Key CONCEPT to be Remember:-
The word Democracy comes from a Greek word ‘Demokratia’.
In Greek ‘Demos’ means ‘people’ and ‘Kratia’ means ‘rules’. So democracy is rule by the people
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
Universal Adult franchise: Any person who is above 18 years of age has the right to vote irrespective of caste, colour, state, religion and sex.
“Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. – Abraham Lincoln.
Non-Democratic Government: A form of government in which people do not elect their rulers and have no right in decision making
Examples of the some undemocratic government system:-
1. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaf led a military coup in October 1999. In August 2002 he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan. The power to take final decision rested with army officials and with General Musharraf.
2. Chinese parliament is called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s Congress) which chooses its president. Some members are elected by the army.
Every candidate has to take approval from Chinese Communist Party to contest election. Government is always formed by communist party only.
Though Democratic form of government may not be a perfect form of government but it still is better than any other form of government. Democracy is not just a form of government or just some form of institution but in broader sense it is a principle which should be inculcated in every sphere of life.
A Democratic Decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision.
Those who are not powerful have same say in taking the decision as those who are powerful.
This can apply to a government or a family or any other organisation.
3. In Mexico, From 1930 to 2000, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) has been winning every election.
4. Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia women did not have the right to vote.
5. In Zimbabwe, from 1980 to 2017, the ZANU-PF party led by Robert Mugabe ruled the country.