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Question
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of local self-government in a democracy.
Solution
The Panchayat Raj system ensures greater participation of people in rural development programs. Panchayats function as institutions of self – governance and it settles disputes between villages and individuals and this power has been decentralized by the Government of India to function at the village level. Gram Panchayat is responsible for the construction and maintenance of water sources, roads, drainages, and other common property resources.
Demerits of Local self-government:
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There is no proper distribution of power. a question such on what basis the work is assigned, who is eligible, qualifications required are not answered.
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Insufficient funds- this problem hinders the actual purpose of self-government due to limited financial powers.
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Indirect election to the Panchayati raj allows for corrupt practices.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Which one of the following political parties came to power in Bolivia in 2006?
(A) The Communist Party
(B) The Republican Party
(C) The Socialist Party
(D) The Conservative Party
What are the different forms of power sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Thomman − Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
Mathayi − Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisons.
Ouseph − Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.
Different arguments are usually put forth in favour of and against power sharing. Identify those which are in favour of power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays decision making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country
|
(a) |
A |
B |
D |
F |
|
(b) |
A |
C |
E |
F |
|
(c) |
A |
B |
D |
G |
|
(d) |
B |
C |
D |
G |
Consider the following statements about power sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Α. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Match list I (forms of power sharing) with List II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:
|
List I |
List II |
||
|
1. |
Power shared among different organs of government |
Α. |
Community government |
|
2. |
Power shared among governments at different levels |
Β. |
Separation of powers |
|
3. |
Power shared by different social groups |
C. |
Coalition government |
|
4. |
Power shared by two or more political parties |
D. |
Federal government |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
(a) |
D |
A |
B |
C |
|
(b) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
|
(c) |
B |
D |
A |
C |
|
(d) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
A. Power sharing is good for democracy.
B. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?
|
(a) A is true but B is false |
|
(b) Both A and B are true |
|
(c) Both A and B are false |
|
(d) A is false but B is true |
How is community government elected in Belgium?
Answer the following question.
How does the idea of power-sharing emerge? Explain different forms that have common arrangements of power-sharing.
Evaluate the power-sharing system in India.
