CIVICS (VI)- LESSON-4 KEY ELEMENTS OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT (LESSON NOTES)

 

CIVICS (VI)- LESSON-4

KEY ELEMENTS OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

 (LESSON NOTES)

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v INTRODUCTION

Ø In this chapter we will read about some of the key elements that influence the working of a democratic government. These include people's participation, the resolution of conflict and equality and justice. First we will look the Government in South Africa through a description of Maya Naidoo and her mother.

Ø In South Africa, we can find people of several races — black native people, whites, coloured and Indians.

Ø The country was governed by apartheid laws. These Laws prevented them from getting mixed with each other.

v APARTHEID LAWS

Ø The laws which separated the people on the basis of race or colour of their skin are known as apartheid laws.

 

Ø Non-white faced several discrimination. Like

§  They were not allowed to vote.

§  Whites occupied best land while non whites had to live on worst land.

§  Blacks were not allowed to learn their own language , Zulu.

§  Neither had they availed other basic privileges.

v STRUGGLE AGAINST APARTHEID SYSTEM

Ø The African National Congress started a struggle against the apartheid system under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

Ø Nelson Mandela fought for several years.

Ø Finally, South Africa became a democratic country in 1994.

Ø  Now, there is no apartheid there and people of all races are considered equally.

v PEOPLE’S  PARTICIPATIONS

Ø For proper functioning of a democratic government people participation is very necessary. In a democracy people participated in the functioning of government by different methods-

Ø ELECTION:

§  In a democracy election are held at regular interval in which people cast their vote to elect their representatives. They take decisions on behalf of the people. The government is elected for a period of five years in India.

Ø OTHER WAYS OF PARTICIPATION

§  People also participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticising it when required.

§  People express their views against the government’s wrong decisions by holding dharnas, rallies, strikes, signature campaigns, etc.

 

§  People also participate by organising themselves into social movements and seek to challenge the government and its functioning.

§  Newspapers, magazines and TV also play a role in discussing government issues and responsibilities.

 

v CONFLICTS IN DEMOCRACY

Ø In a democracy there are many conflicts arise on time to time.

§  Conflicts arise when people of different cultures, religions, regions or economic backgrounds do not get along with each other.

§  Religious processions and celebrations can sometimes lead to conflicts.

§  Rivers too become a source of conflict between states as they flowed through different states. For example-There is a conflict on the river Kaveri between Karnataka and Kerala on the use of water.

DAMS ON RIVER KAVERI

 

v ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT:

Ø The government played an important role to resolve the conflicts.

Ø Police maintain law and order in their particular areas.

Ø The police also ensure that violence does not take place among different communities.

Ø On river water disputes the central government takes the crucial decision on the equal distribution of water among the states.

 

v EQUALITY AND JUSTICE:

Ø Equality and justice are key elements of democracy. For equality and justice the government has taken many steps as-

§  According to BR Ambedkar justice can be achieved only when all persons treated equally.

§  The practice of untouchability is completely banned by laws.

§  The government also makes special provisions for groups within society that are unequal. For example fees are waived or lowered in government schools and colleges.

v TERMS-

Ø Race: One of the main groups that humans can be divided according to their physical differences, for example, the colour of their skin.

Ø Representative: The person elected through people’s voting right to take part in the system of governance.

Ø Participation: People’s involvement in the process of government.

Ø Conflict: Differences between people of various castes, cultures or creed. The conflict may arise in the name of region, religion, language, etc.

Ø Resolution: Solution of the conflict.