Samacheer Class 6 Social Science - Democracy

In a direct democracy, only the citizens can make laws.
All changes have to be approved by the citizens.
The politicians only rule over parliamentary procedure. Eg. Switzerland.

In a representative democracy, all the members should be represented by a group of representatives.
To select their representative’s elections are held.
On behalf of people, these representatives obtain the power to take decisions in a democratic manner.
This is termed Representative Democracy.

The Constitution of India guides the Indians in all aspects and maintains law and order.
It ensures freedom, equality and justice to everyone.
It defines the political principles, the structure of government, the powers and responsibilities.
It fixes the Rights and Duties and Directive Principles of the Citizens.
It is the longest written constitution in the world.

The merits of democracy are :
A democratic government is better form of government because it is more accountable form of government.
Democracy improves the quality of decision making,
Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
Poor and least educated has the same status as the rich and educated.
Democracy allows us to correct own mistake.
Demerits:
Leaders keep on changing leading to instability.
Democracy in all about political competition and power play and there is no scope for mortality.
So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it lead to delays.
Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, they should not decide anything

In the system of democracy, the power to take decisions does not lie with the head.
All the members of the group hold open discussions and take final decisions only when everyone is convinced.
This is called democratic way of decision making.

To preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual
To achieve Social justice and Social development of the Community.
To establish the rule of law.
To enable the People to choose their government.
To work towards the development of the country with the help of People’s Participation.