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Class 10 Civics Notes - Challenges to Democracy

THINKING ABOUT CHALLENGES AND POLITICAL REFORMS

  1. How do we define a challenge?
  2. A challenge means a situation that requires some action. It is a difficulty which has to be overcome.
  3. Broad challenges to democracy are—
    (i) Foundational challenges: Some countries had to face the challenge of transition to the  democratic style of government. They had to have laws and policies that would be followed in a democratic set-up.  
    (ii) Challenge of expansion: Countries which are already democratic face the challenge of   expanding it to all social groups and regions. All institutions should follow democracy  in their functioning.
    (iii) Deepening of democracy: It means strengthening those institutions that have people’s  
     participation and control. It means bringing down the control of the rich and the powerful people in making government decisions.
  4. Different countries have different challenges.
  5. Challenges to democracy have to be dealt at the local or state level. All reforms cannot be made at the national level.
  6. Devising ways and means for political reforms in India.

Fig: Challenges faced by democracyFig: Challenges faced by democracy

A.(i) One way is legal reform, making new laws to ban undesirable things.
(ii) But legal-constitutional changes cannot overcome challenges to democracy.
(iii) The reforms have to be carried out mainly by political activists, parties, movements and politically conscious citizens.

B. Legal changes sometimes have a counter-productive result. But laws which empower people to carry out democratic reforms are best, e.g. the Right to Information Act.
C. Democratic reforms are spread or brought about through political practice. Main focus of political reforms is strengthening democracy.
D. While proposing a political reform, one should be very clear about who will implement it and how. Political parties and MPs will never vote for a legislation that is against their interests.

Question for Chapter Notes: Challenges to Democracy
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What is the main focus of political reforms?
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CASE STUDY
Political funding
Challenge: On an average, every candidate who contested the last Lok Sabha elections owned a property of more than one crore. There is a fear that only wealthy people or those with their support can afford to fight elections. Most of the political parties are dependent on money given by big business houses. The worry is that the role of money in politics will reduce whatever little voice the poor have in our democracy.
Reform proposals:

  1. The financial accounts of every political party should be made public. These accounts should be examined by government auditors.
  2. There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the government to meet their election expenditure.
  3. Citizens should be encouraged to give more donations to parties and to political workers. Such donations should be exempt from income tax.

Reform Politics: One cannot blame politicians for all the ills of our country. The politicians are no more corrupt than government officials, contractors or any middle-class professionals, politicians, but get more publicity. Laws cannot stop politicians, if they want to be corrupt. Only people and politicians together can stop corruption in politics and overcome wrong practices (e.g. appeals to caste and community).
Redefining Democracy- 

Class 10 Civics Notes - Challenges to Democracy

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1. What are the major challenges to democracy?
Ans. The major challenges to democracy include corruption, poverty, unequal distribution of resources, lack of education and awareness, and political instability. These challenges can hinder the functioning of a democratic system and undermine its principles.
2. How does corruption pose a challenge to democracy?
Ans. Corruption poses a significant challenge to democracy as it undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. When public officials engage in corrupt practices, it leads to the misuse of public resources, unequal distribution of benefits, and erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
3. How does poverty affect democracy?
Ans. Poverty can affect democracy in various ways. It can limit people's access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities, preventing them from fully participating in the democratic process. Poverty also creates a fertile ground for corruption, political manipulation, and social unrest, which can undermine the stability and effectiveness of democratic institutions.
4. Why is education important for democracy?
Ans. Education plays a crucial role in democracy as it empowers individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and awareness of their rights and responsibilities. An educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions, actively participate in civic activities, and hold their elected representatives accountable. Education also helps in reducing social inequality and promoting social cohesion, which are essential for a thriving democracy.
5. What is political instability and how does it challenge democracy?
Ans. Political instability refers to frequent changes in government, social unrest, and the inability to maintain law and order. It poses a challenge to democracy as it disrupts the functioning of democratic institutions, weakens the rule of law, and hampers economic development. Political instability can create an environment of uncertainty, mistrust, and violence, making it difficult for democratic processes to thrive.
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