Democracy

Class 6 Social Science · Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 10.3

Learn

Diya's class must choose a class monitor. The teacher could just pick someone, but instead every student votes secretly, and the one with the most votes wins. If the monitor does a poor job, the class can choose someone else next term. That is democracy in action!

Democracy means government by the people. In a large country, citizens elect representatives who make decisions for them; this is a representative democracy. If the representatives don't serve well, people can vote them out at the next election.

India is the world's largest democracy. Its Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day). Every citizen aged 18 or above can vote, whatever their religion, caste, gender, wealth or education: this is universal adult franchise. Voting is secret, so people can choose freely.

Democracy is not only about voting. Citizens also take part by following laws, discussing problems, joining local meetings, and holding leaders to account. Ideas of people gathering to discuss and decide, as in old village assemblies and sabhas, have a long history in India.

Explore: a fair election.

1. Put the steps of an election in order.

Remember

• Democracy is government by the people, usually through elected representatives.
• In India every citizen aged 18+ can vote by secret ballot; citizens also take part in many other ways.

Quick check

Who can vote in Indian elections?

1. Every citizen aged 18 or above
2. Only men
3. Only landowners
4. Only graduates

Think about it

Why do you think every adult, rich or poor, gets exactly one vote?

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.