Challenges of Democracy


Challenges to Democracy - Concepts
Class - 10th NTSE Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Challenges of Democracy

Meaning of Democracy

Democracy is the form of government in which rulers are elected by the people.Therefore democracy is power of people. Abraham Lincoln defined it as“Government ,of the people, by the people and for the people.

Why do we need democracy?

It ensures proper functioning of the government since it is the people who elect them and therefore this makes them more accountable.

Concept of Challenges

Democracy is the dominant form of government in the contemporary world. However, democracy faces serious challenges all over the world though not in the form of a challenger or rival. A ‘challenge’ is not just any problem. People usually call only those difficulties ‘a challenge’ which are significant, and can be overcome. In other words, a challenge is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress. Once people overcome a challenge, they go upto a higher level than before. Different countries face different types of challenges. Mostly, three types of challenges are faced by every country. These are:

1. Foundational Challenge: The countries which are not under democratic government face the first challenge i.e. foundational challenge of making the transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. Nepal is a very good example of foundational challenge to democracy where monarchy was replaced by democratic system. 

2. Challenge of Expansion: Most of the established democracies face the second challenge i.e. challenges of expansion. It involves applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Issues like ensuring greater power to local governments, extension of federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of women and minority groups, etc fall under this challenge. This also means that no decisions should remain outside the arena of democratic control. Countries like India, USA, etc face this kind of challenge. In India, challenge of expansion of democracy are :

  •  Certain socio-economically backward groups have yet to get the political powers.
  •  Some North-Eastern states have not yet fully integrated with the main stream India.
  • 3. Deepening of Democracy:  The third challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another. This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy. Ordinary people have different expectations from democracy in different societies. Thus, this challenge takes different meanings and path in different countries of the world. This challenge usually means strengthening those institutions that help people’s participation and control. This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making governmental decision. Thus, it is clear that different countries face different kinds of challenges to democracy. These challenges depend on what stage of social development is present in a country. Solutions to these challenges also depend on a particular country’s unique situation. There no is pre-prescribed method to tackle the challenges faced by a democracy as follows Like In India :- 

    India : Caste and gender discrimination continues to prevail in Indian Society, slackening advancement and development. , corruption, red tapism, delays in Public Justice are weakening the foundation of Democracy.

    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Write the name of any two countries which are facing the foundational challenge to democracy .

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Not allowing women to take part in public activities refers to which kind of challenge to democracy?

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Which type of challenges is being faced by most of the democracies of the world ?

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
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