Challenges to Democracy Class 10 Notes

Looking for Class 10 Social Science study notes? The Class 10 Social Science syllabus has four divisions, i.e. history, geography, economics, and civics. Civics mainly delves into the political ideas relevant to the present setup worldwide. The concluding chapter of class 10th civics is titled Challenges to Democracy and consolidates all the ideas from the previous chapters to address some of the fundamental concerns in a democracy. This chapter details the most pivotal questions of democracy and strives to address these issues through political reforms. Read this blog to go through Challenges to Democracy Class 10 notes, summary and revision points which will help you crack your civics exam with high scores!

Challenges to a Democracy 

Class 10 social science extensively covers Indian politics and India’s democratic features. In the context of a democratic political setup, a challenge denotes an opportunity for change. It is an avenue for reform, development, and advancement. There is not one but many challenges to the functioning of a strong democracy. In the chapter notes for Challenges to Democracy Class 10, the first section discusses the major problems and challenges faced by a democracy which are as follows:

1. The foremost challenge to democracy is its foundation. There still happens to be at least one-fourth of the entire globe under the clutches of a non-democratic government. In this chapter, you will get to know about many such nations that are reeling under the pressures of a dictatorship or monarchy. Therefore, the biggest test for these countries is to make a transition to democracy.

2. There are other nations with a well-established system of democracy. However, a key concern for them is to expand the democratic beliefs and functions to their people. This multi-dimensional challenge to democracy involves various aspects like federal functioning, empowerment of the grassroots, women empowerment, financial inclusion, and more. 

3. One of the pivotal challenges to democracy lies in its strength. Nations who work within the democratic framework need to deepen the hold of democracy. This entails bolstering people’s belief in democracy through the efficient and seamless functioning of its institutions.

Different Contexts, Different Challenges

Class 10 chapter on Challenges to Democracy has a subsection on the challenges faced by a democratic country are a product of its functioning. For instance, a country with a powerful military organization will dominate the functioning of the government. On the other hand, a country with a majoritarian government in power will favour policies affecting minorities. The challenges in these two situations differ according to the context.

While going through our study notes on Challenges to Democracy, you must also go through these challenges in different contexts. Based on the multiple contexts of democratic and non-democratic nations worldwide, here are the key challenges to democracy:

• Constitutional Design: Constitutional discrimination against a section of people ultimately defeats the purpose of a democratic setup. In Belgium, for instance, the constitution prejudices against the Dutch community. Even after several rounds of amendments, the Dutch do not enjoy the same level of autonomy as the other citizens.
• Democratic Rights: Many democratic countries fail to provide their citizens with the rights that characterize democracy. The Chinese one-party democracy monopolizes all power in the country. The citizens live under massive censorship of the press and are bereaved of many similar rights. The case of Hong Kong is similar. 
• Corrupt Institutions: A democracy cannot function at its best without the efficiency of its institutions. Corrupt or inefficient political machinery poses a key challenge to the successful functioning of a democratic nation. There are many solutions to how do democratic governments ensure transparency. The honest and accountable functioning of their institutions is the primary requisite. 
• Rigged Elections: The concept of rigging the elections is not unknown today. Countries across the globe have witnessed the collapse of the political setup due to the rigged elections. A free and fair electoral framework is quintessential for the working of a democracy. 
• Unitary Rule: A democracy works with the collective participation of people. If the central government dominates the governance of a nation, then it adversely affects the democratic rule. Federalism is one of the principal requisites of democracy. 

These are a few major challenges faced by every democratic and pseudo-democratic nation worldwide. Class 10th chapter on Challenges on Democracy also familiarises students with the core concepts and ideologies related to the government and democracy. At the end of it, it is essential to read and understand the multifaceted problems that adversely affect a democratic setup. 

Political Reforms for the Way Ahead

As mentioned earlier, a challenge presents an opportunity for change. It is an avenue to make improvements and progress further. It is only through some reforms and amendments we can overcome a challenge. Our chapter summary and study notes for Class 10 Challenges to Democracy also explores the probable solutions to pave the path for the future. Political reforms are the key to eliminating these issues eating at the roots of a democratic framework. However, the scope and kind of reform differ from nation to nation, depending on their specific ailments.

In the context of India, there is both need and room for reforms. When it comes to the major challenges to democracy, we can frame the following reforms for India’s polity:

• Making legislation is not the only way to effect change.
  A problem with the system in India is its overdependence on the law. When there is talk of political reform, people often look towards the legislative. However, this is not quite sensible. Laws are the only norms to regulate society. They cannot reshape people’s corrupt mindset.
  Good laws undoubtedly help in discouraging wrong political practices. Yet, good laws alone are not enough. 

• The legal change should not prove counterproductive.
  For any attempt of reform to work, it must be framed with the welfare of people at its core. The law barring people with more than two children from standing in the panchayat elections is counter-productive. While it attempts to control overpopulation, it also denies many people the opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions.

• Strong political practices go a long way in reforming the system.
  Reforms should focus primarily on strengthening democratic practices. They should focus on how do democratic governments ensure transparency. With the participation of people, a democratic framework can reach greater heights. Political practices should aim to empower ordinary citizens. 

• What, who, and how for every solution
  A solution for political reform is incomplete without properly defining certain relevant questions. Any political reform should look into the right solution, the right authority for its implementation, and the right strategy to do the same. Besides, these solutions should not simply leave all authority in the hands of political leaders. 

Reform starts with the people. Therefore, it is essential to encourage people’s participation in reforming the system. 

Redefining Democracy

The final section of Class 10 Challenges to Democracy explores the importance of redefining the meaning of what is democracy. Other than being a form of government in which rules are essentially elected by the general public, it should also have the following features:

• The elected rules must be the decision-makers.
• Elections should offer the fair opportunity to the people to change their rules as per their preferences and concerns.
• The opportunity and choice of taking part in elections should be given equally to every citizen.
• When the right to vote is exercised by everyone, the government will be limited to constitutions and citizen’s rights.

Revision Points

To sum up, class 10 social science’s chapter in class 10th civics focuses on

• Problems ailing a democracy: Its foundations, connecting its beliefs and ideas with the people as well as deepening its hold in democratic nations.
• Any democratic setup suffers from some challenges to its functioning
• Issues visible in democratic nations worldwide
• Probable solutions to effect positive political change in India.  

Thus, we hope that the Challenges to Democracy Class 10 notes help you understand this chapter and its key points and concepts. Confused about which stream to opt for after 10th? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to solve all your academic and career-related doubts and queries! Sign up for a free session with us today!