Key Elements of a Democratic Government Chapter Notes | Civics Class 6 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

Key Elements of a Democracy

• India follows a representative democracy where citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.
• People have the power to choose their rulers through elections.
• Elected representatives form the government and belong to different political parties.
• The party with the most seats (e.g., 201 out of 400 seats) forms the government.
• Opposition parties ensure the ruling party does not misuse its power.
• Government is elected for a fixed term of five years in India.
• Elections are held every five years, allowing people to replace the government if dissatisfied.
• Government must follow the Constitution to ensure transparency and avoid misuse of power.
• Citizens can express opinions, criticize government decisions, and protest against issues like rising prices or poor infrastructure.

Democracy and Education

• Former Vice-President Hamid Ansari emphasized that building democracy in a large country like India is a significant task.
• Establishing democracy should start at the school level through education.
• Education helps unite people across differences in caste, religion, language, and region.
• It promotes values like equality, justice, peace, and tolerance in a diverse society.
• Education plays a key role in creating responsible citizens who uphold democracy, secularism, and the rule of law as per the Constitution.
• It prepares young people to be proud and responsible citizens of India.

People’s Participation and Accountability

• Parliament passes laws and policies, which the administration implements.
• Parliament monitors the administration to ensure tasks are carried out properly.
• Representatives must act in the people’s best interests to remain in office.
• Citizens can vote out representatives in the next election if dissatisfied.
• The Election Commission of India, formed on January 25, 1950, ensures fair and transparent elections.
• People participate in governance through voting and other means.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used in elections to make voting and counting faster and more secure.
• EVMs prevent multiple voting, record votes instantly, and lock after each vote.
• Results with EVMs are declared in 2-3 hours, compared to 30-40 hours with ballot papers.
• Countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Namibia, and Kenya use EVMs made in India.

Public Opinion

• Public opinion reflects people’s views on matters of public concern and influences government policies.
• People express opinions through media like newspapers, radio, television, and magazines.
• They can show dissatisfaction through rallies, strikes, protest marches, signature campaigns, or social movements.
• Social movements, like the 2011 Indian Anti-Corruption Movement, aim to address specific issues such as political corruption.
• The Narmada Bachao Andolan and Chipko Movement are notable social movements addressing environmental and social issues.
• Media highlights national and international issues, reports incidents, and provides platforms for discussions and debates.
• The Internet also helps spread awareness, though it is limited to those with access.
• Citizens must stay alert and aware of their rights and duties to strengthen democracy.
• Political awareness is essential for a strong democratic system.

Resolving Conflicts

• Conflicts arise due to differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, economic background, or region.
• People may also disagree with government decisions, leading to conflicts.
• Violence to settle differences creates fear and disrupts peace.
• The government resolves conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.
• If dialogue fails, the government may involve police, courts, or the army to restore peace.
• Conflicts must be resolved according to laws that apply equally to all citizens.
  Example: The 2012 Assam conflicts between Bodo people and Bengali-speaking Muslims required paramilitary forces and curfews.
• Inter-state conflicts, like the Kaveri River Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, are resolved by the Central Government.
• A tribunal was set up in 1990 to fairly distribute Kaveri River water between the two states.

Equality and Justice

• Equality and justice are core principles of a democratic government.
• Equality means equal rights, status, and responsibilities for all citizens.
• Justice ensures fair treatment under the law.
• The Constitution grants equal rights and abolishes practices like untouchability.
• Special provisions, like reservations in education and jobs, support marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Government initiatives, like free education for girls up to secondary level and reduced fees, promote women’s empowerment.
• India is a secular country, allowing freedom to practice any religion, culture, or profession.
• Challenges like poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy persist, requiring cooperation between citizens and the government.
• Accepting differences among people helps make India a better place to live.