Chapter 4: Key Elements Of A Democratic Government

The core principles of a democratic government can be understood through real-world struggles for justice and equality. The story of South Africa under apartheid provides a powerful example.

Apartheid in South Africa

For many years, South Africa was governed by laws of apartheid, a system of intense racial segregation and discrimination. Society was rigidly divided into white, black, Indian, and 'coloured' races. Under this system:

• Non-white people were not allowed to mix with whites, live in the same areas, or use the same public facilities.
• Hospitals, ambulances, buses, and even bus stops were separate and unequal. Facilities for whites were well-equipped, while those for non-whites were deliberately inferior.
• Non-whites were denied the right to vote.
• The best land was reserved for white people, forcing non-whites onto the worst available land.

The Struggle Against Apartheid

This system of inequality sparked resistance. A pivotal moment occurred on 16 June 1976, when a young schoolboy named Hector Pieterson was killed. He and his classmates were protesting against being forced to learn Afrikaans, the language of the white oppressors, instead of their own language, Zulu. The police responded with brutal force, beating protestors and firing into the crowd, killing Hector.

This event fueled the anti-apartheid movement, led by organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) and its iconic leader, Nelson Mandela. After decades of struggle, they succeeded. In 1994, South Africa became a democratic nation where apartheid was dismantled and people of all races were finally considered equal. This history underscores the importance of the key elements that define a truly democratic government.

Participation

A fundamental element of a democracy is the participation of its people in the governing process. This participation takes many forms, ensuring that the government remains accountable to its citizens.

Regular Elections

The most direct way people participate is through voting in regular elections. In a democracy, citizens elect leaders to represent them and make decisions on their behalf. These governments are elected for a fixed term (for example, five years in India). This system has two key effects:

• It gives people the power to choose their government.
• It limits the power of the government. If a government fails to meet the expectations of the people, it can be voted out in the next election. Regular elections ensure that the government remains answerable to the citizens.

Other Ways of Participating

Participation is not limited to voting every five years. An active and alert citizenry engages with the government continuously through various other methods:

• Expressing Views: People can take an interest in the government's work, express their approval or disapproval, and offer criticism.
• Protests and Campaigns: When people disagree with a government decision (like an increase in electricity prices), they can organize rallies, dharnas, strikes, and signature campaigns to make their voices heard.
• The Role of Media: Newspapers, television, and magazines play a vital role in discussing government issues, highlighting problems, and shaping public opinion.
• Social Movements: People can organize themselves into social movements to challenge government policies. This is an important way for marginalized communities (such as dalits, adivasis, women, and minorities) to participate and advocate for their rights.

The strength of a democracy depends on its citizens being alert and interested in how the country is run.

Need To Resolve Conflict

In any diverse society, conflicts are bound to arise. These conflicts can occur between people of different cultures, religions, regions, or economic backgrounds. A key responsibility of a democratic government is to help resolve these conflicts peacefully and justly, according to the laws of the country.

If conflicts are not managed properly, they can lead to violence and fear, as seen in the case of Hector Pieterson's death. The government acts as a neutral mediator to prevent this.

Examples of Conflict Resolution

• Religious and Cultural Disputes: Celebrations or processions can sometimes cause tension between different communities. The government, especially the police, plays a crucial role by bringing representatives from the concerned communities together to find a mutually agreeable solution and ensure that violence does not erupt.
• Inter-State River Water Disputes: Rivers that flow through multiple states can become a major source of conflict. A prominent example is the Cauvery water dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

  The conflict arises because both states depend on the river for irrigation, drinking water, and other needs. The water stored in the upstream Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Karnataka affects the water available for the downstream Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu. When resources are scarce, this leads to a dispute. In such cases, the Central Government must intervene to ensure a fair distribution of water for both states, guided by the principles laid down in the Indian Constitution.

Equality And Justice

A deep commitment to equality and justice is a non-negotiable element of a democratic government. These two principles are inseparable: justice can only be achieved when people are treated equally, and true equality fosters a just society.

Tackling Social Injustice

Democracies work to dismantle systems of historical injustice. In India, a significant step has been the legal banning of untouchability. This cruel practice denied entire groups of people their basic rights to education, transport, medical facilities, and even the right to worship. Leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that such practices must be eradicated to achieve social justice.

Promoting Equality through Special Provisions

A democratic government doesn't just forbid discrimination; it also takes proactive steps to promote equality for groups that have been historically disadvantaged. This is done by creating special provisions to help them overcome societal inequality.

• For instance, in many societies, there is a tendency to value the boy child more than the girl child. This is an injustice that denies girls equal opportunities.
• To counteract this, the government can implement policies to promote justice for girls. For example, it might waive or lower school fees for girls in government schools and colleges. This affirmative action helps ensure that girls, who might otherwise be denied an education, get a fair chance to succeed.

By taking such steps, a democratic government actively works to bridge the gap between its ideals of equality and the reality on the ground.