Democracy began in ancient Athens in 510 BC when soldiers chose leaders rather than having a monarchy. This early direct democracy had all citizens vote directly on laws. However, as populations grew, direct democracy became inefficient so representatives were elected in indirect democracy, as most democracies follow today. India adopted democracy due to its experience under colonial rule and to ensure unity among its diverse peoples, with features including federalism, parliamentary government, separation of powers, fundamental rights, and secularism.

1. DWIVEDI’S PRODUCTION

2. Democracy in Athens
The earliest democracy in the world began in
Athens, Greece, in 510 BC. Initially, Athens was a
monarchy. Later, soldiers handpicked a new leader
and put him in power. The leader would do what
was best for himself and the soldiers. This system,
which is known as a tyranny,
was quite often unjust
and oppressive.
Athens

3. By 800 BC, another form of government
was established in Athens. It was the rule
by a few rich and powerful families, and
this system, known as an oligarchy, was
not fair either. The Athenians decided that
they wanted a just and fair means of
Oligarch
government,
and so,
democracy
was born.

4. In Athens, democracy meant that the
administration was in the hands of the many and
not the few, with equal justice given to all. Each
year, 500 names were drawn from all the
citizens of Athens. Those 500 citizens had to
serve for one
year as the
law makers
of ancient
Athens.

5. Direct Democracy
Direct democracy is a form of government
in which the citizens make policies and
laws themselves. All citizens are required
to vote on any new law. This was the
system followed in ancient Athens.

6. Need for the Transition from Direct
Democracy to Indirect Democracy
In a state, especially one having high
population, it is not possible for each and
every citizen to get involved in this law
making process each time. The process
would become very time consuming and
hence governance will become inefficient.
So it became necessary to elect some
representatives which can take care of the
issues citizens.

7. Indirect Democracy
Indirect democracy is a form of
government in which the citizens elect
representatives to make laws and
policies on their behalf, but the
ultimate power lies with the citizens.
Elections are held after a fixed number
of years to elect the representatives.
Most of the democracies in the world
today follow indirect democracy.
However, when the opinion of all the
citizens is required for some key issue,
a referendum is held.

8. Referendum
A direct vote in which an entire electorate
is asked to either accept or reject a
particular proposal is known as a
referendum. This may be the adoption of a
new constitution, a law or a specific
governmental policy.
For example, in 1975, a referendum, the
first of its kind, was held asking the
electorate whether Britain should be part
of the Common Market.

9. In other words, though democratic nations
are now adopting indirect democracy to
be more efficient in providing effective
governance, direct democracy in form of
referendum is used to get the opinion of
all citizens as and when required.

10. French Revolution
The French Revolution (1787-1799) is an example of a
country which was ruled monarchs for centuries.
The oppressed public finally revolted and adopted
democracy. The three major causes of this revolution
are:
1- Social cause: The French society was divided into
three estates , the first two consisted of clergy and
nobility respectively and the third estate consisted of
merchants, businessmen, lawyers and peasants. The
third estate was exploited by the other two estates
who enjoyed many privileges, such as not paying
taxes.

11. 2- Economic cause: The third estate had to pay
all the taxes imposed by the king as the other
estates were exempted from it. The prices of
bread rose which was the main staple diet of the
people and there was subsistence crisis.
3- Immediate cause: Rumors spread that the king
will order his troops to attack Paris (as the people
were revolting), therefore, 4000 - 5000 people
gathered and formed people's militia.

12. The French Revolution led to the end of
monarchy in France. The society was no longer
based on privileges. The declaration of the Rights
of Man brought about the idea of equality and
freedom to France and a democratic form of
government inspired by the American Revolution
was established.

13. Democracy: Most Desirable
Form of Government
There are many factors why more and more nations
are now preferring democractic form of government.
The factors which contribute in making democracy
the most favourable form of government are:
• Democracy is a more accountable form of
government
• The government works for the welfare of the
majority
• Fundamental rights are guaranteed to each and
every citizen

14. • Government is responsible to the people
• Government is elected by the people
• Democracy ensures liberty and equality
• Government is usually stable
• Democracy improves the quality of decision making
• Democracy provides a method to deal with
differences and conflicts
• Democracy guarantees freedom to all citizens

15. Democracy: Political, Social and
Economic Dimensions
In order to be a democracy, a
State must ensure political,
social and economic equality.

16. Political Equality
Political equality refers to granting equal
citizenship to all members of the state. Equal
citizenship brings with it certain basic rights
such as the right to vote, freedom of expression,
movement and association and freedom of belief.
These rights are necessary to enable citizens to
develop themselves and participate in the affairs
of the state.

17. Social Equality
Social equality ensures that each citizen gets
equal opportunities, irrespective of caste, gender,
religion etc. For this, it is necessary to minimize
the effects of social and economic inequalities
and guarantee certain minimum conditions of
life to all the citizens, such as adequate health
care, opportunity for proper education, adequate
nourishment and a minimum wage.

18. Economic Equality
Economic inequality exists in a society if there are
significant differences in wealth, property or
income between individuals or classes. Most
democracies try to make equal opportunities
available to people with the belief that this would
give those who have talent and determination the
chance to improve their condition. This would
reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

19. Case study: IndIa

20. Why did India Choose to be a
Democracy?
The long experience of authoritarian rule
under the colonial state convinced Indians
that free India should be a democracy in
which everyone should be treated equally
and be allowed to participate in
government. They should not be forced to
obey rules/laws that they have very little
role in making.

21. Key Concerns while Adopting a
Democratic form of Government
India is a nation where people from various
cultures and religions reside. They have
different lifestyles and speak different
languages. Thus the constitution had to be
formed in such a way that there is unity
among all citizens, and each citizen is
represented, with no discrimination
whatsoever.

22. Key Features of the Indian
Democracy
1- Federalism – This refers to the existence
of more than one level of government in the
country. In India, we have governments at
the local level, state level and at the centre.
This is done so that issues of local, state
and national level can be countered and the
needs of the people of various regions are
looked after.

23. 2- Parliamentary Form of Government –
People in India have a direct role in
electing representatives. Elections are based
on Universal Adult Franchise, i.e. every
citizen of India above the age of 18 has the
right to vote, irrespective of caste, gender,
religion etc.

24. 3- Separation of Powers – According to the
Constitution, there are three levels of state.
These are the legislature (law makers), the
executive (those who implement the laws) and
the judiciary (system of courts). In order to
prevent the misuse of power by one branch of
the State, each organ exercises different
powers. Thus each organ acts as a check on
the other organs of the State, ensuring the
balance of power between all three.

25. 4- Fundamental Rights – They are the
rights given to each and every citizen of
India which help to protect citizens from
the arbitrary and absolute exercise of power
by the State or other citizens.

26. 5- Secularism – This ensures that India
does not officially promote any one religion
as the State religion. This helps in
avoiding discrimination on the basis of
religion. However, India intervenes in
religious matters in order to end a social
practice that violates the fundamental rights
of citizens such as untouchability, unequal
distribution of inherited property between
sons and daughters, child marriage etc.

27. Thank You
DWIVEDI’S PRODUCTION