WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

Vocabulary flashcards covering key democracy-related terms from the notes.

democracy

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

representative democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to govern and make major decisions on their behalf.

direct democracy

A form of democracy where decisions are made directly by the people rather than through representatives (e.g., Gram Sabha in villages).

Gram Sabha

A village-level assembly in which all adult residents participate directly in decision-making.

free and fair elections

Elections that provide real choice among alternatives and are free from manipulation or fraud.

one person one vote one value

The principle that every adult citizen's vote has equal weight and value.

rule of law

The government operates under laws and constitutional limits; rights are protected and an independent judiciary upholds them.

constitutional limits

Power is constrained by a constitution and citizens' rights; rulers cannot exceed constitutional provisions.

rights of minorities

Protections and guarantees for minority groups within a democracy.

independence of judiciary

A judiciary free from government control that can uphold laws and protect constitutional rights.

universal adult franchise

Voting rights extended to all adult citizens regardless of gender, race, or status.

Greek roots of democracy

Demokratia: demos (people) + kratia (rule) – meaning 'rule by the people'.