Chapter 9: Democratic System and Institutional Structure: Party System, Electoral Politics and Centre-State Relations
Introduction for Student-Teachers:
Dear future teachers, democracy is more than a system of government; it's the
air our nation breathes. For India, with its incredible diversity, democracy is
the glue that holds us together. As you prepare to teach in Punjab's primary
schools, you are not just teaching subjects—you are nurturing future citizens.
This chapter will help you understand the machinery of Indian democracy: how
political parties work, how elections empower people, and how power is shared
between the Centre and States like Punjab. This knowledge is essential for you
to foster democratic values like fairness, respect, and participation in your
young students.
9.1 DEMOCRACY: MEANING, CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS
9.1.1 - 9.1.4 Meaning and Concept
In Simple Words:
Democracy means "rule by the people." It comes from
the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power).
The most famous definition is by Abraham Lincoln: a government "of
the people, by the people, for the people."
It's Not Just Political:
Democracy is a way of life that should touch every part of
society:
- Political
Democracy: People elect their rulers through free and fair
elections.
- Social
Democracy: No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or
language. Everyone has equal status.
- Economic
Democracy: Wealth and resources are distributed fairly to reduce
poverty and inequality.
- Educational
Democracy: Education is a right for all, promoting critical
thinking and democratic values.
Daily Life Example in School:
Think of your classroom. If the teacher decides everything without asking
students, that's like a dictatorship. If the teacher lets students
discuss and vote on a class activity or choose their class monitor, that's
a small-scale democracy. The goal is to extend this spirit of
participation and fairness to the whole nation.
9.1.5 Characteristics of Democracy (The Democratic
Values)
For a democracy to be real and strong, it must be built on
these pillars:
- Liberty/Freedom: Citizens
have freedoms of speech, expression, belief, and worship.
Example: You can criticize a government policy on social media without fear of arrest (within limits of law). - Equality: All
citizens are equal before the law and have equal opportunities.
Example: A child from a poor family in a village and a child from a rich family in a city have the same right to free education under the RTE Act. - Fraternity: A
feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood, ensuring the dignity of every
individual and the unity of the nation.
Example: Helping a neighbour during a crisis, regardless of their religion or caste. - Justice: Social,
economic, and political justice for all.
Example: Laws against untouchability (social justice), minimum wage laws (economic justice), and the right to vote (political justice). - Dignity
of the Individual: Every person's life and choices are respected.
Example: Treating a sanitation worker with the same respect as a doctor. - Cooperation
& Sharing Responsibility: Citizens and leaders work together
for the common good.
Example:** Following traffic rules, paying taxes, and voting are ways of sharing responsibility. - Rule
of Law: The Constitution is supreme. Everyone, from the Prime
Minister to an ordinary citizen, must obey the same laws.
9.1.6 Kinds of Democracy
|
Type |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Direct Democracy |
All citizens directly participate in decision-making. |
Ancient Athens; Gram Sabha meetings in Indian villages. |
|
Representative Democracy |
Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. |
India, USA, UK. |
|
Constitutional Democracy |
Powers of government are limited by a supreme
constitution. |
India, where the Constitution guides all laws. |
|
Monitory Democracy |
Government is constantly monitored by independent
agencies, media, and the public. |
Modern India, with RTI, Election Commission, and active
media. |
India is a Constitutional, Representative, Democratic
Republic.
9.2 PARTY SYSTEM IN INDIA
9.2.1 - 9.2.2 Nature and Characteristics
What are Political Parties?
Organized groups of people with similar political views who contest elections
to hold power and implement their policies.
Key Features of India's Party System:
- Multi-Party
System: India has many national and regional parties.
This reflects our vast diversity.
National Parties: BJP, Congress, CPI(M), etc.
State Parties (Punjab): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). - Dominance
of National Parties: Since independence, national parties have
often dominated politics at the Centre, but state parties are very
powerful in their regions.
- Rise
of Regional Parties: Parties representing specific state or
regional interests play a crucial kingmaker role in national
politics. Punjab's Akali Dal is a classic example of a
strong regional party.
- Coalition
Governments: Because no single party often gets a full majority,
different parties form alliances or coalitions to govern.
This has been common since the 1990s.
- Lack
of Internal Democracy: Often, top leaders control parties;
ordinary members have little say in decisions or choosing candidates.
- Problem
of Defections: Politicians frequently switch parties for personal
gain, weakening stability. Laws like the Anti-Defection Law (52nd
Amendment) try to curb this.
9.2.3 Problems of the Party System
- Factionalism
& Splits: Internal groupism leads to party splits (e.g.,
splits in Congress, Akali Dal).
- Defections: MLAs/MPs
changing parties for money or posts.
- Money
& Muscle Power: Elections become expensive, favoring rich
candidates; sometimes criminal elements get involved.
- Casteism
& Communalism: Parties may appeal to caste or religious
sentiments for votes, which is harmful to national unity.
- Lack
of Ideology: Many parties focus only on winning elections, not on
clear, principled policies.
9.2.4 Role of the Opposition Party
The Opposition is essential for a healthy democracy.
It is not an enemy, but a necessary critic.
- Criticizes
the Government: Points out flaws in policies and administration.
- Exposes
Corruption & Misuse of Power: Acts as a watchdog.
- Presents
Alternatives: Offers different policies and programs.
- Ensures
Accountability: Keeps the ruling party on its toes by asking
questions.
- Represents
Public Grievances: Voices the concerns of people who disagree
with the government.
A Strong Opposition = A Strong Democracy.
9.2.5 Role of Political Parties (Why they are important)
- Contest
Elections: They select candidates and campaign.
- Make
Policies & Laws: Parties formulate programs that become
government policies if they win.
- Form
and Run Governments: The winning party or coalition forms the
government.
- Shape
Public Opinion: They debate issues and educate citizens.
- Link
between People & Government: They communicate people's
problems to the government and explain government actions to the people.
9.3 ELECTORAL POLITICS IN INDIA
Elections are the festival of democracy. They
are the tool through which common people choose their rulers.
9.3.1 Importance of Elections
- Choice
of Leadership: People decide who will govern them.
- Change
of Leadership: If people are unhappy, they can vote out a
government peacefully.
- Political
Participation: Elections allow every adult citizen to have a
direct say in politics.
- Self-Corrective
System: Fear of losing the next election forces governments to
perform.
9.3.2 Main Features of Indian Electoral System
- Universal
Adult Franchise: Every citizen aged 18 and above has
the right to vote, irrespective of education, wealth, gender, or caste.
- Direct
Election: Voters directly elect their MLAs (to Vidhan Sabha) and
MPs (to Lok Sabha).
- Secret
Ballot (EVMs): Voting is secret to prevent pressure or
intimidation.
- Independent
Election Commission: A powerful, independent body conducts free
and fair elections.
9.3.3 Importance of Adult Franchise
- It is
the foundation of political equality. A poor farmer's vote has
the same value as a billionaire's vote.
- It empowers
marginalized groups (SC, ST, women, poor) by giving them a
political voice.
- It educates
citizens about their rights and responsibilities.
- It strengthens
national unity by making everyone feel they have a stake in the
country.
9.4 ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
9.4.1 Composition & Role
To ensure elections are free and fair, the Constitution
created an independent Election Commission (EC).
Structure: Headed by the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC), assisted by Election Commissioners. They are appointed
by the President and are very difficult to remove, ensuring their independence.
Key Functions of the Election Commission:
- Conducts
all elections (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies,
President, Vice-President).
- Prepares
and updates the Electoral Roll (voter list).
- Implements
the Model Code of Conduct during elections to ensure a level
playing field.
- Allots
election symbols to parties and candidates.
- Recognizes
political parties as national or state parties.
- Sets
election schedules and decides polling booth locations.
- Counts
votes and declares results.
- Can
cancel polls in cases of fraud or violence.
The EC is the guardian of Indian democracy's most sacred
process.
9.5 CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS
India has a federal system, meaning power is
divided between a central (Union) government for the whole country and state
governments for each state (like Punjab). This balance is crucial for unity and
regional development.
The Constitution divides powers through Three Lists:
|
Union List (97 Subjects) |
State List (66 Subjects) |
Concurrent List (47 Subjects) |
|
Subjects of national importance. Only
Parliament can make laws. |
Subjects of local/state importance. Only State
Legislatures can make laws. |
Subjects of common interest. Both can
make laws. In case of conflict, Union law prevails. |
|
E.g., Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency,
Railways. |
E.g., Police, Public Health, Agriculture,
Local Government. |
E.g., Education, Forest, Marriage, Trade
Unions. |
Residuary Powers: Any subject not in these lists
rests with the Union Parliament.
Administrative & Financial Relations
- Administrative: States
must exercise their power in a way that does not obstruct Union laws. The
Centre can give directions to states on certain matters.
- Financial: The
Centre collects major taxes (like Income Tax) and shares them with states.
This is done by the Finance Commission to ensure states
have funds for development.
- During
Emergencies: The balance of power can tilt towards the Centre
during a National Emergency, State Emergency (President's Rule), or
Financial Emergency.
Tensions and Cooperation
- Tension
Areas: Disputes over water (e.g., Satluj-Yamuna Link canal),
funds, and implementation of central schemes.
- Cooperative
Federalism: Ideally, the Centre and States should work as
partners. Institutions like the NITI Aayog and Inter-State
Council are forums for discussion and planning together.
Punjab's Perspective: Punjab has a unique
relationship with the Centre, involving issues like agricultural laws
(now repealed), river water sharing, and central assistance for development.
Understanding this dynamic helps explain many local political debates.
Conclusion: Democracy as a Living Practice
India's democracy is a grand, noisy, and vibrant experiment.
Its success depends not just on politicians in Delhi or Chandigarh, but
on informed and responsible citizens. As a primary school teacher,
you plant the first seeds of this citizenship. When you teach children to
share, to listen to others, to resolve playground fights through dialogue, and
to respect differences, you are teaching them the essence of democracy.
You are helping build a future where the values of the Constitution—Justice,
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity—are lived every day.
EXERCISE: QUESTIONS & DETAILED ANSWERS
1. Define democracy? Give its characteristics in detail.
Introduction:
Democracy is a system of government where the supreme power is vested in the
people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of
representation, typically involving periodic free and fair elections. It is
derived from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power),
literally meaning "rule by the people."
Definition:
Abraham Lincoln's definition is most seminal: "Democracy is a government
of the people, by the people, and for the people." It is not merely a
political arrangement but a way of life encompassing social, economic, and
educational spheres.
Characteristics of Democracy in Detail:
- Popular
Sovereignty: The ultimate source of all political power is the
people. They express their will through elections.
- Political
Equality: Every adult citizen has one vote, each of equal value,
regardless of their social or economic status.
- Fundamental
Rights: Democracy guarantees essential rights like freedom of
speech, expression, belief, and association, protected by the
constitution.
- Rule
of Law: The constitution is supreme. All individuals, including
government officials, are equally subject to the law.
- Independent
Judiciary: A free and impartial judiciary protects citizens'
rights and interprets the constitution.
- Free
and Fair Elections: Regular elections are conducted by an
independent body (like India's EC) where people can choose and change
their rulers without fear.
- Accountability
and Transparency: The government is responsible to the people and
must explain its decisions and actions.
- Multi-Party
System & Political Tolerance: Existence of multiple parties
and respect for opposition views are vital. The ruling party respects the
right of others to disagree.
- Decentralization
of Power: Power is not concentrated but shared with state and
local governments, as seen in India's federal structure.
- Active
Participation: A healthy democracy requires informed and active
participation of citizens beyond just voting, such as in public debates
and community life.
Conclusion:
These characteristics intertwine to create a system where human dignity,
freedom, and collective welfare are paramount. Democracy is thus a dynamic and
evolving process of governance centered on citizen empowerment.
2. What do you mean by party system? Discuss the main
features of the party system in India.
Introduction:
A party system refers to the pattern of political party competition and
cooperation within a democratic nation. It encompasses the number of
significant parties, their ideology, and the nature of their interaction.
India's party system is a direct reflection of its immense social, cultural,
and regional diversity.
Meaning: It is the framework within which
political parties operate to gain power, represent people, and shape public
policy.
Main Features of India's Party System:
- Multi-Party
System: India has a plethora of national and regional parties. No
single party can easily secure a nationwide majority, leading to coalition
politics.
- One-Dominant-Party
System (Historically): For decades after independence, the Indian
National Congress was the dominant central force, though this has evolved
into a more competitive multi-party system since the 1990s.
- Rise
of Regional Parties: Parties based on regional, linguistic, or
state-specific identities (e.g., Akali Dal in Punjab, DMK in Tamil Nadu)
have become powerful, often determining the fate of national coalitions.
- Lack
of Ideological Rigidity: Except for leftist or right-wing
ideological poles, many parties are pragmatic and shift policies to build
electoral alliances and catch vote banks.
- Personality-Centric
Nature: Parties are often built around towering leaders rather
than organizational structures or rigid ideologies.
- Social
Base: Many parties have traditional vote banks based on caste,
community, or religion (e.g., BSP for Dalits, AIMIM for sections of
Muslims).
- Factionalism
and Defections: Internal groupism and the shifting of loyalties
by legislators (defections) for personal gain have been persistent
problems, despite the Anti-Defection Law.
- Coalition
Governments: A defining feature since the late 1980s. Governments
are often formed by alliances of multiple parties, necessitating
compromise and consensus-based governance.
Conclusion:
The Indian party system is complex and adaptive. Its federalized and fragmented
nature mirrors the country's diversity. While it ensures representation for
various groups, challenges like defections, money power, and sometimes shallow
ideology remain areas of concern for the deepening of democracy.
3. Explain the role of the opposition party in democracy.
Introduction:
In a democracy, the opposition party (or parties) is not an adversary to the
nation but an indispensable component of good governance. It comprises those
political parties that are not part of the government. Its role is critical for
the system of checks and balances.
Detailed Role of the Opposition:
- Constructive
Criticism: It scrutinizes, debates, and criticizes the policies
and actions of the government, preventing the misuse of power and
highlighting errors.
- Accountability: By
asking tough questions in parliament, using tools like adjournment motions
and no-confidence motions, it holds the executive accountable to the
legislature and the public.
- Presentation
of Alternatives: It formulates and presents alternative policies
and programs, giving voters a clear choice in future elections.
- Protection
of Citizens' Rights: It acts as a watchdog, voicing the
grievances of citizens and marginalized groups who may feel unrepresented
by the ruling party.
- Ensuring
Transparency: By demanding information and exposing scandals, it
promotes transparency in government functioning.
- Educating
Public Opinion: Through its critiques and alternatives, it helps
shape and educate public opinion on vital national issues.
- Preparing
a Shadow Cabinet: In systems like the UK's, the opposition
prepares a team of spokespersons ready to assume office, ensuring a smooth
transition of power.
- Cooperation
in National Interest: During national crises like war or
pandemic, a responsible opposition sets aside political differences and
cooperates with the government for the nation's welfare.
Conclusion:
A strong, vigilant, and responsible opposition is the hallmark of a vibrant
democracy. It ensures that power is not concentrated and that the government
remains responsive, alert, and focused on public welfare. As the saying goes,
"Opposition is not an obstacle to governance but an essential part of
it."
4. Discuss the problems of the party system in India.
Introduction:
While political parties are the lifeblood of Indian democracy, the party system
itself grapples with several structural and functional problems that can
undermine democratic quality and governance.
Key Problems:
- Lack
of Internal Democracy: Most parties are centralized, with top
leaders (often a family) making key decisions on candidates and policies.
Ordinary members have little say.
- Dynastic
Succession: Leadership is frequently passed on within political
families, restricting opportunities for fresh talent and meritocracy.
- Money
and Muscle Power: Elections are expensive, favoring wealthy
candidates and parties. This leads to corruption and sometimes the
involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds.
- Casteism
and Communalism: Many parties resort to appealing to caste and
religious sentiments to secure vote banks, which fragments society and
diverts attention from developmental issues.
- Defections: The
unethical practice of elected representatives switching parties for
personal gain (office, money) weakens electoral mandates and creates
instability. The Anti-Defection Law has only been partially successful.
- Absence
of Meaningful Ideology: Several parties are formed around
personalities or immediate gains rather than a coherent socio-economic
ideology, making their policy commitments shallow.
- Focus
on Short-term Populism: To win elections, parties often promise
short-term populist measures (freebies) over long-term, sustainable
development, straining public finances.
- Regional
Imbalances: The strength of parties is often region-specific,
which can sometimes lead to perceptions of neglect of regions where a
party is weak.
Conclusion:
These problems pose a significant challenge to the health of Indian democracy.
Reforms like state funding of elections (with conditions), stronger regulation
of internal party elections, and decriminalization of politics are often
suggested to create a more robust and representative party system.
5. Discuss the Election Commission: composition and
features.
Introduction:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent, independent
constitutional authority established under Article 324. It is the
cornerstone of India's democratic process, entrusted with the superintendence,
direction, and control of all elections.
Composition:
- Originally
a single-member body (Chief Election Commissioner), it is now a multi-member
body.
- It
consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such
number of Election Commissioners (ECs) as the President
may decide.
- Currently,
it is a three-member body (CEC + 2 ECs).
- They
are appointed by the President of India. They have security
of tenure and can only be removed through a process similar to
the removal of a Supreme Court judge, ensuring their independence from the
government of the day.
Salient Features:
- Independence: Its
constitutional status, secure tenure, and financial autonomy shield it
from executive interference.
- Wide
Powers: It has extensive powers covering every stage of the
electoral process, from preparing voter lists to declaring results.
- Model
Code of Conduct (MCC): It formulates and enforces the MCC during
elections to ensure a level playing field and prevent the misuse of
official machinery.
- Adjudicatory
Powers: It can settle disputes related to recognition of parties
and allotment of symbols.
- Administrative
Control: It has full control over the officials and staff
deployed for election duty during the electoral period.
- Innovation: It
has introduced reforms like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter
Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), and efforts towards greater
transparency in political funding.
Conclusion:
The Election Commission's impartiality, authority, and innovative
administration have earned it immense credibility, both nationally and
internationally. It is rightly regarded as the guardian of free and fair
elections in the world's largest democracy.
6. Elaborate the functions of the Election Commission.
Introduction:
The Election Commission of India is vested with a wide array of functions and
powers under the Constitution and related laws to ensure the smooth, free, and
fair conduct of elections.
Key Functions:
- Electoral
Roll Management: It prepares, revises, and updates the Electoral
Roll (voter list) for all constituencies.
- Conducting
Elections: It conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha,
State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and
Vice-President.
- Schedule
and Notification: It announces the election schedule, issues
notifications, and sets dates for filing nominations, scrutiny,
withdrawal, polling, and counting.
- Recognition
of Political Parties: It grants recognition to political parties
as 'National' or 'State' parties and allots them reserved symbols.
- Allotment
of Symbols: It allots election symbols to recognized parties and
independent candidates.
- Enforcement
of Model Code of Conduct: It ensures that all parties and
candidates follow the MCC from the announcement of elections until the
results are declared.
- Appointment
of Officials: It appoints key election officials like Returning
Officers and Assistant Returning Officers.
- Scrutiny
of Nomination Papers: It oversees the scrutiny of candidates'
nomination papers.
- Monitoring
Election Expenditure: It sets limits on candidate expenditure and
monitors it, though this remains a challenging task.
- Deciding
on Disputes: It adjudicates on disputes concerning party symbols
and recognition.
- Cancellation/Polling
Booth Re-poll: It has the power to countermand elections in case
of booth capturing or violence and can order a re-poll in specific booths
or constituencies.
- Voter
Education: It undertakes Systematic Voters' Education and
Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programs to increase voter awareness and
turnout.
- Declaration
of Results: It scrutinizes and officially declares the results of
all elections.
Conclusion:
Through the meticulous execution of these functions, the Election Commission
provides the institutional framework that makes India's gigantic electoral
exercise possible, thereby safeguarding the very essence of its democratic
polity.
7. Discuss the centre-state relationship in detail.
Introduction:
India's governance structure is quasi-federal, with a unique division of powers
between the Union (Centre) and the States. The relationship is detailed in the
Constitution (Parts XI and XII) and is dynamic, characterized by both
cooperation and conflict, aiming to balance national unity with regional
autonomy.
Detailed Discussion on Three Key Aspects:
1. Legislative Relations (Seventh Schedule):
- Union
List (97 Subjects): Parliament has exclusive power to legislate
on matters of national importance like defence, foreign affairs, atomic
energy, and railways.
- State
List (66 Subjects): State legislatures have exclusive power over
matters of local importance like police, public health, agriculture, and
land.
- Concurrent
List (47 Subjects): Both Parliament and State Legislatures can
legislate. However, in case of conflict, the Central law prevails. This
includes subjects like education, forests, and marriage.
- Residuary
Powers: Parliament has the power to make laws on any subject not
mentioned in any of the lists (Article 248).
2. Administrative Relations:
- The
executive power of the State must be exercised to ensure compliance with
Central laws (Article 256).
- The
Centre can give directions to States on certain matters (e.g.,
construction of national highways).
- All-India
Services (IAS, IPS) are recruited and trained by the Centre but
serve in state cadres, acting as a unifying administrative framework.
- During
an Emergency (National, State, or Financial), the
administrative balance can tilt heavily in favor of the Centre.
3. Financial Relations:
- The
Centre has major taxation powers (Income Tax, Customs). States rely
heavily on Central transfers.
- Finance
Commission: A constitutional body appointed every five years
recommends the distribution of tax proceeds between Centre and States and
grants-in-aid to states.
- The
Centre also provides funds for state plans through the Planning
Commission (now NITI Aayog) and various centrally sponsored
schemes.
Areas of Tension & Cooperation:
- Tensions: Often
arise over resources (river water disputes like Cauvery, Ravi-Beas),
implementation of Central schemes, and use of central investigative
agencies (CBI, ED).
- Cooperative
Federalism: Institutions like the Inter-State Council and NITI
Aayog are platforms for dialogue. The GST Council is
a shining example of cooperative federalism, where both Centre and States
jointly decide on tax rates.
Conclusion:
The Centre-State relationship in India is a complex but flexible mechanism
designed to hold a vast and diverse nation together. While the Constitution
provides the Centre with significant powers to preserve national integrity, the
system also allows states substantial autonomy. The success of Indian
federalism lies in the continuous negotiation, partnership, and spirit of
accommodation between the two levels of government.
