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Grassroots Democracy

Chapter 10. Grassroots Democracy

This chapter explains the meaning and importance of governance, government and democracy. It introduces the three organs and three levels of government in India and explains how democratic governance enables citizens to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Chapter Review

Introduction

• Human beings have been living together in communities for a very long time.
• When many people live together, disagreements and disorder may arise.
• Rules are necessary to maintain order and harmony in society.
• Rules exist at home, in schools, workplaces and on roads.
• Without rules, society would not be able to function properly.
• The process of taking decisions and organising society according to rules is called governance.
• Governance also includes ensuring that rules are followed.
• The group of individuals or system that makes rules and ensures that they are followed is called government.
• Some of the most important rules made by the government are called laws.
• Rules and laws are not necessarily permanent and may be changed when required.
• Citizens can have a say in the laws and rules that govern society.
• Good governance requires proper institutions and systems for making and implementing decisions.
• Modern governments perform different functions through different organs.
• In India, government works at local, State and national levels.
• Democracy provides the overall framework for people's participation in governance.
• In a democracy, people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Grassroots democracy encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Important Definitions

Term	Definition
Governance	The process of taking decisions, organising society's life through rules and ensuring that those rules are followed.
Government	The group of individuals or system that makes rules and ensures that they are followed.
Law	An important rule made by the government for society.
Legislature	The organ of government that makes, updates or removes laws.
Executive	The organ of government that implements laws and maintains law and order.
Judiciary	The system of courts that decides whether laws have been broken and determines appropriate action.
Separation of Powers	The principle of keeping the three organs of government separate while allowing them to interact and work together.
Checks and Balances	A system in which each organ of government can check the actions of the other organs and help maintain balance.
Democracy	A system of government based on the rule or power of the people.
Direct Democracy	A system in which people directly participate in taking a decision.
Representative Democracy	A system in which people elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
Grassroots Democracy	A system that enables and encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.
Nominal	Existing or functioning mainly in name; not the actual executive authority in the usual situation.
House	An assembly where laws are discussed or passed.

Important Terms

• Governance
• Government
• Rules
• Laws
• Legislature
• Executive
• Judiciary
• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances
• Three Levels of Government
• Local Government
• State Government
• Central Government
• Democracy
• Voting
• Direct Democracy
• Representative Democracy
• Grassroots Democracy
• MLA
• MP
• Lok Sabha
• Rajya Sabha
• Vidhan Sabha
• Supreme Court
• High Court
• Nominal Head

Governance and Government

• Governance involves taking decisions and organising the life of society.
• It involves making different sets of rules.
• It also involves ensuring that the rules are followed.
• Government is the group or system responsible for making and enforcing rules.
• Laws are among the most important rules governing society.
• Citizens can participate in discussions and processes that may lead to changes in rules and laws.

Three Organs of Government

• A modern government has three main organs or branches.
• Legislature – Makes new laws and may update or remove existing laws.
• Executive – Implements laws and is responsible for administration and law and order.
• Judiciary – Courts interpret laws, decide whether laws have been broken and determine appropriate action.
• The judiciary may also examine whether executive decisions are appropriate.
• It may also examine whether laws made by the legislature are properly conceived and fair.

Separation of Powers

• The three organs of government are kept separate in a system of good governance.
• They can still interact with one another and work together.
• This arrangement is called the separation of powers.
• Separation of powers helps prevent excessive concentration of power.
• It provides a system of checks and balances.
• Each organ can check the actions of the other organs.
• Checks and balances help restore balance if an organ acts beyond its expected role.

Three Levels of Government

• Democratic government operates at multiple levels.
• In India, government functions at three levels or tiers.
• Local Government – Functions at the town or village level.
• State Government – Functions at the State level.
• Central or Union Government – Functions at the national level.
• Different levels deal with different kinds of matters.
• The three levels can cooperate when a problem is too large for one level to handle alone.

Example of Three Levels of Government

• A flood affecting a small area may be handled by local authorities.
• If the flood affects several towns and villages, the State Government may provide assistance.
• If a massive flood affects a very large area, the Central Government may also provide relief.
• The Central Government may send relief supplies and the army when necessary.
• This example demonstrates the importance of different levels of government.

Functions of the Central Government

• Defence
• Foreign Affairs
• Atomic Energy
• Communications
• Currency
• Inter-state Commerce
• Education
• Formulation of national policies

Functions of the State Government

• Police, law and order
• Adaptation and implementation of Central Government laws at the State level
• Public health
• Education
• Agriculture
• Irrigation
• Local government

Central and State Government Leadership

• At the national level, the President of India is the nominal head.
• The Prime Minister is the executive head of the Central Government.
• The President is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
• At the State level, the Governor is the nominal head.
• The Chief Minister is the executive head of the State Government.

Legislature at National and State Levels

• At the national level, the legislature consists of two Houses.
• These are the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• They formulate national laws.
• At the State level, the legislature generally has a Vidhan Sabha.
• Most States have a single legislative assembly.
• A few States have two Houses.

Judiciary at National and State Levels

• The Supreme Court of India is the highest court at the national level.
• The High Courts function at the State level.
• Courts decide whether laws have been broken.
• Courts may determine the appropriate course of action or punishment.
• The judiciary can also examine decisions of the executive and laws made by the legislature.

Nominal Head

• The President of India and Governor of a State are nominal heads in the normal functioning of government.
• The President normally does not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the Central Government.
• The Governor normally does not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the State Government.
• They may have certain powers under special circumstances.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1931.
• He was a renowned scientist.
• He played an important role in India's space programme, missile programme and nuclear capabilities.
• He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
• He remained deeply connected with people, especially the youth.
• He promoted education, innovation, hard work and dedication.
• His life demonstrates that even a nominal position can be used to inspire and influence millions of people.

Democracy

• The word democracy comes from two Greek words: dēmos meaning people and kratos meaning rule or power.
• Democracy literally means the rule of the people.
• It is not practical for every citizen to directly participate in every decision at the national level.
• Therefore, people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• At the State level, elected representatives are generally called MLAs.
• At the national level, elected representatives are called MPs.
• Representatives discuss laws, problems and possible solutions in legislative assemblies.
• They use dialogue and debate to deal with different opinions.
• India is a representative democracy.
• All Indian citizens above the age of 18 have the right to participate in elections, subject to the applicable electoral rules.

Direct Democracy

• In direct democracy, people directly participate in taking a decision.
• Voting by students to choose between two picnic destinations is an example of direct democracy.
• The option receiving the larger number of votes is selected.
• Every participant's opinion directly contributes to the final decision.

Representative Democracy

• In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives.
• The representatives take part in decision-making on behalf of the people.
• India follows a representative democratic system.
• MLAs represent people at the State level.
• MPs represent people at the national level.

Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy – Difference

Direct Democracy	Representative Democracy
People directly participate in the decision.	People elect representatives to make decisions.
Every participant's opinion can directly affect the decision.	Representatives discuss and decide on behalf of citizens.
Suitable for smaller groups or specific decisions.	Suitable for large populations and modern States.
Example: Class voting to select a picnic destination.	Example: Election of MLAs and MPs in India.

Grassroots Democracy

• Grassroots democracy focuses on the participation of ordinary citizens.
• The word grassroots refers to the base or ordinary people of society.
• Grassroots democracy enables citizens to have a say in decisions affecting them.
• It encourages participation from the local level upwards.
• Citizen participation is an important feature of democratic governance.

Important Mottos

• Satyameva Jayate – “Truth alone triumphs.”
• It is the motto of the Government of India.
• Yato Dharmastato Jayah – “Where there is dharma, there is victory.”
• It is the motto of the Supreme Court.

5 Minute Revision (Quick Revision)

• ✔ Governance = decision-making, organising society and ensuring rules are followed.
• ✔ Government = system or group that makes and enforces rules.
• ✔ Important rules made by government are called laws.
• ✔ Three organs = Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
• ✔ Legislature = makes laws.
• ✔ Executive = implements laws.
• ✔ Judiciary = interprets laws and decides legal disputes and violations.
• ✔ Separation of powers keeps the three organs separate.
• ✔ Checks and balances prevent misuse or excessive concentration of power.
• ✔ Three levels = Local, State and Central/Union Government.
• ✔ President = nominal head of the Union; Prime Minister = executive head.
• ✔ Governor = nominal head of the State; Chief Minister = executive head.
• ✔ Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha = Houses of Parliament.
• ✔ Vidhan Sabha = State Legislative Assembly.
• ✔ Supreme Court = highest court at the national level.
• ✔ Democracy = rule or power of the people.
• ✔ Direct democracy = people directly take part in decisions.
• ✔ Representative democracy = elected representatives take decisions.
• ✔ India is a representative democracy.
• ✔ Grassroots democracy = participation of ordinary citizens in decisions affecting them.

Exam Booster

• Governance और government की definitions और उनके बीच का संबंध समझें।
• Three organs of government और उनके functions अवश्य याद करें।
• Separation of powers और checks and balances का महत्व समझें।
• India में government के three levels—Local, State और Central—याद रखें।
• Central Government और State Government के प्रमुख functions को समझें।
• President, Prime Minister, Governor और Chief Minister की roles में अंतर समझें।
• Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, Supreme Court और High Court से संबंधित facts याद रखें।
• Democracy शब्द की Greek origin—dēmos और kratos—याद रखें।
• Direct democracy और representative democracy में अंतर अवश्य समझें।
• MLA और MP के अर्थ तथा उनके levels याद रखें।
• Grassroots democracy की definition और importance समझें।
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam के President के रूप में योगदान और उनके inspirational role को याद रखें।
• Satyameva Jayate और Yato Dharmastato Jayah के अर्थ याद रखें।

Grassroots Democracy

Chapter 10. Grassroots Democracy

Governance

Governance means the process of taking decisions, organising society according to rules and ensuring that these rules are followed.

• Human beings live together in families, communities and societies.
• When many people live together, different opinions and disagreements may arise.
• Rules are needed to maintain order and harmony.
• Rules are found in homes, schools, workplaces, roads and other places.
• Governance involves making decisions for the proper functioning of society.
• It also involves making and implementing rules.
• Good governance ensures that rules are properly followed.
• Citizens can also have a say in the laws and rules that govern society.

Rules

Rules are guidelines that tell people what they should or should not do in a particular situation or place.

• Rules help maintain discipline and order.
• Rules are necessary when people live and work together.
• Different places and institutions may have different rules.
• Home, school, workplace and roads all have rules.
• Rules can be changed when circumstances or needs change.
• Following common rules helps prevent disorder and conflict.

Laws

Laws are some of the most important rules made by the government for society.

• Laws regulate the behaviour and activities of people in society.
• Government makes laws for the proper functioning of society.
• Laws are implemented by the executive.
• Courts deal with violations of laws.
• Laws can be updated, changed or removed when necessary.
• Citizens can participate in the democratic process through which laws are made and changed.

Government

Government is the group of individuals or the system that makes rules and ensures that they are followed.

• No country can function properly without government and governance.
• Government makes important rules and laws.
• Government implements laws and policies.
• Government maintains law and order.
• Government provides many public services.
• Government works at different levels.
• In India, government functions at the local, State and Central or Union levels.

Governance and Government – Difference

Governance	Government
The process of taking decisions and organising society.	The group or system responsible for making and implementing rules.
Includes making and following rules.	Creates rules and ensures that they are followed.
It is a process.	It refers to the institutions or system responsible for governing.

Why Do We Need Government?

• Government is necessary to maintain order in society.
• It makes laws and rules for society.
• It ensures that laws are implemented.
• It maintains law and order.
• It provides various public services.
• It deals with matters affecting large numbers of people.
• It helps coordinate actions during emergencies and disasters.
• It represents the collective system through which society is governed.

Government and Public Life

The government affects many aspects of our everyday life through laws, public services, administration and policies.

• Government is involved in many public services.
• It makes rules relating to different areas of public life.
• It develops policies for the country and its people.
• It maintains systems required for the smooth functioning of society.
• Technological changes can create new challenges that require new laws.

Example – Cybercrime

• Digital technology has changed the way people communicate and transfer money.
• Earlier, people used methods such as money orders and demand drafts for certain transactions.
• Today, digital methods allow money to be transferred almost instantly.
• Digital technology has also created new forms of crime called cybercrime.
• Governments have made laws to deal with such criminal activities.
• People accused of crimes may be arrested and brought before courts.
• Courts decide whether the law has been broken and what action should be taken.
• This example shows how the three organs of government work together.

Three Organs of Government

A modern government has three main organs or branches: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.

Organ	Main Function
Legislature	Makes new laws and may update or remove existing laws.
Executive	Implements laws and maintains law and order.
Judiciary	Decides whether laws have been broken and determines the appropriate course of action.

Legislature

Legislature is the organ of government that makes new laws.

• The legislature makes laws for society.
• It can also update existing laws.
• It may remove laws when necessary.
• It consists of assemblies of representatives of the people.
• Representatives discuss laws and different issues.
• Different opinions are considered through discussion and debate.

Executive

Executive is the organ of government that implements or executes laws.

• The executive implements laws made by the legislature.
• It includes the head of state, ministers and agencies responsible for administration.
• It is responsible for enforcing law and order.
• Police and other agencies may work under the executive to enforce laws.
• The executive takes necessary administrative action according to laws and policies.

Judiciary

Judiciary is the system of courts that decides whether someone has broken the law and what action should be taken.

• Courts decide cases involving violations of law.
• The judiciary can determine punishment when necessary.
• It can examine whether a decision taken by the executive is appropriate.
• It can examine whether a law passed by the legislature is well conceived and fair.
• The judiciary therefore plays an important role in maintaining justice and balance.

Three Organs – Easy Revision

• Legislature → Makes Laws
• Executive → Implements Laws
• Judiciary → Interprets Laws and Decides Legal Matters

Separation of Powers

Separation of powers means keeping the three organs of government separate while allowing them to interact and work together.

• The legislature, executive and judiciary have different roles.
• They should not be completely controlled by the same group.
• Each organ has its own expected role.
• They can interact and cooperate with one another.
• Separation of powers helps prevent excessive concentration of power.
• It is an important feature of good governance.

Checks and Balances

Checks and balances means that each organ of government can check what the other organs are doing and help restore balance when necessary.

• Each organ has its own responsibilities.
• One organ can check the actions of another.
• This helps prevent misuse of power.
• It helps maintain balance among the three organs.
• It supports good governance.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances – Difference

Separation of Powers	Checks and Balances
Separates the functions of the three organs.	Allows one organ to check the actions of another.
Prevents concentration of all powers in one organ.	Helps prevent misuse or excessive exercise of power.
Defines different roles.	Maintains balance among the organs.

Three Levels of Government

Democratic governments operate at multiple levels. In India, government functions at three levels: Local, State and Central/Union.

• Local Government – Works at the town or village level.
• State Government – Works at the State or regional level.
• Central/Union Government – Works at the national level.
• Different levels deal with different kinds of matters.
• The three levels can cooperate when a problem is too large for one level to handle alone.

Why Do We Need Three Levels of Government?

• Different problems affect different areas and groups of people.
• Local problems can often be handled at the local level.
• Problems affecting an entire State may require State Government action.
• National-level matters require the Central or Union Government.
• Different levels make governance more organised and effective.
• The levels can cooperate during large emergencies.

Example – Flood Management

• If a flood affects a small part of a district, local authorities may deal with it.
• If several towns and villages are affected, the State Government may step in.
• The State Government may send rescue teams to affected areas.
• If a massive flood affects a very large area, the Central Government may also help.
• The Central Government may provide relief supplies and assistance such as the army when required.
• This example shows how the three levels of government can work together.

Central Government

• The Central or Union Government works at the national level.
• It deals with matters affecting the country as a whole.
• Its responsibilities include defence and foreign affairs.
• It deals with atomic energy and communications.
• It is responsible for currency and inter-State commerce.
• It also deals with education and formulation of national policies.

State Government

• The State Government works at the State level.
• It deals with police, law and order.
• It adapts and implements Central Government laws at the State level.
• It deals with public health.
• It deals with education and agriculture.
• It deals with irrigation.
• It also deals with local government.

Central Government and State Government – Difference

Central/Union Government	State Government
Works at the national level.	Works at the State level.
Deals with defence and foreign affairs.	Deals with police and law and order.
Deals with currency and inter-State commerce.	Deals with agriculture and irrigation.
Formulates national policies.	Implements and adapts Central laws at the State level.

National and State Leadership

• At the national level, the President of India is the nominal head.
• The Prime Minister is the executive head of the Central Government.
• The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
• At the State level, the Governor is the nominal head.
• The Chief Minister is the executive head of the State Government.

Nominal Head

Nominal means “in name only”. In this context, the President and Governor are nominal heads and are not the actual executive heads in the normal functioning of government.

• The President is the nominal head of the Union Government.
• The Governor is the nominal head of a State.
• They have certain powers under special circumstances.
• Normally, they do not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the Central or State Government.

Legislature at National and State Levels

• At the national level, the legislature consists of two Houses.
• These are the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• They formulate national laws.
• At the State level, there is generally one State Assembly or Vidhan Sabha.
• Most States have a single assembly.
• A few States have two Houses.

Judiciary at National and State Levels

• The Supreme Court of India is the highest court at the national level.
• The High Courts function at the State level.
• Courts decide whether laws have been broken.
• Courts determine the appropriate course of action according to law.

Important Institutional Terms

Term	Meaning
House	An assembly where laws are discussed or passed.
MLA	Member of Legislative Assembly.
MP	Member of Parliament.
Vidhan Sabha	The State Legislative Assembly.
Lok Sabha	One of the two Houses of Parliament at the national level.
Rajya Sabha	One of the two Houses of Parliament at the national level.
Supreme Court	The highest court of India.
High Court	A major court functioning at the State level.

Important Mottos

• Satyameva Jayate – “Truth alone triumphs.”
• It is the motto of the Government of India.
• Yato Dharmastato Jayah – “Where there is dharma, there is victory.”
• It is the motto of the Supreme Court.

Important Facts to Remember

• ✔ Governance is the process of taking decisions and organising society through rules.
• ✔ Government makes rules and ensures that they are followed.
• ✔ Laws are important rules made by the government.
• ✔ Modern government has three organs.
• ✔ Legislature makes laws.
• ✔ Executive implements laws.
• ✔ Judiciary decides whether laws have been broken and determines appropriate action.
• ✔ Separation of powers keeps the three organs separate.
• ✔ Checks and balances allow each organ to check the actions of the others.
• ✔ India has three levels of government—Local, State and Central/Union.
• ✔ Local Government works at the town or village level.
• ✔ State Government works at the State level.
• ✔ Central Government works at the national level.
• ✔ President is the nominal head of the Union Government.
• ✔ Prime Minister is the executive head of the Central Government.
• ✔ Governor is the nominal head of a State.
• ✔ Chief Minister is the executive head of the State Government.
• ✔ Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are the two Houses at the national level.
• ✔ Vidhan Sabha is the State Legislative Assembly.
• ✔ Supreme Court is the highest court of India.
• ✔ High Courts function at the State level.

Grassroots Democracy

Chapter 10. Grassroots Democracy

Democracy

Democracy is a system of governance in which the people have the power to participate in making decisions that govern them.

• The word democracy comes from two Greek words.
• dēmos means ‘people’.
• kratos means ‘rule’ or ‘power’.
• Therefore, democracy literally means the rule of the people.
• Democracy is one of the foundation stones of modern systems of governance.
• In a large country, it is not practical for every citizen to directly participate in every decision.
• Therefore, people elect representatives to take decisions on their behalf.
• India follows a representative democracy.

Why Do We Need Representatives?

• It is not practical for all citizens to participate directly in every decision.
• A large number of people may have different opinions on an issue.
• Representatives can present the views and concerns of the people.
• People elect representatives through elections.
• The elected representatives participate in discussions and decision-making.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Different opinions are considered through dialogue and debate.

Example of a Representative

Suppose a class has a problem that needs to be brought to the principal. Instead of the entire class going to the principal, the class can elect a class representative to present its views.

• The class representative speaks on behalf of the class.
• The representative is chosen by the members of the class.
• This illustrates the basic idea of representative democracy.
• In the same way, citizens elect representatives at the State and national levels.

Representatives at Different Levels

Level	Representative
State Level	MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly
National Level	MP – Member of Parliament

MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly

MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly.

• MLAs are elected representatives at the State level.
• People vote to elect MLAs from their respective constituencies.
• MLAs participate in the State legislature.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• They represent the views and concerns of people in their constituencies.

MP – Member of Parliament

MP stands for Member of Parliament.

• MPs are elected representatives at the national level.
• People elect MPs through elections.
• MPs participate in Parliament.
• They discuss national laws, problems and possible solutions.
• They represent the people at the national level.

MLA and MP – Difference

MLA	MP
MLA means Member of Legislative Assembly.	MP means Member of Parliament.
Works at the State level.	Works at the national level.
Participates in the State legislature.	Participates in Parliament.
Deals mainly with matters discussed at the State level.	Deals mainly with matters discussed at the national level.

Elections

Election is the process through which people choose their representatives by voting.

• Elections are an important part of representative democracy.
• Citizens vote for candidates who they want to represent them.
• The elected representatives take part in governance.
• Through elections, people participate in the process of government.
• Elections provide citizens an opportunity to choose their representatives.

Voting

Voting is the process of expressing one's choice between different options or candidates.

• Voting is an important method of participation in democracy.
• People use their votes to choose representatives.
• In some situations, voting can also be used to directly choose between options.
• The option or candidate receiving the required majority of votes is selected according to the applicable rules.

Direct Democracy

Direct democracy is a system in which people directly participate in taking a decision.

• People themselves take part in the decision-making process.
• There is no need for representatives to make that particular decision on their behalf.
• Every participant's opinion can directly contribute to the final decision.
• It is more practical for small groups or specific decisions.

Example of Direct Democracy

Suppose a class has to choose between two picnic destinations, A and B. The students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both places and then vote by raising their hands.

• Students directly express their preference.
• The number of votes for each option is counted.
• The option receiving more votes is selected.
• This is an example of direct democracy.
• The students themselves directly participate in the decision.

Representative Democracy

Representative democracy is a system in which people elect representatives who take part in decision-making on their behalf.

• Citizens elect representatives through elections.
• Representatives participate in legislative assemblies.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Dialogue and debate help representatives deal with different opinions.
• India follows representative democracy.

Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy – Difference

Direct Democracy	Representative Democracy
People directly participate in the decision.	People elect representatives to take decisions on their behalf.
Suitable for smaller groups or particular decisions.	Suitable for large populations and countries.
People directly express their choice.	People express their choice by electing representatives.
Example: Students voting for a picnic destination.	Example: Citizens electing MLAs and MPs.

India – A Representative Democracy

• India is a representative democracy.
• People elect representatives at different levels.
• MLAs are elected at the State level.
• MPs are elected at the national level.
• Elected representatives participate in discussions and decision-making.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Dialogue and debate are important parts of the democratic process.
• In principle, Indian citizens above the age of 18 have the right to participate in elections.

Democracy and Representation

• Democracy gives people a role in the governance of their country.
• In a large country, representation makes democratic governance practical.
• Citizens choose people to represent their interests.
• Representatives discuss public issues in legislative bodies.
• Different opinions can be expressed through dialogue and debate.
• Thus, elections and representation connect citizens with government.

Grassroots Democracy

Grassroots democracy refers to a system that enables and encourages the participation of ordinary citizens in decisions that affect them.

• The term grassroots refers to ordinary people at the base of society.
• Grassroots democracy gives ordinary citizens a say in decisions affecting their lives.
• It encourages participation from the local or basic level of society.
• It strengthens people's involvement in governance.
• It makes democracy more participatory.
• Citizens are not merely governed; they can also participate in decisions affecting them.

Importance of Grassroots Democracy

• It encourages ordinary citizens to participate in governance.
• It gives people a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
• It helps bring local issues and concerns into decision-making.
• It encourages people to take responsibility for their communities.
• It strengthens democratic participation.
• It connects citizens more closely with the system of governance.

Democracy – Important Points

• Democracy literally means the rule of the people.
• dēmos = people.
• kratos = rule or power.
• India is a representative democracy.
• People elect representatives through elections.
• MLAs represent people at the State level.
• MPs represent people at the national level.
• Representatives discuss laws, problems and solutions.
• Dialogue and debate help deal with different opinions.
• Direct democracy involves direct participation in decision-making.
• Representative democracy works through elected representatives.
• Grassroots democracy encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Important Concepts at a Glance

Concept	Key Point
Governance	Taking decisions, organising society through rules and ensuring that rules are followed.
Government	System or group that makes rules and ensures that they are followed.
Legislature	Makes laws.
Executive	Implements laws.
Judiciary	Decides whether laws have been broken and what action should be taken.
Separation of Powers	Keeps the three organs separate while allowing them to interact.
Checks and Balances	Allows each organ to check the actions of the others.
Three Levels	Local, State and Central/Union Government.
Democracy	Rule or power of the people.
Direct Democracy	People directly participate in a decision.
Representative Democracy	People elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Grassroots Democracy	Encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Chapter in Four Lines

• ✔ Governance organises society through rules and decision-making.
• ✔ Government makes and implements rules through its three organs.
• ✔ Democracy gives people a role in governance through participation and representation.
• ✔ Grassroots democracy encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Before We Move On – Key Points

• ✔ No country can run without governance and government.
• ✔ A modern government has three organs—legislature, executive and judiciary.
• ✔ The three organs need to work together.
• ✔ The Indian government functions at three levels—Centre or national, State and local.
• ✔ Democracy provides the overall framework for this system.
• ✔ Democracy functions through elected representatives at the State and national levels.
• ✔ Grassroots democracy enables and encourages ordinary citizens to have a say in decisions affecting them.