Ch 10 - Grassroots Democracy Governance6th Social Science
Etymological Roots of Democracy
What is the linguistic origin of the word 'Democracy', and what do its core root words signify?
What is the linguistic origin of the word 'Democracy', and what do its core root words signify?
The Greek Origins
- Origin: The term originates from the ancient Greek language.
- Roots: It combines two words: Demos (meaning 'the People') and Kratos (meaning 'Rule' or 'Power').
- Literal Meaning: Therefore, Democracy literally translates to the Rule of the people.
Prism Memory Hook
Democracy equals Demos (People) have Kratos (Power).
Defining Governance vs. Government
How is 'Governance' specifically defined, and how does it fundamentally differ from the 'Government'?
How is 'Governance' specifically defined, and how does it fundamentally differ from the 'Government'?
The Process of Ruling
Governance is the active, ongoing process of:
- Taking decisions for the welfare of the public.
- Organising society's daily life by establishing different sets of rules and policies.
- Ensuring that these established rules are strictly followed and enforced.
The Key Distinction
While Governance is the action or process itself, the Government refers to the specific group of individuals or the institutional system legally authorized to carry out that process.
Prism Memory Hook
Governance is the D-O-E process: Decide, Organise, Ensure.
Democracy Types: Direct vs. Representative
What is the core difference between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy, and which system does India follow?
What is the core difference between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy, and which system does India follow?
Two Models of Democratic Rule
- Direct Democracy: A system where every eligible citizen votes directly on specific decisions, policies, or laws (e.g., a classroom of students all raising hands to choose a picnic spot).
- Representative Democracy: A system where citizens elect a leader or delegate to make legislative decisions on their behalf (e.g., electing a Class Monitor to negotiate with the Principal).
- India's System: Due to its massive, diverse population, India is a Representative Democracy.
Prism Memory Hook
Direct equals You Vote on Issues. Representative equals You Vote for Leaders.
Also in this chapter
16 more cards to study in Prism
- 4The Democratic Decision Mechanism: Voting
- 5The Scale of Indian Democracy
- 6Vertical Power Sharing: Levels of Government
- 7Defining Grassroots Democracy
- 8Horizontal Power Sharing: The Three Organs
- 9The Principle of Separation of Powers
- 10Kalam's Acronyms
- 11Organ Collaboration: Tackling Cybercrime
- 12Division of Executive Functions
- 13Unicameral vs. Bicameral State Legislatures
- 14Titles of Elected Representatives
- 15Executive Heads: Nominal vs. Real
- 16The Soft Power of the Nominal Executive: Dr. Kalam
- 17Ideological Foundations: National Mottos
- 18Ancient Precepts on Governance
- 19The Chain of Democratic Values
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