Democratic Government Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Introduction

Democracy is a special way of governing a country where people have the right to be part of decision-making through their elected representatives. In India, we follow a democratic republic system, which means we choose our leaders who make decisions for us. We can express our opinions freely and have the right to voice our thoughts about government policies.

Elements of Democracy

1. Electing Representatives: We choose our leaders through elections, where adults vote for their preferred candidate.
2. Expressing Views: People can freely express their opinions about the government's policies through newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio.
3. Changing the Government: We can vote for a new government if we are not satisfied with the current one. Elections in India typically happen every five years.

Electing Representatives by Exercising the Right to Vote

Voting in elections is a crucial way for people to choose leaders who will represent them. 

• These elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people, taking their interests into account. In a democracy, governments are elected for a set period of time. 
• When that time is up, elections are held again. If people are happy with the government's performance, they may re-elect it. If not, they can choose a different government. In India, elections usually happen every five years.
• The Election Commission sets the dates for elections. On the assigned day, all adult citizens whose names are on the voter's list can go to their designated polling station and vote for the candidate they prefer. The candidates who receive the most votes are elected. 
• These elected representatives then represent the people and make decisions on their behalf.

Other Ways of Participation

In a democratic country like India, people actively participate in government functioning by expressing opinions through mass media, like writing in newspapers. Citizens can also use methods such as signature campaigns, strikes, rallies, protests, and dharnas to highlight their grievances and get the government's attention.

Accountability

Representatives in a democracy are accountable to the people for their actions. If they are found to be corrupt, dishonest, or irresponsible, they can be held accountable. The judiciary and police play a crucial role in holding dishonest representatives accountable and ensuring they face consequences for their actions. 

Freedom

Democracy cannot exist without freedom. People must enjoy certain rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to move within the country. These freedoms are enjoyed within the boundaries of the law and without harming others' interests.

Resolving Conflicts

Resolving conflicts is crucial in a diverse society. Despite constitutional provisions, conflicts can still arise, especially in countries with varied cultures, regions, races, and religious groups. 

1. The government has a responsibility to step in and resolve these conflicts. Common examples include community and religious processions, which can be disrupted due to past grievances, and interstate disputes over natural resources like river water. 
2. The government can manage these issues by setting clear guidelines for processions, deploying security forces, mediating interstate disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and using legal interventions when necessary. 
3. Educating the public on the importance of peaceful coexistence can also help reduce misunderstandings and promote tolerance. Effective conflict resolution ensures social harmony and the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities. 

Equality and Justice

Equality and justice are fundamental principles of democracy. A true democracy represents and serves people from all classes equally. The value of equality forms the foundation of a democratic society.

• However, inequalities persist, especially in the treatment of different social classes and in cases of gender discrimination. Indian society can only progress when all members receive equal opportunities. 
• To address these inequalities, special efforts are being made, such as promoting the education of girls and implementing government schemes to support women's causes. Women's empowerment is crucial for India's growth and development.
• The government also employs legal measures to promote justice, aiming to reduce disparities between the rich and the poor and between various social groups. 
• By doing so, the government strives to create a more equitable and just society for all its citizens.