Question

A democratic government is a responsible government. Write the answer with examples.

Hint:

A democratic government is responsible when it serves the interests of its people, is accountable for its actions, upholds the law, and ensures the protection of individual rights. A responsible government works in transparency and is answerable to the citizens.

Answer 1

A democratic government is inherently responsible to its citizens because it derives its legitimacy from the people through free and fair elections. The government is accountable for its actions and must justify its policies, actions, and expenditure. Here are the key characteristics of a responsible democratic government:

1. Accountability to the People:
- In a democracy, the government is responsible for ensuring that it meets the needs and aspirations of the people. If the government fails to do so, it can be voted out in the next elections. For example, in India, if the government fails to address important issues like inflation, unemployment, or education, the electorate has the power to elect a new government through elections.
2. Transparency in Governance:
- A responsible government ensures transparency in its decisions and policies. For example, the Right to Information (RTI) Act in India enables citizens to request information from the government about its activities and decisions, ensuring that the government remains answerable for its actions.
3. Rule of Law:
- A democratic government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that laws are applied equally to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, and the judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the executive and the legislature.
4. Protection of Rights:
- A democratic government must protect the rights of its citizens, including freedom of speech, right to privacy, and freedom of assembly. For example, the Indian government is responsible for safeguarding the fundamental rights of all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution.
5. Checks and Balances:
- The system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government (executive, legislature, judiciary) becomes too powerful. Each branch acts as a check on the others, ensuring that power is not concentrated in one entity. For instance, in India, if the executive (the government) passes a law, the judiciary can review it for constitutionality.