4. Democracy Class - 6 | Notes | CBSE | NCERT | Civics (Key Element of a Democratic Government

Key Elements of a Democratic Government

In the earlier time the happiness and the comfort of the peoples depends upon the rulling kings and empires but now in the democratic country peoples have right to ask questions and make or remove the government. In this chapter we will learn about Democracy definition, rights of people, key element of democratic government, democracy in India.

Democracy

Democracy means government by the people. The peoples have the right to  participate in the government of the country by electing thir representatives.

    The role of the citizens is very important in a democracy. The citizens have to be aware of their rights as well as duties. They must have the capability and sincerity to elect their representatives. They should be able to understand *whether the government is taking the right steps regarding their welfare. For this reason it is important to aquire knowledge about current events and policy-making throught newspaper, radio and television, as well as publick meetings.

    Democracy also means that all citizens are free to express their opinions. They can criticize and question the government, if they feel that it is not discharging its duties properly. They can also oppose its policies, without resorting to violence or breaking the law. The government, on the other hand, is expected to consider the views of the people and work for the welfare of the people. It is very important for citizens to perform their duties also. For example, voting is the right as well as the duty of a citizen in a democracy. She/He must vote, rising above personal gains and choose the best candidate.

Representative democracy

India follows the system of representative democracy. This means that people elect their representatives to run the government for them. A representative democracy works in a particular way. People form political parties according to their views and objectives. These parties choose their candidates. During the campaign before the programmes and policies that their party will undertake if voted to power. This is known as the 'party of manifesto'.

 People who do not wish to join any political party contest elections as independent candidates. The role of political parties is very important in a democratic system. The members of political parties keep the people informed about important issues by holding public meetings. Thus, the political parties help people to know what they should expect and in turn shape public opinion.

Election

Every five years, elections are held in our country for both the Central and Stae Legislatures. If the government falls, it held earlier.

Right to Vote

We have universal  adult franchise (right to vote for 18 year + citizens) in our country. It is every voter's duty to find out all about each candidate's record of achievement in public life, personal honesty and sense of service. The voter should also be well informed about the programmes and objectives of various parties. The candidate who deects, shows that  she/he is not sincere and is only working for her/his own interests and not of that of the public. Defection lower the moral standard of our political life. For this reason, a  law was passed by our parliament in 1985, banning defections.

History Notes Class 6

1. Studying the Past

2. Early Human - I

3. Early Human - II

    As citizens of a democratic country, it is our duty to guard and uphold the system of representative democracy. We musht ensure that our elected representatives are honest, sincere and dedicated people who do not get influenced by narrow considerations of caste, religion or region. We should also take a keen interest in the political life of our country and educate ourselves and others about its functioning.

Formation of the Government

The party that wins the majority of seats in the Legislature forms the government. Many times, one single pary does not get a clear majority. In that case a group of parties combine to form the government. This is known as a coalition  government. Alternatively, the political party with the largest number of seats can form the government if it is receives the support of other parties and independent candidates.

Opposition

The parties that are in the minority form the opposition. Both the majority and minority are meant to co-operate and work together for the welfare of the people. The majority cannot ignore the opinion of hte minority and it is the duty of the minority to support measures and policies that will benefit the country.

Civics Class 6

1. Understanding Diversity

2. Diversity and Discrimination

3. What is Government?

Features of Democracy

• Awareness among citizens - In a democracy the people must be aware of their rights as well as theri duties. They should also keep themselves informed about the functioning of the government. Political awareness is an important condition of democracy.
• Enlightened and wise leadership -  It is assumed that enlightened voters are led by wise and enlightened leadership.
• Sound public opinion - A democratic government is based on public opinion. The government cannot ignore or harm the rights of the people.

        What is public opinion?

        The opinion of the people in issues and matters of public concern and welfare is called public opinion. It     may generally be the opinion of hte majority of people.

• Tolerance - A democratic government is carried on by the majority. But the minority must be allowed to have its say. An intolerant majority can destroy the democratic structure based on liberty and equality. It is essential that the majority must have the freedom to rule and the minority must have the freedom to express their opinion.
• Disciplined Citizens - Citizens should have self-control. They should have the ability to give up self interest for the welfare of society. Citizens should have the ability to accept the view of the majority, even if they disagree.
• Discipline in political parties - Political parties should work to promote national interest. They must not be organized on parochial or communal considerations. They should not encourage communalism, casteism or narrow regionalism.
• Social and economic equality - Society should be free from narrow considerations of caste, sub-casts, regions or languages. All sections of society should be equal community. None shuld be denied the basic necessities of life. Thee should be equal economic opportunities.

Formulation of Public Opinion

Agencies that help peoples in forming their opinion on any issue or problem.

• Newspaper and Periodicals - They are the most effective means of public opinion. These views help the government in formulation policies on important issues.
• Radio, Television and Cinema - Radio and Television influence the opinion of both the literate or the illiterate public. Many films carry social, economic and even political message. Films also highlight the problems faced by the general public.
• Religion - All religions teach us universal brotherhood. None advocate hatred or violence.
• School and Colleges - The books that we read influence our mids to a large extent. Schools and colleges prepare enlightened citizens of the country.
• Political Parties - The entire political process, in a representative democracy, revolves around public offices. At the time of elections, all political parties declare their policies and programmes. Parties help people to think over national and local issues though meetings and manifestos. 
• Voluntary Associations - Every country has a large number of voluntary associations. These include cultural, religions and economic associations. These association, through street plays, processions and rallies, meetings and protest marches contribute in the formulation of public opinion.

Resolving Conflict

India is a land of diversity. Differences in region, race and religion sometimes divide people into groups. This disturbs the harmony of a country and gives rise to conflicts. Some conflicts in our societies are:-

River, Water and Dams

    In countries with a federal structure of power, conflicts over the distribution and usage of water during different times of the year are a constant souces of tension. In India, the Kaveri river water dispute involves the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The Krishna river water issue involves the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. These issues have resulted in tensions between these states. The dispute over Ravi-Beas waters is between Punjab and Haryana (with Rajasthan as an additional party). Water conflicts arise due to scarcity of water caused by faulty water management practices. 

    Most of the major rivers in India flow through more than one state. Water disputes arise due to :

• the use, distribution or control of wate with respect to many inter-state rivers or river valleys
• the understanding of agreements relating to use, distribution or control of such a water Sources
• the implementation of any such agreement or in the levy of any water rate.

Science Notes Class 6

1. Matter and it's Nature

2. Food

3. Classification of Material

4. Clothes and Fibre 

Minorities

    All the citizens in a democracy have the freedom to protect their culture. No one can be persecuted on basis of religion, race, caste or language. All minority communities whether religious, linguistic or otherwise have equal rights to reside in different parts of the country and to protect theri individuality.

    Democracy can succed only if people have faith in this system. If we have any disagreements, we should express them in a peaceful manner and try to understand the decisions of the government before protesting against them. Only them will our democracy be able to function at its best.

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Democracy class 6 questions and answers, Democracy notes, key elements of a democratic government, know our rights,