Social Sciences: Class 6 — Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance

10.1 Introduction to Governance and Government

Human beings live in communities, and rules are essential to maintain order and harmony. Without rules, society would not be able to function properly.

Inspirational Quotes on Governance:
- “rājānam dharmagoptāram dharmo rakṣhati rakṣhitah” (“The ruler protects dharma and dharma protects those who protect it.”) — The Mahābhārata
- “There is no peace without justice; no justice without equality; no equality without development; no democracy without respect to the identity and dignity of cultures and peoples.” — Rigoberta Menchú Tum
Governance: The process of taking decisions, organising society's life with different sets of rules, and ensuring that they are followed.
Government: The group of individuals or the system that makes the rules and ensures that they are followed.
Laws: The more important rules established by the government.

10.2 Three Organs of Government

The government functions through three distinct branches or organs that work together to manage society and address challenges (such as cybercrime):

The Three Branches

Legislature: The organ that makes new laws (or 'legislates'), updates, or removes existing laws. This is done by an assembly of representatives of the people.
Executive: The organ that implements (or 'executes') the laws. It includes the head of state, ministers, and enforcement agencies (e.g., the cyber police).
Judiciary: The system of courts that decides whether someone has broken the law and determines the appropriate punishment. It also reviews executive decisions and legislative laws for fairness.

Separation of Powers

In a good system of governance, these three organs are kept separate. This is known as the separation of powers.

It provides a system of checks and balances.
Each organ can check what the other is doing, restoring balance if any organ acts beyond its expected role.

10.3 Three Levels of Government

In India, the government operates at three distinct levels or tiers to manage different scales of issues:

Local Government: Functions at the town or village level.
State Government: Functions at the State level.
Central Government (or Union Government): Functions at the national level.

Comparison of National and State Levels

The following framework outlines the roles of the organs at different levels:

Judiciary:
- All India: Supreme Court of India
- State Level: High Court
Legislature:
- National Level: Two houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) that formulate national laws.
- State Level: One State Assembly (Vidhan Sabha); a few states have two.
Executive:
- Central Government: Led by the President of India (nominal head and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces) and the Prime Minister (executive head).
- State Government: Led by the Governor (nominal head) and the Chief Minister (executive head).

Key Executive Functions

Central Government Responsibilities: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Atomic Energy, Communications, Currency, Interstate Commerce, Education, and Formulation of National Policies.
State Government Responsibilities: Police, law and order, adaptation and implementation of Central laws at the State level, Public health, Education, Agriculture, Irrigation, and Local government.

10.4 Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) was a renowned scientist, nicknamed the 'Missile Man of India', and served as the 11th President of India (2002–2007).

He demonstrated that even though the position of the President of India is nominal, one can play an important role in impacting countless lives.
Key Inspiring Thoughts:
- “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”
- “To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”
- “If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means 'First Attempt In Learning'.”
- “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
- “If four things are followed — having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance — then anything can be achieved.”

10.5 Understanding Democracy

The word democracy comes from two Greek words: dēmos (meaning 'people') and kratos (meaning 'rule' or 'power'). It literally means the “rule of the people”.

Types of Democracy