Understanding Democracy Flashcards

A comprehensive set of 100 flashcards covering the meaning, history, features, types, and challenges of democracy based on the lecture notes.

According to Reinhold Niebuhr, what makes democracy possible?

Man's capacity for justice.

According to Reinhold Niebuhr, what makes democracy necessary?

Man's capacity for injustice.

From which Greek word does the term 'democracy' originate?

The Greek word 'demokratia'.

In the word 'demokratia', what does the component 'demos' mean?

People.

In the word 'demokratia', what does the component 'kratos' mean?

Power.

Where and when was the term 'democracy' first coined?

Ancient Athens in the $5^{th}$ century BCE.

Who was allowed to vote in the earliest example of democracy in Athens?

The whole of the adult male population, regardless of wealth.

How did Athenian male citizens participate in decision-making?

They made decisions directly rather than voting for representatives.

What is the simplest definition of democracy provided in the notes?

A form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

What is considered the basic and necessary condition of democracy?

Elections.

How did Abraham Lincoln define democracy?

"The government of the people, by the people, for the people."

Which three elements does Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy emphasize?

Participation, representation, and welfare of the people.

Why did the governments of Hitler and Mussolini cease to be democratic?

Once they started acting in a manner where policies were not meant for the welfare of the people.

Why was the Athenian system not considered a 'universal franchise'?

Because it did not give voting rights to women, slaves, or foreigners.

In which year did Switzerland grant women the right to vote at the federal level?

$$1971$$

How does Switzerland practice direct democracy?

Through referendums and popular initiatives.

Why does India follow representative democracy instead of direct democracy?

Because it is a vast and populous country, making direct democracy at the national level impractical.

What is a main feature of parliamentary democracies regarding decision-making?

Decisions are taken by the majority of elected representatives while ensuring minority rights.

In India, which group of people is generally excluded from the definition of 'the people' for voting?

Those below $18$ years of age or people who may be criminals.

What institutions in ancient Indian clans functioned as early democratic bodies?

Panchayats and Samitis.

What is the meaning of the principle 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'?

The world is one family.

Which two assemblies played important roles in governance during the Vedic period?

The Sabha and Samiti.

What were the large kingdoms and republics that emerged in northern India between $600$ BCE and $400$ BCE called?

Mahajanapadas.

Which Mahajanapada is especially known for its democratic traditions and republican system?

The Vajjis.

Which Buddhist text describes the Vajjis as a well-organized republic with community rule?

Mahaparinibbana Sutta.

How was the head of the Sakya clan (the Raja) selected?

Elected by an assembly of elders through discussion.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'Panchayat'?

Derived from 'panch', meaning five.

What was the role of the village Panchayat in ancient Indian life?

Managing daily affairs, taking key decisions, settling disputes, and delivering justice.

What did the village councils called 'Sabhas' do during the Gupta Empire?

Managed local affairs and delivered justice, functioning independently from the central government.

Who composed the Sabhas during the Gupta period?

Local landowners and merchants chosen by the community.

According to Greek scholars of Alexander's time, which state in modern-day Pakistan/Afghanistan followed a democratic government?

The Sabarcae and Sambastal states.

Where must the final decision-making authority rest in a democracy?

With elected representatives.

What are the limits placed on elected representatives in a democracy?

They must function within the Constitution and are subject to judicial review.

What is a requirement for elections to be considered 'free and fair'?

Those currently in power must have a fair chance of losing.

Which body ensures free and fair elections in India?

The Election Commission of India.

What does 'Universal Suffrage' mean in a democracy?

All adults have the right to vote irrespective of colour, caste, religion, or gender.

What is the principle of 'one vote, one value'?

Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have the same weight.

When did the Constitution of India come into force, granting the right to vote?

$26$ January $1950$

What was the original voting age in India in $1950$?

$21$ years and above.

Which act reduced the Indian voting age from $21$ to $18$ years?

The $61^{st}$ Constitutional Amendment Act of $1988$.

What rights are included under freedom of expression in a democracy?

The right to discuss policies, demonstrate, criticize, and organize meetings on public issues.

On what grounds can the freedom to form associations be restricted?

The interest of public order and national security.

When was the Right to Information (RTI) Act passed by the Indian Parliament?

$15$ June $2005$

How many RTI applications are filed on average every day in India?

Over $4800$.

How long does a public authority have to reply to an RTI request?

Expeditiously or within $30$ days.

What does 'Rule of Law' mean in a democracy?

No individual or authority is above the law, and the government rules within limits set by constitutional law.

Under the rule of law, who controls the police and military?

Civilian control.

In China, why is the election system criticized compared to democratic standards?

Voters can only choose between candidates put up by the single ruling party.

When were independent India's first elections held?

$$1951-52$$

What according to the text is the 'basis of the government' in a democracy?

The will of the people.

Which three organs of government must be accountable in a democracy?

The legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Why is direct democracy impossible for the $140$ crore voters of India?

The population is too large to assemble in one place for discussion.

In a representative democracy, how long do representatives remain in power?

As long as they enjoy the confidence of the people.

Why is representative democracy described as 'participatory'?

All citizens participate by voting to choose their representatives.

What is the primary role of the judiciary in a democratic country?

To remain independent and protect the rights of individuals.

What are the two main forms of representative democracy described in the notes?

Parliamentary Democracy and Presidential Democracy.

From where does the executive derive its authority in a parliamentary democracy?

The legislature.

Who is the head of government in a parliamentary system like India's?

The Prime Minister.

To which body is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible in India?

The Lok Sabha.

Name the two houses of India's bicameral legislature.

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Distinguish between the President and the Prime Minister in a parliamentary system.

The President is the formal/nominal head of state; the Prime Minister is the real head of government.

Name three countries that use a parliamentary system besides India.

United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Canada.

What principle governs the relationship between the organs in a presidential democracy?

Separation of powers.

Who is the real executive head in a presidential form of government?

The President.

What mechanism prevents any one organ of government from misusing power in a presidential system?

Checks and balances.

Is political homogeneity required for a cabinet in a presidential system?

No, cabinet members do not have to belong to the same political party as the President.

Which country has a 'semi-presidential' system according to the text?

Sri Lanka.

What is Monarchy?

Rule by one person (king, queen, or emperor), often combining military, lawmaking, and judicial powers.

What is an 'Absolute Monarchy'?

A system where the king is the government and his authority is unlimited.

What was the 'Divine Right Theory'?

The claim by monarchs that they got authority from God and were answerable only to Him.

How did Idi Amin come to power in Uganda in $1971$?

Through a military coup.

What happened to the Indian minority under Idi Amin's rule in Uganda?

They were forced to leave Uganda.

What is a 'Constitutional Monarchy'?

A system where the monarch is the Head of State but performs only ceremonial functions and lacks real authority.

Which country is cited as the typical example of a Constitutional Monarchy?

The United Kingdom.

Which country has been ruled as an absolute monarchy by the Saudi royal family since $1932$?

Saudi Arabia.

What characterizes a Dictatorship?

Government is not accountable to the people, and power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group.

Who ruled Iraq from $1979$ to $2003$ as a military dictator?

Saddam Hussein.

Which party ruled Iraq starting from $1968$?

The Ba'ath Party.

What happened to Saddam Hussein on December $30$, $2006$?

He was executed after being found guilty of genocide.

What is a 'Theocracy'?

A system of government where civil laws conform to religious teachings and religious oversight exists.

In Iran, who is the highest authority in their theocratic system?

The Supreme Leader, who is an Ayatollah.

Which movement in Poland in the $1980$s is cited as a struggle for democracy?

The Solidarity movement.

List the three major external events that helped the spread of democracy.

(i) The Second World War, (ii) Decolonisation, and (iii) The collapse of the Soviet Union.

How does democracy help in evolving a consensus of opinion?

Through debates, persuasion, and compromise.

In a democracy, whose interests must the elected government protect?

The interests of all, including both the majority and the minority.

How do wide gaps between rich and poor affect democratic politics?

The wealthy may dominate politics and exploit underprivileged voters.

What is the adverse impact of economic inequality on elections?

Huge sums of money are spent on campaigning, leading to expectations of favors by contributors.

What percentage of people in the study think that a democratic political system is best suitable for India?

Two-thirds of the people.

According to the notes, where should correct democratic values first be taught?

At the grassroot levels, beginning with family, friends, and neighborhood.

What was Winston Churchill's famous quote about democracy?

Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried.

What values does a democratic government stand for?

Freedom, equality, and justice.

Define 'Eminent' as used in the glossary.

Famous and respected within a particular sphere.

Define 'Accountability' as used in the glossary.

Being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it.

Define 'Coercion' as used in the glossary.

The act of forcing someone to do something they don't want to do.

Define 'Dictator' as used in the glossary.

A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

Between which years was 'the Emergency' declared in India?

$1975$ and $1977$.

Who declared 'the Emergency' in India?

Indira Gandhi.

Which organization has rated India as 'Free' for many years in its reports?

Freedom House.

What does the glossary define as a 'Monarch'?

A sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor.

What is the significance of the year $1947$ in the context of Indian democracy?

It is when India gained independence from British colonial rule.