Chapter 8 - Challenges To Democracy
Challenges: Difficulties which are significant and which can be overcome are known as challenges.
Political Reforms: Suggestions or proposals about overcoming various challenges to democracy are called Democratic reforms or political reforms. Right to Information Act: It is an act that empowers the people to find out what is happening in government and acts as watchdogs of democracy. Challenges to democracy: Challenges to democracy means various problems that come while ensuring a democratic set up in a country.
Q. 1. Mention the major types of challenges which most of the democracies of the world are facing.
Ans.
1. Challenge of democratic rights.
2. Challenge of free and fair elections.
3. Challenge of decentralization.
4. Challenge of accommodating diversity.
Q. 2. What is meant by the term ‘Challenges to democracy’? Give two examples of the various challenges of democracy.
Ans. A demanding situation that requires some kind of action. Challenges to democracy mean various problems that come while ensuring a democratic set up in a country. A challenge is not just any problem. We call those difficulties a challenge which are significant, and which can be overcome. A challenge is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress. Once we overcome a challenge, we go up to a higher level than before. Ex: Poverty and Unemployment.
Q. 3. Mention some important qualification for a democracy.
Ans .
1. The rulers elected by the people must take all the major decisions.
2. Elections must offer a choice and a fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
3. This choice and opportunity should be available to all the people on an equal basis.
4. The exercise of this choice must lead to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and the citizens’ rights.
Q. 4. Discuss the broad challenges to democracy.
Ans.
1. Foundation Challenge: Non-democratic countries face the foundational challenge of making the instituting democratic government. This involves bringing down non-democratic regime, keeping the military away and establishing a sovereign and functional state.
2. Challenge of Expansion: Challenges of expansion involves applying the basic principle of a democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Ensuring greater power to the local governments, extension of the federal principle to all the units of the federation.
3. Deepening of democracy: This challenge involves strengthening of the institution and practices of democracy. This should happen in such a way that people can realize their expectations of democracy. But ordinary people have different expectations from democracy in different societies.
Q. 5. How do we define a good democracy?
Ans . A good democracy is one in which:
1. All the people get equal status and opportunities.
2. Government is limited by basic rulers of the constitution and citizens rights.
Q. 6 How can the principles of democracy be applied to all spheres of life?
Ans. The principles of democracy can be applied in such a way like:
1. A democratic decisions involves consultation with and the consent of all those who are affected by the decision.
2. Every individual irrespective of his wealth, status and power has the same right in decision-making. This can equally apply to a government, a family or any other organization.
Q. 7 . Write a note on the challenge of deepening democracy?
Ans. The challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another. This challenge involves strengthening of the institutions and practice of democracy.
1. In general terms, challenge of deepening of democracy means strengthening those institutions that help people’s participation and control.
2. All these aspects require an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making government decisions.
Q. 8. Why is a democracy considered the best form of government?
Ans.
1. Democracy produces accountable government: It is more accountable and responsible form of government. It responds to the needs of the people in a better way than any other form of government.
2. Based on consultation and discussion: It is based on consultation and discussion. This reduces the chances or rash or irresponsible decisions.
3. Accommodates Social diversities: It provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In democracy no one is permanent winner or loser. Different groups can live in peace and harmony.
4. Ensures dignity of individual: Democracy is based on the principles of political equality, so it enhances the dignity of citizens.
