Long Questions: Key Elements of a Democratic Government | NCERT Summary: UPSC PDF Download

Q1: Write a note on the Cauvery Water Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Ans: Cauvery Water Dispute: River Cauvery flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Two dams have been constructed on this river:

• Krishnasagar dam has been constructed on Cauvery in Karnataka.
• Its stored water is used in irrigation in several districts of Karnataka.
• It also meets the water needs of Bangalore city.
• Mattur dam has been constructed in Tamil Nadu.
• Its waters are used in crop irrigation in the delta regions of Tamil Nadu.

Due to these two dams on the same river a conflict has arisen.

• Down stream dam of Mattur could be filled up if waters from upstream dam Krishnasagar are released.
• Both the states do not get as much water as per their requirement.

• Central government has to step in and solve the conflict. Quiet flows the Cauvery despite being at the centre of heated conflict between two states for the last 30 years.
• The Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal after 17 years has announced its verdict on 5th Feb. 2007.
• According to the verdict Tamil Nadu gets 419 tmeft, Karnataka 270 tmeft, Kerala 30 tmeft and Pondicherry 7 tmeft water. Thus the 30 year dispute now stands resolved.

Q2: How does a government ensure that all people are treated equally?
Ans: The government should take the following steps to ensure that everyone is treated equally:

• Everyone should have the same right to enjoy their freedom.
• No discrimination should be made in the administration of justice on the basis of caste, colour, creed, gender, or religion.
• Disadvantaged groups should be given special consideration.
• Ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities such as food, housing, and clothing.
• Equal pay for men and women who labour in the same conditions.
• Job assistance for women.

Q3: How can a government tackle disputes or conflicts?
Ans: For the smooth operation of residents' daily lives, we require the government to find solutions to disagreements and conflicts, which includes the following reasons:

• If not addressed, it has the potential to devolve into extreme or violent movements in the future.
• Because the government is responsible to the people, it should look after them.
• The nation's peace and law and order must be maintained.
• To keep the public's faith in the rule of law and the administration of justice.
• A common law system of legal jurisdiction should be administered by the government.

Q4: How is the life of present day South Africa different from the past?
Ans: South Africa is a diverse country with numerous ethnic groups and races.
There are two races: black people and white people. The indigenous inhabitants of South Africa are black, and white people arrived to settle. Previously, apprehending laws ruled South Africa.
In many ways, today's South Africa differs from the past:

• Apartheid is no longer practised in South Africa.
• Every citizen of South Africa now has the same legal rights.
• No discrimination is practised on the basis of caste, colour, creed, or religion.
• Every South African citizen now has the right to vote and participate in government.
• South Africa has democratic equality and equal opportunity.

Q5: How do the people enjoy the process of making a government?
Ans: People can engage in the process of forming a government in a variety of ways, some of which are included here:

• By taking part in elections
• By voting to elect representatives. 
• By large protests such as rallies, strikes, and campaigns.
• By criticising and expressing their opinions on social media, newspapers, and television, among other places.
• By keeping track of government activities and decisions.
• Using their authority in regular elections
• By upholding their core rights and responsibilities.

Q6: What are your key takeaways from this chapter, list them below.
Ans: The following are the main points to remember from this chapter:

• We have the right under the Constitution to participate in the establishment of the government.
• Everyone should have access to justice.
• After a set period of time, re-election should be held.
• We have the legal right to organise mass movements, demonstrations, and protests.
• The government should be answerable to the country's citizens.
• We have the right to criticise the government's policies.
• Equal opportunity and fairness can be demanded.