Punjab State Board PSEB 11th Class Political Science Book Solutions Chapter 11 Form of Governments: Democratic and Authoritarian (Dictatorial) Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 11 Form of Governments: Democratic and Authoritarian (Dictatorial)
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What do you understand by the term democracy? Discuss with one illustration each, six of its characteristic features.
Answer:
Modem age is an age of democracy. In majority of the countries of the world, democracy is adopted. The term ‘Democracy’ is derived from the Greek words demos and krates, the former meaning the people and the latter ‘power’. Democracy thus mean ‘power of the people’ or ‘rule of the multitude.’
Democracy means that the Govemmentof the State is to be run by the people. People will have a share in the administration of the State. Aristotle has called this type of Government as polity and in his view this is the best type of Government.
- According to Dicey,” Democracy is a Government in which the governing body is comparatively a large fraction of entire nation.”
- According to Prof. Seeley “Democracy is a Government in which everyone has a share.”
- According to Lord Bryce, The word democracy, ever since the time of Herodotus has been used to denote that form of government in which the ruling power of State is legally vested not in a particular elass but in the members of the community as a whole.”
- According to Abraham Lincoln, Democracy is a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Of all the definitions of democracy, the one given by Lincoln is considered to be the best.
In Democracy the sovereignty resides in the people and the people either directly or indirectly govern over themselves. The administration is run to promote public welfare.
Characteristics Of Democracy:
The characteristics or fundamental principles of the democracy are as follows:
1. Sovereignty of People:
Sovereignty resides in the people and the administration is run in accordance with the wishes of the people.
According to Austin Renney, The principle of popular sovereignty requires the basis of governmental decision making power to be vested in all the members of the community and not any particular person or ruling class.”
2. Rule of People: The administration is run by the people either directly or indirectly.
3. Interest of People: The administration is run in the best interests of the people.
4. Right of Participation: Democracy has its fundamental principle that every citizen has the right to take part in day to day affairs of the state.
5. A Majority Rule:
The significant principle of democracy is that it is a majority rule and decisions are taken by majority of votes. The party which gets file majority is allowed to rule. In the parliament all decisions are taken by majority of votes.
6. Universal Franchise: Another principle of democracy is that every citizen is given the right to vote without any discrimination.
7. Right to Criticise the Govermnefat:
One of the important principle of democracy is that the people are given the right to criticise the Government.
8. Share in the Administration: Everybody has a share in the administration.
9. Equality: Everybody enjoys the right of equality and liberty. All the people are equal in the eyes of law.
10. Fraternity: It is another fundamental assumption of democracy. It deals with dignity of the individual.
11. Rule of Law: Nobody is above the laws of the State.
12. Fundamental Rights: In a democracy citizens enjoy Fundamental Rights which are protected by the Judiciary.
13. Justice: Everybody gets impartial justice.
14. Change in Government according to Time:
Democracy provides for a change in Government according to constitutional principles, and it is against any change by violent or revolutionary means.
15. Freedom of Thought, Speech and Expression:
Democracy is characterised by freedom of thought and expression. In democracy, every one is free to think and express his views.
16. Independent and Healthy Public Opinion: The democratic government functions on the principle of independent and healthy public opinion.
Question 2.
Define Democracy? What are its merits and demerits?
Or .
Discuss the merits of a democratic form of government.
Answer:
Definitions of Democracy:
Modem age is an age of democracy. In majority of the countries of the world, democracy is adopted. The term ‘Democracy’ is derived from the Greek words demos and krates, the former meaning the people and the latter ‘power’. Democracy thus mean ‘power of the people’ or ‘rule of the multitude.’
Democracy means that the Govemmentof the State is to be run by the people. People will have a share in the administration of the State. Aristotle has called this type of Government as polity and in his view this is the best type of Government.
- According to Dicey,” Democracy is a Government in which the governing body is comparatively a large fraction of entire nation.”
- According to Prof. Seeley “Democracy is a Government in which everyone has a share.”
- According to Lord Bryce, The word democracy, ever since the time of Herodotus has been used to denote that form of government in which the ruling power of State is legally vested not in a particular elass but in the members of the community as a whole.”
- According to Abraham Lincoln, Democracy is a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Of all the definitions of democracy, the one given by Lincoln is considered to be the best.
In Democracy the sovereignty resides in the people and the people either directly or indirectly govern over themselves. The administration is run to promote public welfare.
Characteristics Of Democracy:
The characteristics or fundamental principles of the democracy are as follows:
1. Sovereignty of People:
Sovereignty resides in the people and the administration is run in accordance with the wishes of the people.
According to Austin Renney, The principle of popular sovereignty requires the basis of governmental decision making power to be vested in all the members of the community and not any particular person or ruling class.”
2. Rule of People: The administration is run by the people either directly or indirectly.
3. Interest of People: The administration is run in the best interests of the people.
4. Right of Participation: Democracy has its fundamental principle that every citizen has the right to take part in day to day affairs of the state.
5. A Majority Rule:
The significant principle of democracy is that it is a majority rule and decisions are taken by majority of votes. The party which gets file majority is allowed to rule. In the parliament all decisions are taken by majority of votes.
6. Universal Franchise: Another principle of democracy is that every citizen is given the right to vote without any discrimination.
7. Right to Criticise the Govermnefat:
One of the important principle of democracy is that the people are given the right to criticise the Government.
8. Share in the Administration: Everybody has a share in the administration.
9. Equality: Everybody enjoys the right of equality and liberty. All the people are equal in the eyes of law.
10. Fraternity: It is another fundamental assumption of democracy. It deals with dignity of the individual.
11. Rule of Law: Nobody is above the laws of the State.
12. Fundamental Rights: In a democracy citizens enjoy Fundamental Rights which are protected by the Judiciary.
13. Justice: Everybody gets impartial justice.
14. Change in Government according to Time:
Democracy provides for a change in Government according to constitutional principles, and it is against any change by violent or revolutionary means.
15. Freedom of Thought, Speech and Expression:
Democracy is characterised by freedom of thought and expression. In democracy, every one is free to think and express his views.
16. Independent and Healthy Public Opinion: The democratic government functions on the principle of independent and healthy public opinion.
Merits Of Democracy:
Following are the main merits of democracy:
1. It is a Government of the People:
As compared to the monarchical car aristocratic forms of Government, democracy is indeed the best form of Government. The monarch or the aristocracy may be good and look after the interests of their people well but in so far as both these forms of Government exclude the majority of the people from the administration of their own State and in so far as democracy ensures such people’s participation, democracy must necessarily be termed as superior. Democracy is a Government by the people themselves. In this form of Government every step is taken in the best interests of the people.
2. Equality:
It is the best form of Government because it puts the supreme controlling power in the hands of the whole community. It recognizes the natural rights of man in the street and raises him high on the peak of political glory. Moreover, democracy ensures the equality of political rights. All people possess equal opportunities to participate in the affairs of Government. Everybody has the opportunity to progress in life.
3. Liberty:
The democratic form of Government enables us to reconcile the liberty of the people with the authority of the State. Obedience to law is liberty only when the law is expression of the will-of the people and conforms to their wishes. But this is possible only under a democracy.
In this System of Government people enjoy more liberty as compared to monarchy and aristocracy. People enjoy the freedom of speech and expression, religion and worship and the freedom of movement and correspondence. They are free to assemble together, to form a procession, to hold a public meeting and to criticise the policies and actions of the government. The newspaper enjoys a greater degree of freedom in the expression of public view-point.
4. Freedom of Expression:
Another good point of democracy is that freedom of expression is guaranteed to the citizens.
5. It is based on public opinion:
It is the only form of government which is more . popular in the modem world because it rests on the consent of the people. The people feel that the laws in democratic Governments are self-made and self- enforced. By the force of the public opinion, it possesses a valuable and easier 1 instrument to keep the government on the right path.
The mass of people is given an opportunity to take part in government. At the time of elections, national policies are freely discussed and debated. The representatives of the people frame the laws in accordance with the wishes of the people. If the representatives violate public opinion, the people may not vote for them in the next election.
6. Stable and Responsible Government:
A democratic Government is always stable and responsible. It avoids revolutions because the people themselves are the makers and the breakers of laws and governments. Moreover, it possesses the easier means through their elected legislature to change and mould the laws to meet their immediate needs.
The government in a democratic State runs the administration in accordance with the wishes of the people. If they feel that a particular Government does not cany out their wishes, they can replace it by another through peaceful and constitutional meAnswer: The Government for all its actions and policies is responsible to the people. If the people indicate a lack of confidence over the government, the government will have to resign.
7. A Liberal Government:
One of the strong point of democracy is that it is a liberal Government because reforms can be brought about in it. It makes as possible to introduce various social, political and economic reforms as to the needs of time.
8. A Useful form of Government:
Democratic form of government is the most useful form of government because in this type of government, rulers are the elected representatives of the public.
9. Best Government during Emergency: The protagonists of democracy holds that in the time of Emergency, democratic government is the best government.
10. No Possibility of Revolutions:
The democratic Government rests on the hopes and wishes of the people. It changes with the change in the attitude of the people. The elected representatives of the people runs the administration of the State. The party which is favoured by the voters at the polls forms the Government and it carries out the wishes of the people. People can change the Government whenever they so desire. Therefore, the democratic government changes with the change in times. Thus there is less chance of revolution in a democracy.
11. Political Education:
Democratic Government gives political education to the people. In a democracy the institutions of local self-government are established in large number. The election to the local self-government institutions and to the legislature are held very frequently. During the elections the political parties explain their view-point to the public regarding the problems facing the country.
In the legislature the executive is responsible to it for all its actions and policies. The executive is to answer the questions and supplementary questions is put to it by the members of the legislature. The proceedings of the legislature are read by the people in the newspapers. Moreover, every voter casts his vote after a thorough consideration and after weighing the programme of each political party. People have got the right to criticise the Government. The entire procedure gives the people political education.
12. Willing Obedience of Laws:
There is very little possibility on the part of the people for breaking or violating the laws of the State. The people very willingly obey the laws of the State. In Monarchical and Aristocratic type of Government laws are not framed on the will of the people. Their force is needed for rendering obedience to laws. But in a democracy, the people themselves make laws and they cannot afford to break the law themselves. They are morally bound to obey the laws of the State. Moreover, all the laws in a democracy are framed in the best interests of the people.
13. The Lesson of Citizenship: Another important aspect of democracy is that it teaches us the lesson of citizenship. It creates social and economic consciousness in citizens.
14. Development of Human Personality: Another important merit of democracy . is that individuals develop a sense of freedom in themselves because they become i well aware of their rights, duties and interests. Therefore the proper development of one’s personality is possible only in the democratic form of government.
15. It upholds Human Dignity. Democracy has the strong point because it upholds human dignity. The individual enjoy all rights and liberties in democracy which 1 uphold his dignity.
16. National Unity and Patriotism:
The democratic form of government increases the spirit qf national unity and patriotism in the people. It induces in the common man a great love for his country. The people feel that they are part and parcel of the government. They feel that if the government is weak, they will remain weak and the country will remain weak.
According to J.S. Mill, “Democracy strengthens the love of country because citizens feel that the government is their own creation and the magistrates are their servants rather than their masters. It promotes A patriotism by making the citizens feel that they .are an integral part of the government and the welfare of the State is their welfare”.
17. Character Building:
Democracy is a live, active school for character building. As Bryce said, the manhood of the individual is dignified by his political enfranchisement and he usually raised to higher level by the sense of duty which it throws Upon him. As the people participate in -the operation of the government, it imparts to them a sense of dignity and responsibility and stimulates their whole mental make-up.
18. It is based upon three Important Pillars:One of the important point on the credit side is that it is based upon three pillars of equality, liberty and fraternity.
19. Reforms:
Democratic government is the best type of government for introducing reforms in the society. This type of government introduces various reforms in the economic, social and political fields of the life of the citizens of the State.
Demerits Of Democracy:
Democracy is not without its defects and weakness. The critics of democracy put forward the following arguments against it:
1. Government of the Ignorant and Incompetent:
It is said that a democratic government is a government by the incompetent and the ignorant. Democracy is based on the theory that an ordinary man possesses sufficient intelligence to decide public affairs. But the common man is neither politically intelligent nor sufficiently educated.
He does not possess the capacity to understand the problems of a modem community. The masses are normally passive and incapable of common aim. Sir Henry Maine described the democratic government as the government by ignorant and unintellectual which is detrimental to modem civilization. Most of the people in the government are ignorant and incompetent and hence such a government cannot promote public interests in a better way.
2. It gives more importance to Quantity rather than to Quality:
This type of government attaches more importance to quantity than to quality. The working of administration requires special knowledge and ability which the ordinary persons can never possess. It is based on the assumption that all men are equal, that one man is as good as another. So the common man feels that there is no necessity for employing experts or men possessing special qualifications. But it requires great skill to run an administration.
And if amateurs or ordinary men are placed incharge of government, its efficiency is bound to suffer. The equality of man is a myth for all .men are not bom equal. All men, therefore, are not capable of taking part in government of the country. In democracy, on the election day a wise man and a fool are on the same level. Democracy merely counts votes and does not weigh or consider them. It puts all emphasis on quantity and not on quality.
3. Administration is an Art:
Administration is an art and everybody cannot be the master of this art. It is the business of experts to make a law and everybody cannot learn the art of the law making. It is after a long experience that a man becomes perfect in this art. But it is not essential that either the elected persons or the electors should be educated in a democratic form of government. It seems very strange that to get an ordinary clerkship one should be educated to a certain degree but to become a minister one may be even uneducated. How can an uneducated minister run the department of education?
4. It is a Government of the Rich:
The democratic government is criticised on the point that in theory it is a government by the common man but actually it is a , government by the rich. In a democracy elections are held to elect representatives but money is the most potent factor to win an election. The candidates spend lakhs of rupees to win an election. The poor man cannot afford to spend this much amount on elections and hence his right to contest elections becomes meaningless.
5. It is more Expensive:
Democratic government is wasteful and expensive. Party members spend huge amounts of money in order to get themselves elected to the legislature. In the government itself the need to consult various individuals and institutions means further expenditure. Most of it is necessary and therefore wasteful. Lacs of rupees which are spent on elections can be used for public welfare works. Heavy expenditure defeats the very purpose of democracy. Much money is spent on the payment of the salary of the representative and other officials.
6. Bad effects of Political Parties:
The existence of political parties is quite essential in a democracy because in democracy the government is run by one or the other party. But the parties have a bad effect on the daily life of the people. They badly influence the moral and political life of the people.
Each party makes use of all the undesirable and other means in order to get its candidates elected. The parties befool or exploit the people in the name of religion, caste and language etc. In order to get their votes, they make false promises with the people. The parties relegate the interests of the people and the nation to the background and try to promote the party interests. The parties are a danger to the unity of the nation.
7. Most of the people do not take interest in the election:
It has been observed that most of the people do not take interest in elections. Some people make politics as their profession and do nothing except befooling people. During elections the candidates discuss the problems of the State with the people and take their votes.
According to Gamer such like people always have some influence over the public. Those who are shrewd, tactful and active, manage to win the election. In legislature only a few representatives participate in the debates and discussion, and others are simply silent listeners. In this way even in democracy only a few persons govern the country.
8. Dictatorship of the Majority:
The majority party may not work in the interest of all the people. It can equally be selfish and not take into account the wishes and the interests of the majority. The majority party may thus develop despotic tendencies which are harmful to the developments of human personality. It may not secure equal opportunities and freedom to all and rule in its selfish interest.
The very essence of democracy, providing opportunities for every man to be himself in his best, is thus not realised. The majority party may become a dictator and it may curtail the liberty of the individuals. The majority party sometimes does not tolerate the view-points of the opposition.
9. No Possibility of Progress of Civilisation and Culture:
The progress of art, literature, science, civilization and culture is not possible in a democracy. In a democracy all the individuals are considered equal. A scientist or a renowned man of letters is in no way considered better than an ordinary man. In a monarchical type of government art and literature are patronised by the members of the royal family. In Aristocracy, even effort is made for the promotion of culture and civilization. According to Trietzschke, in a democracy literature, science and art do not make progress.
10. Hostile to Liberty:
According to critics democracy is hostile to the spirit of liberty. The ordinary man neither desires freedom for himself nor tolerates it for others. To place supreme power in the hands of the common people is to place it in the hands of those who have no understanding of the spiritual value of liberty and lack the necessary character for vindicating liberty.
11. Unstable and Weak Government:
Stability and continuity of policies in the administration are not ensured in a democratic form of government. Since one party tries to displace the other which is in power by securing more votes at the election by any methods, there will frequently be changes in government. No party, therefore, is secure in its position.
Further when the opposition party comes to power by obtaining large number of votes: it would try to undo the policies of its predecessor in the government. Every representative, to maintain his popularity will try to place something on the statute book. Hasty all ill-digested legislation is passed. Democratic government, therefore, is neither constant, steady nor stable.
12. Biological Arguments:
Democracy has come to be criticised on biological grounds. According to Faguet, democracy is a biological misfit or biological monstrosity.
13. Psychological Arguments:
The Psychologists have also criticised democracy. They have shown that the individual is not guided by reason or conscious thinking but by-irrational and unconscious motivations.
14. Democracy is Ethically Wrong:
Democracy is ethically wrong because it emphasises on numbers while only a few have the requisite judgement, understanding and moral strength to abide by the right ideals and standards.
15. Evil of Party System:
The working of democracy has brought in its wake all the evils of party politics. The rigidity of the party system is responsible for the destruction of the liberty and the individuality of the people.
16. From Administrative Point pf View:
From the view point of administration democracy has proved to be the most inefficient Government. Red-tapism, favouritism, political influence, nepotism and corruption are the order of the day in democracy.
Conclusion:
Democracy has merits and demerits, but not withstanding its demerits, it is considered the best form of government now-a-days. It is the only form of government where people enjoy liberty, equality and have the right to criticise the wrong actions of the government. People can develop their personality to the full only in such a form of government. According to J.S. Mitt, “Giving full weight to all that appeared to me well against the arguments of democracy, I unhesitatingly give my decision in its favour.”
C.D. Bums observes, “No one denies that existing representative assemblies are defective, but even if an automobile does not work well, it is foolish to go back into farm cart, however romantic.” Democracy is a human institution and its failings are the failings of human beings. Moreover, democracy has never claimed pn its own behalf that it is a panacea for all ills.
Question 3.
Distinguish between the Direct and Indirect Democracy and explain the institutions of Direct Democracy.
Answer:
Democracy is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. Power is not vested in a single individual but it is shared by all. Everybody has a share in this form of government. The democratic government stands for the welfare of all. The laws are framed keeping in view the opinion of the public. It is the age of democracy. In 1 the past democracy was prevalent in India, Greek City States and Rome. Democracy is of two types:
1. Direct Democracy:
Direct democracy is the real or true democracy. In such a system of government the people directly participate in the government of the
country. The entire population forms an assembly for the purpose of making laws. People discuss the problems of the State and control the State machinery. The system prevailed in the past in India, Rome and Greek city States. The population of States used to be very less in those days and very few people enjoyed the rights of citizenship. It was possible for the people to assemble at a particular place for t the purpose of law-making.
2. Indirect or Representative Democracy:
But now a days the system of direct democracy cannot be practised easily. We have big nation states these days. The I population of the States runs into crores. Every citizen is granted equal rights. It is impossible for all the people of the State to assemble at one place in order to make laws. People participate in law-making indirectly. People elect some representatives and these representatives act according to the wishes of the people.
Their main aim is to promote the welfare of the people. They frame laws for the s State and run the administration for the best interests of the people. The entire country is divided into equal electoral constituencies and from each constituency one representative is elected. The representatives are elected for a fixed period and after the expiry of their term fresh elections are held. Ibis system prevails in almost all the countries of the world today.
Institutions Of Direct Democracy:
It is not possible to practise direct democracy completely in the present age. But some devices have been used in certain countries in order to remove the defects of indirect i democracy. Switzerland is famous for the use of these democratic devices. Switzerland
has been called the home of direct democracy. These devices empower the citizen to get certain laws passed by the Legislature and to reject certain laws already passed by the legislature.
Panchayati Raj is a type of chrect democracy. In certain Cantons of Switzerland all the people assemble at one place in order to frame laws. They also appoint government officials. But it is difficult to practise this method in the whole of the country. Modem , devices of direct democracy are practised in some countries. These devices are Initiative,
Referendum, Recall and Plebiscite. They are briefly described as ahead:
1. Initiative. The device gives the power to the voters to get the laws passed in accordance with their wishes. If a specified number of voters demands the making of a particular law, the legislature cannot reject of its own. If the legislature makes a law according to the demand of the people, it is good and if the legislature does not agree with the view-point of the voters, then view-point of the entire electorate is sought.
If the majority voters favours the law, then it is to be passed by the legislature. In Switzerland, one lakh voters have the right to demand and making of a law. They can demand the complete or partial amendment of the Constitution. If the legislature does not accept their demand, then the matter is referred to the entire populace. If the majority of the voters favours the issue the legislature is bound to make that law and make amendment in the Constitution.
2. Referendum:
The method of referendum gives the final authority to the people to accept or reject the laws passed by the legislature. If the legislature passes a law which is not in accordance with the wishes of the people, the people can stop the execution of such a law. The system prevailing in Switzerland is that the opinion of the people is sought before the execution of laws. Referendum is of two types in Switzerland
(1) Compulsory Referendum and
(2) Optional Referendum.
Important laws are referred to the people before they are executed and people cast their votes in favour or against the law. If the majority of the cantons and the majority of the voters favour the law, it is enforced, otherwise it is rejected. In the case of optional referendum it entirely depends upon the will of the legislature whether to refer it to the voters or not. This practice is followed in the case of ordinary laws. If 50,000 voters demand that the law should be referred to the voters for their opinion then it is to be referred to them for their verdict. Such a law can be enforced only if the majority favours it.
3. Recall:
This method gives the power to the voters to recall their representatives even before the expiry of his term. They can elect a new representative. This method is applied against those representatives of the people who do not work in the best interests of the public. In most of the countries the representatives of the people are elected for a fixed term and after their election, file voters have no control over them.
The representatives may do whatever they like and the public cannot exercise any control over them. But through the method of recall, a fixed number of voters can manage to recall their representatives. This way the voters control file activities of their representatives. They cannot go against the wishes of the electorate. This system prevails in some States of U.S.A. and Switzerland.
4. Plebiscite:
The method of Plebiscite is used in case of political questions and public opinion of laws is called referendum. Pakistan demands that there should be plebiscite on the Kashmir issue, whether the people of Kashmir want to remain in India or want to go to Pakistan. In 1935, it was through the method of Plebiscite that Saar was integrated into Germany.
Question 4.
Discuss the conditons that are essential for a successful democracy.
Or
What are the conditions necessary for the successful functioning of democracy? In your opinion how far do they exist in India?
Answer:
Believing the cause of democracy to be just as against all other forms of government, it is necessary to lay down some definite conditions which are essential for . the successful working of democracy. The success of democracy depends upon the active participation and co-operation of the people in the administration of the State. People will co-operate with the government only when they realize their responsibilities and try to discharge them properly. In order that democracy may work successfully in any State, there are certain conditions which must be satisfied.
1. Faith in Fundamental Democratic Principles:
For the success of democracy, it is necessary that there should be inculcation of faith in certain fundamental democratic principles.
2. Enlightened Citizenship:
Enlightened citizenship is the first condition for the success of democracy. If the people of a country lack the quality of deep thinking, they will never be politically conscious. They will not be performing their duties properly and there the democracy will never be a success.
Every individual in a democracy must, be prepared to perform his duties in a sincere manner. The conferment of the right to vote on a citizen implies that he has the duty to vote and must perform it intelligently. Likewise he must perform his other duties. It is not only the government officials who should be honest, impartial, just and efficient but the citizens should also realize their full responsibility towards the State. The citizens should remain alert and protect their rights. If their rights are violated, they should raise their voice against it.
3. Education:
‘The citizens should participate in governmental work in an intelligent way. This is possible only when the bulk of population is educated. By education we do not mean only book learning, butan intelligence “elevated by honour, purified by sympathy and stimulated by a sense of duty to the community.” Education makes people responsible and responsive. It helps men to choose the right and reject the wrong, be it an argument, a policy or a person.
Democracy means government by discussion and debate, but there cannot be any fruitful debate or ‘ discussion amongst people who are illiterate., and ignorant. Education sharpens the human intellect and enables men to think and decide on the right lines. It is only the educated electorate that will elect the right type of persons to government, ‘persons’ who will adopt the right type of policies to promote the maximum of public good.
4. Local Self-Government:
It is quite essential for the success of democracy that the administration should be a decentralized one. Bryce observes that without the
existence of local self-government institutions, people cannot develop the spirit of independence. Panchayats, municipal committees, Zila Parishads etc. give training of governing over themselves. Slowly and gradually every individual acquires the quality ofgoveming his country.
This way the people develop political consciousness and start taking interest in their own problems. If the membership of a local self¬government institution is made compulsory for becoming a member of the legislature, then only able and capable persons would be elected to the legislature.
5. Protection of Fundamental Rights:
In a democratic State people are granted various fundamental rights, with the help of which they can participate in the administration of the State and this would help in the development of their personality. These rights should be protected by the Constitution so that no administrator violates them. Fundamental rights help in the development of individual personality.
6. Economic Equality and Security:
Economic equality and security is also an essential condition for the success of democracy. It is remarked that extremeness of wealth and poverty militate against the spirit of democracy. Moreover, citizens cannot enjoy political equality in the absence of economic equality.
If there is too much gulf between the rich and the poor, democracy becomes a misnomer only. For example, in U. S. A. and India democracy exists only for the rich people because it is they who control the government on account of their immense wealth. Thus an equal distribution of wealth which checks the capitalist to exploit the labour class, is an essential condition for the success of democracy.
7. Freedom of Press:
Democracy cannot flourish best without the freedom of press. This is essential both to keep the government always on its right path by pointing out defects and to form the public opinion for the welfare of the whole society. A free and an independent pressexposes the arbitrary activities of government when it behaves undemocratically.
On the other hand, it enables the government to shape its policy in accordance with the public opinion. One of the shortcomings of present democracy and the cause of its decline is the absence of an independent and free press. The government should not impose restrictions on newspapers. The newspapers help in conveying to the government the views of the people.
8. Toleration:
Spirit of toleration in the people is most essential for the success of democracy. The working of modem party system is such that it requires a great spirit of toleration for the differences of opinion. Though this toleration can never be absolute, but still the active wdrkers and leaders of political parties must patiently tolerate the attacks of their rival parties.
All citizens should be open and broadminded and must be ready for conviction. Thus the citizens must possess a spirit of national character and national habits which .provide equal opportunities to all for successful working of democratic system of government.
9. Well-organized Political Parties:
Political parties occupy an important place in a democracy. These political parties should be well organized and should be based on political or economic grounds. If the political parties are based on religion or language or caste, they create disunity in the people. The people must posses a strong sense of solidarity and univy in order to make democracy a successful form of government.
A society tom by religious and caste differences will not be able to show that unity, harmony and like mindedness which compel people to sacrifice their selfish interests for the sake of national interests. Well-organized political parties extend political education to the people. They make a constructive criticism of the policies of the government. They express their views on general problems of the State and this way help in making democracy a success.
10. Sound Public Opinion:
For the successful working of democracy, it is necessary that there should be a sound public opinion, a sensitive social conscience and an effective general will.
11. Peace and Order:
It is essential for the success of democracy that there should be perfect peace and order in the State. Democracy can never be a success in the presence of disputes, disorder and revolts. This type of administration cannot be successful if there are wars and disorder.
12. Independence of Judiciary:
An independent Judiciary plays an important role in making democracy successful. An independent judiciary protects the individual liberty in a better way and people can make use of their rights quite finely.
13. Written Constitution:
A written Constitution makes democracy more successful because its violation can be declared all at once as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the country. But if the Constitution is unwritten, the government can change the provisions according to its own selfish interest after ignoring the wishes of the people.
14. No Centralisation of Power: For the success of democracy there should be no Centralisation of powers.
15. Free and Fair Elections: Free and fair elections are the important conditions for the successful working of- democracy.
Are these conditions available in India?
Is there a suitable atmosphere in India for the success of Democracy? This question is t confronting people here. Though Democracy was established in India from 1947, yet many people opine that it is not proper for India. Those who doubt the success of Democracy in India believe that the country doesn’t possess adequate atmosphere for the same. India, lacks following conditions:
1. Lack of Enlightened Citizenship: The citizens of India don’t take interest in administration and moreover they don’t abide by their rights and duties honestly.
2. Illiterate Citizens: Most of the citizens in India are illiterate and rough. So they under the influence of clever leaders, wrongly cast their votes and elect misfit representative.
3. Lack of High Moral Standard: The citizens of India don’t possess high moral standard. Every work can be done by bribe and recommendation.
4. Economic Inequality: The wealth of the country is centred in few people’s hands. As a result thousands of people are unemployed and can’t get two square meals a day. The poor man sells his vote.
5. Social Inequality: Untouchability is all powerful in India even today.
6. Multi-Party System: Many parties are present in India and every day a new . party comes into existence. Many parties are organised on religious basis and some parties believe in using violent means.
All these factors show that future of Democracy in India is not bright. Therefore, some people are of the view that Democracy in India should be abolished and Dictatorship should be established in its place.
No doubt all those conditions are not present in India which are essential for the successful working of democracy. But our government right from the very beginning started making efforts for creating an atmosphere which is essential for the success of democracy. The government made efforts to spread education and in this field tremendous progress has been made so far.
Efforts are being made to establish a socialist society so that economic and social equality may come to stay on in the country. People are now conscious of their rights and duties. They are developing national character now. We can say that at present proper atmosphere for the proper functioning of democracy does not exist in the country but all out efforts are being made to create a proper atmosphere.
Question 5.
What is dictatorship? What are its features?
Answer:
Though modern age is considered to be an age of democracy, but the fact remains that it is becoming an age of dictatorship. It is quite true that democracy is indispensable for bright future, but dictatorship is found in many countries of the world. Latin America, Africa and several countries in Asia have dictatorial rule. Dictatorial government is most primitive because ancient Rome and Greece had this system.
But the word ‘dictatorship’ came into use only after the First World War. Throughout the course of history, powerful men haji often come on the scene and dominated the administration of government. Some of these had even enjoyed the support of public opinion and got full obedience in times of war and other emergencies. But the modem dictatorship is quite different from the ancient one. Modem dictatorship is the result of the First World War. Dictatorship means the rule of one powerful man without any regard for the wishes of the people.
It prevailed in so many modem States after the First World War. For example Italy came under the heels of Fascist leader Mussolini in 1922. The economic dislocation of Germany made Hitler the virtual dictator of the country. In Yugoslavia, King Alexander dismissed the Parliament and suspended the Constitution. In Rumania, King Carol established his royal dictatorship in 1931. Besides these States, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, Spain and Poland also came under the sway of such dictators.
U. S. S. R. witnessed another kind of dictatorship i.e., dictatorship of the Proletariat. Dictatorship in other countries of the world may be termed as the dictatorship of the capitalist class over the workers for exploitation. But the common feature between both these kinds of dictatorships is the rule of one person or a single group and existence of only one party in the State.
According to Ford, “Dictatorship is the assumption of extra legal authority by the Head of the state.”
According to Alfred, Dictatorship is the government of one man who has not primarily obtained his position by inheritance, but by either force or consent and normally by a combination of both. He must possess absolute sovereignty, that is all political power must ultimately emanate from his will and it must be unlimited in scope. It must be exercised more or less frequently in an arbitrary manner by decree rather than by law, and finally it must not be limited in duration to any other authority for such restrictions would be incompatible with absolute rule.”
The analysis of Alfred’s definition of dictatorship leads to following conclusions:
- It is a one-man rule.
- It is a combination of force and consent.
- The dictator enjoys unlimited powers.
- The dictator owes responsibility to none.
- The dictator rules over the country in an arbitrary manner by decree and not by law.
- The tenure of dictatorship is not fixed.
Characteristics Of Dictatorship:
Keeping in view the definitions of dictatorship we come to know that it .has the following characteristics:
1. Based on Physical Strength:
Dictatorship is a Government by the powerful man who has a right to exercise authority because of his superior physical force.
2. Arbitrary Rule:
Dictatorship is an arbitrary rule. Hie dictator runs the Government according to his. own sweet will and the other people have no right to participate in the Government. The dictator is not responsible to any other authority for all his actions and policies.
3. Absolute Powers:
The dictator does not exercise authority in accordance with the provisions of any Constitution. He commands law for the people and they 1 must obey his commands.
4. Term not Fixed: The tenure of office of a dictator is not fixed. He remains in i office so far as he can maintain his authority.
5. Either No Party or One Party System:
In a dictatorship either there is no party or there exists only one party. During the dictatorship of Ayub Khan and , Yahaya Khan in Pakistan there existed no political party. In China and in other communist countries there exists only one political party, i.e., the communist party.
6. Totalitarian State:
In dictatorship the concept of a totalitarian State is generally adopted. According to this view-point the State is concerned with all the aspects of individual’s like and it can interfere in the fives of the individuals whenever it thinks necessary. People are considered the means and the State an end. The people exist for the State and not the State for the people.
7. No Rights:
In a dictatorship rights are not given to the citizens. They are not allowed to express their opinion or criticise, and those who venture to do so are sent to Concentration Camps or slave labour camps or liquidated. Only those rights which are allowed by the dictator can be enjoyed by the people.
8. Control over Means of Communication:
All agencies of public opinion and means of communication are controlled and censored by the State.
9. Wide Gulf between Dictator and People:
In a dictatorship, there is a wide gulf between the dictator and the people and there is no distinction between state and government.
Question 6.
Discuss the merits and demerits of dictatorship.
Answer:
Merits Of Dictatorship:
Following are the merits of dictatorship:
1. Strong Administration:
The administration under a dictator is always very strong. The dictator suppresses disorder and opposition with a strong hand and he gives his country a strong government which can perform its functions well. Nobody under a dictatorial type of regime can dare disobey the orders of government and anybody violating the laws is severely punished.
The people obey the laws not because they like them but because they are afraid of punishment. Whatever the dictator does, he does it according to his own will. In such a system of government, corruption, favouritism and nepotism are rooted out speedily.
2. Administration becomes Stable and Efficient:
The administration under a dictator is always stable and efficient. The administration is not responsible to the public and the dictator remains in office till his death. There is no change in administration and the same policy continues for long. The dictator spares no effort to make administration efficient for he knows that the people will continue to support him as long as he carries on the administration efficiently.
History knows that dictators successfully solved the problems which the democratic governments could not. In dictatorship the judiciary co-operates with the administration and it never gives a decision against the government. AH the citizens and the officials are always afraid of the dictator’s strong rule and they never do anything wrong.
3. Useful in Emergency:
Dictatorial government is very useful in emergencies and crises. The dictator organizes, a strong army in order to establish a strong and stable government. He requires the establishment of a strong and powerful army in order to make himself strong. The dictator always rules with the help of a strong military force and he makes the people obey laws through the fear of punishment.
The major portion of the income of the country is spent on the military. All the big officers of the government are from the army and the administration is normally run from the military point of- view. In this system of government the cases are decided very speedily. The dictator does not feel the need of taking the advice of anybody for making a decision. He always sticks to his decision and never changes the decision under pressure. Under such circumstances the country can face emergencies and crises successfully.
4. Progress:
In this form of government the nation makes tremendous progress. The State becomes self-sufficient and there is no scarcity of anything. The country makes progress in all the fields of life. The problems which are not easily solved in a parliamentary form of government?are speedily solved by a dictator. The prices of essential goods are not made to shoot up.
Art, literature and agriculture progress under a dictator. Corruption is rooted out completely. The people develop? the spirit of patriotism and they are always ready to sacrifice their lot for the country. Individual has no importance and he is sacrificed at the alter of the State.
5. Prestige in the International Field:
A dictator makes his country strong and increases its power and prestige in the; international field. The country becomes self-sufficient and its military power increases. The country gets an important place in the international field, and it is all because of its military strength. No I other country can easily attack the country where there is dictatorship. A country ruled by a dictator is always counted as a first rate power.
6. National Solidarity. In dictatorship the individuals are completely subordinated to the authority of the dictator. The people do not enjoy the right to freedom of speech and expression. These rights to some extent are deterimental to the unity of the nation. The dictators generally create an atmosphere of war. All this helps in the development of patriotic feelings and national solidarity.
7. Less Expensive:
Dictatorship is less expensive whereas democratic government\is very costly. In dictatorship one does not find the costly luxuries of insecure and superfluous posts, particularly committees, sub-committees and commissions.
Demerits Of Dictatorship:
1. Despotic Government:
A dictator is an absolute ruler of the State. The dictator is not responsible to anybody for his actions and policies. His will is law for the people. People cannot expect justice at the hands of the ruler. The orders of the dictator are laws for the people. They may or may not like the laws but they render obedience to them. Atrocities are committed over the people and their wishes are not respected by the dictator. .
2. It attaches no importance to the individual:
In dictatorship the individual is not attached any importance.The State is an end and the individual is a means to achieve that end. The individual fives for the State and it is not the State which is to exist for the individual. The individual can he sacrificed for the progress, safety and security of the State.
It is the sacred duty of the individual to obey the laws of the State. The orders of the State are the orders of the dictator. It is expected that the individual will always remain loyal to the State. The individual is expected to sacrifice himself at the altar of the State.
3. No individual Liberty to the People:
Individuals are not granted civil liberties and other rights in dictatorship. Everybody, of course, is provided two times meals in this form of government but he is denied the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to criticise the government. The individuals cannot express their opinions freely and they are not permitted to criticise the wrongs of the government.
People cannot organize themselves politically and they cannot even agitate against the government. The freedom of expression is even denied to newspapers. The newspapers cannot publish news against the government. Man does not live by bread alone, he requires so many other things which are essential for the development of his personality. The individual cannot develop his personality to the full if he does not breathe in a free atmosphere. He must enjoy some rights and should live in a free atmosphere. He gains confidence if he is. permitted to live in such an atmosphere.
4. Government is Unstable:
The government under a dictator is unstable, because it is not based on the will of the people. The dictator rules with the help of force and he gets his orders obeyed by the people by the use of force. If the dictator fails to maintain a strong military, he may not be able to continue in office for long because any other powerful person may replace him.
The people can also raise the standard of revolt against the dictator if his rule is not just and he commits atrocities on the people. It is an admitted fact that anything which is based on force cannot last long, because the people cannot tolerate unjust rule for long.
5. Problem of Successor of the Dictators:
There is a defect in this system of government that there is no definite method of appointing a successor to the dictator. It is not essential that the son of a dictator would be as able and powerful as his father. It has been observed that after the death of the dictator, there is a struggle amongst his party members to capture authority and sometimes it so happens that there is a great blood-shed to capture power.
6. War is Natural:
In dictatorship war is considered natural and essential and battles are fought against other countries in order to attain glory. A dictator always talks in terms of war in order to divert the attention of the people from political and economic problems of the country. The dictator fights battles in order to extend his territories. However, strong and powerful country may be, the war results in a big loss even to that country. War affects badly the economic condition of the country. War disturbs the peace of the world. In a war thousands of people lay down their lives.
Question 7.
Distinguish between the democracy and dictatorship.
Or
If you were to choose between democracy and dictatorship which one would you prefer? Give arguments to support your answer.
Or
Distinguish between democratic government and authoritarian government.
Answer:
Though modem age is considered to be an age of democracy, but the fact remains that it is becoming an age of dictatorship. It is quite true that democracy is indispensable for bright future, but dictatorship is found in, many countries of the world. Latin America, Africa and several countries in Asia have dictatorial rule. Dictatorship is completely opposite to democracy. If I am asked to choose one of the two then my preference is for democracy. Without any doubt democracy is the best form of government and it is very clear from the comparison between democracy and dictatorship.
| Democracy | Dictatorship |
| 1. Govt, of the People: Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. In a democracy the people rule the country either directly or indirectly. Democracy is a government by the people themselves. | 1.Govt, of One Man or One Party: In dictatorship the powers of the government are concentrated in the hands of one person or one party. In dictatorship people have no participation in government. |
| 2. Based on Public Opinion: Democracy is based on public opinion. It rests on the consent of the people. | 2. Based on Force: Dictatorship is based on force. Dictators run the government on the basis of force. |
| 3. Govt, can be changed by Peaceful Methods: Democratic government can be changed by the people whenever they so desire. Government is changed by peaceful methods e.g. by election. | 3. Govt, can be changed by Revolution: Dictatorship cannot be changed by peaceful methods because no elections are held. Govt, can be changed by revolution only. |
| 4. Development of the Personality of the Individual: In a democracy the aim of the government is to develop the personality of the individual. The state is a mean, while individual is an end. | 4. Development of the State: In dictatorship importance is given to the state and not to the individual. The end of the state is development of the state. The state is the end, while individual is the means. |
| 5. Importance to Individual Liberty: In democracy liberty and rights are given to the citizens. | 5. No Liberty and No Rights: In dictatorship rights are not given to the citizens. |
| 6. Based on Equality: Democracy is based on equality and it ensures the equality of rights. Everybody is equal before law and everybody has the opportunity to progress in life | 6. No Importance to Equality: In dictatorship no importance is given to the principle of equality. Some persons are considered superior and everybody is not given the right to participate. |
| 7. Belief in Peace: Democracy believes in peace and it is against violence and war. | 7. Belief in War and Violence: Dictatorship believes in war and violence. |
| 8. Against Imperialism: Democracy is against imperialism and it believes that every nation has the right to freedom. | 8. Belief in Imperialism: Dictators believe in the policy of expansion. In dictatorship slogan is given ‘Expand or Perish.’ |
| 9. Decision by Discussion: In democracy decisions are taken after lot of discussion. | 9. No Importance to Discussion: In dictatorship no importance is given to discussion. Decisions are taken by the dictator without any discussion. |
| 10. Right to Criticise the Govt: In democracy people have the right to criticise the government. | 10. No Right to Criticise the Govt: In dictatorship people have no right to criticise the government. |
| 11.Existence of Political Parties a Necessity: In democracy the existence of political parties are essential. Democratic government cannot work successfully without political parties. | 11. No Political Party or one Party: In dictatorship either there is no political party or there is only one political party. In China there is only one political party. |
| 12. Distinction between State and Govt: In democracy distinction is maintained between State and Govt. | 12. No Distinction between State and Govt: In dictatorship no distinction is maintained between State and Govt. |
| 13. Responsibility of the Government: In democracy government is responsible to the people. If the people indicate a lack of confidence over the government, the government will have to resign. | 13. Irresponsible Govt: In authoritarian system government is not responsible to the people or to the legislature. |
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain the meaning of democracy.
Answer:
The term democracy is derived from the Greek words—demos and krates, the former meaning ‘the people’ and the latter ‘power’. Democracy thus means ‘power of the people’ or *rule of the multitude’. Democracy means that the government of the state is to be run by the people. People will have a share in the administration of the state. Aristotle has called this type of Government as polity and in his view this is the best type of Government.
According to Dicey, “Democracy is a government in which the governing body is comparatively a large fraction of entire nation.” According to Seeley, “Democracy is a Government in which everyone has a share. According to Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Question 2.
Explain the fundamental principles of democracy.
Answer:
Democray is based on the following fundamental principles :
- Sovereignty resides in the people and administration is run in accordance with the wishes of the people.
- The administration is run by the people either directly or indirectly.
- Everybody has a share in the administration.
- In a democracy, citizens enjoy Fundamental Rights.
Question 3.
What are the merits of democracy?
Answer:
- As compared to monarchial or aristocratic governments, democracy is indeed the best form of government.
- It is the only form of government which is more popular in the modem world because it rests on the consent of the public opinion.
- Democratic Government gives political education to the people.
- A democratic govt, is always stable and responsible.
Question 4.
What are the demerits of democracy?
Answer:
- It is said that a democratic govt, is a government by the incompetent and the ignorant.
- It gives more importance to quantity rather than to quality.
- Democratic government is wasteful and expensive.
- There is no possibility of progress of civilisation and culture in democratic government.
Question 5.
Discuss four conditions that are essential for a successful democracy.
Answer:
1. Enlightened Citizenship:
Enlightened citizenship is the first condition for the success of democracy. Every individual in a democracy must be prepared to perform his duties in a sincere manner.
2. Education:
The citizens should participate in governmental work in an intelligent way. This is possible only when the bulk of population is educated. Education makes people responsible and responsive.
3. Local Self-Government:
It is quite essential for the success of democracy that the administration should be a decentralized one. Bryce observes that without the existence of local self-government institutions, people cannot develop the spirit of independence.
4. Fundamental Rights should be protected by the Constitution so that no administrator violates them.
Question 6.
Define dictatorship.
Answer:
Dictatorship means the rule of one powerful man without any regard for the wishes of the people.
According to Ford, “Dictatorship is the assumption of extra legal authority by the Head of the state.”
According to Alfred, ‘Dictatorship is the government of one man who has not primarily obtained his position by inheritance, but by either force or consent and normally by a combination of both. He must possess absolute sovereignty, that is all political power must ultimately emanate from his will and it must be unlimited in scope. It must be exercised more or less frequently in an arbitrary manner by decree rather than by law, and finally it must not be limited in duration to any other authority for such restrictions would be incqmpatible with absolute rule.”
Question 7.
What are the main features of Dictatorship?
Answer:
- Dictatorship is a government by the powerful man who has a right to exercise authority because of his superior physical force.
- Dictatorship is an arbitrary rule. The dictator run the govt, according to his own sweet will.
- The tenure of office of dictator is not fixed. He remains in office so far as he can maintain his authority.
- In a dictatorship either there is no party or there exists only one party.
Question 8.
What, are the merits of dictatorship?
Answer:
- Strong Administration. The administration under a dictator is always very strong. The dictator suppresses disorder and opposition with a strong hand.
- Administration becomes stable and efficient. The administration is not responsible to the public and dictator remains in office till his death.
- Useful in Emergency. Dictatorial govt, is very useful in emergencies and crises. He requires the establishment of a strong and powerful army in order to make strong and stable govt.
- Progress. In this form of govt, the nation makes tremendous progress.
Question 9.
Make a brief distinction between democracy and dictatorship.
Or
Bring out distinction between democratic and authoritarian government.
Answer:
- Democracy is the rule of people while dictatorship is rule of one man or one party.
- Democracy is based on public opinion, while dictatorship is based on force.
- In democracy government can be changed by peaceful methods, while in dictatorship government can be changed only by revolution.
- Democracy emphasises on individual rights and freedom, while in dictatorship no rights and freedom.
Question 10.
What is Direct Democracy?
Answer:
In direct democracy people directly participate in the government of the country. The entire population forms an assembly for the purpose of making laws. People discuss the problems of the state and control the state machinery. But it is not possible to practise : direct democracy completely in the present age. Modem devices of direct democracy are Initiative, Referendum, Recall and Plebiscite.
Question 11.
What do you understand by direct democratic devices? Mention one device of direct democracy.
Answer:
Direet democracy is the real or true democracy. In such a system of government the people directly participate in the government of the country. The system prevailed in the jpast in India, Rome and Greek City States. The population of States used to be very less in tljpse days and very few people enjoyed the rights of citizenship. It was possible for the people to assemble at a particular, place for the purpose of law making in those times.
But it is not possible to practise direct democracy completely in the present age. But some devices have been used in certain countries to remove the defects of indirect democracy. Switzerland is famous for the use of these democracy devices. These devices are-Initiative, Referendum, Recall and Plesbiscite.
Question 12.
Distinguish between Direct and Indirect democracy with examples.
Answer:
Democracy is of two types-Direct democracy and Indirect democracy. Following are the differences between
the two :
- In direct democracy people participate in law-making, while in indirect democracy people indirectly participate in the government.
- In direct democracy people directly participate in law-making, while in indirect democrcy participation in law-making is indirect.
- Selection of magistrates is directly in indirect democracy, while in direct democracy selection of magistrates is indirectly.
- In direct democracy the institutions of initiative, referendum and recall exist, but no initiative and referendum in direct democracy.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain the meaning of democracy.
Answer:
The term democracy is derived from the Greek words-demos and krates, the former meaning ‘the people’ and the latter ‘power’. Democracy thus means ‘power of the people’ or ‘rule of the multitude’. Democracy means that the government of the state is to be run by the people.
Question 2.
Define Democracy.
Answer:
According to Dicey, “Democracy is a government in which the governing body is comparatively a large fraction of entire nation.” According to Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Question 3.
Explain the fundamental principles of democracy.
Answer:
Democray is based on the following fundamental principles :
- Sovereignty resides in the people and administration is run in accordance with the wishes of the people.
- The administration is run by the people either directly or indirectly.
Question 4.
Discuss the merits of democracy?
Answer:
- As compared to monarchial or aristocratic governments, democracy is indeed the best form of government.
- It is the only form of government which is more popular in the modern world because it rests on the consent of the public opinion.
Question 5.
Discuss the demerits of democracy?
Answer:
- It is said that a democratic govt, is a government by the incompetent and the ignorant.
- It gives more importance to quantity rather than to quality.
Question 6.
Define dictatorship.
Answer:
Dictatorship means the rule of one powerful man without any regard for the wishes of the people.
According to Ford, ‘Dictatorship is the assumption of extra legal authority by the Head of the state.”
Question 7.
What are the main features of Dictatorship?
Answer:
- Dictatorship is a government by the powerful man who-has a right to exercise authority because of his superior physical force.
- Dictatorship is an arbitrary rule. The dictator run the govt, according to his own sweet will.
Question 8.
What are the merits of dictatorship?
Answer:
- Strong Administration: The administration under a dictator is always very strong. The dictator suppresses disorder and opposition with a strong hand.
- Administration becomes Stable and Efficient: The administration is not responsible to the public and dictator remains in office till his death.
Question 9.
Make a brief distinction between democracy and dictatorship.
Answer:
- Democracy is the rule of people while dictatorship is rule of one man or one party.
- Democracy is based on public opinion, while dictatorship is based on force.
One Word to One Sentence Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain any one factors which determine the form of government.
Answer:
Size of the population determines the form of government.
Question 2.
Mention the basis of Aristole in classification of state.
Answer:
- Number of persons
- The end or aim of the government.
Question 3.
Give one definition of Democracy.
Answer:
According to Abraham Lincoln,“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Question 4.
Explain any one basic principles of democracy.
Answer:
The administration is run by the people either directly or undirectly.
Question 5.
Write down any one feature of dictatorship.
Answer:
Dictatorship is a Government by the powerful man who had right to exercise authority because of his superior physical force.
Question 6.
Write down any one demerits of dictatorship.
Answer:
Individuals are not granted civil liberties and other rights in dictatorship.
Fill in the blanks
1. Aristotle has classified the state on the basis of ………………… of persons in whom the sovereign power is vested.
Answer:
Number
2. In ………………… Democracy thf people directly participate in the government of the country.
Answer:
Direct
3. Indirect democracy is also called as ………………… democracy.
Answer:
Representative
4. The administration under a ………………… is always very strong.
Answer:
Dictator
5. The dictator is not ………………… to any body for his action, policies.
Answer:
Responsible.
True or False statement:
1. Federal government is suitable for big states and unitory governments for small states.
Answer:
True
2. According to Lincoln,“Democracy is a government in which everyone had a share.
Answer:
False
3. Enlightened citizenship is the first condition for the success of democracy.
Answer:
True
4. Democracy is of five types.
Answer:
False
5. Democracy based on public opinion while dictatorship based on force.
Answer:
True
Choose The Correct Answer
Question 1.
The term democracy is derived from which of the following Greek words :
(A) Demos and Cratia
(B) Casta
(C) Famulus
(D) Pocta.
Answer:
(A) Demos and Cratia
Question 2.
“Democracy is a government of the people, for the people and by the people.”
(A) AB. Hal
(B) Abraham Lincoln
(C) Aristotle
(D) Herodotus.
Answer:
(B) Abraham Lincoln
Question 3.
Which of the following is the basis of democracy?
(A) Equality
(B) Liberty
(C) Fraternity
(D) All of the above.
Answer:
(D) All of the above.
Question 4.
Which of the following is the feature of dictatorship?
(A) It is based on equality
(B) It is based on public opinion
(C) The dictator enjoys unlimited powers
(D) It ifr based on rule of law.
Answer:
(C) The dictator enjoys unlimited powers
Question 5.
Which one of following is merit of dictatorship?
(A) Strong Administration
(B) Weak Government
(C) No Individual Liberty
(D) Less Expensive.
Answer:
(A) Strong Administration