1. Examine the democracy that existed in Greece:

The origin of western democracy can be traced back to ancient Greek. Democracy as a system of governance existed in ancient Greece before wider interpretation and development of the concept of democracy. The 'city state' system existed in ancient Greece between 422 BC and 322 BC scientists and scholars.

2. How can we interpret the word Democracy?

The word democracy is formed from two Greek words 'Demos' which means people and 'Kratos' which means 'power' Democracy thus means 'the power of the people'.

3. What was the feature of democracy existed in ancient Greece known as?

The democracy that existed in ancient Greece is known as the 'city state' system. In this system the whole people did not exercise power of governance. Democracy in city state can be described as rule and control by specially qualified persons or citizens. Democracy was held to be control of governance by the citizens. But women slaves and aliens were not considered as citizens in ancient Greek democracy.

4. Mention different types of democracy?

Direct democracy and indirect democracy.

5. What is meat by Direct democracy?

In Direct democracy citizens directly participate in the process of governance. This type of democracy is regarded as the most complete and pure model of democracy.

6. What is ment by Indirect democracy?

In indirect democracy citizens elect their representatives, who take part in the decision making on their part. Since rule is by the representatives, this type of democracy is also known as representative democracy.

7. Why is Greek city state said to be the example of direct democracy?

The system of governance that was practiced in ancient Greece is described as direct democracy. All citizens assemble together to enact and approve the laws required for governance and they implement these rules also. Citizens directly engage in the Judicial process. No separate officials or court systems existed as are followed now.

8. How did indirect democracy emerge?

Indirect democracy is the order form which prevails in the present world. Nation-state system is the accepted practice in the present world order. Slavery is no longer followed and universal adult suffrage is accepted facilitating equal opportunity in political process. There caused the origin of indirect democracy. The rise in population also contributed towards this trend.

9. What type of democracy do India follow? Why?

India follow indirect democracy. The main factors behind this are:

Vastness of the territory
Large population
Different linguistic and religious people
Literacy
Different culture and traditions

10. What are the unique features of indirect democracy?

Punctual and periodic elections
Adult sufferage
Independent election commission
Rule flaw
People enjoying basic rights
Political party functioning independently

11. What are the merits of Democracy?

Efficient government is created by people electing rulers through open elections.
Democracy ensures personal freedom for the individual and recognizes the dignity and freedom of the individual.
Rule of law prevailed and none is, even the rulers, are above the Law.
The government is more transparent.
Democracy generates the awareness among the people that government is of the people themselves. The return are servants
Democracy helps attain progress and social stability.
Democracy politically educates the people.

12. Mention the demerits of democracy?

Quantity is given more importance than quality or ability in democracy.
Democracy does not bring in service of efficient persons.
Efficiency of government is reduced in a democracy. It is due to the insecurity caused by frequent elections and consequent changes in government.
The opinion of majority is imposed on minority.
Due to indifferent attitude towards governing process, people may keep away from voting.
Sectarian part politics devoid of proper town, an expensive system of governance.
Needs of people are not full filled up to their expectations.

13. What are the pre conditions of Democracy?

Political freedom, political consciousness, Education, Independent media, Economic freedom and social security programmes, political parties and elections, Decentralization of power, free and Independent elections.

14. Discuss political freedom as a pre condition of Democracy?

Political freedom is that right of individual to get themselves politically organized. It is a right to vote to contest public offices and to exercise political power, political freedom in a democracy is further reinforced by the civil rights of citizens to form or organize and express opinion, to form associations and to criticise the government.

15. What do you mean by political consciousness?

Political consciousness is regarded as the awareness of the people about state and politics. The traits of healthy competitions, co - operation, tolerance, clear political perceptions and consensus are implanted in political conscious.

16. "Education is the most prominent factor that influence the political consciousness of people." Discuss.

For the success of democracy education is an essential thing. People should receive proper education about the ideas and values of democracy. Education will enhance the through process of the people and their abilities of constructive criticism. Then only they will be able to arrive at right decision and act towards its realization.

17. What is the role of independent media in democracy?

Media is highly essential to convey the functioning of the government and democratic ideas to the people. They expose undemocratic activities like corruption, nepotism, terrorism etc. Free and impartial media help in forming and expressing public option.

18. What is the importance of political parties in democracy?

Political parties are inevitable in a democracy. They help organise public option and create situation conductive to policy decision. Political parties also make elections meaningful.

19. What do mean by decentralization of power?

When power is taken away from central and state governments and given to the local government, it is called decentralization.

20. Why is free and independent elections important in democracy?

Free and fearless exercise of right to vote is an important component of democracy. An independent election commission is designed with constitutional standing for this purpose.

21. What are the methods by which direct democracy can become a reality?

Referendum:-
The expression of public opinion through voting by the people on a law passed by the legislature is known as referendum.People have to approve or reject a law. They develop interest and gain participation in law making. They also become conscious about law.
Recall:
This is the removing of elected representatives from office before the end of their tenure when performance is unsatisfactory.
Plebiscite:
Plebiscite is not conducted in matters relating to legislation. Plebiscite is a mechanism to ascertain the decisions of the people on issues of graves public importance. This will help prevent the imposing of the views of the minority on the majority.
Initiative:
Initiative means the direct involvement of the people themselves in the law making process when legislature commits mistakes. Such interventions are made when the law making body makes wrong commission or omissions.

22. How can democracy be adopted as a way of life?

Tolerate the beliefs and practices of others.
Adopt only democratic means for the realization of goals.
Show respect in politics and in daily life.
Work with the realization that all are subject to criticism.
Respect the view points of others.
Accept rule of law. Do not try to take the law into your own hands under any circumstances or compulsions.
Work by approving the opinion and political freedom of all.
Treat all equally.

23. Mention the democratic ideals contained in our constitution?

A  system of government that holds people as the source of sovereign power, with the head of state elected by people.
Fully protected fundamental rights
Directive principles of state policy that ensure social and economic equality
Special protection for those who are socially and educationally marginalized.
Transparent and independent elections
Governing process established under rule of law. These are held as the life blood of democracy in India.

24. What are the problems faced by India due to increase in population?

Increase in population or population explosion is one of the reason for poverty, unemployment and problems at health care sector. The ever increasing population obstructs the attaining of the goal of welfare measures leading to economic inequality. Though government has implemented family welfare measures toward population control, expected gains have not been attained.

25. Describe regional imbalance as a problem of India?

Evenly balanced development is needed for the economic progress of a nation. Some of the Indian states like Orissa, Bihar, Jharkand and Chhattisgarh are in a very backward condition compared to developed states like Maharashtra, Goa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. This regional imbalance causes many problems.

26. What are the problems faced by India due to linguistic chauvinism?

India is a multilingual country. Differences on the basis of languages exit in India. Many a number of regional political parties thrive on the basis of language. Often his leads to political conflicts. This also creates division and differences of opinion among the people. Due to this common steps cannot be a adopted by the nation on many issues.

27. Explain the problem of communalism?

Communalism is another challenge faced by democracy in India. Command conflicts have occured many a time in different states. Communalism spoils the harmong among people and winders collective endeavors. Religious organization have transferred into as political parties. Communal clashes threaten the integrity and survival of the nation.

28. How did casteism pose a threat to India?

Caste division are very evident in India. Differentiations and disharmony caused by caste divisions prevail in many parts of the country. Political parties make use of castes for temporary gains. Caste groups influence political parties. This might lead to the loss of values and virtues in social life that are achieved by the nation. Casteism paves the way for clash between people ignoring common national interest.

29. Why is terrorism a menance to democracy in India?

Terrorism is posing severe challenge to democracy in recent times. Terrorism has different facets and there are political, religious and international reasons for this. Terrorist organization endanger the life and survival of innocent people. Youth are drawn into terrorism because of poverty, unemployment and blind religious faith. Social equilibrium and harmony are destroyed because of these terrorist organisation. More than creating terror; these organisation destroy peaceful life in society. Thus the functioning and survival of state systems is threatened.   

30. What is the problem posed by secessionism?

Organisation that propagate secessionism operate in different parts of the country. These organizations have become more active in recent periods. These are destructive of the integrity, stability and the very democratic system of the nation. Secessionist ideas are growing strong in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram, etc., in India.