Meaning of Challenge:
A challenge is not just any problem. We usually
call only those difficulties a ‘challenge’ which are significant and which can
be overcome. A challenge is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity
for progress. Once we overcome a challenge we go up to a higher level than
before.
1.Foundational Challenge:
Different countries face different kinds of
challenges. At least one fourth of the globe is still not under democratic
government. The challenge for democracy in these parts of the world is very
stark. These countries face the foundational challenge of making the transition
to democracy and then instituting democratic government. This involves bringing
down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling
government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. For example,
Nepal was under Monarchy till recent times. Now Nepal has changed to a
democratic system. Certain mindsets and systems will take years to change as
they have taken years to develop. Nepal is a very good example of foundational
challenge of democracy.
2.Challenge of Expansion:
Most of the established democracies face the
challenge of expansion. This involves applying the basic principle of
democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and
various institutions. Ensuring greater power to local governments, extension of
federal principle to all the units of the federation, inclusion of women and
minority groups, etc., falls under this challenge. This also means that less
and less decisions should remain outside the arena of democratic control. Most
countries including India and other democracies like the US face this
challenge. In India certain socio-economically backward groups have yet to get
the political powers. Additionally, some north-eastern states have not yet
fully integrated with the mainstream India. These are examples of challenge of
expansion of democracy.
3.Challenge of Deepening of Democracy
The third challenge of deepening of democracy is
faced by every democracy in one form or another. This involves strengthening of
the institutions and practices of democracy. This should happen in such a way
that people can realise their expectations of democracy. But ordinary people
have different expectations from democracy in different societies. In the early
nineties, when T N Sheshan became the Chief Election Commissioner, he brought
about a revolutionary change of disciplining political parties. This in turn
ensured fairer elections. This is an example of strengthening a particular
political institution.
From above descriptions it is clear that
different country face different kinds of challenges to democracy. These
challenges depend on what stage of social development the country is. Solutions
to these challenges also depend on a particular country’s unique situation. It
can be said that there is no pre-prescribed method to tackle the challenge
faced by a democracy.
RTI ACT: The Right to Information Act (Oct 2005)is a good example of a law that empowers the people to find out what is happening in government and act as watchdogs of democracy. Such a law helps to control corruption and supplements the existing laws that banned corruption and imposed strict penalties.
RTI ACT: The Right to Information Act (Oct 2005)is a good example of a law that empowers the people to find out what is happening in government and act as watchdogs of democracy. Such a law helps to control corruption and supplements the existing laws that banned corruption and imposed strict penalties.
Q.
Define the term 'Democratic Reform'.Ans. Any proposal or suggestion about overcoming various challenges of democracy are called democratic reforms.
Q.What types of challenges are being faced by democracy?
Ans. Three types of challenges i.e., Foundational challenge, challenge of expansion and deepening of democracy.
Q. How can democratic reforms be carried out?
Ans. Democratic reforms can be carried out by
(a) legally
(b) by good quality of people's participation
(c) Development of democratic movement and the media.
Q. What are the legal ways of reforming politics?
Ans. It means changes in the existing laws which can help to discourage wrong practices and encourage good ones or to bring amendments in the constitution.
Q What is the most common form of democracy in today's world?
Ans. Indirect or representative democracy
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