Democracy Lecture Notes Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the evolution, principles, levels, and challenges of democracy in India and globally based on Chapter 6 lecture notes.

Democracy

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

Constitution of India Adoption and Enforcement

The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

Aikyamatya Sūktam

A verse from the Ṛig Veda (10.191.3) that emphasizes collective thinking, shared discussion, and unity of purpose.

Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata

Assemblies of the Vedic period that involved collective decision-making within early Indian democratic traditions.

Bauddha Saṁghas

Monastic communities established by Gautama Buddha that reflected democratic traditions through debate, discussion, and voting for leaders.

Constituent Assembly

A body formed in 1946 that took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the world’s longest written Constitution.

Article 368

The provision in the Constitution of India that allows for amendments, ensuring the document remains flexible and responsive.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the ultimate source of power lies with the people, meaning 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.

Rule of Law

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

Fundamental Rights

Six core rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution (Articles 14–32 and 226) that safeguard the freedom and dignity of citizens.

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.

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

Legislation that allows citizens to seek information from government agencies to ensure accountability and transparency.

Article 46

A constitutional provision stating the State shall promote the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to protect them from social injustice.

Media (Fourth Pillar of Democracy)

The collection of newspapers, news channels, and social media platforms that safeguard people's voices and uphold democratic principles.

Representative Democracy (Indirect Democracy)

A system where people do not directly govern but elect representatives through periodic elections, such as in India.

Direct Democracy

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

Parliamentary Democracy

A form of representative democracy where members of the Executive are part of the legislature and accountable to it.

Presidential Democracy

A form of representative democracy where the Executive is independent of the legislature and the President is elected by the people, such as in the USA.

Federalism

A system of government where power and responsibilities are shared between central and state governments.

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)

Bodies established in specific north-eastern regions of India with legislative and judicial authority to preserve tribal customs.

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 required in an assembly meeting to make the proceedings valid.

Emergency (1975–77)

A period in India when National Emergency was imposed on grounds of internal disturbance, resulting in the suspension of Fundamental Rights.

Lok Nayak

The popular name for Jayaprakash Narayan, a socialist thinker who led mass movements against the 1975 Emergency.

Civic Responsibility

The duty of citizens to respect rights, use media responsibly, abide by laws, and participate in activities that strengthen unity.

Question Hour

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

Civil Society

Voluntary groups, NGOs, and community associations that function interdependently within society.