Key Elements of a Democratic Government

Q39. “People participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticising it when required.” Explain the statement with help of an example.

Ans. People participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticising it when required.

In August 2005, when a particular government increased the money people had to pay for electricity, people expressed their disapproval very sharply. They took out rallies and also organised a signature campaign. The government tried to explain and defend its decision but finally listened to the people's opinion and withdrew the increase. The government had to change its decision because it is responsible to the people.

Q40. “Rivers too can become a source of conflict between states.” Comment

Ans. Rivers too can become a source of conflict between states. A river may begin in one place, flow through another and end in a third. The sharing of river water between different places that the river goes through is becoming an issue of conflict.

For example: Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The water stored in Krishnasagar dam in Karnataka is used for irrigating a number of districts and for meeting the needs of the city of Bangalore. The water stored in Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu is used for crops grown in the delta region of that state. A conflict arises because both dams are on the same river. The downstream dam in Tamil Nadu can only be filled up if water is released from the upstream one located in Karnataka. Therefore, both states can't get as much water as they need for people in their states. This leads to conflict. The central government has to step in and see that a fair distribution is worked out for both states.

Q41. What actions does the government take to ensure that all people are treated equally?

Ans. Steps to be taken by government

                          i.        The government should ensure that the constitutional provisions are implied in the country.

                        ii.        It should make provisions to provide equal facilities to all classes of people and for promotion of education among girls and economically backwards.

                       iii.        People from backward sections of the society should be given reservation in government jobs and educational institutions to help them improve their social status.

                       iv.        Any act of discrimination against the untouchables should be considered as a punishable offence.

Q42. What are the various ways in which people participate in the process of government?

Ans. There are various ways in which people participate in the process of government:

                        i.        Through voting in elections people elect leaders to represent them.

                       ii.        By taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticising it when required.

                      iii.        People express their views through several ways such as dharnas, rallies, strikes, signature campaigns, etc.

                      iv.        Newspapers, magazines and TV also play a role in discussing government issues and responsibilities.

                       v.        By organizing themselves into social movements that seek to challenge the government and its functioning. Members of the minority community dalits, adivasis, women and others are often able to participate in this manner.