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What are the features of democracy and what does each mean?
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Popular Sovereignty | The State's authority comes from the people |
| Rule of Law | No one is above the law; equality before law and equal protection of law |
| Fundamental Rights | Six basic rights, guaranteed by the Constitution and enforceable in court |
| Separation of Powers | Three organs with separate work, checking and balancing each other |
| Accountability and Transparency | The government must answer for its actions, and its working is open to citizens |
| Multi-Party System | Several parties contest elections, so people have a real choice |
| Safeguarding Rights of Vulnerable Groups | Special care for the weaker sections, so they are not left behind |
How do these features appear around you?
- The book gives the features and asks you to fill in examples from your own state, town or village.
- One row is completed in the book.
| Feature of Democracy | Example |
|---|---|
| Popular Sovereignty | Voters in your area elect the ward member, the MLA and the MP - the government is formed by the people's choice |
| Rule of Law | Traffic rules apply to everyone, officials included; a land dispute in your town is settled by the local court, not by force |
| Separation of Powers | The State Assembly makes laws, the district administration implements them, and the district court decides disputes |
| Fundamental Rights | Free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 in the local government school; anyone may follow the religion they choose |
| Accountability and Transparency (given in the book) | Parliamentary procedures such as Question Hour and the auditing of government accounts ensure accountability. Laws like the Right to Information provide transparency |
| Multi-Party System | Several parties contest the Assembly and Panchayat elections in your area, and the voter picks among them |
- The book's own table lists six features - it does not include Safeguarding the Rights of Vulnerable Groups .
- Only the Accountability and Transparency row is filled in the book; the other examples are suggestions, and your own answers will differ by state, town or village.
