NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 10
Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance
This chapter introduces students to the concept of democracy and governance, explaining how democratic principles work at the grassroots level in India. Students learn about the importance of citizen participation in decision-making, the structure of democratic governance, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens. The chapter lays the foundation for understanding local self-governance institutions.
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Key Terms
- Democracy
- A system of government where power is held by the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives, based on principles of equality, justice, and fundamental rights.
- Governance
- The process of governing or managing a country, state, or community through rules, institutions, and decision-making processes that affect people's lives.
- Fundamental Rights
- Basic rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Indian Constitution, including right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, and right to constitutional remedies.
- Citizen Participation
- The involvement of ordinary citizens in the democratic process through voting, attending public meetings, filing complaints, and engaging with elected representatives.
- Panchayati Raj
- The system of local self-governance in rural India established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, consisting of three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is democracy and why is it important?▾
Democracy is a form of government where citizens choose their leaders through free and fair elections and have a say in decisions that affect their lives. It is important because it protects individual rights and freedoms, ensures equal treatment, allows peaceful transfer of power, and makes the government accountable to the people.
What are the key features of Indian democracy?▾
Key features of Indian democracy include universal adult franchise (right to vote for all citizens above 18), free and fair elections, a written Constitution, fundamental rights for all citizens, an independent judiciary, freedom of press, and a multi-party system.
What does grassroots democracy mean?▾
Grassroots democracy means democracy that works from the bottom up, giving ordinary people at the village and neighborhood level direct power to make decisions about local issues. In India, this is achieved through Panchayati Raj institutions in villages and municipal bodies in cities.
What are the fundamental duties of Indian citizens?▾
The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution include respecting the national flag and anthem, defending the country, promoting harmony and brotherhood, protecting the environment, developing scientific temper, and striving towards excellence in individual and collective activity.
How does governance affect daily life?▾
Governance affects daily life through the provision of public services like roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply; enforcement of laws and maintaining order; collecting taxes and using them for development; regulating markets and food safety; and protecting citizens' rights and resolving disputes.
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