Constitutional Democracy and Its Key Principles
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Questions and Answers

What did Dr. B R Ambedkar emphasize as essential for maintaining democracy?

  • A presidential system of government
  • A constitutional framework (correct)
  • A parliamentary system of government
  • A monarch as the head of state
  • What is one of the roles of a constitution in a constitutional democracy?

  • To serve as a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority (correct)
  • To provide a set of laws for the citizens
  • To conduct elections
  • To appoint judges to the supreme court
  • What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances in a constitutional democracy?

  • To elect representatives to the legislature
  • To give absolute power to the president
  • To ensure that each branch of government has some influence over the actions of the others (correct)
  • To appoint a prime minister
  • Which of the following is a feature of constitutional democracy?

    <p>Separation of powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the importance of constitutional democracy?

    <p>It prevents the rise of authoritarianism and ensures responsible and accountable exercise of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a challenge to constitutional democracy?

    <p>Majoritarianism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a constitution guarantee in a constitutional democracy?

    <p>The protection of individual rights and freedoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of constitutional democracy?

    <p>It provides a stable system of governance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does separation of powers prevent in a constitutional democracy?

    <p>The concentration of power in a few hands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does constitutional democracy ensure?

    <p>The protection of minority rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Constitutional Democracy

    Key Principles

    • Dr. B R Ambedkar emphasized the importance of constitutional democracy in maintaining democracy.
    • He believed that a constitutional framework is essential to ensure that democracy is not just a fleeting idea, but a sustainable system of governance.

    Role of Constitution

    • A constitution serves as a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority and protects the rights of minorities.
    • It provides a set of rules and principles that ensure the accountability of those in power.
    • A constitution helps to prevent the concentration of power in a few hands, which can lead to the erosion of democracy.

    Features of Constitutional Democracy

    • Separation of Powers: The constitution ensures that power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judiciary, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
    • Checks and Balances: The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government has some influence over the actions of the others, preventing abuse of power.
    • Protection of Individual Rights: The constitution guarantees the protection of individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.

    Importance of Constitutional Democracy

    • Prevents Tyranny: Constitutional democracy prevents the rise of authoritarianism and ensures that power is exercised in a responsible and accountable manner.
    • Protects Minorities: It ensures that the rights of minorities are protected and their interests are represented.
    • Promotes Stability: Constitutional democracy provides a stable system of governance, which is essential for economic growth and development.

    Challenges to Constitutional Democracy

    • Majoritarianism: The tyranny of the majority can lead to the erosion of constitutional democracy, as the majority may use its power to suppress the rights of minorities.
    • Executive Dominance: The concentration of power in the executive branch can lead to the erosion of constitutional democracy, as the executive may use its power to undermine the legislature and judiciary.
    • Corruption: Corruption can undermine the functioning of constitutional democracy, as those in power may use their position to enrich themselves and their cronies.

    Constitutional Democracy

    Key Principles

    • Constitutional democracy ensures sustainability of democracy as a system of governance.
    • Dr. B R Ambedkar emphasized the importance of a constitutional framework in maintaining democracy.

    Role of Constitution

    • A constitution safeguards against the tyranny of the majority and protects minority rights.
    • It provides a set of rules and principles to ensure accountability of those in power.
    • A constitution prevents concentration of power and erosion of democracy.

    Features of Constitutional Democracy

    Separation of Powers

    • Power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
    • This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

    Checks and Balances

    • Each branch of government has some influence over the actions of the others.
    • This prevents abuse of power and ensures accountability.

    Protection of Individual Rights

    • The constitution guarantees protection of individual rights and freedoms.
    • Examples include freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.

    Importance of Constitutional Democracy

    • Prevents tyranny and authoritarianism.
    • Ensures responsible and accountable exercise of power.
    • Protects minority rights and represents their interests.
    • Provides a stable system of governance for economic growth and development.

    Challenges to Constitutional Democracy

    Threats to Constitutional Democracy

    • Majoritarianism: tyranny of the majority can lead to erosion of constitutional democracy.
    • Executive dominance: concentration of power in the executive branch can lead to erosion of constitutional democracy.
    • Corruption: undermines functioning of constitutional democracy and leads to abuse of power.
    • Concentration of power: can lead to erosion of democracy and abuse of power.

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    Learn about the importance of constitutional democracy in governance, its role in protecting minorities, and the principles that ensure its sustainability.

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