This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of the US and other foreign powers.
a) What do you think this cartoon is saying?
b) Why is ‘democracy’ written the way it is?
Important Questions on What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?
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?
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?
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 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?
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 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.
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 |
