Test: What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?- 1 - UPSC

Military rule in Myanmar lasted from 1962 to 2011. 

The government of Myanmar, as defined by the Constitution of 2008, functions as a parliamentary republic. In this type of government, the heads of the Cabinet are responsible for carrying out the laws set forth by Parliament. In 2008, Myanmar established a new Constitution and created a new form of government, which is divided into 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. 

In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country. Later he changed his designation to President and in 2002 held a referendum in the country that granted him a five year extension.

The correct statement is D: King of Nepal rules because he is elected by the people of Nepal. This statement is not correct because the King of Nepal does not hold any political power and is a ceremonial figurehead. The monarchy in Nepal was abolished in 2008 and the country transitioned to a federal democratic republic. Therefore, the King of Nepal is not elected by the people.
Let's break down the statements and analyze each one:
A: Pinochet is not elected by the people
- This statement is correct. Augusto Pinochet was a Chilean military officer who came to power through a coup in 1973. He ruled as a dictator until 1990 and was not elected by the people.
B: King of Nepal rules because he happens to be born into a royal family
- This statement is correct. In a hereditary monarchy, the position of the king or queen is passed down through generations within a royal family. The King of Nepal held power based on their birthright.
C: King of Saudi Arabia rules because he belongs to a royal family
- This statement is correct. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, and the king's position is inherited within the Al Saud royal family. The King of Saudi Arabia holds significant political power.
D: King of Nepal rules because he is elected by the people of Nepal
- This statement is not correct. As mentioned earlier, the monarchy in Nepal was abolished in 2008, and the King of Nepal does not hold any political power. The country is now a federal democratic republic.
In conclusion, the statement that is not correct is D: King of Nepal rules because he is elected by the people of Nepal. The monarchy in Nepal was abolished, and the King of Nepal is now a ceremonial figurehead without any political authority.

In October, 1999 senior officers loyal to army chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf arrested prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his ministers after thwarting the Sharif regime's attempt to dismiss Musharraf and prevent his plane from landing in Pakistan as he returned from a visit to Sri Lanka

Question: Which of the following countries is not a democracy?

To determine which of the following countries is not a democracy, let's analyze each option:
A: Great Britain
- Great Britain is a democracy, specifically a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
B: Canada
- Canada is a democracy, specifically a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
C: Myanmar
- Myanmar is not a democracy. It was under military rule for several decades and transitioned to a civilian government in 2011. However, the military still holds significant power and influence in the country.
D: India
- India is a democracy, specifically a federal parliamentary democratic republic.
Therefore, the country that is not a democracy among the given options is Myanmar (C).

The ruler is not elected by the people but in this type of government one is made the supreme head vesting all the powers.

One person, one vote means, "In a democracy each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value" this statement means in a democratic country all are treated equal with same value given to each individual.

China is not regarded a democratic country because it is ruled by the Communist Party. Elections are held in China but in the country, only the members of the Chinese Communist party or its eight allied parties can contest elections, and thus, only the Communist party can form the Government. Free and fair elections are not held in China. thus, China is not a democracy. 

In Mexico, elections are held after every six years, but until 2000, every election was won by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (IRP). The IRP used every legal and illegal method to win the elections. Teachers in schools were forced to influence parents to vote for the IRP, media ignored all activities of the ruling party but only focused itself on criticising the opposing parties and large sums were spent on campaigning for IRP candidates.

Democracy must be based on free and fair elections where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing the elections.

• Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has been ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe, has been ruling the country since then. 
• Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections. 
• Over the years his government has changed the constitution several times to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable. Opposition party workers are harassed and their meeting disrupted. Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal.
• There is a law that limits the right to criticize the President. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party's version.

Reasons why the government in China is not democratic:
A: Elections are held under the Communist party's approval
- In China, elections are not free and fair. The Communist Party has a strong influence and control over the electoral process.
- The party vets and approves candidates before they can run for office, ensuring that only those who align with the party's interests can participate in elections.
- This limits the choices available to the people and restricts their ability to freely elect their representatives.
B: Non-democratic election
- The elections in China are not democratic in nature. The government does not allow for genuine competition and the free expression of political views.
- Candidates who challenge the Communist Party or advocate for political reforms are often disqualified or face restrictions.
- This lack of political pluralism undermines the principles of democracy and hinders the people's ability to choose their leaders freely.
C: People are not involved in elections
- The Chinese government does not allow for meaningful citizen participation in the electoral process.
- The decision-making power rests primarily with the Communist Party and its leaders, rather than with the people.
- The lack of citizen involvement and representation weakens the democratic foundations of the government and limits the accountability of those in power.
D: None of these
- This option is incorrect, as all the previous points highlight significant reasons why the government in China is not democratic.
In conclusion, one of the appropriate reasons why the government in China is not democratic is that elections are held under the Communist party's approval. The lack of genuine competition, limited political pluralism, and minimal citizen involvement in the electoral process contribute to the non-democratic nature of the government in China.