28 Questions
What is the primary implication of the quotation 'Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor'?
Democracy can lead to individuals being their own worse enemies.
What is the central idea conveyed by the cartoon?
Foreign powers can undermine the democratic process.
What can be inferred about the quotation 'Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary'?
Democracy is necessary because humans are naturally inclined towards injustice.
What is the implication of the quotation 'All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy'?
Democracy can solve all the problems it creates.
What is the common thread among the quotations and the cartoon?
They all provide a nuanced view of democracy's complexities.
What is the primary necessity for a democratic setup to function?
Respect for basic rights of citizens
What can be a limitation of popular governments?
They are autocratic
Why is it important to look at the period before elections in a democracy?
To allow for normal political activity
What is a necessary condition for citizens to engage in political activity?
Freedom to think and express opinions
What is the role of an independent judiciary in a democracy?
To protect the rights of citizens
What is the primary feature of a democracy?
Final decision-making power rests with those elected by the people
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a democratic government?
The real power rests with external powers
What is the name of the parliament in China that has the power to appoint the President?
Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui
In which country did the ruling party win every election until 2000?
Mexico
What is the condition for contesting elections in China?
Membership of the Chinese Communist Party or its allied parties
What is a fundamental principle of democracy?
Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value
How often are elections held in China for the parliament?
Every 5 years
What is an example of a country where the electoral system is discriminatory?
Fiji
What is a characteristic of a democratic election?
Those in power have a fair chance of losing
What was the situation in Saudi Arabia until 2015?
Women did not have the right to vote
What is a principle that has come to be accepted almost all over the world?
One person, one vote, one value
What is a feature of democracy mentioned in the chapter?
The principle of one person, one vote, one value
What is the primary limitation of democracy as a form of government?
It can lead to mistakes and delays in decision making
What is the significance of China's famine of 1958-1961 in the context of democracy?
It was the worst recorded famine in world history
What is the implication of the comparison between India and China during the 1958-1961 famine?
India's democracy prevented a famine of similar magnitude
What is the main argument made by the text about democracy?
Democracy is better than other forms of government
What can be inferred about the dictators mentioned in the text?
They had hidden sides to their dictatorships
What is the main question that the text suggests we face in real life?
Is democracy better than other forms of government?
Study Notes
Democracy and Its Characteristics
- Democracy gives every individual the right to be their own oppressor.
- Democracy is a system where people choose their leaders, but these leaders often tell them what they want to hear.
- Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but his inclination to injustice makes it necessary.
- Democracy ensures that people are governed no better than they deserve.
- All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
Cartoons and Democracy
- A cartoon from Iraq depicts elections held with the presence of US and other foreign powers, implying that true democracy is not possible under external influence.
- Another cartoon, "la DE MOCRACY," questions the concept of democracy and its values.
- A cartoon from Latin America, "Bui Democracy," shows a person with moneybags, suggesting that democracy can be influenced by wealth and power.
Key Features of Democracy
- In a democracy, every adult citizen must have one vote, and each vote must have one value.
- The final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
- Democracy is based on free and fair electoral competition.
Limitations of Democracy
- Democracy does not guarantee good decisions, and people can make mistakes.
- Involving people in decision-making can lead to delays and inefficiencies.
- Frequent changes in leadership can set back big decisions and affect the government's efficiency.
Comparative Governance
- Economists believe that India's democratic system helped prevent a famine like the one in China from 1958-1961.
- Democracy is not the ideal form of government, but it may be better than other forms of governance.
Dictatorships and Hidden Agendas
- A cartoon, "The Hidden Side of Dictatorships," depicts the hidden aspects of dictatorships.
- Dictators like Pinochet, Jaruzelski, Sani Abacha, and Ferdinand Marcos had hidden agendas.
- It is not necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side, but it is often the case.
Assessing Democracy
- Popular approval of rulers is necessary in a democracy, but it is not sufficient.
- Popular leaders can be autocratic, and democratic governments can be undemocratic.
- To assess a democracy, it is essential to look at elections, but also at the political activity before and after elections.
- The state should respect basic rights, such as freedom of thought, expression, and association, and protect these rights through an independent judiciary.
Evaluate the significance of these quotes on democracy, which highlight the irony and complexities of democratic systems. How well do they capture the essence of democracy?
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
