.
-It improves the quality of decision-making. It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
-It allows room to correct mistakes.

Is the democratic government efficient?

-Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry
about majorities and public opinion.

-A democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a
decision Because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to
the people and more effective

Accountable
-A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can
find this out. This is known as transparency.

Legitimate Government
-In democracy, governments are elected through a regular, free and fair elections

-Laws are made following proper procedures, after much discussion with the representatives
of the people

-If people feel that government has done something which goes against the Constitution,
people can challenge it in the judiciary

Economic growth and development

-Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth

-Economic growth depends on various factors Size of the population of a country

-Global situation
-Co-operation from other countries
-Economic policies adopted by the country

-However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed
countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible

Reduction of inequality and poverty

Democracies are based on political equality, but we find growing economic inequalities

Accommodation of social diversity

-Democracy helps its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by accommodating
various social divisions.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

• Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual.

Democracy its examination never gets over

-A democracy is always striving towards a better goal.

-People constantly demand more benefits in a democracy.

EXERCISE
Q1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate
government?

Answer
-Democracy produces an accountable government: Democracy produces an accountable
governments, as the people has the right in choose their representatives through the
electoral process. These elected representatives form the government and participate in the
decision-making process on behalf of the people. If these elected representatives not work
properly, people have a chance to not elect them in next election.

-Democracy Produces Responsive Government: Democratic governments are elected by the

people and are responsible towards the people and Parliament. These governments
promote the formation of public opinion and take care of the needs and expectations of the
people.

-Democracy Produces Legitimate Government. A democratic government is people's own

government People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe
that democracy is suitable for their country Democracy's ability to generate its own support
is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

Q2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

Answer
Democracies accommodate social diversities when it is well understood that democracy is
not just the rule of the majority, and that the rule of the majority is not just the rule of a
single religious or social community
Q3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:

1)Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become
rich.
2)Democracy can't reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
3)Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education
and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
4)In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of army
domination and conflict.

Answer
-This statement is incorrect as can be seen from the examples of India and Zimbabwe, in
1947, India was included in the Third World nation, but now, it is one of the fast-growing
economies in the world. On the other hand, Zimbabwe, which was a fairly prosperous
nation, has run into huge international debt with the progression of Robert Mugabe's
regime.
Democracy can't reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens. This statement is
incorrect. The Minimum Wages Act enacted by the government and other policies which
regulate the basic price at which agricultural producers and small industries sell their goods,
have helped increase the per capita income of the country, thereby making its citizens more
prosperous.
Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education
and spend more on industries and infrastructure. This is not a wise option as in poor
countries, the people cannot afford health and education services.

In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any
domination and conflict. This is not true as conflict can be eliminated only in an ideal
situation,
In real democracies, though every person has one vote, there are divisions among the
people. These divisions lead to conflict.

Q4 State any three merits of democracy

Answer
Merits of Democracy are:
-Democracy assures equality in every spheres of life like political, social and economic.
-Due obedience to laws.
-It upholds basic individual liberties like freedom of speech, etc.

Q5. When is democracy considered successful? Explain.

Answer Democracy is considered to be successful because:

-The rulers elected by the people must take all major decision and not the rich and powerful
-The election must offer a free choice and opportunity to the people.
-The choice should be available to all the people based on political equality

Q6. Establish the relationship between democracy and development.

Answer
Relationship between democracy and development are:

-Democracy lags behind the dictatorships in terms of development. However, the difference
in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships
and democracies is negligible.
- Development depends upon many factors, ie, size of population, global situation,
cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
-Thus, democracy cannot guarantee of economic development but it has several other
positive outcomes.

Q7. Discuss any three factors that describe the successful working of democracy in India.

Answer
Factors for the success of democracy:
-Transparency of democracy.
-It is accountable and responsible of ruling
-It provides legitimacy

Q8: How are complaints treated as testimony to the success of democracy? Esplain

Answer
To some extent complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy. We can
prove the statement by analysing certain facts like

-Some people complain that democracy is a less effective governments and it is slow in
functioning. There is no doubt that non democratic government can be more effective
because they are fast in their decision making. But it is not certain that decisions are right or
wrong

-There is no denying the fact that democracies do not appear to have been successful in
reducing economic Inequality.
- But, it is only possible in a democracy that people can raise their voice against not only
economic inequalities, But also against all types of inequalities. All these facts show that
complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy

Q9. Explain with examples, how the dignity and freedom of citizens are best guaranteed in
a Democracy?
Answer
-Democracies throughout the world have recognized the fact that people should be treated
with due respect The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of democracy

-Democracies recognize all individuals as equal. This equality is a big thing for the societies
which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination

-Most societies across the world are male dominated but democracies have created
sensitivity that equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society.

-Caste based inequalities and atrocities are also not acceptable to democracies. All these
combined together enhance the dignity and freedom of the individual.

Q10: Democracy has failed to reduce economic inequality and poverty. Do you agree? Give
arguments in support of your answer

Answer
In actual life, democracies do not appear to be reducing inequalities.

-The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party likes to lose their votes,
yet democratically elected governments have not addressed the question of poverty as one
would have expected them to.
-The people in several poor countries are new dependent on the rich countries even for food
supplies.

Argument in support

-It enhances the dignity of the individuals.

- It improves the quality of decision-making.
-It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY
Broad challenges to democracy

Foundational challenges
-Some countries had to face the challenge of transition to the democratic style of
government.

Challenge of expansion
-Countries which are already democratic face the challenge of expanding it to all social
groups and regions

Deepening of democracy
-It means strengthening those institutions that have people's participation and control.

Devising ways and means for political reforms in India.

Reforms
-One way is legal reform, making new laws to ban undesirable things.

Legal changes
Legal changes sometimes have a counter- productive result.

Democratic reforms
• Democratic reforms are spread or brought about through political practice.

Political funding

Challenge
-Most of the political parties are dependent on money given by big business houses.

-The worry is that the role of money in politics will reduce whatever little voice the poor
have in our democracy.

Reform proposals
-The financial accounts of every political party should be made public.

-There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the
government to meet their election expenditure.

-Citizens should be encouraged to give more donations to parties and to political workers.
EXERCISE
Q 1. What is democratic or political reform?

Answer
-All suggestions for overcoming the challenges of democracy are called democratic reform.

Q2. A country holds election to elect people's representatives to form the government but
the elections are not fair. Identify the kind of challenge faced by the people in such a
country.

Answer
People face the challenge of expansion of democracy.

Q3. Which challenge to established democracies ensures more participation of women

and minority groups in a democratic country?

Answer
The challenge of expansion.

Q4. What does deepening democracy mean?

Answer
Deepening democracy means strengthening institutions that help people's participation in
governance.

Q5. What is involved in foundational challenge in a democracy?

Answer
Bringing down the existing non-democratic

Q6. How do some countries face foundational challenge of democracy? Explain with
example.

Answer
-To bring down the existence of non- democracy regime.
-Keep away military rule.
-Establishing a sovereign and functional state.

Q7. Elaborate the challenge of expansion of democracy. Give an example.

Answer
-Most of the established democracies face the Challenge of Expansion
-Citizens have great expectations from the government.
-Government tries its best for the upliftment of the society.
-Ensuring greater power to the local government.
-Extension of federal principles to all the units of the federation including women and
minority groups

Q8. What are the features of a good democracy?

Answer
Features of a good democracy are:
-Rulers are elected by the people to take all decisions.
-Elections give an opportunity and choice to the people.
- Democracy ensures that rights are given to the citizens.

Q9. When was the "Right to Information Act' implemented? How does it act as the watch
dog of democracy? Explain.

Answer
"The Right to Information Act was implemented in 2005.

-It empowers the people to find out what is happening in government.

-It acts as the watchdogs of democracy.
-It helps in controlling corruption and supplements the existing laws that banned corruption
and imposed strict penalties.

Q10. What are the guidelines to be kept in mind while adopting political reforms?

Answer
-Involving political parties, political activists and people in bringing about reforms rather
than impose reforms through laws.
-Legal measures should be positive, more like incentives.
-Improving the quality of political practices by increasing people's participation.
-Laws being considered may meet with resistance in the legislatures and by political parties.
So the best way to bring about the change is through democratic movements and media.