Chapter - 10, Grassroots Democracy - Part 1 Governance

Chapter - 10,  Grassroots Democracy - Part 1 Governance

When a large number of people live together, there can be disagreement and disorder, and rules become necessary to maintain order and harmony in the society.

Governance:- It means the way a country, organization, or group is managed and how decisions are made to take care of people and solve problems. It includes making rules, following laws, and making sure everyone is treated fairly.

Government:- Government is the group of people who run a country. It makes laws, protects the people, and provides services like schools, hospitals, and roads.

Three Organs of the Government:

Legislature

– This part makes the laws.

– Example: Parliament in India.

Executive

– This part implements (carries out) the laws.

– It includes the President, Prime Minister, and government officials.

Judiciary

– This part interprets the laws and gives justice.

– Example: The courts and judges.

Separation of powers:- In any good systme of governance, these three organs muct be kept spearate, altoough they interact with each other and work together. 

These three organs work together to run the country smoothly and fairly.

Three Levels of Government:

Central Government

– It governs the whole country.

– Example: The Prime Minister, President, and Parliament.

– Located in New Delhi.

State Government

– It runs each state in the country.

– Example: Chief Minister, Governor, and State Legislature.

Local Government

– It works in towns, cities, and villages.

– Example: Municipal Corporations (in cities) and Gram Panchayats (in villages).

Each level of government has different responsibilities to help the people in their area.

Functions and Responsibility of the Three Levels of Government:

Central Government (National Level)

• Makes national laws: It creates laws that affect the whole country.
• Defense and security: Ensures the safety of the country from threats.
• Foreign relations: Deals with other countries and creates foreign policies.
• Economic planning: Manages the country’s money, taxes, and economy.
• National infrastructure: Builds large-scale projects like highways, railways, etc.

State Government (State Level)

• Makes state laws: It makes laws for the state (like education and health).
• Maintains law and order: The police and state security work here.
• Provides services: Manages schools, hospitals, and other local services.
• Agriculture and industry: Looks after farming, industries, and business within the state.

Local Government (Village, Town, and City Level)

• Local infrastructure: Manages things like local roads, parks, and water supply.
• Basic services: Provides garbage collection, street lighting, and other local needs.
• Local laws and rules: Deals with issues related to the local area, like building rules.
• Helps with local planning: Decides how the town or village should grow (e.g., building new homes, schools).

Democracy

Where the word "Democracy" comes from:

• The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words:
• Demos (meaning "people")
• Kratos (meaning "power" or "rule")
• So, democracy literally means "rule by the people".

Democracy is a system of government where people have the power to make decisions about their leaders and laws. In a democracy, citizens vote to choose their leaders and have a say in how the government works.

Representatives in Democracy:- In a democracy, representatives are people chosen by the citizens to make decisions and create laws on their behalf. They represent the interests and needs of the people who elect them.

"Members of Legislatice Assembly" (MLA):- State Level.

"Member of Parliament" (MP):- Centre/National Level.

India is world largest democracy.

970 million voters in 2024.

Direct Democracy:- In direct democracy, the people make the decisions themselves, without relying on elected representatives. Every citizen has the opportunity to vote on laws, policies, or important issues directly. It’s a system where everyone has a say in what happens in the government.

Key Features:

• People vote directly on laws and policies.
• There is no need for elected representatives to make decisions for them.
• Examples of direct democracy include referendums or plebiscites, where citizens vote on specific issues or laws.

Grassroots Democracy:- Grassroots democracy focuses on local-level involvement, where people at the community or local level make decisions and play an active role in the government. It emphasizes the importance of people participating in decision-making processes that affect their immediate environment.

Key Features:

• People at the local level (villages, towns, neighborhoods) get involved in decision-making.
• It encourages active participation of the public in their communities and local governments.
• It is often seen in community-driven programs, local Panchayats (in India), and other local councils.

NCERT QUESTIONS:

1. What is the meaning of democracy? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?

Answer:- Democracy is a system of government where people have the power to make decisions about their leaders and laws, either directly or by choosing representatives. It means "rule by the people".

Difference Between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy:

Direct Democracy:

• People vote directly on laws and policies.
• There are no representatives involved.
• Example: Switzerland, where citizens vote on specific issues.

Representative Democracy:

• People elect representatives to make decisions and create laws on their behalf.
• Representatives are chosen to speak and act for the people.
• Example: India, where people elect MPs and MLAs.

2. Recall the three organs of government. What are their different roles?

Answer:- Three Organs of Government and Their Roles:

Legislature (Law-making)

• Role: The Legislature makes the laws of the country. It discusses and passes laws that affect citizens.
• Example: In India, this is the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).

Executive (Law-implementing)

• Role: The Executive implements or enforces the laws made by the Legislature. It runs the government, makes policies, and handles day-to-day administration.
• Example: The President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers in India.

Judiciary (Law-interpreting)

• Role: The Judiciary interprets and applies the laws. It ensures that laws are followed fairly and provides justice through courts.
• Example: The Supreme Court and other courts in India.

3. Why do we need three tiers of government?

Answer:- We need three tiers (levels) of government to govern a large and diverse country like India effectively. These levels help in sharing responsibilities and making sure that the needs of people at every level—national, state, and local.

The Three Tiers of Government:

1. Central Government – for the entire country
2. State Government – for individual states
3. Local Government – for towns, cities, and villages