You are here
In a democracy the source of power lies with the people, and the Constitution sets down how that power is used. This chapter traces where the idea began in India, the principles that hold a democracy up, the forms it takes around the world, and the challenges it still faces.
Understanding the Name of the Chapter
Democracy
A form of government chosen by the people themselves, in which the source of power and authority lies with the citizens.
and more than voting
A system of self-governance through institutions, rules and practices - it is not limited to elections alone.
- The chapter's name is one word with two sides .
- Power comes from the citizens , not from birth or force.
- People elect representatives through free and fair elections .
- But democracy is not limited to elections alone .
What does the name of this chapter tell us?
Democracy - voting is where it starts, not where it ends
- Democracy is a form of government chosen by the people themselves.
- The source of power and authority lies with the citizens of the country.
- Citizens elect their representatives through free and fair elections.
- It rests on freedom, equality, justice, and rights and duties .
- India is the world's largest democracy , with over 96.8 crore registered voters in 2024.
- Yet the chapter returns again and again to one idea - democracy is not limited to elections alone .
Topics We Will Study in This Chapter
Topics We Will Study
1
What is Democracy?
2
Democratic Roots in India
3
Principles of Democracy
4
Popular Sovereignty
5
Rule of Law
6
Fundamental Rights
7
Separation of Powers
8
Multi-Party System
9
Types of Democracy
10
India's Living Democracy
11
Democracy at the Grassroots
12
Women and Democracy
13
Challenges to Democracy
14
The Emergency (1975-77)
15
Your Role as a Citizen
