All questions of Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance for Class 6 Exam

The Legislature's main role is to make new laws or update and remove existing laws. This is done by representatives of the people, ensuring that the legal framework is up-to-date and reflective of the society's needs. An interesting fact is that in a democratic system, these representatives are elected by the citizens, giving the public a direct influence on the law-making process.

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that involve the use of digital technology, such as hacking, online fraud, and identity theft. These crimes are conducted over the internet and can be committed without the perpetrator leaving their desk. Governments have had to create new laws to address these crimes effectively. An interesting fact is that the first recorded instance of cybercrime dates back to the 1970s, involving the illegal use of a mainframe computer.

The Legislature is responsible for making rules and laws in a country. This body, made up of elected representatives, debates and passes laws that govern the society. An interesting fact is that in a democracy, citizens have a say in these laws by electing their representatives and can influence changes through petitions and public opinion.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is often referred to as the "Missile Man of India" for his significant contributions to India's space and missile programs. He was a renowned scientist and served as the 11th President of India. An interesting fact is that despite his high status, Dr. Kalam remained deeply connected to the people, especially the youth, inspiring them with his thoughts on education, innovation, and perseverance.

Meaning of "Dēmos"
The term "dēmos" is a fundamental concept in Ancient Greek, particularly in political contexts.
Definition
- "Dēmos" translates to "people" in English. It refers to the populace or the common citizens of a city-state, particularly in Ancient Greece.
Historical Context
- In Ancient Greece, the term was crucial in the development of democratic principles. The concept of "dēmos" distinguished the common people from the elite class, emphasizing the role of ordinary citizens in governance.
Relation to Democracy
- The word "democracy" itself is derived from "dēmos" and "kratos," which means "power" or "rule." Therefore, democracy fundamentally means "rule by the people."
Importance in Governance
- The idea of "dēmos" is vital in understanding the evolution of democratic systems. It highlights the belief that the governance of a state should be in the hands of its people, rather than a select few.
Conclusion
- Thus, the correct answer to the question about "dēmos" is indeed option 'B': "People." This reflects the essence of democratic governance, which is built on the participation and authority of the general populace.

Understanding Representative Democracy
Representative democracy is a form of governance that plays a crucial role in modern political systems. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it entails:
Definition
- Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This allows for a structured way of governing large populations, where direct participation from every citizen in every decision is impractical.
How It Works
- Elections: Citizens have the right to vote for candidates who represent their interests and values.
- Representation: Once elected, these representatives are responsible for making laws, policies, and decisions that reflect the will of the people.
- Accountability: Elected officials must answer to their constituents, ensuring they act in the public's best interest. If they fail to do so, citizens can vote them out in the next election.
Benefits of Representative Democracy
- Efficiency: It is more efficient than direct democracy, especially in large nations where it’s not feasible for everyone to vote on every issue.
- Expertise: Elected representatives can specialize in specific areas of governance, leading to better-informed decisions.
- Stability: This system often leads to more stable governance because representatives can focus on long-term solutions rather than reacting to every immediate issue.
Conclusion
In summary, representative democracy is essential for ensuring that citizens have a voice in the government while allowing for efficient and effective governance through elected officials. It promotes participation, accountability, and informed decision-making, making it a cornerstone of modern democratic societies.

The Role of the Executive Branch
The Executive branch plays a crucial role in the functioning of a government. Its primary responsibility is to implement and enforce laws made by the legislative branch. Here’s a detailed explanation of its key functions:
1. Implementation of Laws
- The Executive branch is responsible for putting laws into action.
- This involves developing policies and procedures to ensure that laws are followed effectively.
2. Administration of Government
- The Executive oversees various government agencies and departments that manage different aspects of public policy and services.
- These agencies execute the laws, making sure they are applied fairly and efficiently.
3. Leadership and Decision Making
- The Executive branch is led by the head of state or government (such as a president or prime minister).
- This leader makes important decisions regarding national issues, foreign policy, and emergency responses.
4. Enforcement of Laws
- The Executive has the power to enforce laws through various means, including law enforcement agencies.
- This ensures that citizens comply with laws and that justice is served.
5. Budget and Financial Management
- The Executive branch also prepares the government budget, determining how resources are allocated to different programs and services.
- This is essential for maintaining the functionality of the government.
In summary, the Executive branch is vital for ensuring that laws are not just theoretical but are actively applied in society. Its role is to bring legislative decisions to life, ensuring the smooth operation of government and the welfare of citizens.

"Checks and balances" means ensuring that each branch of government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary) can check the actions of the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system maintains balance and accountability within the government. An additional fact is that this concept is a cornerstone of the United States Constitution, designed to protect democratic governance.

Grassroots democracy is a system that enables and encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decision-making processes. This ensures that the voices of the people are heard and considered in matters that affect their lives. It promotes greater involvement and engagement at the local level. An additional fact is that grassroots movements have been instrumental in various social and political changes throughout history, including the civil rights movement in the United States.

Societies need rules and laws to maintain order and harmony. Without rules, there would be chaos and disorder, making it impossible for people to live together peacefully. Rules help manage disagreements and ensure everyone's rights and responsibilities are clear. An interesting fact is that even ancient civilizations had their own sets of laws and rules to govern their people.

The motto of the Government of India is "Satyameva Jayate," which means "Truth alone triumphs." This motto is derived from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad. An interesting fact is that this phrase is inscribed at the base of the national emblem of India and signifies the importance of truth and integrity in governance.

The Judiciary interprets laws and administers justice. It decides whether someone has broken the law and what course of action should be taken, including punishment if necessary. An additional fact is that the Judiciary also ensures that the actions of the Executive and Legislature are in line with the constitution and fair to all.

Voting is a fundamental process in a democracy that enables citizens to choose their representatives. Through elections, people express their preferences and select leaders who will make decisions on their behalf. An interesting fact is that in ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy, voting was a direct process where citizens gathered to cast their votes in person.

Role of the Legislature in India
The Legislature in India plays a crucial role in the functioning of democracy. It is primarily responsible for making laws that govern the country.
Key Responsibilities of the Legislature:

• Law Making: The main function of the Legislature is to draft, debate, and pass laws. This process involves several stages, including proposals, discussions, and voting. Both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) participate in this process.
• Representation: The Legislature represents the interests and views of the citizens. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to express the concerns of their constituents and ensure their voices are heard in the law-making process.
• Oversight of the Executive: The Legislature monitors the actions of the Executive branch (the Prime Minister and the Cabinet). It holds them accountable for their decisions and implementation of laws.
• Budget Approval: The Legislature has the power to approve the national budget. This ensures that public money is spent wisely and in the best interest of the country.
• Amendments to Laws: The Legislature can amend existing laws to adapt to changing societal needs and conditions, ensuring that the legal framework remains relevant.

Conclusion:
In summary, the Legislature's primary role is to make and pass laws, which is vital for maintaining order and justice in society. This function is fundamental to India's democratic system, allowing for governance that reflects the will of the people.

The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words: "dēmos" meaning "people" and "kratos" meaning "rule" or "power." Hence, democracy literally means "rule by the people." This system allows citizens to have a say in the governance through elected representatives. An interesting fact is that the concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece around the 5th century BCE.

Cybercrime refers to crimes committed using digital technology, such as hacking, online fraud, and identity theft. These crimes exploit the internet and computer systems to steal information or money. An interesting fact is that as technology advances, so do the methods used by cybercriminals, necessitating continuous updates in cyber laws and security measures.