Democracy Chapter 6 Practice Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover the key terms, historical traditions, constitutional articles, and democratic principles discussed in Chapter 6: Democracy.

Democracy

A form of government in which the source of power and authority lies with the citizens of the country, who elect their representatives through free and fair elections.

Voter base in India (2024)

A population of over $140$ crore with a voter base of over $96.8$ crore.

Constitution of India

The document guiding democratic principles in India, adopted on $26$ November $1949$ and coming into force on $26$ January $1950$.

Aikyamatya Sūktam

A verse from the $10.191.3$ segment of the Ṛig Veda that emphasises collective thinking, shared discussion, and unity of purpose.

Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata

Assemblies of the Vedic period that involved collective decision-making, demonstrating that the king was not an independent ruler but consulted with others.

Bauddha Saṁghas

Monastic communities established by Gautama Buddha that encouraged debate, discussion, and collective decision-making through voting.

Constituent Assembly

Formed in $1946$, it took this body $2$ years, $11$ months, and $18$ days to draft the world’s longest written Constitution.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

The Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India.

Article 368

The provision in the Constitution of India that allows for amendments, ensuring the document remains flexible and responsive to socio-political needs.

Popular Sovereignty

The democratic principle that the ultimate source of power lies with the people, and the state derives its authority from them.

Universal Adult Franchise

The right of every citizen, $18$ years of age and above, to vote through a secret ballot to elect governments and representatives.

Rule of Law

A fundamental principle ensuring equality before the law and equal protection of the law, establishes that no one is above the law.

Fundamental Rights

Six rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution (Articles $14$–$32$) that safeguard the rights, freedom, and dignity of citizens.

Article 21A

Added in $2009$, it ensures free and compulsory education for children aged $6$ to $14$.

Separation of Powers

The division of responsibilities among the legislature (makes laws), executive (implements laws), and judiciary (interprets laws) to prevent concentration of power.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

A legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest to ensure access to justice for all.

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

An act that empowers citizens to seek information from government departments, strengthening transparency and accountability.

Multi-Party System

A system where several political parties contest elections, representing diverse voices and governed by the Representation of the People Act, $1951$.

Article 46

Constitutional provision stating the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Civil Society

Voluntary groups, NGOs, and community associations that function interdependently within society to bridge the gap between citizens and the State.

Question Hour

The first hour of a parliamentary session when members ask questions to the government to hold it accountable.

Fourth Pillar of Democracy

A term often used to refer to the media because of its critical role in safeguarding people's voices and upholding democratic principles.

Representative Democracy

An indirect democracy where people elect representatives through periodic elections and the government is accountable to the people.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in most decision-making processes, as seen in Switzerland.

Parliamentary Democracy

A system where the Executive is part of and accountable to the legislature; used in India, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Presidential Democracy

A system where the Executive is independent of the legislature and the President is elected by and accountable to the people, as in the USA.

Federalism

A system of government where power and responsibilities are shared between central and state governments as expressed in constitutional lists.

Sovereignty

Derived from the Latin word 'superanus', it refers to the supreme, final, and independent legal authority of a State over its territory and citizens.

Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

Institutions established in specific north-eastern regions of India to preserve tribal heritage through legislative and judicial authority.

PESA Act (1996)

The Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act which empowers the Gram Sabha as the primary decision-making body in tribal areas.

Quorum

The presence of the minimum number of members in an assembly meeting required to make the proceedings valid.

Article 243(d) and 243(t)

Articles of the Constitution providing not less than one-third ($1/3$) reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, respectively.

National Emergency (1975–77)

A period when fundamental rights were suspended and the press censored on the grounds of internal disturbance under the government of Indira Gandhi.

Lok Nayak

The popular title for Jayaprakash Narayan, a socialist thinker who led mass movements to protect democratic values during the Emergency.

Civic Responsibility

Includes respecting others' rights, using social media responsibly, abiding by laws, and participating in activities that strengthen unity.