Challenges to Democracy
लोकतंत्र की चुनौतियाँ
📘 RBSE Board
📗 CBSE Board
📙 Class 10 Political Science
⭐ Board Exam 2026
📌 Chapter at a Glance
| Chapter Name | Challenges to Democracy |
|---|---|
| Hindi Name | लोकतंत्र की चुनौतियाँ |
| Subject | Political Science (Civics) |
| Class | 10th |
| Board | RBSE / CBSE |
| Main Challenges | Foundational, Expansion, Deepening |
| Key Topic | Political Reforms |
| Board Weightage | 4-5 Marks |
| Question Types | MCQ, Short, Long Answer |
Democracy is the most widely accepted form of government in the world today. But does that mean democracy faces no problems? Absolutely not! Every democracy faces challenges that it must overcome to become stronger and more effective.
This chapter examines the challenges to democracy — problems that democracy must solve to survive and thrive. Different countries face different challenges based on their specific situations. We will also explore how these challenges can be addressed through political reforms.
Understanding challenges is important because it helps us think about how to make democracy better. A good citizen is one who not only understands democracy but also works to strengthen it!
📋 Table of Contents
1. 🤔 Thinking About Challenges
📖 What is a Challenge?
A challenge is not just any problem. A challenge is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress. Once we overcome a challenge, we go to a higher level than before.
1.1 Different Countries, Different Challenges
Not all democracies face the same challenges:
- 🇲🇲 Myanmar: Challenge of establishing democracy (military rule)
- 🇨🇱 Chile: Challenge of removing military's influence from politics
- 🇵🇱 Poland: Challenge of building democratic institutions
- 🇳🇵 Nepal: Challenge of drafting constitution and including all groups
- 🇮🇳 India: Challenge of strengthening democracy, reducing corruption, giving voice to all
🔍 Key Insight
At least one-fourth of the world still lives under non-democratic regimes. These countries face the challenge of even establishing democracy. Meanwhile, established democracies face challenges of making democracy work better.
2. 📊 Three Main Challenges to Democracy
Though each country has unique challenges, we can broadly classify challenges to democracy into three categories:
| # | Challenge | What It Means | Who Faces It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundational Challenge | Transition to democracy — establishing democracy where it doesn't exist | Non-democratic countries (Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, China) |
| 2 | Challenge of Expansion | Applying democratic principles to all regions, institutions, and groups | New democracies and some established ones |
| 3 | Deepening of Democracy | Strengthening democracy so it delivers on its promises | All democracies including India, USA, UK |
3. 🏗️ Foundational Challenge
1
Foundational Challenge
This is the challenge of making the transition to democracy — bringing down the non-democratic regime and establishing a democratic system.
3.1 What Does It Involve?
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Bring Down Existing Regime | End authoritarian, military, or one-party rule through peaceful or revolutionary means |
| Keep Military Away | Ensure military stays in barracks and doesn't control politics |
| Establish Sovereignty | Create a government that is truly independent and sovereign |
| Write Constitution | Draft a democratic constitution with fundamental rights |
| Hold Free Elections | Conduct first free and fair elections |
3.2 Countries Facing This Challenge
| Country | Current Situation | Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | Military rule (after 2021 coup) | Return to civilian democratic government |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Absolute monarchy | No democracy exists; establish democratic institutions |
| 🇨🇳 China | One-party Communist rule | Multi-party democracy does not exist |
| 🇰🇵 North Korea | One-party dictatorship | Totalitarian regime; no freedom |
💡 Did You Know?
About 25% of the world's population still lives under non-democratic regimes. These countries face the foundational challenge of first establishing democracy.
4. 🌍 Challenge of Expansion
2
Challenge of Expansion
This involves applying the basic principle of democratic government across all regions, different social groups, and various institutions.
4.1 What Does Expansion Mean?
📋 Expansion Includes:
- Geographic Expansion: Ensuring all regions have equal democratic rights (not just the capital or developed areas)
- Social Expansion: Including all social groups — women, minorities, marginalized communities — in democracy
- Institutional Expansion: Applying democratic principles to local governments, institutions, organizations
- Sharing Power: Bringing more power to local levels, less concentration at top
4.2 Examples of Expansion Challenges
| Challenge | Example |
|---|---|
| Including Women | Women have voting rights but representation in legislatures is low. Need more women in politics. |
| Including Minorities | Religious and ethnic minorities may have citizenship but face discrimination. Need equal participation. |
| Local Government | Central government may be democratic but local governments may lack power. Need decentralization. |
| Federal Sharing | States/regions may demand more autonomy and power sharing with center. |
⚠️ India's Expansion Challenges
- Women constitute 50% population but only ~14% in Parliament
- Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs still face discrimination despite constitutional protections
- Northeast, Kashmir have faced issues of autonomy and central control
- Local governments still lack adequate funds and powers
5. 🏛️ Deepening of Democracy
3
Deepening of Democracy
This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy so that people have real and effective participation and government actually delivers on its promises.
5.1 What Does Deepening Mean?
🎯 Deepening Means:
- Moving from form to substance — not just having elections but making democracy meaningful
- Effective participation — citizens actually influencing decisions, not just voting once in 5 years
- Control over rulers — people able to hold government accountable between elections
- Delivering promises — democracy actually reducing inequality, providing dignity, ensuring justice
5.2 Challenges in Deepening Democracy
| Problem | Impact on Democracy |
|---|---|
| Corruption | Public money diverted, trust in government reduced, poor suffer most |
| Criminalization of Politics | Criminals become leaders, rule of law weakened, violence in politics |
| Money Power in Elections | Only rich can contest, policies favor wealthy, inequality increases |
| Dynastic Politics | Leadership passes in families, merit ignored, democracy becomes oligarchy |
| Weak Institutions | Parliament, courts, election commission become ineffective or biased |
| Lack of Transparency | Government decisions opaque, citizens unable to hold accountable |
| Inequality | Gap between rich and poor continues, democracy doesn't benefit all equally |
✅ This is the Most Common Challenge
Every democracy, including the oldest ones like USA and UK, faces the challenge of deepening. India, as a relatively young democracy, faces this challenge significantly. The goal is to make democracy work not just in form but in substance.
6. 🔧 Political Reforms
📖 What are Political Reforms?
Political reforms refer to all the suggestions or proposals about ways to overcome the challenges to democracy. These can include changes in laws, policies, practices, and institutions.
6.1 Types of Reforms
| Type | Examples | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Reforms | Anti-defection law, RTI Act, Lokpal, Electoral bonds reform | Create framework for better governance |
| Electoral Reforms | Voter ID, EVMs, NOTA, Campaign expense limits | Make elections fairer |
| Institutional Reforms | Strengthening Election Commission, Independent judiciary | Make institutions more effective |
| Political Party Reforms | Internal democracy, Transparent funding, Women's quota | Make parties more democratic |
| Decentralization | Panchayati Raj, Urban local bodies, State autonomy | Bring power closer to people |
6.2 Important Reforms in India
📜 Right to Information Act (RTI) - 2005
- Citizens can ask for information from government
- Promotes transparency and accountability
- Has exposed corruption and wrongdoing
- Empowers ordinary citizens
📜 Anti-Defection Law - 1985 (52nd Amendment)
- Prevents elected representatives from switching parties
- Added as 10th Schedule to Constitution
- Reduces horse-trading and instability
- Has some loopholes that need fixing
📜 Panchayati Raj (73rd & 74th Amendments) - 1992
- Constitutional status to local governments
- 33% reservation for women (some states have 50%)
- Three-tier system: Village, Block, District
- Decentralization of power
📜 Disclosure Requirements for Candidates
- Candidates must declare assets and liabilities
- Must declare criminal cases pending
- Must declare educational qualifications
- Increases voter information
6.3 Guidelines for Political Reforms
⚠️ Important: Reforms Have Limits
We must be careful while thinking about reforms. There are some important guidelines:
| # | Guideline | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law Has Limits | Law alone cannot solve all problems. Laws can be misused by those in power. Careful design is needed. |
| 2 | Democratic Movements Matter | Real change comes from political practice — movements, citizen action, public pressure. Not just laws. |
| 3 | Empower Citizens | Reforms should empower citizens to take part, not just control them. RTI is good example. |
| 4 | Improve What Works | Build on existing democratic practices that work rather than completely new systems. |
| 5 | No Quick Fix | Changing democracy takes time. No single reform will solve everything. |
🎯 Key Point
The quality of democracy depends on the quality of participation by citizens. The best laws mean nothing if citizens are not active, aware, and engaged. Democratic reforms must encourage, not discourage, citizen participation.
7. 🔄 Redefining Democracy
💭 The Big Picture
Challenges and reforms help us redefine democracy. Democracy is not a fixed concept — it evolves as we try to make it better. Each generation has the task of strengthening democracy for the next.
7.1 Democracy is a Work in Progress
- ✅ Democracy is not a destination but a journey
- ✅ No democracy is perfect — all can improve
- ✅ Challenges are opportunities to grow
- ✅ Citizens are the real guardians of democracy
- ✅ Each generation must renew its commitment to democratic values
✨ The Hope
Despite all challenges, democracy remains the best form of government because:
- It provides mechanisms to address its own problems
- It allows peaceful change
- It respects human dignity
- It gives voice to all
As citizens, our job is not to despair but to participate and improve democracy!
8. 📚 Important Terms (Glossary)
Challenge
A difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress. Overcoming a challenge means moving to a higher level.
Foundational Challenge
The challenge of transitioning from non-democratic to democratic government. Establishing the basic institutions of democracy.
Challenge of Expansion
Applying democratic principles to all regions, social groups, and institutions. Including everyone in democratic process.
Deepening of Democracy
Strengthening democratic institutions and practices so democracy delivers on its promises. Moving from form to substance.
Political Reform
Proposals or changes in laws, policies, and practices to overcome challenges facing democracy.
Transparency
Openness in government functioning. Citizens can see and understand what government is doing.
Accountability
Government being answerable to citizens for its actions and decisions.
Decentralization
Distributing power from central government to local levels. Panchayati Raj is an example.
RTI (Right to Information)
Law that gives citizens the right to seek information from government. Promotes transparency.
Anti-Defection Law
Law that penalizes elected representatives who switch parties after election. Part of 10th Schedule.
9. 📝 Practice MCQs (Board Exam Pattern)
Q1. Which of the following is NOT one of the three main challenges to democracy?
✅ Answer: (C) Economic challenge
The three main challenges are: Foundational, Expansion, and Deepening. Economic issues are part of these but not a separate category.
The three main challenges are: Foundational, Expansion, and Deepening. Economic issues are part of these but not a separate category.
Q2. The foundational challenge of democracy is faced by countries:
✅ Answer: (B) That do not have democracy at present
Foundational challenge is about establishing democracy where it doesn't exist (Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, etc.).
Foundational challenge is about establishing democracy where it doesn't exist (Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, etc.).
Q3. Which challenge involves strengthening democratic institutions and practices?
✅ Answer: (C) Deepening of democracy
Deepening means strengthening institutions so democracy delivers on its promises.
Deepening means strengthening institutions so democracy delivers on its promises.
Q4. Right to Information Act was passed in India in:
✅ Answer: (B) 2005
RTI Act was passed in 2005 and empowers citizens to seek information from government.
RTI Act was passed in 2005 and empowers citizens to seek information from government.
Q5. Anti-Defection Law is contained in which Schedule of the Constitution?
✅ Answer: (C) 10th Schedule
Anti-Defection Law was added as 10th Schedule through 52nd Amendment in 1985.
Anti-Defection Law was added as 10th Schedule through 52nd Amendment in 1985.
Q6. Challenge of expansion includes:
✅ Answer: (B) Including women and minorities in democratic process
Expansion means applying democratic principles to all groups and regions.
Expansion means applying democratic principles to all groups and regions.
Q7. Which of the following is a legal reform in India?
✅ Answer: (B) Right to Information Act
RTI Act is a legal reform that promotes transparency and accountability.
RTI Act is a legal reform that promotes transparency and accountability.
Q8. The challenge most common to all democracies is:
✅ Answer: (C) Deepening of democracy
Every democracy, old or new, faces the challenge of deepening — making democracy work better.
Every democracy, old or new, faces the challenge of deepening — making democracy work better.
Q9. 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments relate to:
✅ Answer: (B) Local Self Government (Panchayati Raj)
73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Amendments gave constitutional status to local governments.
73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Amendments gave constitutional status to local governments.
Q10. "The quality of democracy depends upon the quality of participation by citizens." This means:
✅ Answer: (B) Laws alone cannot improve democracy
Real improvement in democracy comes from active citizen participation, not just legal reforms.
Real improvement in democracy comes from active citizen participation, not just legal reforms.
10. ✍️ Important Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. What is meant by a 'challenge'? How is it different from a problem?
Answer: A challenge is not just any problem. It is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress.
Difference from a problem:
Difference from a problem:
- Problem: Any difficulty or obstacle
- Challenge: A difficulty that, when overcome, takes us to a higher level
Q2. What is the foundational challenge to democracy?
Answer: The foundational challenge involves making the transition to democracy:
- Bringing down non-democratic regimes (dictatorships, military rule, monarchies)
- Keeping military away from controlling government
- Establishing a sovereign and independent democratic government
- Creating basic democratic institutions — constitution, elections, rights
Q3. What is meant by 'deepening of democracy'?
Answer: Deepening of democracy means strengthening democratic institutions and practices so that democracy actually delivers on its promises.
It involves:
It involves:
- Moving from form to substance — not just elections but meaningful democracy
- Effective participation — citizens actually influencing decisions
- Greater control of citizens over government
- Reducing corruption and criminalization
- Ensuring transparency and accountability
- Reducing inequality and providing dignity to all
Q4. "Laws alone cannot solve problems of democracy." Explain.
Answer: Laws alone cannot solve problems of democracy because:
- Laws can be misused: Those in power can twist laws to their advantage
- Implementation is key: Even good laws fail without proper implementation
- Democratic movements matter: Real change comes from citizen action, not just legislation
- Political will needed: Laws need political will to be enforced
- Citizen participation essential: Quality of democracy depends on quality of citizen participation
Q5. Mention any three legal reforms introduced in India to strengthen democracy.
Answer: Three important legal reforms in India:
- Right to Information Act (2005):
- Citizens can seek information from government
- Promotes transparency and accountability
- Has exposed corruption in many cases
- Anti-Defection Law (1985):
- Prevents MLAs/MPs from switching parties
- 10th Schedule of Constitution
- Reduces political instability
- Panchayati Raj (73rd & 74th Amendments, 1992):
- Constitutional status to local governments
- 33% reservation for women
- Decentralization of power to grassroots
11. 📖 Important Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. Describe the three main challenges faced by democracies in the world today.
Answer:
The three main challenges to democracy are:
1. FOUNDATIONAL CHALLENGE:
The three main challenges to democracy are:
1. FOUNDATIONAL CHALLENGE:
- What it is: The challenge of transitioning from non-democratic to democratic rule
- What it involves:
- Bringing down existing non-democratic regime
- Keeping military away from controlling government
- Establishing sovereign democratic government
- Creating basic institutions — constitution, elections, courts
- Who faces it: Countries like Myanmar (military rule), Saudi Arabia (monarchy), China (one-party rule)
- What it is: Applying democratic principles to all regions, groups, and institutions
- What it involves:
- Including women in political participation
- Giving voice to minorities and marginalized groups
- Extending democracy to local governments
- Federal power sharing with regions
- Who faces it: Many democracies including India (women's representation low, minorities face discrimination)
- What it is: Strengthening institutions and practices so democracy delivers on its promises
- What it involves:
- Moving from form to substance of democracy
- Ensuring effective citizen participation
- Reducing corruption and criminalization
- Making government transparent and accountable
- Reducing inequality
- Who faces it: ALL democracies including oldest ones like USA, UK, and developing ones like India
Q2. What are political reforms? Suggest some measures to reform democracy in India.
Answer:
POLITICAL REFORMS:
Political reforms are proposals or changes in laws, policies, and practices to overcome challenges facing democracy and make it work better.
SUGGESTED MEASURES TO REFORM DEMOCRACY IN INDIA:
1. Electoral Reforms:
Reforms alone won't work. The quality of democracy depends on active citizen participation. Democratic movements and engaged citizens are as important as legal reforms.
POLITICAL REFORMS:
Political reforms are proposals or changes in laws, policies, and practices to overcome challenges facing democracy and make it work better.
SUGGESTED MEASURES TO REFORM DEMOCRACY IN INDIA:
1. Electoral Reforms:
- State funding of elections to reduce money power
- Stricter enforcement of campaign expense limits
- Ban on candidates with serious criminal charges
- Voting rights for NRIs
- Right to Recall — remove non-performing representatives
- Make internal elections in parties mandatory
- Transparent party funding — all donations public
- Reserved seats/tickets for women in parties
- Bring parties under RTI
- Strengthen anti-defection law
- Independent and strong Election Commission
- Independent judiciary with faster justice
- Effective Lokpal at center and states
- Strong local governments with more funds and powers
- Strengthen RTI implementation
- Civic education in schools
- E-governance for transparency
- Social audits of government schemes
Reforms alone won't work. The quality of democracy depends on active citizen participation. Democratic movements and engaged citizens are as important as legal reforms.
Q3. "Legal-constitutional changes by themselves cannot overcome challenges to democracy." Examine this statement with examples.
Answer:
This statement is TRUE. Legal-constitutional changes alone are not sufficient to overcome challenges to democracy. Here's why:
REASONS WHY LAWS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH:
1. Laws Can Be Misused:
Democracy is not about laws alone — it's about active citizens, political culture, and continuous effort to make democracy work better. Legal reforms are necessary but not sufficient. The real guardians of democracy are its citizens.
This statement is TRUE. Legal-constitutional changes alone are not sufficient to overcome challenges to democracy. Here's why:
REASONS WHY LAWS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH:
1. Laws Can Be Misused:
- Powerful people can manipulate laws for their benefit
- Loopholes can be exploited
- Example: Anti-defection law has loophole for "merger" — whole group can defect
- Even good laws fail without proper implementation
- Weak enforcement makes laws meaningless
- Example: Laws against corruption exist but corruption continues due to poor enforcement
- Real change comes from political practice and citizen action
- Movements create pressure for change
- Example: RTI came from people's movement for transparency
- Leaders must want to implement reforms
- Without political will, laws remain on paper
- Example: Women's Reservation Bill pending for decades despite support
- Quality of democracy depends on quality of participation
- Active, aware citizens make democracy work
- Example: Elections happen regularly but low voter turnout weakens democracy
- Reforms should empower citizens (like RTI does) rather than just control them
- Build on existing practices that work
- Support democratic movements and civil society
- Combine legal reform with social change
Democracy is not about laws alone — it's about active citizens, political culture, and continuous effort to make democracy work better. Legal reforms are necessary but not sufficient. The real guardians of democracy are its citizens.
🎉 Congratulations! Political Science Complete!
You have completed all 7 chapters of Political Science (Civics) for Class 10!
Keep revising and practicing questions for Board Exam 2026 success!
Best wishes from MARWARI MISSION 100! 🚀
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