Key Elements of Democratic Government

Government is the agency or machinery through which the Will of the State is formulated and realized. It has the authority to make laws, enforce and regulate laws. It is the instrument of the State.

In a democracy the representatives (who forms the government) are elected by the people through voting in elections. Representatives take decisions on behalf of the people. All governments are elected for a fixed period that is for five years.

Nelson Mandela is the famous leader of Africa. In his fight against racism he sacrificed twenty six years in prison. Finally, he succeeded and in 1994 South Africa became a democratic country in which people of all races were considered equal.

• Nonwhites were prohibited from running businesses or professional practices in the white areas without permits.
• Nonwhites had separate amenities (i.e. beaches, buses, schools, benches, drinking fountains, restrooms).
• Nonwhites received inferior education, medical care, and other public services.

India is a democratic country, where all the people have a say in the affairs of the government. An attempt has been made in the Indian Constitution to incorporate the interests of all the religions. Special provisions had been made for the interests of the minorities. People are empowered to raise their voice on any issue with which they are not satisfied with

Article 17 of the Indian constitution states that untouchablity is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability’’ shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar fought for the rights of the untouchables. He was the chairman of the drafting committee of the constituent assembly and ensured that the provisions of reservation should be incorporated in the Constitution of India. He believes in the principles of equality and justice.

Conflicts occur when people of different cultures, religions and regions or economic backgrounds do not get along with each other, or when some among them feel they are being discriminated against. Such people may use violent means to settle their differences.

Yes. It allows people to participate by organising themselves into social movements that seek to challenge the government and its functioning.

Right to vote is a bedrock of a democratic system. It should be equally available to all. Citizens cast their vote at regular interval. The constitution of India has introduced universal adult franchise. All the adults above the age of 18 years, irrespective of their castes, colour and or sex are entitled to participate in the election.

The major dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is water stored in Mettur dam and Krishnasagar dam because Krishnasagar dam fulfills Karnataka needs for irrigating and Mettur dam is used for crops grown in the delta region of state. Each state want water for its need and claimed more proportion. This dispute is also known as Cauvery River Dispute.

The President appoints the Attorney- General of India, the judges of the Supreme Court and of the High courts, the Governors, Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of India abroad. He has the power to sign all the international treaties and agreements. He represents India in International Conference. A money bill cannot be introduced in the parliament without the approval of the president. He has the power to reduce the punishment that a person receives.

South Africa became a democratic country in 1994. The country's first non-racial election held on April 26-28, 1994, resulting in the victory of Nelson Mandela as President on May 10, 1994.

In federalism, power is divided between the Central and the State government. Both the government enjoys their powers independently of one another.

Social equality means the absence of discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, sex, religion, or language. Under the social equality everyone has equal status and opportunities..

African National Congress has been the ruling party of post apartheid South Africa. It had its origin from the South African Native National Congress. The party was formed to increase the rights of the Black South African population.

Representative Democracy' is a form of government in which people indirectly participate in the decision-making of the government.

Apartheid laws categorised the South African population into Black, White and Coloured race. The law separated the residential areas of the Blacks and Whites. Blacks were restricted from renting property in the areas deemed as white zones. They were not given any right to take part in the South African government.

In a democracy, political equality refers to the amount to which citizens have an equal voice over governmental decisions. One of the foundational principles in a democracy is the equal consideration of the preferences and interests to all citizens. Everyone has the right to vote whether he is rich or poor, educated or uneducated.

Election is a tool for selecting representatives in modern democracies. The people choose their representatives through election to hold public office. In a country, citizens who are above 18 years of age are entitled to vote. The elected representatives are accountable to the people.

Our society is divided into many classes, castes, religions and languages. The Constitution places special importance to fraternity which means the spirit of brotherhood. It is the principle that gives unity and solidarity to social life. It is difficult thing to achieve.

Public opinion contributes a lot to the development of social life. It does not allow the government to be absolute. The views, interests and aspirations of the people constitute the core of the democratic system. Public opinion ensures democratic communications. The following agencies are helpful in the formation of public opinion, press, radio, television, cinema, political parties and election. Mass media plays a crucial role in reflecting public opinion. Freedom of expression can be made by all classes of people whether rich or poor through these agencies.

In developing country, it is very important function of the government to maintain law and order. It should make such laws which regulate the relations among the people. A country cannot make progress if people are prey to internal disturbances. The government must protect the life and property of the people. It is one of the primary duties of the government. It should also maintain a healthy relation with the other countries.

The President of India is elected by the members of an 'Electoral College' consisting of the elected members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. Election is conducted through secret ballot. Three presidents of India are: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Zakir Hussain.

People participate in many ways:

• By taking interest in the working of the government and criticising its policies.
• Take out rallies and signature campaign and dharnas.
• Participation may also take other forms like voting in election, writing about issues and leaders and working in a community in support of a particular cause or protesting against government action.

The Prime Minster controls the Cabinet and the Parliament through the party. He coordinates the works of different departments. He exercises the supervision of different ministries. The Prime Minster distributes and redistributes the work to the ministers. He also has the power to dismiss the ministers and is responsible for advising the President in distribution of work of the government to various departments of the government.

According to Indian constitution, all citizens are equal in the eye of law. They are entitled to equal treatment before law. It makes no discrimination between the citizens on the basis of religion, sex, caste or colour. They enjoy equal opportunities and participation in the political life.

In the Parliament, Rajya Sabha is the upper house with 250 members. Out of 250, 238 members are elected by Legislative Assemblies of the State and Union territories. Twelve members are nominated by the President from eminent personalities in the field of sciences, literature, arts, businessmen community etc.

In a democratic country people elect their rulers through election. It is through election that various governmental structures are established and made functional. People exercise control over their representatives. Election gives leaders an opportunity to meet all kinds of people and educate them about political, economic and social problem the country faced with. A government based on the consent of the citizens is more secured than one which people have no participation.