Which of the following challenges are faced by the democratic countri...
- At least one fourth of the globe is still not under democratic government. The challenge for democracy in these parts of the world is very stark.
- These countries face the foundational challenge of making the transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government.
- This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping the military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. Most of the established democracies face the challenge of expansion.
Which of the following challenges are faced by the democratic countri...
The correct answer is option 'A': 1, 2, and 3.
Explanation:
Democratic countries all over the world face several challenges in applying the basic principles of democratic government, extending the federal principle, and deepening democracy. Let's discuss each of these challenges in detail.
1. Applying the basic principle of democratic government across all regions, different social groups, and various institutions:
- In many democratic countries, there is a lack of equal representation and participation of all regions and social groups. Some regions and social groups may be marginalized or excluded from the political process.
- Ensuring equal representation and participation requires efforts to address historical and social inequalities, promote inclusivity, and provide opportunities for marginalized groups to have a voice in decision-making processes.
- Countries need to establish mechanisms to ensure fair representation and participation, such as proportional representation systems, reservation policies, and affirmative action measures.
2. Extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation:
- Federal countries face the challenge of ensuring that the federal principle is extended to all units of the federation, including regions or states with diverse socio-cultural, economic, and political characteristics.
- This requires balancing the autonomy of the units with the need for a strong central government to maintain unity and coordination.
- In some cases, there may be tensions between the central government and regional governments, leading to conflicts and demands for greater autonomy or even secession.
- Effective federalism requires mechanisms for intergovernmental cooperation, power-sharing, and conflict resolution.
3. Deepening of democracy:
- Deepening democracy involves strengthening democratic institutions, processes, and values to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.
- This requires efforts to promote a culture of democracy, civic education, and awareness among citizens.
- Democratic countries need to address challenges such as corruption, lack of political will, and the influence of money and vested interests on the democratic process.
- Deepening democracy also involves ensuring the rule of law, protecting human rights, and promoting social justice.
In conclusion, democratic countries face challenges in applying the basic principles of democratic government, extending the federal principle, and deepening democracy. These challenges require efforts to promote inclusivity, address regional and social inequalities, establish mechanisms for intergovernmental cooperation, and strengthen democratic institutions and values.