Democracy and Electoral Politics

Flashcards covering the characteristics, features, and functions of democracy, electoral processes in India, and the scope of social sciences based on lecture notes.

What distinguishes democracy from other forms of government like monarchy or dictatorship?

Democracy depends on active political participation by all the citizens, whereas other forms do not require such participation.

According to the features of democracy, where must the final decision-making power rest?

The final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

What is the democratic requirement regarding voting rights and the worth of a vote?

Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.

Why does a democratic decision involve consultation and discussion?

Because it involves many persons, discussions, and meetings, which reduces the chances of rash or reckless decisions.

How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens regarding their status?

It recognizes that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and educated.

What is the most common form of democracy in today's world?

Rule through people's elected representatives.

Why is it physically impossible for modern democracies to allow citizens to take collective decisions directly?

Because modern democracies involve a large number of people, making it impossible for them to sit together.

What framework limits the power of a democratic government?

A democratic government rules within the limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights.

What is 'Absentee Voting'?

A method which enables registered voters to vote in a given election without physically going to the polls.

What is a 'By-Election'?

An election held to fill a vacant seat during the government's term in office.

What is the purpose of a 'Ballot'?

A piece of paper used to cast a vote that shows the symbols of the candidates running for office.

Which body is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures in India?

The Independent Election Commission (EC).

Who do government officers work under when they are on election duty?

They work under the control of the Election Commission (EC) and not the government.

Into how many parliamentary constituencies has India been divided?

$543$ parliamentary constituencies.

What are the requirements for an Indian citizen to contest elections to the Lok Sabha?

The citizen must be a registered voter and over $25$ years of age.

What details must candidates include in their legal declaration before contesting an election?

Details of family, assets, educational qualifications, and a declaration that they are not involved in any criminal case.

What is the duration of the official election campaign period before polling starts?

It is a $2$-week period that ends $48\,hrs$ before the start of polling.

What is the 'Model Code of Conduct' in the context of elections?

An outline provided by the Election Commission, based on consensus among political parties, that candidates and parties are expected to abide by during campaigns.

How does Social Science differ from the natural sciences?

Social science is the systematic study of human society and relationships, delving into how people interact and behave, whereas natural sciences focus on the physical world.

What is the focus of 'Sociology' within the social sciences?

The study of social structures, groups, and institutions.

Define 'Rule of Law' as provided in the notes.

A state of order in which events conform to the laws.

Under what condition does the transcript state that 'true democracy' will come to a country?

When no one goes hungry to bed.

What were the statistics and cause of China's famine of $1958$-$1961$?

Nearly $3$ crore people died in what was the worst recorded famine in world history, caused by the economic policies of the ruling government.

What is a 'Dictatorship' according to the transcript?

A form of government in which one person possesses absolute power without effective constitutional checks, often using force and fraud.

How does Indian sociology differ from Western sociology regarding the focus of study?

While Western sociology focuses on 'Class', Indian sociology must navigate the complexities of 'Caste' (Jati and Varna).