Locate the following countries in the world map.

Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element.

Write out the two separately for each statement.

A. A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation

B. The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported

C. Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 percent. This led women’ organizations to demand one-third seats for women.

Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:

A. The army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization in the country.

Therefore the 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.

Read the first two paragraphs under the subheading ‘Dignity and freedom of the citizens’ and answer the following question.

Write about the dignity and freedom of the citizens in a democratic country.

What are the reasons for people to fight for democracy?