Writing your own definition of a good democracy.
A country with a government which has been elected freely and equally by its all citizens is a good Democracy. It is a system of government which involves majority decision-making. In democracy an organization is controlled by its members, who freely and equally participate in the decision-making processes.
“Democracy is the experience of life itself – always changing, infinite variety, sometimes zig-zag and more valuable for having adversity.” – Jimmy Carter, American President, in his speech to the Indian Parliament.
In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?
State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.
Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?
What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
(a) | A | B | D | F |
---|---|---|---|---|
(b) | A | C | E | F |
(c) | A | B | D | G |
(d) | B | C | D | G |
What are the characteristics of a political party?
Match List I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I List II
(i) Pressure group A. Narmada Bachao Andolan
(ii) Long-term movement B. Asom Gana Parishad
(iii) Single issue movement C. Women’s movement
(iv) Political party D. Fertiliser dealers, association
(a) D C A B
(b) B A D C
(c) C D B A
(d) B D C A
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a _____________________.
How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.
In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully eliminated:
A. conflicts among people
B. economic inequalities among people
C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
D. the idea of political inequality
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka :
A. In Belgium the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka the policies of the government ensured the dominance of the Sinhala speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharingto protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given are correct ?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B, and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.