Chapter 1 - Democracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering types of government, organs of the state, and principles of democracy as outlined in the lecture notes from May 5, 2026.

Indirect democracy

Also known as representative democracy, it is a system where sovereignty is exercised by a group of people's representative, usually elected by the people on the basis of election.

Sovereignty

In an indirect democracy, this power is exercised by a group of representatives elected by the people.

Economic equality

A condition for successful democracy where there is no wide gap between the rich and the poor.

Dictatorship

The rule by an individual who has full power over the country and is not responsible or answerable to the people.

Judiciary

The organ of government needed to interpret laws, settle disputes, protect the rights of citizens, and ensure the legislature and executive work according to the constitution.

Legislature

One of the three organs of the government responsible for governing the country alongside the executive and judiciary.

Executive

One of the three organs of the government identified in the lecture notes.

Republic

A country that has no monarch, where the head of the country is usually the elected head of the state.

Direct Democracy

A type of democracy where citizens participate directly in decision-making, which was not adopted by India due to its large population and vast geographical area.

Universal adult franchise

One of the listed advantages of democracy alongside equality, justice, free election, and freedom.

Rule of Law

A fundamental advantage of democracy where the government and citizens are subject to legal principles.

Representative democracy

The system adopted by India because it is not practical for all citizens to participate directly in decision-making due to the vast geographical area.

Constitutional Monarchy

A government that has a monarch whose powers are strictly limited by the popularly elected government, such as in the United Kingdom.

Military dictatorship

A government where a military general rules according to his own will and all aspects depend on his thoughts or will.

Monarchy

A form of government where a king or queen is the supreme political authority, characterized by hereditary rule from the same family.

Totalitarianism

A system of government where the state regulates the public and private life of its people.

Authoritarianism

A type of government where non-elected rulers control the state.

Democracy

A system based on principles in which the control of authority comes from the public, and the ruler and the ruled are equal.

Legitimized freedom

A main principle defining democracy where all citizens enjoy freedom and liberties.

Hereditary rule

A characteristic of monarchy where the rules and authority come from the same family.