Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Democracy from Class 6 Social_Science. In olden days, Kings would rule our country. Gradually, rule of Kings disappeared and made way for the rule of the people’s Democracy. In this lesson, we will get a bird’s eye view of the reasons for the changes that took place, the greatness of democracy, the role of election, the election process and a few other details. By the end of this lesson, you will understand the differences between rule of Kings and rule of the people, comprehend the importance of democracy, understand the role of elections and voting, and know the process of election.
Let us begin by looking at the picture in your textbook. It shows a king sitting on a throne. Who is the person sitting on the throne? Who are sitting on either side of that person? Can you tell me what the person on the right side is doing? Have you ever cast your vote? Keep these questions in mind as we explore the story of Ratnapura.
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Once upon a time, King Chandrashayana was ruling over Ratnapura. His queen died after giving birth to a son. Later, the King married his court dancer. She also gave birth to a son. In course of time, the brothers joined a gurukula and learned many things and became highly educated. When the King grew old, he made his first son the heir apparent, also known as Yuvaraja. The dancer queen became angry because her son could not be the king. She poisoned her son’s mind. The brothers began to fight for the power. The King died of worry. The administration of the Kingdom worsened due to the quarrel between the brothers. People were uncared for, murders and anarchy increased, and they became unhappy. They assembled and decided to rule their kingdom themselves. They framed essential laws. Everyone agreed to obey the rules that they had framed. Thus, the King’s rule ended in Ratnapura, and People’s rule came into force.
Let us reflect on this story with a few questions from your textbook. Who did the King bring to the throne? Who should naturally come to the throne after the King’s death, according to Indian tradition? What are the ill effects if there is a dispute for power in rule by Kings? And what is your opinion about dynastic rule? Think about these as we move to the next section.
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We can point out two types of administration in the story we just studied. They are rule by the King and the rule by the people. If all the powers of State is held by one person, usually the King, it is Rule by Kings. In this type, everything runs according to his wish. There is no limit to the duration. If the king is clever and brave, people will be happy. But rule by a king will come to an end if the ruler is weak. Now, let us understand democracy. Rule of a state by the elected representatives of the people is democracy. It is a political system. This is a government by the people. Welfare of the people is its main aim.
Democracy is a pro-people system of political governance, and it has several important points. First, government will be run by the representatives elected by the people. Second, all the people are equal before the law. Third, elections will be held regularly and the representatives will govern. Fourth, issues will be discussed and people-friendly decisions will be taken. Fifth, in Democracy, the people need to take wise decisions. However, democracy also faces some challenges. First, money and muscle power may be used to get votes. Second, caste, community, language, religion, and other factors may influence voting. Third, elected members may go from one party to the other for selfish motive, and the government may become unstable due to defection. Fourth, there is a possibility of anti-social elements getting elected.
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Now let us look at the next picture in your textbook, which shows a polling booth and an electronic voting machine. The image shows people moving in a line. Why are people moving in a line? Have you seen any such situation? Why do they print symbols on ballot papers and ballot boxes? These questions help us understand the voting environment. The process of choosing people’s representatives is election. Voting is an important part of the election process. Persons aged 18 years and above have the right to vote and contest election. Electors elect candidates through a secret ballot. Each candidate is given a symbol. Even illiterates can vote with the help of the symbol.
The importance of voting is clear. In an election, citizens express their choice of representatives by voting. It provides scope for the representation of all groups of people. Elections are held according to a calendar of events, which acts as a timetable. The steps are as follows. First, Election Notification is issued. Second, filling of nomination by the candidates. Third, scrutiny of the nominations. Fourth, withdrawal of nominations by those who do not want to contest. Fifth, canvassing by candidates and their supporters. Sixth, seeking voting on a specified date. Seventh, counting of votes and announcement of results. Eighth, publication of the list of successful candidates.
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Let us learn some important new words from this chapter. Polling means voters go to the polling booth and record the choice of their candidates voting. Hereditary or dynasty rule means members of the same family come to power by succession. A ballot paper is a paper containing a list of candidates’ name and their symbols. Secret ballot means secrecy about the voter’s choice is maintained even after election results are announced, by a citizen. A polling booth is the place where voters cast their votes.
Here are two important facts to know. First, electronic voting machines are recently in use to record the voter’s choice. Second, the responsibility of conducting elections in India rests with Election Commission of India. It functions independently.
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Now, let us go through the exercises together. For the fill in the blanks section: If all powers are controlled by one person it is called Rule by Kings government. In order to vote, a person should be 18 years. The place where you cast vote is called polling booth.
Next, answer the following questions. What is democracy? Rule of a state by the elected representatives of the people is democracy. It is a political system and a government by the people where welfare of the people is its main aim. What is the importance of democracy? It is a pro-people system where government is run by elected representatives, all people are equal before the law, elections are held regularly, issues are discussed for people-friendly decisions, and people need to take wise decisions. What are the challenges of democracy? The challenges include the use of money and muscle power to get votes, influence of caste, community, language, and religion on voting, elected members switching parties for selfish motives causing government instability due to defection, and the possibility of anti-social elements getting elected. What is the importance of voting? In an election, citizens express their choice of representatives by voting, and it provides scope for the representation of all groups of people.
For the group discussion questions, please discuss these with your classmates: What are the methods candidates follow while canvassing? And what is our role in the success of democracy? Finally, here is your activity. Collect the election symbols of various political parties and prepare an album.
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]