Understanding Democracy Overview

Democracy is defined as rule by the people.

Common features include free and fair elections and the protection of individual rights.

Defining democracy is important to distinguish it from non-democratic governments.

<p>The Greek origin refers to 'demos' meaning people and 'kratia' meaning rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One criticism is that a word's meaning does not always remain tied to its origin, as contexts change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Democracy is prevalent due to its perceived ability to ensure participation, accountability, and individual freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People might prefer democracy because it allows for the protection of rights and freedoms of individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A 'good democracy' involves more meaningful citizen participation and accountability than a 'minimal democracy', which may only meet the basic requirements without ensuring true representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Gram Sabha's failure to meet suggests the absence of democratic practices, as regular participation and discussion are essential aspects of a functioning democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Democracy can apply to organizations, families, and educational environments, promoting principles like participation, consensus, and equal voice in decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Democratic temperament' in a classroom means encouraging open dialogue, allowing students to ask questions, and involving them in decision-making processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Distinguishing between the two allows for a critical assessment of existing democratic systems, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Yolanda believes the country needs a strong leader with all the powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hoi is concerned that a powerful leader might use their power for personal gain or become corrupt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tangkini suggests not accepting something just because it is famous or widely accepted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jeni argues that democracy has not eliminated poverty in the country over seven decades.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ribiang questions whether poverty is a result of being democratic or exists despite it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The anonymous voice refers to a strong leader as a dictator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rose speaks about an ideal strong leader being honest and sincere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hoi suggests that we should compare a real democracy with an ideal dictatorship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The discussion characterizes dictators as often being corrupt, selfish, and brutal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Madam Lyngdoh observes that the class is engaging with democratic principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Merry believes that the meaning of democracy should be understood first before discussing its examples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lyngdoh Madam suggests that we often use words without waiting for their definitions, based on everyday reasoning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>We need definitions when we encounter difficulties using a word, to distinguish it from similar terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She mentions needing a definition of rain to distinguish it from drizzle or cloudburst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The media largely ignored their activities except to criticize them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The polling booths were shifted last minute, making it difficult for people to cast their votes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Merry questions why we need definitions at all if we are able to use words without them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dialogue encourages defining simple words like pen, rain, and love to understand their meanings better.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The PRI spent a large sum of money in the campaign for its candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The discussion relates to democracy by highlighting the need for precise definitions due to varying interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It underscores the principle of equal voting rights for every individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Merry's perspective reveals that learning can be enhanced by first exploring meanings rather than definitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People can only choose the ruling party and its approved candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People seemed to have a choice, but practically they did not; the ruling party could not be defeated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Until 2015, women did not have the right to vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Holding elections is not enough if the elections do not provide fair choices and equal rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They find it difficult to get the right to vote due to restrictive citizenship rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Many elections face issues such as unfair practices and limitations on voter choice.</p> Signup and view all the answers