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Where does the real strength of democracy lie?
The real strength of democracy
it lies in its citizens
Participation
Taking part, not standing aside
Example:
in elections and in everyday life
Awareness
Of duties and of rights
Example:
knowing what you owe and what you are owed
Commitment
To honesty and fairness
Example:
without these, no institution can deliver
- In its citizens .
- Three things are named:
- their participation
- their awareness of duties and rights
- their commitment to honesty and fairness
- Without these, no democratic process or institution can function effectively or deliver meaningful outcomes.
How are democratic processes supported by institutions and values?
| Process | Institutions | Democratic values |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative Process | Legislature (Parliament, State legislature, Local bodies) | Representation, Deliberation (careful discussion before deciding), Dissent (the right to disagree) |
| Electoral Process | Election Commission of India | Participation, Equality |
| Judicial Process | Courts | Rule of law, Equality, Justice |
| Participatory Processes | Media, Civil Society (voluntary groups, NGOs and community associations that function interdependently within society) | Debate and discussion, Freedom of expression |
| Accountability Mechanisms | CAG, CIC, Lokpal, CVC | Transparency |
| Decentralisation (moving power down to local levels) | Rural and Urban local bodies | People's participation at grassroots level |
| Federalism | Division of powers between the centre and the states, guaranteed through a written constitution | Devolution of power (handing powers from a higher level to a lower level) |
What is Federalism?
- A system of government in which power and responsibilities are shared between the union and the state governments.
- This sharing is expressed in the union, state and concurrent lists of the Constitution of India.
- The residual power remains with the union government - residual meaning whatever is left over and not listed.
1. Where does the real strength of democracy lie?
Show answer
In its citizens - their participation, awareness of duties and rights, and commitment to honesty and fairness.
2. Which institution supports the Electoral Process, and which values does it promote?
Show answer
The Election Commission of India - participation and equality.
3. Which institutions are listed under Participatory Processes, and which values do they promote?
Show answer
Media and Civil Society - debate and discussion, and freedom of expression.
4. What is meant by dissent, and which process promotes it?
Show answer
Dissent is the right to disagree. It is promoted by the Legislative Process.
5. What is federalism?
Show answer
A system of government in which power and responsibilities are shared between the union and the state governments, as expressed in the union, state and concurrent lists, with residual power remaining with the union government.
