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Questions and Answers
What is the fundamental characteristic of a democracy?
Who led a military coup in Pakistan in October 1999?
What did General Pervez Musharraf declare himself after the military coup?
What is essential for an election to be considered democratic?
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In the context of Syria, which party must one join to gain entry as depicted in the cartoon?
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What form of government does democracy represent?
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Which of the following is a key feature of a democratic election?
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What action did General Pervez Musharraf take in Pakistan in 1999?
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Can a democratic government deny some citizens the right to vote?
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What must a democratic government respect in order to function properly?
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Study Notes
Features of Democracy
- Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people, raising questions about who the rulers are, which officials must be elected, and what kind of election is considered democratic.
Major Decisions by Elected Leaders
- In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in 1999, overthrowing a democratically elected government and declaring himself the 'Chief Executive' of the country.
- He later changed his designation to President and held a referendum in 2002, granting himself a five-year extension, which was criticized by Pakistani media, human rights organizations, and democracy activists.
Limitations of Democratic Government
- Elected rulers in a democracy do not have unlimited power and must function with some limits.
- It is necessary for a democratic government to respect some rights of the citizens.
Conditions for Democratic Elections
- A democratic election requires certain conditions to be fulfilled, including the involvement of all citizens on an equal basis.
- A democracy cannot deny some citizens the right to elect or get elected.
Syria: A Non-Democratic Example
- In Syria, only the ruling Ba'ath party and its allies are allowed to participate in the political process.
- The country's political system is restricted, with limited opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process.
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Description
Explore the essential features of a democratic system, including the role of elected officials, conditions for democratic elections, and the limits of non-elected officials' power.
