Q10 of 10 Page 37

In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people democracy. It also shaped their abilities influence the decisions taken by government. The report highlighted that:

● If an average Black family earns $100 then the income of average White family is $162. A White family has twelve times more wealth than the average Black family.


● In a President's election, nearly nine out of individuals in families with income over $75,000 have voted. These people are the top 20% the population in terms of their income. On the other hand, only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $ 5,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population terms of their income.


● About 95% contribution to the political Ties comes from the rich. This gives them opportunity to express their opinions and concerns, which is not available to most citizens.


● As poor sections participate less in politics, government does not listen to their concerns coming out of poverty, getting job, education, health care and housing from them. Politicians hear most regularly about the concerns of business and the rich.


Write an essay on "Democracy and Poverty" using the information given in this report but using examples from India.

Democracy and Poverty are equally related with each other and the facts mentioned in the report of 2004 in USA clearly indicate that rich people still are more influencing than the poor. In the present date, rich people are the decision makers. All the policies that are being launched are set by their representatives. The poor people or people belonging to the poverty line cannot make any changes in this. If we look at our country the expenses of a general election cannot be afford by a common people and thus most of the political power is wielded by those with money. Poor people of our country work day and night just to complete the needs of his family and earn a livelihood These people fight with hunger not with the policies of the government.


More from this chapter

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6

There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need. Which of these is not a democratic method?

 7

Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:

(a) Army is the most disciplined and Corruption-free organization in the country, therefore army should rule the country.


(b) Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.


(c) If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.

 8

Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?

(a) Father to daughter: I don't want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.

(b) Teacher to student: Don't disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.

(c) Employee to the officer. Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.

 9

Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.

(a) All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.


(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving was that the government would reduce expenses on education and health.


(c) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language the language spoken by 52 percent people of a country.


(d) Several organizations have given for peaceful demonstrations and national strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.


(e) The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers need to get permission from the government to publish any news about government’s policies and protests