RBSE Class 6 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 4 Key Elements of a Democratic Government

These comprehensive RBSE Class 6 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 4 Key Elements of a Democratic Government will give a brief overview of all the concepts.

RBSE Class 6 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 4 Key Elements of a Democratic Government

→ Story of South Africa: South Africa is a country that has people of several races - Black people, whites and Indians. South Africa was governed by apartheid laws before 1994. According to the law, the white, black, Indian and coloured races were not allowed to mingle with each other, to live near each other or even to use common facilities.

Hospitals, ambulances, trains, buses and even the bus stops were different for black and white people. Non-whites were not allowed to vote. The best land was reserved for the white people. Blacks were not considered to be equal to whites.

The African national congress, a group of people who led the struggle against apartheid, and their most well Irnown leader, Nelson Mandela fought the apartheid system for several years. Finally, they succeeded and in 1994 South Africa became a democratic country in which people of all races were considered equal.

→ Participation: In a democracy, through voting in elections people elect leaders to represent them. These representatives take decisions on behalf of the people and keep in mind the voices and interests of the people.
All governments are elected for fixed periods. In India this period is five years. Once elected, governments can stay in power only for that period. If they want continue to be in power then they have to be re-elected by the people. In this way the power of the government gets limited by regular elections.

→ Other ways of participating: Besides voting there are other ways of participating in the process of government as:

• People participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticising it when required.
• Dharnas, rallies, strikes, signature campaigns etc. are many ways in which people express their views and make governments understand what actions they should take.
• Newspaper, magazines and TV also play a role in discussing government issues and responsibilities.
• Another way for people to participate is by organising 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.

→ Need to Resolve Conflict:

• Conflicts can often lead to violence and death because one group decides that it is all right to use force to prevent the other group from protesting.
• Conflicts occur when people of different cultures, religions, regions or economic backgrounds do not get along with each other.
• Protests also arise in the event of discrimination.
• Religions processions and celebrations can sometimes lead to conflicts.
• Rivers too can become a source of conflict between states. It is the responsibility of the government to resolve disputes.

→ Equality and Justice: Democratic governments are committed to equality and justice. The government also recognises and makes special provisions for groups within society that are unequal. For example: discrimination between boys and girls. The government is trying to overcome it.