Grade 10 Civics and Democratic Governance

Comprehensive question-and-answer study flashcards reviewing democratic governance, constitutional principles, state structures, governmental branches, and citizen rights and duties.

What are the linguistic origins and meanings of the words used for 'democracy' in Greek, Sinhala, and Tamil?

In Greek, 'Demos' denotes public and 'Kratos' denotes power, meaning 'power of the people'. In Sinhala, 'praja' means people, 'tantra' means system of governance, and 'vadaya' means ideology. In Tamil, 'Makkal' means people and 'adchi' means governance, forming 'Makkaladchi' (public governance).

How was direct democracy practiced in the ancient Greek city-state (polis) of Athens, and who was excluded?

The supreme governing body was the Citizen's Council, where citizens directly considered the functions of government and made collective decisions. However, urban women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participating.

What ancient Indian republican government followed democratic principles, and what was its ethical code?

The Vajji kingdom in the 6th century B.C. practiced governance guided by the seven principles of 'Aparihani Dhamma', which emphasized regular meetings, peaceful discussions, enforcing laws, and respecting elders.

How does Professor Garner define direct democracy?

The system in which people gather in one place, discuss, and take collective decisions on state administrative functions with the consent of the people swiftly and directly.

What practical problems prevent the implementation of direct democracy in modern states?

The large land masses of present states, vast populations, the difficulty of gathering all citizens in one place, and the complexity of modern social needs.

How did Abraham Lincoln and Sealer define democracy?

Abraham Lincoln defined it as 'government of the people by the people and for the people.' Sealer stated that 'Democracy provides rights for everybody as a tool of governance.'

What is universal franchise, and how is sovereignty defined in Article 3 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka?

Universal franchise is the right to vote granted to all citizens over a specific age limit regardless of sex, community, employment, or income. Article 3 states that sovereignty is in the people, is inalienable, and includes the power of government, fundamental rights, and the franchise.

What are the three main types of party systems, and which countries exemplify each?

Multi-party system (Sri Lanka and India), Two-party system (Great Britain and U.S.A.), and Single-party system operating under socialist philosophy (China, Cuba, and North Korea).

Which institution establishes polling divisions in Sri Lanka, and what criteria are used?

The Delimitation Commission divides polling divisions based on land and population as the primary criteria.

What are the main characteristics of a free and fair election?

Holding elections in due course, assuring vote and candidacy to all eligible citizens, confirming the right to participate freely and fairly, complying with election laws, and maintaining a peaceful environment.

What is the primary role of the opposition in a democratic government?

To assist the government in its good activities, direct it through constructive criticism and investigation, oppose anti-democratic policies, and work to establish a better alternative government.

How does G.D.H. Cole define 'freedom'?

Freedom is the opportunity for developing one's personality sans external resistance.

When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed, and what is its historical significance?

It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948, marking the historic legalization and international recognition of human rights.

How did Professor Ivor Jennings define a constitution?

A document which defines the formation, the execution and the powers of the major components of a government (legislature, executive, judiciary) and describes the relationship between these institutions and the people.

What are the four basic characteristics of a state?

Territory (land frontiers, maritime boundary, and air space), Population, Government, and Sovereignty (autonomous power).

How do Professor Garner and Aristotle define 'the state'?

Garner defined the state as a community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory, independent of external control, possessing an organized government receiving habitual obedience. Aristotle defined it as an organization established by the people to live happily and honourably.

What historical factors and political thinkers contributed to the origin of the modern nation state after the 15th century?

Factors included the Protestant reformation, the Great revolution, the rise of capitalism with the collapse of feudalism, and the advance of scientific knowledge. Political thinkers included Nicolo Machiaveli, Jin Bodan, and Thomas Hobbs.

What is the key difference between a unitary state and a federal state?

In a unitary state, legislative, executive, and judicial power is concentrated in the central government, with local bodies exercising only devolved administrative power. In a federal state, power is constitutionally divided across two tiers of government, each exercising legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

Which institution of the Sri Lankan government is shown in the image below?

The Parliament of Sri Lanka (the Legislature).

What are the three main organs of government and their core functions?

Legislature (promulgation of laws, management of finance, control of executive), Executive (execution and implementation of laws), and Judiciary (dispensation of justice, protection of rights, and safeguarding the constitution).

What are the defining characteristics of a parliamentary system of government?

The executive is chosen from and collectively responsible to the legislature; it features a nominal executive (e.g., the monarch in Britain) alongside a political/real executive (Prime Minister and cabinet), and the legislature can defeat the government at any time.

What are the key features of a presidential system of government according to Professor Garner?

The president is elected independently by the people, concentrates all constitutional executive powers without legislative interference, is the head of state and government, and is not directly accountable to the legislature for political policies.

What is the difference between legal duties and moral duties of a citizen?

Legal duties (e.g., paying taxes, obeying laws, protecting the constitution) are legally enforceable and punishable by law if breached. Moral duties (e.g., respecting elders, observing traditions) are voluntary obligations governed by personal conscience.

What duties of citizens are specified under Article 28 of the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka?

Upholding and defending the constitution and law; promoting national welfare and fostering unity; working conscientiously; protecting public property and combating waste; respecting others' rights; and conserving nature and natural resources.

What mechanism ensures the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka?

Constitutional safeguards protecting judicial sovereignty, including the establishment of the Judicial Service Commission.

What personal qualities define a democrat in democratic life?

Making decisions through discussion, tolerating opposing views, respecting majority decisions, cooperating, respecting human rights, obeying the law, balancing rights with duties, and offering constructive criticism.

From which Greek words is the term "democracy" derived, and what do they mean?

It is derived from "Demos" meaning public or people, and "Kratos" meaning power, which translates to "power of the people."

What are the linguistic meanings of the terms used for democracy in Sinhala and Tamil?

In Sinhala, "praja" means people, "tantra" means system of governance, and "vadaya" means ideology. In Tamil, "Makkal" means people and "adchi" means governance, combining as "Makkaladchi" to mean public governance.

Which groups were excluded from participating in the direct democracy of the Citizen's Council in ancient Athens?

Urban women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participating.

What ancient Indian kingdom operated a republican government in the sixth century B.C. governed by the principles of "Aparihani Dhamma"?

The "Vajji" kingdom.

What historical event in 1688 demonstrated that the power of people's representatives took precedence over the monarchy in Europe?

The English Revolution (Great Revolution).

How did Professor Garner define direct democracy?

"Direct democracy is the system in which people gather in one place, discuss and take collective decisions on state administrative functions with the consent of the people swiftly and directly."

What factors make the implementation of direct democracy difficult in modern states?

The large land masses of present states, vast populations, the difficulty of getting all citizens to rally in one place, and the complexity of social needs.

How did Abraham Lincoln and Sealer respectively define democracy?

Abraham Lincoln defined it as "government of the people by the people and for the people," while Sealer defined it as providing "rights for everybody as a tool of governance."

What does Article 3 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka state regarding sovereignty?

"In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the people and is inalienable. Sovereignty includes the power of government, fundamental rights and the franchise."

What is a competitive party system, and what are its three forms according to the text?

It is the opportunity given to a number of competitive parties to acquire political power. The three forms are Multi-party system (e.g., Sri Lanka, India), Two-Party system (e.g., Great Britain, U.S.A.), and Single Party system (e.g., China, Cuba, North Korea).

According to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, who divides polling divisions and on what criteria?

The Delimitation Commission divides polling divisions, using land and population as the main criteria.

What is the role of the opposition in making a democratic system of administration successful?

To assist the government in good activities, direct it along the proper path through investigation and constructive criticism, oppose anti-democratic policies and actions, and act to establish a better alternative government.

How did G.D.H. Cole define freedom?

"Freedom is the opportunity for developing one's personality sans external resistance."

On what date was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly?

10th December 1948.

How did Professor Ivor Jennings define a constitution?

"The constitution is a document which defines the formation, the execution and the powers of the major component of a government, which are the legislature, executive and the judiciary and describes the relationship between the said institutions with the people."

What are the four basic characteristics of a state?

Territory (land area, maritime boundary, sky above), population, government, and sovereignty/autonomous power.

How did Professor Garner define the state?

"The state is a community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent of external control and possessing an organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience."

How did Aristotle define the state?

"The state is an organization established by the people to live happily and honourably."

What is the difference between the state and the government?

The state is a permanent institution, whereas the government is an institution subject to change from time to time.

Which three political thinkers are cited as having strengthened the concept of the nation state?

Nicolo Machiaveli, Jin Bodan, and Thomas Hobbs.

What are the differences between a unitary state and a federal state regarding the devolution of power?

In a unitary state, legislative, executive, and judicial powers are concentrated in the central government while local bodies exercise delegated administrative powers. In a federal state, power is devolved between two tiers of government, with both the central government and local bodies exercising legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

What are the three main institutions of government and their core functions?

The Legislature (promulgation of laws, management of finance, control of the executive), the Executive (execution/implementation of laws), and the Judiciary (dispensation of justice and dispute resolution).

Which institution of the Sri Lankan government is pictured below?

Parliament of Sri Lanka (representing the Legislature).

What is the difference between a nominal executive and a political executive in a parliamentary system such as Britain's?

The nominal executive is the King or Queen as a matter of tradition, while the political (real) executive consists of the Prime Minister and the cabinet.

How did Professor Garner define a presidential government?

"The presidential government is the government which concentrates all the executive powers in the constitution sans the influences of the legislature on the president, who is independent and not accountable to the legislature for his political policies."

What is the difference between legal duties and moral duties of a citizen?

Legal duties (e.g., payment of taxes, obeying the law, safeguarding the constitution) carry punishments if violated, whereas moral duties (e.g., respecting elders, following customs) are judged by an individual's conscience.

What duties of citizens are specified under Article 28 of the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka?

To uphold and defend the constitution and law; promote national welfare and foster unity; work conscientiously in one's chosen occupation; protect public property and combat waste; respect the rights and freedom of others; and protect nature and conserve natural resources.

What institution was established in modern constitutions to protect the independence and sovereignty of the judiciary?

The Judicial Service Commission.

When did the state begin its transition into a welfare institution, and which country is cited as an example of providing free education and health?

In the early decades of the 20th century; Sri Lanka is cited as an example providing education and health free of charge.