Democracy Chapter 1: What is Democracy?
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Questions and Answers

What is one major responsibility of elected rulers in a democratic government?

Elected rulers must take all the major decisions.

How does a democratic government ensure the rights of minorities?

A democratic government respects certain guarantees for minorities.

What is essential for ensuring that elections in a democracy are fair?

Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity for people to change the current rulers.

What does it mean for a democratic government to be limited by the constitution?

<p>A democratic government operates within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for all citizens to have equal access to election opportunities?

<p>Equal access ensures that every citizen has the same chance to exercise their right to vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolized by the crown of leaves on democracy?

<p>The crown of leaves symbolizes victory, peace, and the achievements of democratic governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the role of elected representatives differ from military officials in a democracy?

<p>Elected representatives are chosen by the people and are accountable to them, while military officials are usually unelected and hold power without direct public consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the nature of power in dictatorships and monarchies?

<p>Power often rests with individuals who are not democratically elected, leading to a lack of true representative governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the cartoon, what is the significance of General Musharraf's power?

<p>General Musharraf's power signifies how military leaders can exert control over a government that appears to be democratic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a parliament to be 'formally' elected but not hold real power?

<p>It means that while elections may occur, the decisions are made by those who are not elected, undermining the democracy's fundamental principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can democracy coexist with military influence, according to the context provided?

<p>Democracy can coexist with military influence when political authorities are constrained or controlled by military leaders, creating a façade of democratic authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical context in Latin America is suggested by the cartoon?

<p>The historical context suggests a pattern of military rule and the undermining of democratic processes in various Latin American countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of both an elected parliament and military control indicate about governance?

<p>It indicates that governance may be superficial if the elected officials lack genuine power, indicating a potential democratic deficit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is public consent critical in a democracy?

<p>Public consent is critical in a democracy because it legitimizes the authority of elected officials and ensures accountability to the electorate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of computers as described by Matilda Lyngdoh?

<p>Computers were originally used for computing, specifically for calculating difficult mathematical sums.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Merry challenge the approach to understanding the meaning of democracy?

<p>Merry believes that the meaning should be approached before examples, suggesting we should clarify definitions first.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lyngdoh Madam, when do we typically need definitions for words?

<p>Definitions are needed when we encounter difficulties in using a word or distinguishing it from similar terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using a word before fully understanding its definition, according to the discussion?

<p>Using a word helps us to understand its meaning through context and experience rather than relying solely on definitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What example does Lyngdoh Madam use to illustrate the need for definitions?

<p>She uses the example of 'rain' to explain the necessity of a clear definition to distinguish it from drizzle or cloudburst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What point does Merry make about the words 'pen', 'rain', and 'love' in her discussion?

<p>Merry questions whether we need clear definitions for commonly used words and suggests that their meanings can be fluid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lyngdoh Madam agree with Merry's point about the definition and usage of words?

<p>She agrees because the meanings of words evolve through usage, and we sometimes need definitions to clarify those meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some basic rights mentioned that citizens should have in a democracy?

<p>Citizens should have the right to think, express opinions, form associations, protest, and take political actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one law in Zimbabwe that restricted democratic rights?

<p>There was a law that limited the right to criticise the President.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was media controlled in Zimbabwe according to the passage?

<p>Television and radio were controlled by the government, and they only presented the ruling party's version.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of democracy provided in the text?

<p>Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for there to be an independent judiciary in a democracy?

<p>An independent judiciary ensures that rights are protected and that government orders are obeyed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do independent newspapers play in a democracy?

<p>Independent newspapers provide alternative viewpoints and challenge government narratives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does equality under the law mean in the context of democracy?

<p>It means that everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law, with the same rights and protections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can citizens express their democratic rights?

<p>Citizens can express their rights through protests, public opinions, and forming associations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the implication of the government's actions against opposition in Zimbabwe?

<p>The government declared demonstrations against it illegal, limiting citizens' ability to express dissent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage suggest society should respond to violations of citizen rights?

<p>Society should discuss and advocate for the protection of basic rights in the face of government actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the political status of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe's leadership until 2017?

<p>Zimbabwe was ruled by ZANU-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, who maintained power through regular elections that were often won through unfair practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Robert Mugabe's government change the constitution?

<p>Mugabe's government altered the constitution multiple times to increase presidential powers and reduce accountability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the case of Zimbabwe illustrate about democracy?

<p>It shows that popular approval of rulers is necessary, but insufficient for a true democracy, which also requires accountability and fair practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the conditions for political activity in Zimbabwe before elections?

<p>Political opposition faced harassment, meetings were disrupted, and public protests were often suppressed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does popular leadership play in determining the nature of a government?

<p>Popular leaders can still be autocratic, demonstrating that popularity does not inherently equate to democratic governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Robert Mugabe forced out of office?

<p>Robert Mugabe was forced out of office in 2017.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a democracy in addition to periodic elections?

<p>There must be sufficient room for normal political activity, including the ability for opposition parties to operate freely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pressure did judges in Zimbabwe face during Mugabe's rule?

<p>Judges faced pressure that compromised their independence, impacting the fairness of governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Mugabe's popularity have on his ruling practices?

<p>Despite Mugabe's popularity, he employed unfair practices in elections to maintain his grip on power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be evaluated before and after elections to assess a democracy?

<p>It's important to look at the political environment and the treatment of opposition parties both before and after elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Word meanings change over time

The way we understand and use words evolves over time. New technologies and changing social contexts influence how we define words. For example, "computer" originally meant a calculator, but now it encompasses a broad range of applications.

Why do we need Definitions?

We define words when we encounter difficulties in understanding or using them. We need a precise definition of "democracy" because different governments use it for various purposes.

Everyday Language vs. Formal Definitions

Directly applying a word without first clearly understanding its meaning is similar to everyday language. We use words like "pen", "rain", and "love" in our daily lives, even without a formal definition.

Thinking about meaning

To grasp the meaning of a word, we have to engage in critical thinking and develop our own understanding. There's no shortcut to thinking about the essence of a word and creating our own definition.

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Defining a 'Pen'

For example, to define "pen" clearly, we need to differentiate it from similar items like a pencil, brush, chalk, or crayon. A pen writes with ink, whereas a pencil uses graphite.

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What is Democracy?

"Democracy" is a complex concept that has different meanings and interpretations. We need a clear definition of democracy to understand the different forms of government that claim to be democratic.

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Democracy

The act of choosing leaders through voting. In democracy, the people directly or indirectly choose representatives to make decisions.

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Monarchy

A system where a single person holds absolute power, often inherited or gained through force, not through elections.

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Dictatorship

A system where a single person or small group holds absolute power, often gained through a coup or revolution, not through elections.

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Parliament

A group of people elected by the people to make laws and decisions. They often have the authority to make final choices.

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Government

A body of people responsible for running the government. They are chosen by the people or by the parliament.

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Formal vs. Actual Power

A situation where the official power seems democratic but in reality, decisions are controlled by unelected individuals or groups.

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Military Junta

A group of military personnel who have seized control of a country, often through force, and rule without democratic legitimacy.

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Limited Democracy

When the people have limited or no power to choose their leaders and their choices are controlled by a small group.

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Militarization of Politics

A situation where the military holds the most power and influences major decisions despite the presence of an elected government.

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Regular Elections

Holding regular elections where people can choose their leaders, is a crucial sign of a democracy.

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Political Opposition

In a democracy, it is important to have more than one political party competing for power. This allows for different perspectives and choices for voters.

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Freedom of Speech and Assembly

The ability for people to express their opinions and engage in peaceful protests without fear of reprisal, is essential for a democracy.

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Unfair Election Practices

A type of election where the process is unfair and lacks transparency, often manipulated by the ruling party to ensure their victory.

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Popular Autocrat

A situation where a popular leader uses their power to control the government in an undemocratic way.

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Unlimited Power

The possibility for a government to hold power indefinitely, with no opposition or change, can be a threat to democracy.

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Popular Approval vs. Democracy

People's approval of their rulers is a sign of success, but it's not enough to guarantee a truly democratic government.

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Right to free speech and association

People must have the freedom to express their opinions publicly, participate in discussions, and form groups to advocate for their views.

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Equality before law

Everyone should be treated the same way under the law, regardless of their background or beliefs.

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Independent Judiciary

A system of independent judges ensures fair and impartial application of laws, free from political influence.

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Why are independent media important?

A group of independent newspapers and media outlets provide diverse perspectives and hold the government accountable.

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What are checks and balances?

Limitations on the power of the ruling party, preventing them from controlling all aspects of society and information.

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Right to protest

The right to peacefully protest against government policies and actions is essential in a democracy.

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Importance of criticism of the government

The ability to criticize the government and hold them accountable for their actions is a cornerstone of democracy.

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Why is access to information important?

Ensuring that everyone has access to accurate information and diverse viewpoints contributes to a healthy democracy.

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What is the government's role in protecting rights?

The government's role is to respect and uphold basic human rights, creating a more just and equitable society.

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What is a key feature of democracy?

The process of choosing leaders through elections, where everyone has a fair chance to vote.

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What are the limits on a democratic government?

In a democracy, the government is not all-powerful. It must operate within limits set by the constitution, which protects the fundamental rights of citizens.

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How is a democratic government held accountable?

Democratic governments are regularly held accountable to the people through various methods, such as regular elections, and independent institutions.

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What is the importance of consultations in a democracy?

Every major decision in a democracy requires discussions and consultations with various groups and stakeholders to ensure everyone's voices are heard.

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How are minorities protected in a democracy?

Minorities, or groups representing a smaller part of the population, are protected from being unfairly treated or denied their rights in a democracy.

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Study Notes

Chapter 1: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

  • Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people.
  • The aim of this chapter is to clearly understand the basic features of a democratic government.
  • Democracy is the most common form of government globally, and its prevalence is expanding.
  • A key question is why democracy is preferred over other forms of government.

1.1 What is Democracy?

  • Different forms of government have distinguishing features.
  • Defining democracy is important to differentiate it from non-democratic systems.
  • Words evolve in meaning over time, and context is key to interpreting words correctly. Definitions are useful tools for understanding.
  • Defining democracy precisely involves considering its various meanings and practical applications.
  • A simple definition: Democratic governments are those where rulers are elected by the people.
  • A clear definition distinguishes democratic from non-democratic forms of government by identifying specific characteristics—elected representatives and the involvement of citizens in decision-making.

1.2 Features of Democracy

  • Rulers in a democracy are elected by the people.
  • Elections provide a choice to citizens.
  • Each citizen's vote holds equal value in a democracy.
  • Democratic governments are limited by the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.
  • Decisions in democracies involve varied viewpoints and discussions.
  • Democratic governments are accountable to the people.

1.3 Why Democracy?

  • A critical question: is democracy the best form of government?
  • Considerations on why people value democracy:
    • Accountability: Democratic governments are more accountable to citizens. This leads to better decision-making.
    • Responsiveness: Democratic governments are more responsive to the needs of the people.
    • Dignity: Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

1.4 Broader Meanings of Democracy

  • Democracy is more than just a form of government; it also involves the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
  • Democracy extends beyond governmental structures through various forms, such as community and family decision-making methods.
  • Decisions within democratic structures should involve a wide range of participants; everyone should have equal input.

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This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of democracy as presented in Chapter 1. It covers definitions, distinguishing features of democratic and non-democratic systems, and the importance of democracy in modern governance. Understand why democracy is widely preferred across the globe.

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