Features of Democracy
Features of Democracy: Overview
The topic explains the features of democracy. It discusses the major decisions by elected members. It further elaborates on the rule of law and respect for rights.
Important Questions on Features of Democracy
Read these five examples of working or denial of democracy and choose the relevant feature of democracy.
| Example | Feature |
| King of Bhutan has declared that in the future, he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives. | Rule of law |
| Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given the right to vote in Sri Lanka. | Respect for Rights |
| The king imposed a ban on political gatherings, demonstrations, and rallies. | One person one vote one value |
| The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of the Bihar assembly was unconstitutional. | Free and fair electoral competition |
| Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral government should rule the country at the time of elections. | Major decisions by elected leaders |
This cartoon symbolises the block by the Chinese government of free flow of information on the Internet by placing restrictions on popular websites like ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo’. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the reader of another major event in recent Chinese history.
Find out about that event which was similar to this.
What does the case of President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, teach us?
This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown. He is shown behind the bars.
What is the cartoonist saying here?
This cartoon was titled ‘Building Democracy’ and was first published in a Latin American publication.
a) What do moneybags signify here?
b) Could this cartoon be applied to India?
Answer the following questions:
a) Is democracy all about rulers and governments?
b) Can we talk about a democratic classroom?
c) Or a democratic family?
This cartoon was drawn to symbolise the event of Latin America.
- Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well?
- Think of other countries where this could apply?
- Does this sometimes happen in our country as well?
This picture is symbolising Syria, which is a small West Asian country. The ruling Baath Party and some of its small allies are the only parties allowed in that country.
- Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico?
- What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?
Consider the following fact about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about the government's policies and protests.
Consider the following fact about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. The government has arrested these leaders.
Consider the following fact about a country and decide if you would call it democratic. Give reasons to support your decision.
People speak more than seven languages, but education is available only in one language which is the language spoken by Percent of people in the country.
Consider the following fact about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
The country took a loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for the given loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
Consider the following fact about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
All the citizens of the country have the right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
Is the following statement in keeping with democracy as a value? Comment.
Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.
Is the following statement in keeping with democracy as a value? Comment.
Teacher to student: Don't disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.
Is the following statement keeping with democracy as a value? Comment.
Father to daughter: I don't want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family, children marry whom the parents tell them to.
Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?
Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
