Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Democracy from Class 8 Social_Science. After studying this chapter you will learn the meaning of democracy, identify the different types of democracy and their differences, explain the features, success factors, merits and demerits of democracy, explain the universal adult franchise system and general election system in India, and review the learning objectives regarding political parties, mass media, and the Right to Information Act. Democracy is one of the ancient forms of government. Traces of democracy were seen in Ancient India, for example, the Sabha and Samithi of the Vedic period. Many revolts and revolutions have taken place in the world to establish the democratic form of Government. The word Democracy is derived from the Greek word Demokratia. Demos means people, and Kratia means rule. So Democracy means Rule of the people. Elections play an important role in democracy. Elections provide an opportunity to the people to form their own government. It works on the principle of one man, one vote. The government is formed by the people and the people are the decision makers. Abraham Lincoln, the former President of USA, has defined democracy as a government by the people, of the people and for the people. Democracy is a form of government where the supreme power belongs to the people.
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Now let us look at the definitions of democracy. First, Lord Braze defined democracy as a form of government in which the governing powers of the state are not legally vested in the hands of any one class or classes, but in the hands of the members of the community as a whole. Second, Hermen Finer defined democracy as not only a philosophy or form of government but also a way of life. Next, we will learn about the types of democracy. There are two types: direct democracy and indirect democracy, also known as Representative Democracy. In direct democracy, the people directly participate in electing their government, making policies and laws for their own progress and development. This system can be practised only in countries of small size and population. It was practised in ancient Greece and is presently practised in Switzerland. Direct democracy becomes more effective through referendum and initiative. It is difficult to practise in India because of its vastness and large population.
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On the other hand, indirect democracy is most suitable in bigger nations like India and the USA. In indirect democracy, the people elect their representatives through periodical elections and send them to legislative bodies. These representatives involve themselves in the process of law making and also control the administration. Democracy is defined as a government by the elected representatives through elections conducted from time to time. The elected representatives in turn elect their leader and also the highest executive of the country. Let us now move on to the characteristics of democracy. First, democracy is based on the consent of the people. It is a people’s government. Second, it is a representative government where people elect their representatives who make laws. Third, it is based on the principle of universal adult franchise. Fourth, elections are held at regular intervals in a free and fair manner. Fifth, citizens enjoy fundamental rights, hence there is scope for individual development. Sixth, the government is responsible to the people.
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Seventh, people have the right to change and challenge the government with peaceful and constitutional methods. Eighth, the rule of law principle, meaning all citizens are equal in the eyes of law, is followed. The powers of government are limited by constitutional provisions. Ninth, it recognizes political parties and entrusts special responsibility on the opposition party. Tenth, it upholds the sense of dignity in the common man. Eleventh, the main basis of democracy is liberty and equality. The people enjoy maximum liberty and equality. In democracy, there is no disparity among the people on the basis of caste, religion, sex and position or status. Twelfth, in democracy, people are the ultimate source of sovereignty, meaning supreme power, and the government derives its power from them. For this purpose, elections are held at certain intervals. In India, general elections take place once in five years.
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Thirteenth, democracy is a welfare state where special attention is paid to the welfare of the people as a whole. Fourteenth, democracy is against personality worship. Now let us discuss the factors essential for the success of democracy. First, people should have an urge to protect democracy. Second, people must always be vigilant. Third, tolerance is a basic quality needed for success. People must work with the spirit of give and take. Fourth, success depends upon good leadership. Leaders must understand the problems of the common man and possess qualities of service, patriotism and spirit of sacrifice. Fifth, an efficient opposition party keeps the government alert and checks the ruling party from becoming dictatorial. Sixth, a well informed and educated electorate contributes to success. Seventh, success depends upon the role of the people. People must vote during elections, stay free from corrupt practices, and elect efficient, non-corrupt representatives who can solve their problems.
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Eighth, a free, fearless and unbiased press contributes to the success of democracy. Ninth, well organized, efficient and responsible local bodies strengthen democracy. Moving forward, let us examine the merits of democracy. Many countries have accepted democracy as the best form of government because of its merits. First, it protects the rights and independence of the people through an independent judiciary. Second, it is based on the principles of equality. Third, it provides an opportunity for people to involve themselves in decision making and framing laws. Fourth, people elect representatives and the government of their choice. Fifth, decisions are taken after debate and discussion, and are based upon public opinion. Sixth, the opposition checks the misuse of power by the government through debates, discussion, criticism, review and protest. Seventh, fundamental rights provide an opportunity for the development of an individual's personality.
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Eighth, it brings about a peaceful change of government through elections, thus reducing the danger of revolution. Ninth, democracy develops nationalism, patriotism, respect for the people, and creates unity in the midst of diversity. However, democracy also has certain demerits or defects. First, a lack of respectable educational qualification, managerial skills, leadership qualities, ignorance of social, economic and political issues, and a selfish attitude of the representatives weaken democracy. Second, competition among political parties for power results in favouritism and corruption. Third, party interests become more important than national interest. Fourth, defections from one political party to another lead to an unstable government. Fifth, the caste factor, and the use of money and muscle power in elections, weaken the democratic setup. Sixth, law making in democracy is a lengthy procedure. Seventh, conducting elections is expensive and time consuming.
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Eighth, the majority party at times becomes dictatorial and the opinion of the minority is suppressed. Ninth, the uneducated poor people are often exploited by the people in power. Tenth, anti-social elements exert influence on the government with their money and muscle power. Now let us understand Universal Adult Franchise. In India we have representative democracy, where elections play an important role. People have the right to vote in elections. In India, voting right is provided to all people aged 18 and above, regardless of caste, qualification, creed, religion, language and gender. Before 1989, the minimum voting age in India was 21 years. Through the 61st Amendment Act of 1989, the voting age was reduced to 18 years. Good government always depends upon the voter. So the voter must not come under the influence of caste, creed, money or muscle power while voting. The voter must be careful while choosing a candidate.
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He or she must choose a candidate with good qualities and capabilities. First, the candidate must have a zeal and interest to serve society. Second, the candidate must have concern for the problems of the people and should be easily approachable. Third, the candidate must be educated, loyal, honest and service minded. Fourth, the candidate must not be corrupt and must be a model to others in selfless service, character and actions. Fifth, the courts should not have declared him or her as a criminal, and they must be free from criminal activities. Sixth, the candidate must not have indulged in anti-social and anti-national activities. Next, we will learn about Elections. Elections are important in the democratic setup and are held at periodical intervals. In India, elections are conducted once in five years, though this period varies from country to country. Elections conducted once in five years routinely are called General elections. If elections are conducted to fill vacant seats within the stipulated term of five years, they are called By-elections.
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The Election Commission of India is set up by the Government of India through constitutional procedures to conduct elections. Its headquarters is at New Delhi. Presently it has one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, appointed by the President of India. Parliament has the authority to decide the number of Commissioners. There is also a State Election Commission at the state level to conduct elections for local bodies. Now it is time to solve the exercises. Let us begin with Exercise one, Fill in the blanks. Question one: The word Democracy is derived from Demos and Kratia Greek words. Question two: The minimum age to vote in India is 18 years. Question three: The elections conducted once in five years in a routine manner is termed as General elections. Question four: The Institution that conducts election to Local bodies is the State Election Commission.
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Let us proceed to Exercise two, Answer the following questions briefly. Question five: What are the advantages of democracy? Answer: It protects rights through an independent judiciary, ensures equality, allows public participation in decision making, lets people elect their chosen government, bases decisions on debate and public opinion, checks misuse of power through opposition, develops individual personality through fundamental rights, ensures peaceful power transfer, and promotes nationalism and unity in diversity. Question six: How is direct democracy different from indirect democracy? Answer: In direct democracy, people directly participate in electing government and making policies, suitable only for small populations like ancient Greece and Switzerland. In indirect democracy, people elect representatives through periodical elections to make laws and control administration, suitable for larger nations like India and the USA. Question seven: What is universal adult franchise? Answer: It means voting right is provided to all people aged 18 and above, regardless of caste, qualification, creed, religion, language and gender. The 61st Amendment Act of 1989 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.
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Question eight: List out the essential factors for the success of democracy. Answer: The factors are: urge to protect democracy, public vigilance, tolerance and give and take, good leadership with service and patriotism, an efficient opposition party, well informed electorate, active voter participation free from corruption, free press, and organized local bodies. Question nine: Why is an efficient opposition party an essential factor in democracy? Answer: It keeps the government alert and checks the ruling party from becoming dictatorial. Question ten: Mention the Merits of Democracy. Answer: The merits include protection of rights through independent judiciary, equality, public involvement in governance, election of chosen representatives, debate-based decisions, opposition oversight, individual development through fundamental rights, peaceful power transfer, and promotion of nationalism and unity. Question eleven: Why are periodical elections necessary in democracy? Answer: They allow people to form their own government, provide a peaceful method to change or challenge the government, ensure accountability of representatives, and uphold the principle that supreme power belongs to the people.
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Question twelve: The success of democracy depends on the voters. Discuss. Answer: Democracy succeeds only when voters are responsible. Voters must reject caste, money, and muscle power influences. They must carefully select candidates who are service minded, honest, educated, non-corrupt, free from criminal records, and committed to national interest. Vigilant and educated voters ensure the election of capable leaders who strengthen democratic institutions and solve public problems effectively. Finally, let us look at Exercise three, Activities. Activity one: Democracy is the best form of Government, Discuss. For this activity, prepare a discussion highlighting how democracy guarantees equality, liberty, peaceful transfer of power, protection of fundamental rights, and public participation. Compare it with other systems to demonstrate its superiority.
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Activity two: The best leadership contributes to the success of Democracy. Arrange a discourse. For this activity, organize a classroom discourse focusing on how leaders with service, patriotism, sacrifice, and public empathy are vital for democratic stability, using real examples to illustrate their positive impact. Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]