Democratic Politics – II | NCERT | Class 10 Polity | Notes + Quiz (Copy 1)
About Lesson
1. Democracy and Social Harmony ππ€
Democracies are expected to foster a peaceful and harmonious social life. π€
One of the key expectations from democracies is their ability to accommodate various social divisions, creating a more inclusive society. π
Democracies, by their nature, encourage dialogue and peaceful negotiation of differences, contributing to social cohesion. π£οΈ
In democracies, there is often a process for managing competition between groups, which helps prevent conflicts from escalating into violence. βοΈ
2. Democracyβs Approach to Social Divisions and Conflicts βοΈβοΈ
No society can completely eliminate conflicts among different groups, but democracies provide a platform to respect and address these differences. ποΈ
Mechanisms within democracies allow citizens to engage in negotiation and compromise, ensuring that conflicts are handled peacefully. π¬
The example of Belgium highlights how democratic processes have successfully managed ethnic divisions and tensions. π§πͺ
Democracies encourage open dialogue on divisive issues, making it easier to find lasting solutions and maintain stability. π£οΈ
3. Non-Democracies and Social Conflict π«β‘
Non-democratic regimes often ignore or suppress internal social differences, which can lead to unresolved tensions and potential violence. β
Unlike democracies, non-democracies typically lack systems of peaceful negotiation for resolving social conflicts. π
In such regimes, social differences are frequently repressed, resulting in simmering discontent and instability. β‘
The lack of social accommodation in non-democratic systems often leads to the alienation of certain groups, further deepening social divides. π₯
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4. Democracy and the Role of Majority and Minority π€βοΈ
Democracy is not just rule by majority opinion; it must ensure that the majority works with the minority to represent the broader public interest. ποΈ
A healthy democracy requires that majority and minority opinions are fluid, allowing for shifts in who holds power. π
It is essential for the majority to recognize that their views may not always dominate, ensuring inclusivity and equal representation for all. π€
5. Avoiding Rule by a Single Majority Group π«π΄
Majority rule should not translate into rule by a specific community, such as a dominant religion, race, or linguistic group. π
Democracy must ensure that no group is permanently excluded from the majority based on characteristics like religion or ethnicity. β
Every citizen must have the opportunity to be part of the majority at some point, preserving inclusivity and fairness. βοΈ
6. The Sri Lanka Example and the Need for Inclusive Democracy π±π°π¬
The situation in Sri Lanka demonstrates that democracy requires both majority and minority cooperation for peace and stability. π
Exclusion of minority groups from the democratic process undermines the very principles of democracy, leading to conflict and division. β οΈ
Democracy is truly democratic only when it provides opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background, to participate and influence governance. β¨