DEMOCRACY

I. Choosethe correct answer:

1. The most popular form of Governmentin modern days Democracy

2. Direct Democracy existed in ancientGreece

3. Telugu Desam is a Regional party

4. If two parties exist in a country,it is called Bi-party system

5. The opposition party leader will begiven the status of a Cabinet Minister

6. To contest an election a personshould be above the age of 25

7. The body of the electedrepresentatives at the Central level is known as Parliament

8. The status of election commissioneris equivalent to that of the Supreme Court Judge

9. The election process in the statelevel is supervised by Chief Electoral Officer

10. Election Commission is situated atNew Delhi

II. Answerthe following in brief:

1.Give Abraham Lincoln’s definition of Democracy.

According to Abraham Lincoln,“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.

2.What are National Parties?

NationalParties

A party recognized by the ElectionCommission, that secures at least six percent of the total votes in Lok Sabhaelection in four or more states, then it is called National Party. Eg:Congress, BJP.

3.What is a Political Party?

A political party is an organizedassociation of people who come together on a common platform with the objectiveof winning political power. It is called as political parties.

4.Mention the functions of the political parties.

Functionsof the Political Parties

• Formulation of General policies.
• Contesting elections
• Educating the masses
• To conduct and criticize the government
• Playing the role of an intermediary bodybetween the government and the people.
• Integrative policy.

5.Write the advantages of Single Party system

Advantagesof the Single Party Rule

• During the periods of emergency could functionmore efficiently and quickly to set matters right.
• Decisions could be taken quickly andExpenditure could also be controlled.
• It promotes greater national identity.

6.Give a brief note on the functions of the Election Commission.

Functionsof the Election Commission

• It gives recognition to the political parties.
• It allots symbol for the parties as well as independentcandidates.
• It announces the dates of election and finalresults.

III.Answer the following in a paragraph:

1. Explain the types and importance ofdemocracy.

Democracycan be classified into two

* Direct Democracy and

* Indirect Democracy.

DirectDemocracy:-

• People directly participate in the functioningof the government.
• Existed in Ancient Greece and Rome.

IndirectDemocracy:-

• The representatives are duly elected by thepeople.
• They form and run the government.
• Most of the countries in the world followindirect democracy.

Importanceof Democracy:-

Peoplehave the freedom to choose their representatives.

• It ensures treating people with dignity.
• People are guaranteed fundamental rights likethe right to life and liberty.
• Democraticgovernment should Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

2. Mention the types of election andexplain them.

Types ofElections in India

1. Direct Election
2. Indirect Election
3. By-Elections
4. Mid-term poll

DirectElection

• Thecitizens elect the representatives through votes.
• Members ofthe Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are elected in this manner.

IndirectElections

• Theelected representatives are the voters here.
• Themembers of the Rajya Sabha, the President and Vice-President are elected inthis manner.

By-Elections

• By-Electionsheld when an elected candidate from a constituency dies or resigns electionswill be held. Such Elections are called by-elections.

Mid-termpolls

• Parliamentor the state legislatures do not function for the whole period of five yearsfor various reasons.
• Then theyare dissolved, elections are held.
• Theseelections are called the mid-term polls.

3. Explain the role of Oppositionparty in a democracy.

The party which gets majority seats inthe Lok Sabha next to the ruling party is called the opposition party.

Role ofOpposition parties

• To checkthe government from becoming authoritarian.
• The mainduty of the opposition party is to criticize the policies of the government.
• Attractthe attention of the press and report their criticism of the government.
• Theopposition parties have the right to check the expenditure.
• Thecriticisms of these parties make the ruling party correct its actions.