Key Elements of a Democratic Government

Q31. How does the power of the government get limited?

Ans. The power of the government gets limited by regular elections. All governments are elected for fixed periods. In India this period is five years.

Once elected, governments can stay in power only for that period. If they want to continue to be in power then they have to be re-elected by the people.

Q32. When do people sense their power in a democracy?

Ans. All governments are elected for fixed periods. In India this period is five years. Once elected, governments can stay in power only for that period. If they want to continue to be in power then they have to be re-elected by the people. This is a moment when people can sense their power in a democracy.

Q33. Write a short note on ‘Apartheid Laws’.

Ans. Africa was earlier governed by apartheid laws. Apartheid means separation on the basis of race. South African people were divided into white, black, Indian and coloured races. According to the law, these races were not allowed to mingle with each other, to live near each other or even to use common facilities.

Q34. Write about ‘African National Congress’.

Ans. The African National Congress, a group of people who led the struggle against apartheid, and their most well-known leader, Nelson Mandela fought the apartheid system for several years. Finally, they succeeded and in

1994 South Africa became a democratic country in which people of all races were considered equal.

Q35. In Maya's story did the government support the idea that people are equal?

Ans. The government did not support the idea that people are equal because the government followed apartheid laws. Apartheid means separation on the basis of race. People were divided into white, black, Indian and coloured races. According to the law, these races were not allowed to mingle with each other, to live near each other or even to use common facilities.

Q36. Why do you think we need the government to find solutions to many disputes or conflicts?

Ans. Conflicts can often lead to violence and death because one group decides that it is all right to use force to prevent the other group from protesting. The government is responsible for helping to resolve conflicts. Government is a constitutional body that maintains law and order. A country without a government may face crisis and lack of control. Hence, government is necessary.

Q37. Can you think of any experience from your life in which you have helped someone out of a situation which you thought was unfair? Did everyone else see it the same way? What did you have to say to convince others that what you did was fair?

Ans.  Yes, I had an experience a few months back. At the red light, I saw an old lady begging. Though begging is crime, I gave her 100 rupees. I understand that act like this promotes beggary but she was down in fever and needed a medical help so, I helped her. Other people also showed sympathy towards her as she was too old to earn her living.

Q38. List five ways in which the non-whites were discriminated against.

Ans. Five ways in which the non-whites were discriminated against:

       1.   Hospitals were separate and so were ambulances.

       2.   An ambulance meant for white people would always be well equipped while one meant for black people was not.

       3.   There were separate trains and buses. Even the bus stops were different for black and white people.

       4.   Non-whites were not allowed to vote.

       5.   The best land in the country was reserved for the white people, and nonwhites had to live on the worst available land.