10 Questions
What is a key feature of democracy highlighted in the text?
Freedom of speech and expression
Based on the text, what action has the government taken against leaders calling for demonstrations and strikes?
Arresting them
Which statement reflects a limitation on government control over information?
Restriction on newspapers
What does the report from USA in 2004 highlight about income inequalities?
$162 is the average income of a White family
Why is the participation of people with higher incomes significant in a President's election as per the report?
To influence government decisions
Which event reflects a potential threat to democracy as described in the text?
Government reducing expenses on health
In the context of democracy, what does the ownership of radio and television by the government signify?
Control over information dissemination
Why is it concerning that education is only available in one language despite multiple languages spoken?
'One language' policy hinders learning
How do peaceful demonstrations and nation-wide strikes impact democracy according to the text?
Challenge existing policies
'Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy.' What does this statement suggest about democracy?
'Inequalities' impact democratic participation
Study Notes
Features of Democracy
- In a democracy, elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.
- It should be possible for people to use this choice to remove the existing rulers, if they wish to.
- A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Election Irregularities
- In Mexico, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) used dirty tricks to win elections, including forcing government employees to attend party meetings and teachers to force parents to vote for the PRI.
- The PRI spent a large sum of money on campaigns, and polling booths were shifted at the last minute, making it difficult for people to cast their votes.
- In China, elections do not offer people a serious choice, as they can only choose between the ruling party and its approved candidates.
Universal Adult Franchise
- The principle of universal adult franchise has been accepted almost all over the world.
- However, there are instances of denial of equal right to vote, such as:
- In Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote until 2015.
- In Estonia, people belonging to the Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote due to citizenship rules.
- In Fiji, the electoral system gives more value to the vote of an indigenous Fijian than an Indian-Fijian.
Political Equality
- Democracy is based on the fundamental principle of political equality.
- Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
- This means that every citizen's vote should have the same value and influence in the democratic process.
Restrictions on Democracy
- In some cases, citizens' rights to vote and participate in democracy can be restricted, such as:
- Governments owning media outlets and controlling the flow of information.
- Governments imposing conditions on loans that reduce spending on education and health.
- Leaders of opposition groups being arrested for organizing peaceful demonstrations and strikes.
- Inequalities in income and wealth affecting people's ability to participate in democracy and influence government decisions.
Test your knowledge on the history of Mexican elections prior to the year 2000 when the PRI party dominated the political scene. Learn about the challenges faced by opposition parties and the tactics used by the PRI to maintain power.
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