Question

The scope of democracy needs to be widened and deepened for people to have a
real voice to influence decisions that shape their lives, and the power to hold
decision- makers accountable, not only through elections but in the periods
between elections. While formal institutions of democracy have become a universal
norm, it is important to develop and sustain the core values of inclusiveness,
participation and accountability, before institutions can be seen as truly
democratic.
It has been seen that a lasting solution for eradicating poverty and shaping human
progress can be found much through politics as through economics. Politics matters
in a large way; because it is through this mechanism that the rights of the citizen in
any country are determined it decides whether the people should be allowed to
participate in the decision making process that impacts their lives.
In the last two decades, the politics has witnessed a sea change. There are
innumerable instances across the world, of the opening up of political systems and
increased rights and power to the people. The world can be labeled as much more
democratic, but there are several underlying problems to be dealt with. According
to a UN report, 140 countries hold multi-party elections, out of which only 81 have
taken significant steps towards democracy, out of the nearly 200 countries, people
still do not enjoy their rights in the rest and their freedom is also curbed.
The democratic system of voting in the elections had added crucial element of
governance from the human development stand point, because elections
symbolize enforceable accountability. When a government fails to live up to the
needs and desires of the people, they can simply vote it out of the office the next
time. There can be no stricter form of accountability, no more egalitarian form of
participation. The right to vote itself has given every individual a choice.

However, it would be a grim mistake if one equated democracy with regular ritual
of elections. A vibrant democracy requires functioning institutions- for instance a
legislature that does not do a specific individual’s bidding; a judiciary that is
independent and understands the importance of equal treatment of all through the
eyes of the law; a free, independent and unbiased media and security forces that
carry out their duties without specific political allegiances. It also requires an active
and alert civil society that can ensure that the government works in the general
public interest, and also keeps giving its inputs wherever required. An independent
judiciary provides the necessary checks and balances between the democratic
institutions of governance. The UN report emphasizes accountability at national and
international level Accountability is central to democratic governance. It ensures the
holders of public trust are acting effectively and fairly. In the presence of a free
press and an active civil society, people have several ways of participating in the
policy decisions and debates.
a)On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it in points, using
headings and sub-headings. Use abbreviations (minimum 4) wherever necessary.
Supply a suitable title to it.
b)Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.

Answer 1

This is a very lengthy question..