Test yourself — What is the meaning of democracy? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
Democracy is a system of governance where the power to rule belongs to the people. The word 'democracy' comes from two Greek words—'dēmos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'rule' or 'power'; so democracy literally means the 'rule of the people'. In a democracy, citizens have the right to participate in decision-making, either directly or through elected representatives.
The difference between direct democracy and representative democracy is: In direct democracy, all citizens participate directly in decision-making and voting on issues. For example, if a class decides on a picnic destination by having every student vote, that is direct democracy.
In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives who then make decisions on their behalf. India is a representative democracy where people vote for MLAs at the State level and MPs at the national level, who discuss laws and problems in assemblies and take decisions through dialogue and debate.
Explanation
The chapter explains democracy on pages 11-12. It states that 'The word 'democracy' comes from two Greek words—dēmos meaning 'people', and kratos meaning 'rule' or 'power'; so 'democracy' literally means the 'rule of the people'.' The chapter also provides examples of both direct democracy (the class picnic example where every student votes) and representative democracy (India's system where people elect MLAs and MPs).
Solution Steps
Democracy is defined as a system of governance where power belongs to the people.
The term originates from Greek words 'dēmos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule/power).
In direct democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making, such as voting on issues.
In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives (like MLAs and MPs in India) to make decisions on their behalf.