Question

I have heard a different version of Democracy. Democracy is off the people, far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people. Why don&rsquo;t we accept that?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is based on the idea that ordinary people have the strength, resolve, and wisdom to do great things. Therefore, Abraham Lincoln said that democracy was a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.

The other version of democracy i.e. Democracy is off the people, far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people provides distortion of facts. It primarily highlights the irony of democracy.

Democracy is off the people means that leaders, once elected, do not pay any attention to the issues that are faced by the people. They cut off all communication from the people.

We are very proud of the way democracy works, which is when there are regular elections with a lot of people voting. But, we don't pay attention to the real meaning of democracy, which is that democracy is about giving power to the people. Therefore, it is said that democracy is far (from) the people.

Buy the people here emphasizes that in a democracy people sometimes fall prey to the tactics of politicians and they sell their votes for some money. Hence, Money starts playing a more important role in elections.

Since these issues are challenges to democracy and not the other version of it, we can not accept this version of democracy. Instead, We, the people, need to start getting involved in the way the government is run because we have real power. We should not only use our voting rights but also we should hold our representatives accountable for all of their actions and inactions. It is through this way democracy will be of the people, for the people, and by the people.

NCERT Solutions for Chapter: What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?, Exercise 1: ACTIVITY

NCERT Social Science Solutions for Exercise - NCERT Solutions for Chapter: What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?, Exercise 1: ACTIVITY

Questions from NCERT Solutions for Chapter: What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?, Exercise 1: ACTIVITY with Hints & Solutions

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