What is democracy ? Flashcards
(11 cards)
Define the term ‘democracy’?
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
What are the main principles of a democratic nation?
- Major decisions should be taken by the leaders elected by the people.
- Free and fair electoral competition where those in power should have a fair chance of losing.
- Each adult citizen should have one vote and the value of each vote should be equal.
- A democratic government rules within the limits set by constitutional law and respects citizens’ rights.
Why was Pakistan considered undemocratic under General Pervez Musharraf?
President Parvez Musharraf came to power through a military coup and declared himself the Chief Executive. He later changed his designation to President and held a referendum in 2002 that granted him a five-year designation. He passed the Legal Framework Order allowing him to dismiss the national and provincial assemblies. Although elections were held, final power rested with him, which is not democracy.
Why are elections in China considered undemocratic?
In China, elections are held regularly, but the National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President. All candidates must be approved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the government is always formed by the CCP. Some members were also elected by the army.
Why were elections in Mexico considered undemocratic?
Since 2000, every election in Mexico was won by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which used dirty tricks to remain in power. Government employees had to attend party meetings, and teachers forced parents to vote for the PRI. The media largely ignored opposition parties, and polling booths were sometimes shifted, making it difficult for people to vote.
How was the democratic principle of one vote one person and one value denied in Estonia and Fiji?
In Estonia, the Russian minority finds it difficult to get the right to vote. In Fiji, the vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value compared to an Indo-Fijian. This denies the principle that each adult citizen should have one vote and the value of each vote should be equal.
Why was Zimbabwe considered undemocratic under Robert Mugabe?
Robert Mugabe changed the constitution to increase his powers and reduced accountability. Opposition party workers faced harassment, public protests were illegal, media was controlled, and court judgments were ignored.
This is not democracy. A democratic government rules within the limits set by constitutional law and citizen rights.
Why is democracy considered the most popular form of government?
Democracy is accountable, improves decision-making, provides methods to deal with differences, enhances citizen dignity, and allows for correction of mistakes.
It extends the same rights and opportunities to all citizens without discrimination.
What are the challenges of democracy?
Challenges include instability from changing leaders, lack of morality in political competition, delays from needing consensus, potential for poor decisions by elected leaders, corruption from electoral competition, and ordinary people’s lack of knowledge about their best interests.
Why is indirect democracy practiced in today’s world?
Indirect democracy is necessary due to the large number of people in modern democracies, making collective decision-making physically impossible. Not all citizens have the desire or skills to participate in all decisions.
