Political Science Chapter 6: Democracy

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, key concepts, historical timeline, Indian roots, and institutional forms of democracy based on Political Science notes.

Democracy (Etymology)

Derived from the Greek words 'Demos' (people) and 'Kratos' (power), literally meaning 'rule by the people'.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the people are the source of all government power, and the government reflects the values, culture, and wishes of its people.

Government BY the People

A principle where rulers and law-making body (legislature) representatives are elected by the people, who have the power to vote them out if unhappy.

Government FOR the People

A principle where the government works for the well-being of all citizens and aims for the greatest good of the greatest number of people.

Universal Franchise

The right of every adult citizen to vote regardless of gender, caste, religion, or economic status.

Rule of Law

The principle ensuring that everyone is equal before the law and that no person or institution, including the government, is above the law.

Solon

Athenian leader who gave Athens its first set of laws around 59-593 BCE.

Cleisthenes

Athenian leader who established direct democracy in 507 BCE.

Law of the Twelve Tables

A set of laws passed in Ancient Rome following a struggle between patricians (rich families) and plebeians (ordinary people) that granted plebeians certain rights.

Magna Carta

The 'Great Charter' signed in 1215 CE by the King of England, agreeing to limit his power and introducing Habeas Corpus.

Habeas Corpus

A Latin phrase meaning 'You must produce the person before the Court,' representing the legal right to challenge unlawful detention.

Republicanism

A concept developed in America centered on protecting liberty, equality, and the rule of law through elected representatives.

Fraternity

A core principle of the French Revolution (1789) meaning brotherhood, unity, and friendship.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens participate directly in decision-making and vote on every issue, as practiced in ancient Athens and modern Switzerland.

Indirect (Representative) Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives who make decisions and govern on their behalf, used in most countries including India.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government where a king or queen exists, but elected representatives hold the real political power.

Sabha and Samiti

Early Vedic bodies in ancient India that discussed public matters and advised kings, ensuring participatory power.

Vajji Confederacy

An ancient Indian republic based in Vaishali (600-400 BCE), described in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta and considered one of the world's first republics.

Salaka

Ballots used in Buddhist monasteries (Sanghas) for democratic voting processes requiring a quorum.

Panchayat System

A local self-government system derived from 'Panch' (five), where five respected village elders manage local affairs, settle disputes, and deliver justice.

Kudavolai System

A 'pot-ticket' voting method used in Chola village committees (10th-12th Century CE) as an early form of secret ballot.

Uttaramerur Inscription

An inscription providing historical evidence of highly organized local self-government under Chola administration.

Universal Adult Suffrage (India)

The right to vote granted by the 1950 Indian Constitution to all adult citizens regardless of gender, literacy, or wealth starting from the 1951-52 election.

Parliamentary Form of Government

A system of government where the executive is part of the legislature and depends on its confidence to stay in power.