Understanding Democracy Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

• India is one of the largest democracies in the world.
• Freedom fighters in India fought and made sacrifices to gain independence from British rule.
• After gaining independence, India chose to become a democratic republic.
• Indian leaders framed a Constitution that governs the country.

What is Democracy?

In today's world, democracy is considered to be the best and the most popular form of government. Democracy is a form of government where the people govern themselves directly or through elected representatives.

There are two forms of democracy:

• Direct democracy:

  In this, people directly participate in the process of governance (are free to vote, to make laws, elect or dismiss officials and conduct trials themselves). Ancient Greece had a form of direct democracy.

• Indirect democracy:

  In this, people elect their representatives, who take decisions on their behalf. This is also known as representative democracy. Indirect democracy is prevalent in India, the USA, and France.

The Advent of Democracy

In this section, we will revisit the historic events that led to the evolution of democracy in its present form.

• Ancient Greece

  The earliest democracy began in Athens (in ancient Greece) in the 6th century BCE. In its ancient form, it was called direct democracy, wherein all citizens assembled at one place to make laws and take decisions regarding day-to-day matters of governance.

• Medieval Period

  In the Medieval period, several European rulers consulted Church officials and various groups of citizens while making policies. This led to the formation of representative bodies of citizens. With the decline of feudalism in Europe in the 14th century, power shifted from the feudal lords to the king and the common people, laying the foundation for the establishment of democracy.

• Renaissance in Europe

  The Renaissance movement in Europe witnessed the rebirth of art, literature, science, and philosophy. Renaissance humanists revived Greek literature and culture, leading to the growth and implementation of the concept of democracy. Legislative bodies composed of representatives from both aristocratic and non-aristocratic families came into being.

• England and the Glorious Revolution

  The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England strengthened the roots of democracy by making the ruler answerable to the Parliament, the representative body of the English people.

• The American War of Independence

  The American Revolutionary War, which ended British imperialism in America, ushered in the idea of a written constitution with a Bill of Rights that granted basic rights to citizens. These rights could not be violated by the government, even during judicial proceedings.

• The French Revolution

  The French Revolution of 1789 brought in the ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, declaring that individuals are born free and upholding the universal and natural rights of humans. It also led to the abolishment of slavery in French colonies.

• The World Wars and the Russian Revolution

  The First World War led to the dissolution of major European imperial powers, with new nation states adopting democratic principles. The Russian Revolution of 1917 destroyed autocratic government and led to the formation of the Soviet Union, which later dissolved in 1991, with most countries choosing a democratic government.

• In 1939, the Second World War led to the independence of most colonies, which then chose to become democracies.

• Why Democracy?
  • Citizens elect representatives based on Universal Adult Franchise.
  • Citizens can change or remove the government, preventing dictatorship.
  • Periodic elections ensure government accountability.
  • Equality, justice, freedom of speech, and public opinion are upheld.
• Key Features of Democracy
  • Decision-making Mechanism
  • Legislature with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • Executive led by the President and Prime Minister.
  • Judiciary ensures justice and legality.
  • Equality in political, economic, and social spheres.
• Justice
  • Judiciary protects freedom and rights of citizens.
  • Every citizen has the right to seek justice.
• Human Dignity
  • Democracy upholds human dignity and equality.
  • Respect for Fundamental Rights and prevention of rights violations.