Questions, Activities, and Projects
Q1. Test yourself — What is the meaning of democracy? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
Answer: Meaning of Democracy: Democracy means “Rule of the People” (derived from Greek dēmos and kratos). It is a system of governance where citizens have the power to participate in decision-making, either directly or through representatives.
Difference between Direct and Representative Democracy:
| Feature | Direct Democracy | Representative Democracy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Every citizen participates directly in making decisions. | Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. |
| Suitability | Suitable for small groups (e.g., a classroom or a small village meeting). | Essential for large populations (e.g., a country like India). |
| Example | A class voting on a picnic destination by raising hands. | Citizens voting to elect MPs and MLAs who then make laws in Parliament/Assemblies. |
Q2. Recall the three organs of government. What are their different roles?
Answer: The three organs of government and their roles are:
- Legislature (Law-Making Body):
- Role: To make, modify, or remove laws.
- Structure: Consists of elected representatives (e.g., Parliament at the Centre, Legislative Assemblies in States).
- Executive (Implementing Body):
- Role: To implement (execute) the laws made by the legislature and maintain law and order.
- Structure: Includes the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, and administrative officers (police, IAS, etc.).
- Judiciary (Justice System):
- Role: To interpret laws, settle disputes, punish those who break the law, and ensure fairness.
- Structure: Consists of courts (Supreme Court, High Courts, Lower Courts).
Q3. Why do we need three tiers of government?
Answer: We need three tiers of government (Local, State, and National) for the following reasons:
- Size and Population: In a vast country like India, it is impossible for a single central government to manage the specific needs of every village and town effectively.
- Efficiency: Local problems (like water supply or garbage) are best understood and solved by local people/government. Regional issues (like state police or agriculture) are handled by the State. National issues (like defense or currency) require a central authority.
- Decentralization: It distributes power so that governance reaches the grassroots level, allowing ordinary citizens to participate more effectively in democracy.
Q4. Project: Many of you will remember the lockdown that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make a list of all the actions that were taken at that time? Which tiers of government were involved in managing the situation? What was the role of each of the organs of government?
Answer: Note: This is an activity-based question. Below is a structured response students can use as a reference.
Actions taken during COVID-19:
- Announcement of nationwide lockdown.
- Restriction on travel (trains, flights, buses stopped).
- Closing of schools, colleges, and offices.
- Setting up quarantine centers and hospitals.
- Police patrolling streets to enforce curfew.
Tiers of Government Involved:
- Central Government: Announced the national lockdown policy, provided guidelines, managed international travel, and supplied vaccines.
- State Government: Managed state hospitals, controlled state borders, and organized transport for migrant workers.
- Local Government: Sanitized streets, ensured garbage collection, and delivered essential food supplies to containment zones.
Role of Organs:
- Legislature: Passed the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill to protect healthcare workers and grant powers to the government to combat the virus.
- Executive: The Prime Minister and Chief Ministers made key announcements. Police (Executive) enforced the lockdown on the streets. Doctors (public health executive) treated patients.
- Judiciary: Courts heard cases regarding the plight of migrant workers and ensured that the government provided necessary relief and oxygen supplies efficiently.