Democracy Overview Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, etymology, principles, and institutions of democracy based on the Indian NCERT Social Science curriculum.

Δῆμος (demos)

A Greek root word meaning 'people.'

Κράτος (kratos)

A Greek root word meaning 'rule' or 'power.'

Direct Democracy

A model where every citizen votes directly for policies or leaders, such as in Switzerland.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives, like MPs or MLAs, who then make decisions and select leaders.

Member of Parliament (MP)

An elected representative for a constituency who serves in the Lok Sabha.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)

An elected representative for a state-level constituency.

Universal Adult Franchise

The right of every citizen aged $18$ years or older to vote, irrespective of religion, caste, gender, or status.

Free and Fair Election

An electoral process free from cheating, coercion, or undue pressure, ensuring each vote is counted accurately.

Constitution of India

The rulebook of the nation that sets governing rules and prevents discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or birthplace.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

The Chairman of the Drafting Committee and the 'Chief Architect' of the Indian Constitution.

$26$ November $1949$

The date when the Indian Constitution was officially adopted.

$26$ January $1950$

The date when the Indian Constitution was enforced, known as Republic Day.

Article $368$

The constitutional provision that empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution, ensuring it remains flexible.

Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata

Gatherings of knowledgeable individuals in early India who debated and decided matters of state.

Collective decision-making

A process where participants share responsibility for the outcome, and the majority view becomes the binding decision.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that supreme power belongs to the people and no authority exists above the populace.

Rule of Law

The principle that all persons and institutions are equally subject to the law, with no one being above it.

Fundamental Rights

A set of guaranteed freedoms (Articles $14$ to $28$) protecting individual dignity, including equality and freedom of speech.

Article $32$

The Right to Constitutional Remedies, allowing direct access to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

Separation of Powers

The division of independent functions between the Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).

Election Commission of India (ECI)

The institution that conducts free and fair elections, monitors voter registration, and enforces the Model Code of Conduct.

Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG)

An institution that audits government expenditure and publishes reports to expose irregularities.

Parliamentary Question Hour

The first hour of every parliamentary session where MPs question ministers about policies and projects.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

A legal action filed for the protection of public interest, especially when a group lacks resources to approach the court individually.

Right to Information Act, $2005$ (RTI)

A law allowing citizens to request documents from government departments, which must generally be provided within $30$ days.

Vulnerable Group

A section of society historically subjected to exploitation or exclusion, requiring affirmative measures for equality.

Federalism

A system of government where powers are constitutionally divided between a central authority and states (Article $246$).

Union List

A list of subjects such as Defense and Foreign Affairs where only the central government can legislate.

Concurrent List

A list of subjects like Education and Marriage where both the Union and State governments can legislate.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to make decisions without external interference.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required for a meeting to be valid, generally $1/10$ of total members in the Indian Parliament.

Article $243D$ & $243T$

Constitutional articles that mandate a minimum of $33\%$ seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities.

Gram Sabha

A village assembly where residents discuss local issues directly, exemplifying grassroots democracy.

National Emergency (Article $352$)

A provision triggered by war or armed rebellion that can lead to the suspension of certain fundamental rights.

Cooperatives

Jointly-owned enterprises, like Amul, that are voluntarily united to meet common economic and social needs through democratic control.

Civil Society & NGOs

Organizations formed by citizens to address social issues and act as a bridge between the public and the government.