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3.7 - Glossary

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Understanding Democracy

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are going to explore what democracy means. Can anyone define democracy for us?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it about people having the power?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, Student_1! Democracy is the power of the people to make decisions, usually expressed through voting and representation. It's derived from the Greek word 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'power'.

Student 2
Student 2

So, how does this relate to our glossary terms?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! Terms like 'universal adult franchise' are vital because they describe how every adult citizen has the right to vote—a cornerstone of democracy.

Student 3
Student 3

Why is voting so important?

Teacher
Teacher

Voting is important because it gives citizens a say in how they are governed, influencing laws and policies that affect their lives. Remember the acronym VOTE: Voice Of To elect!

Student 4
Student 4

Can you give some examples of how certain people didn't have this right?

Teacher
Teacher

Certainly! Historically, various groups, such as women and minorities, were often denied this right. However, through movements and advocacy, our democratic systems expanded to include all adults.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, democracy allows people to participate directly in governance, and terms in our glossary help clarify this structure.

Parliament and its Functions

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s discuss the Parliament. Can anyone explain what the Parliament does?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it where laws are made?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The Parliament is the supreme law-making body in India. It consists of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, where elected representatives make decisions on laws.

Student 2
Student 2

What does it mean to be a representative?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! A representative acts on behalf of the citizens in their constituency. They voice the needs and concerns of the people.

Student 3
Student 3

How can we influence our representatives?

Teacher
Teacher

You influence them primarily through voting and by engaging in civic activities. The term 'coalition' also relates here—sometimes, parties must collaborate to form a government.

Student 4
Student 4

What happens if we don’t like a law?

Teacher
Teacher

Citizens can express their disapproval through protests, writing to representatives, or, as our glossary mentions, using the term 'criticise' to point out flaws in legislation.

Teacher
Teacher

Remember, being active in democracy is key to shaping the laws that govern us!

The Importance of Civic Engagement

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let’s address the role of citizens further. Why is civic engagement important?

Student 1
Student 1

Because we have to support the government?

Teacher
Teacher

You're correct, Student_1! Civic engagement encompasses everything from voting to participating in discussions about public policies. It keeps the government accountable.

Student 2
Student 2

Can we really make a difference?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Movements for civil rights and social justice often start with engaged citizens. Terms like 'evolution' in our glossary suggest that democracy can grow and adapt based on citizen input.

Student 3
Student 3

What else can we do if we disagree with something?

Teacher
Teacher

Protest, petition, or participate in community meetings! Criticism of government actions opens dialogues that can lead to change.

Student 4
Student 4

So, can we change laws?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! If many citizens raise a concern, Parliament may reconsider a law. Engage with your communities, stay informed, and advocate for the issues that matter.

Teacher
Teacher

In conclusion, civic engagement is vital for democracy, and understanding these glossary terms empowers us to exercise our rights effectively.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

The glossary outlines key terms related to democracy, law, and parliamentary processes in India.

Standard

This glossary section provides essential definitions of terms that are pivotal in understanding parliamentary democracy, the legislative process, and civic engagement in India. These terms help illustrate the principles guiding democratic governance and the roles of citizens and institutions.

Detailed

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Audio Book

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Approval

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Approval: To give one’s consent to and be favourable towards something. In the context of this chapter, it refers both to the formal consent (through elected representatives) that Parliament has as well as the fact that it needs to continue to enjoy the people’s trust.

Detailed Explanation

Approval refers to getting consent or agreement from someone. In the context of a democracy, it’s essential for Parliament to not only gain initial approval through elections but to maintain that approval over time by being responsive to the needs and concerns of the citizens. This trust is crucial because if citizens feel that their voices are not heard, they may withdraw their support, affecting the stability of the government.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a popular school class representative. If the representative listens to the classmates and acts on their suggestions, they will keep their approval. However, if they ignore classmates' needs or make unpopular decisions, they risk losing their role and trust, just like how Parliament must listen to citizens to maintain their support.

Coalition

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Coalition: A temporary alliance of groups or parties. In this chapter, it refers to the alliance formed by political parties after elections when no party has been able to get adequate seats to form a clear majority.

Detailed Explanation

A coalition in politics occurs when multiple political parties come together to form a government. This often happens when no single party wins enough seats to have a majority alone. These alliances are essential for governance, as they allow parties to pool their resources and support, ensuring a stable government even when there isn’t an obvious winner.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a group project in school where no one person has enough knowledge to complete the task. If several students with different strengths team up, they can complement each other’s skills and successfully finish the project together, similar to how political parties form coalitions to govern effectively.

Criticise

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Criticise: To find fault with or disapprove of a person or thing. In the context of this chapter, it refers to citizens finding fault with the functioning of government.

Detailed Explanation

To criticise means to express discontent or disagreement with something. In a democratic context, it is vital for citizens to feel empowered to criticise their government. This criticism can lead to accountability, ensuring that elected representatives take their responsibilities seriously and strive to meet the public's needs.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a student who regularly gives feedback on how classroom lessons could be improved. Their constructive criticism helps the teacher know what works and what doesn't, leading to a better learning environment for everyone. In the same way, when citizens voice their concerns about government actions, it encourages officials to improve and adapt.

Evolution

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Evolution: Process of development from a simple to a complex form and is often used to discuss the development of a species of plants or animals. In the context of this chapter it refers to the way in which protecting women against domestic violence developed from an urgently-felt need to a new law that can be enforced throughout the country.

Detailed Explanation

Evolution in this context signifies how societal needs and issues evolve to prompt legal changes. The ongoing advocacy for women’s protection against domestic violence reflects a gradual recognition of these issues, ultimately resulting in the enactment of laws to protect women effectively. This highlights the importance of societal shifts in responding to new understandings of rights and justice.

Examples & Analogies

Think of how mobile phones evolved from simple communication devices to smartphones capable of performing various tasks. Similarly, as society’s understanding of issues like domestic violence advanced, the legal protections had to evolve to meet these new challenges.

Sedition

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Sedition: This applies to anything that the government might consider as stirring up resistance or rebellion against it. In such cases, the government does not need absolute evidence in order to arrest persons.

Detailed Explanation

Sedition laws target actions or views that threaten the government’s authority. Historically, this legal framework has often been misused to suppress dissenting voices. The understanding of sedition is vital for citizens to ensure that their rights to free speech and protest are safeguarded, preventing arbitrary use of power by the government.

Examples & Analogies

A historical analogy would be how some artists or writers were persecuted for their works that challenged the ruling authority. Just like how these creators should be free to express their views without fear of punishment, citizens today must ensure their rights to speak out against the government are protected.

Repressive

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Repressive: To control severely in order to prevent free and natural development or expression. In the context of this chapter it refers to laws that brutally control persons and often prevent them from exercising their Fundamental Rights including Right to Speech and Assembly.

Detailed Explanation

Repressive laws are those that restrict freedom and suppress dissenting opinions. These laws can prevent citizens from exercising their fundamental rights, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression. Recognizing repressive mechanisms is critical, as it empowers citizens to advocate for their rights and resist unjust policies.

Examples & Analogies

An example is a school with very strict rules that stifle students' freedom to express themselves, such as banning all student-led clubs. This creates an environment where students feel oppressed and cannot share their views. Similarly, repressive laws can stifle public discourse and individual freedoms in society.

Unresolved

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Unresolved: Situations in which there are no easy solutions to problems.

Detailed Explanation

Unresolved issues in governance denote complexities where traditional solutions do not suffice. In many contexts, such as social justice or economic disparity, issues remain tangled and require nuanced approaches to resolve. Recognizing these unresolved situations is key to developing more effective and inclusive strategies.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a community dealing with environmental pollution. There might be no straightforward answer, such as simply enforcing stricter regulations, as there could be various interests at stake (like jobs versus health). Just like this, unresolved social and political problems often require careful consideration of multiple factors.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Democracy: A system of government where the citizens exercise power directly or through elected representatives.

  • Parliament: The supreme law-making body in India, comprising the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

  • Universal Adult Franchise: The right for all adult citizens to vote in elections.

  • Civic Engagement: Active participation in the political process by citizens.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to vote for all adults as a fundamental aspect of democracy.

  • In the 2004 elections, India first utilized Electronic Voting Machines, revolutionizing the voting process.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In democracy, the voice is key, vote for change, and you will see.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a village where everyone without a voice couldn't express their needs. One day they voted, and together, their opinions built a better community.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the four ways citizens can engage: Vote, Advocate, Observe, Express (V.A.O.E).

🎯 Super Acronyms

D.E.P.T. - Democracy Empowers People Together.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Approval

    Definition:

    To give one’s consent to and be favourable towards something.

  • Term: Coalition

    Definition:

    A temporary alliance of groups or parties.

  • Term: Criticise

    Definition:

    To find fault with or disapprove of a person or thing.

  • Term: Evolution

    Definition:

    Process of development from a simple to a complex form.

  • Term: Sedition

    Definition:

    Stirring up resistance or rebellion against the government.

  • Term: Repressive

    Definition:

    To control severely to prevent free expression.

  • Term: Unresolved

    Definition:

    Situations in which there are no easy solutions to problems.