Page 160
Activity
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On the basis of your understanding of democracy so far, mentioning a few examples write down some common features of:
■ Democratic governments
■ Non-democratic governments• Common features of Democratic governments:
1. Rulers are elected by the people through periodic elections (e.g., India, USA).
2. Citizens enjoy basic fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech, expression, and association.
3. Elections offer a genuine choice and fair opportunity to change the ruling party.
4. The government operates within constitutional laws and an independent judiciary protects citizens' rights.
• Common features of Non-democratic governments:
1. Rulers are not elected by the people; power is held by military dictators, absolute monarchs, or single-party elites (e.g., Myanmar under the military, Saudi Arabia under the monarchy).
2. Freedom of speech and political opposition are banned, suppressed, or heavily restricted.
3. Citizens have no genuine say or peaceful mechanism to change their rulers.
4. Decisions are taken arbitrarily without public consultation or judicial checks. -
Let us take Lyngdoh Madam seriously and try to write down the exact definition of some of the simple words that we use all the time: pen, rain and love. For example, is there a way of defining a pen that distinguishes it clearly from a pencil, a brush, a chalk or crayon.
■ What have you learnt from this attempt?
■ What does it teach us about understanding the meaning of democracy?• Definitions:
- Pen: An instrument used for writing or drawing using liquid or gel ink, which clearly distinguishes it from a pencil (graphite), a brush (bristles with paint), or chalk/crayon (wax/calcium carbonate sticks).
- Rain: Water falling in drops condensed from atmospheric vapor, distinguishing it from drizzle, snow, hail, or a cloudburst.
- Love: A deep, strong feeling of affection, care, and attachment towards someone or something.
• What we have learnt:
Defining common words requires observing their specific, essential boundaries to avoid confusion with similar things.
• Application to Democracy:
A vague idea of 'people's rule' is not sufficient. We need a precise definition with clear minimal conditions to distinguish a genuine democracy from authoritarian regimes that merely hold sham elections to claim democratic legitimacy.
Page 162
Read the Cartoon (Iraq)
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This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of US and other foreign powers. What do you think this cartoon is saying? Why is 'democracy' written the way it is?
• The cartoon satirizes the imposition of democracy through foreign military force rather than organic popular will. The soldiers raising the democracy banner mimic the famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, showing democracy being set up under foreign guns.
• The letter 'M' in 'DEMOCRACY' is drawn as the golden arches of McDonald's, symbolizing Western commercial and corporate dominance being exported to Iraq alongside foreign military invasion.
Check Your Progress - Quotations on Democracy
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Ribiang went back home and collected some more famous quotations on democracy. This time she did not mention the names of the people who said or wrote these. She wants you to read these and comment on how good or useful these thoughts are:
■ Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.
■ Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear.
■ Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.
■ Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
■ All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.• "Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor": Highlights citizen accountability; if citizens vote for corrupt or incompetent rulers, they share responsibility for their own misgovernance.
• "Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear": A sharp critique of populist politicians who win power with hollow, deceitful promises during elections and then rule arbitrarily.
• "Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary": A profound insight (by Reinhold Niebuhr); humans are capable of fair governance, but because people also abuse power, democratic checks and constitutional limits are essential.
• "Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve": Reminds us that the quality of government reflects the active awareness, vigilance, and choices of its voters.
• "All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy": Suggests that weaknesses like corruption or political exclusion cannot be fixed by dictatorship, but by deepening democratic participation, transparency, and civil rights.
Page 164
Read the Cartoon (Syria)
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Syria is a small west Asian country. The ruling Ba'ath Party and some of its small allies are the only parties allowed in that country. Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico? What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?
• Application to China and Mexico:
Yes, it directly applies to China, where only the Chinese Communist Party and its eight small approved allies are allowed to contest elections. It also applied to Mexico under the PRI regime prior to 2000, where opposition parties faced systematic electoral manipulation and government harassment.
• Crown of Leaves:
The laurel wreath on the figure of Democracy symbolizes peace, victory, and noble civic virtue in classical tradition, showing democracy bringing justice and constitutional rule to a country ruled by armed force.
Page 166
Read the Cartoon (Military Helmet)
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This cartoon was drawn in the context of Latin America. Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well? Think of other countries where this could apply? Does this happen sometimes in our country as well?
• Application to Pakistan:
Yes, it accurately reflects Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf, where an elected assembly existed only inside a military framework and real power remained with the armed forces.
• Other Countries:
It applies to countries with a history of military coups and junta control, such as Myanmar, Chile (under Pinochet), Thailand, and Egypt.
• Does this happen in our country (India)?
No, in India the armed forces remain strictly apolitical and subordinate to the elected civilian government.
Page 168
Read the Cartoon (Building Democracy)
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This cartoon was titled 'Building Democracy' and was first published in a Latin American publication. What do moneybags signify here? Could this cartoon be applied to India?
• Significance of Moneybags:
The moneybags stacked into an imposing figure symbolize the disproportionate, corrupting influence of money and wealthy donors over the electoral process and policymaking.
• Application to India:
Yes, it applies to India to an extent, as excessive election spending, use of black money, and the influence of wealthy corporate funding during campaigns present major challenges to achieving true political equality.
Page 170
Read the Cartoon (Saddam Hussein)
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This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussein's regime was overthrown. He is shown behind the bars. What is the cartoonist saying here? Compare the message of this cartoon with the first cartoon in this chapter.
• Cartoonist's Message:
The cartoonist highlights the contrast between the democratic principle of "one person, one vote" celebrated by ordinary citizens and the dictatorial mindset of Saddam Hussein, who preferred a regime where his solitary vote and command controlled the entire nation.
• Comparison with the First Cartoon:
The first cartoon (Page 162) critically shows foreign soldiers imposing democracy by force of arms, whereas this cartoon portrays ordinary citizens genuinely expressing joy at exercising their voting rights after decades of despotic rule.
Page 172
Read the Cartoon (Internet Censorship)
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Chinese government blocked free flow of information on the internet by placing restrictions on popular websites like 'Google' and 'Yahoo'. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the reader of another major event in recent Chinese history. Find out about that event.
The image refers to the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests in Beijing, where pro-democracy student demonstrators were violently suppressed by Chinese military tanks and troops. The specific visual references the famous 'Tank Man', an unidentified lone protester who stood directly in front of a column of tanks leaving Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989.
Page 174
Check Your Progress - Match the Examples
| A | Ans | B |
|---|---|---|
| 1. King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives. | ( d ) | a. Rule of law |
| 2. Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given a right to vote in Sri Lanka. | ( c ) | b. Respect for Rights |
| 3. The king imposed a ban on political gatherings, demonstrations and rallies. | ( b ) | c. One person one vote one value |
| 4. The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of Bihar assembly was unconstitutional. | ( a ) | d. Major decisions by elected leaders |
| 5. Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral government should rule the country at the time of elections. | ( e ) | e. Free and fair electoral competition |
Page 176
Read the Cartoon (The Hidden Side of Dictatorship)
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This cartoon is from Brazil, a country that has long experience of dictatorship. It is entitled "The Hidden Side of Dictatorship". Which hidden sides does this cartoon depict? Is it necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side? If possible, find this out about the dictators including Pinochet in Chile, Jaruzelski in Poland, Sani Abacha in Nigeria and Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines.
• Hidden Sides Depicted:
The skeleton concealed beneath the military general's coat represents state-sponsored brutality, secret torture, forced disappearances, and unlawful killings hidden behind uniforms and claims of national stability.
• Is it necessary for every dictatorship?
Yes, because dictators lack popular democratic legitimacy, they ultimately rely on censorship, fear, and state violence to remain in power.
• Historical Dictators:
- General Pinochet (Chile): Tortured and executed thousands of political opponents in secret detention centers.
- General Jaruzelski (Poland): Imposed martial law, imprisoned Solidarity movement leaders, and gagged the press.
- Sani Abacha (Nigeria): Plundered billions from public funds, executed human rights activists, and banned unions.
- Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines): Declared martial law, embezzled national wealth, and committed human rights abuses against dissidents.
Page 180
Read the Cartoon (Canadian Elections)
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This cartoon was published in Canada just before its parliamentary elections of 2004. Everyone, including the cartoonist, expected the Liberal party to win once again. When the results came, the Liberal Party lost the elections. Is this cartoon an argument against democracy or for democracy?
The cartoon cynically suggests voters have no real choice ("We're going to vote them back in"), but the actual outcome—where citizens voted out the ruling Liberal Party—is a strong argument for democracy. It proves that in a genuine democracy, voters possess the sovereign power to hold incumbents accountable and remove them from power.
Check Your Progress - Rajesh vs Muzaffar
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Rajesh and Muzaffar read an article. It showed that no democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy. Wars take place only when one of the two governments is non-democratic. The article said that this was a great merit of democracy. After reading the essay, Rajesh and Muzaffar had different reactions. Rajesh said that this was not a good argument for democracy. It was just a matter of chance. It is possible that in future democracies may have wars. Muzaffar said that it could not be a matter of chance. Democracies take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war. Which of the two positions do you agree with and why?
Muzaffar's position is more convincing. In democracies, governments are accountable to citizens who bear the direct human and economic costs of war. Leaders must undergo public debate, legislative approval, and media scrutiny, which acts as a check against reckless military actions and encourages diplomatic solutions.
Page 182
Read the Cartoon (R.K. Laxman - 50 Glorious Years)
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This famous cartoon by R K Laxman comments on the celebrations of the fifty years of independence. How many images on the wall do you recognize? Do many common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does?
• Recognized Images:
The wall features portraits of India's prominent post-independence Prime Ministers and leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Rajiv Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, H. D. Deve Gowda, I. K. Gujral, and A. B. Vajpayee.
• Common People's Feelings:
Yes, many ordinary citizens share this feeling. While political leaders celebrate industrial, technological, and economic achievements, millions of common citizens still struggle for basic necessities like clean drinking water, primary healthcare, schooling, and shelter.
Page 184
Activity
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Find out the total number of eligible voters in your assembly constituency and your parliamentary constituency. Find out how many people can fit into the largest stadium in your area. Is it possible for all the voters in your parliamentary or assembly constituency to sit together and have a meaningful discussion?
• In an average assembly constituency there are about 2 to 3 lakh eligible voters, and in a parliamentary constituency there are roughly 15 to 20 lakh eligible voters.
• The largest stadium in a typical regional city accommodates only around 20,000 to 50,000 people.
• No, it is physically impossible for lakhs of citizens to sit together in one place and have a structured, meaningful discussion. This practical constraint makes representative democracy essential for modern governance.
Page 186
Exercises 1, 2 & 3
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1. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write 'democratic', 'undemocratic' or 'not sure' against each of these.
Country Information Ans a Country A: People who do not accept the country's official religion do not have a right to vote. Undemocratic b Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years. Not sure c Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections. Democratic d Country D: There is no independent election commission. Undemocratic -
2. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write 'democratic', 'undemocratic' or 'not sure' against each of these.
Country Information Ans a Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army. Undemocratic b Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary. Democratic c Country R: The country's leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country. Undemocratic d Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change. Undemocratic -
3. Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
Answer: d Democracies are more prosperous than others.
Economic prosperity depends on factors like natural resources, education, investment, and trade policies, rather than the form of government alone. Some non-democratic countries (such as oil-rich monarchies or Singapore) have experienced high economic growth, while many democracies remain developing nations.
Page 188
Exercises 4 to 8
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4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
a A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO):
• Democratic element: Laws are placed before and passed by the elected parliament.
• Undemocratic element: Domestic legislation is subordinated to binding directives of an external, unelected body.
b The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported:
• Democratic element: The Election Commission takes prompt, corrective action to ensure free and fair polls.
• Undemocratic element: The occurrence of large-scale electoral rigging that violated voters' rights.
c Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women:
• Democratic element: Women's organizations have the freedom to organize, protest, and demand fair representation.
• Undemocratic element: Very poor representation of women in parliament, falling far short of gender equality. -
5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?
Answer: d People are free to believe in and practise any religion.
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6. There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need. Which of these is not a democratic method?
Answer: d Paying money to government officials to get water.
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7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
a Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore army should rule the country:
• Response: The military is trained for national defense, not civilian governance. Military rulers are not accountable to the people, cannot be voted out, and historical military regimes across the world have led to repression and human rights violations.
b Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers:
• Response: Rule by an elite few deprives ordinary citizens of their basic dignity and voice. A small group cannot understand the diverse needs of all communities. Democracy ensures every adult citizen has an equal vote and equal worth in determining public policy.
c If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders:
• Response: Religion deals with personal faith, while politics governs diverse communities with multiple faiths and views. Rule by religious leaders often leads to sectarian discrimination, intolerance, and exclusion of minorities. -
8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
a Father to daughter: I don't want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to:
• Assessment: Not democratic.
• Reason: It denies the daughter the right to express her opinion on a major personal life decision, violating the democratic value of consultation and mutual consent.
b Teacher to student: Don't disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom:
• Assessment: Not democratic.
• Reason: A democratic learning environment encourages questions, dialogue, and freedom of expression.
c Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law:
• Assessment: Democratic.
• Reason: The employee is asking for rights guaranteed under the rule of law, upholding constitutional accountability.
Page 190
Exercises 9 & 10
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9. Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
a All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly:
• Decision: Democratic feature.
• Reason: It ensures universal adult franchise and regular citizen participation.
b The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health:
• Decision: Undemocratic condition.
• Reason: Important social spending decisions are dictated by external agencies rather than domestic elected leaders.
c People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of that country:
• Decision: Undemocratic policy.
• Reason: It neglects linguistic minorities, whereas a democracy respects and accommodates minority rights and cultural diversity.
d Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders:
• Decision: Undemocratic action.
• Reason: The right to peaceful protest, free speech, and opposition are essential cornerstones of democratic life.
e The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about government's policies and protests:
• Decision: Undemocratic regime.
• Reason: State monopoly and censorship strip citizens of independent information needed for informed choice. -
10. Write an essay on 'Democracy and Poverty' using the information given in this report but using examples from India.
In a formal democracy, political equality is established through the principle of 'one person, one vote, one value'. Every adult citizen, regardless of economic background, holds equal constitutional standing. However, substantial economic inequality creates a gap between formal constitutional rights and daily political reality.
As noted in the US study, wealth heavily shapes campaign financing and political influence. A similar pattern exists in India: election campaigns have become expensive, giving wealthy candidates and corporate donors outsized influence over the electoral process. While low-income citizens in India vote in high numbers, their economic vulnerability can expose them to short-term electoral inducements.
Nevertheless, democracy remains the most effective system for poor citizens to demand accountability. Regular elections force political parties to address widespread rural and urban concerns through public food distribution, rural employment guarantees (like MGNREGA), housing assistance, and social welfare programs. To achieve the full promise of democracy, political equality must be supported by equitable access to quality education, healthcare, and economic security.
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