What is Democratic Institutions?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Sovereignty of the People: The Preamble declares India a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic', emphasizing that ultimate power rests with the people, exercised through their elected representatives.
- 2.
Representative Legislature: Parliament and State Legislatures are elected bodies, representing the will of the people and acting as primary law-making and accountability forums.
- 3.
Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court and High Courts act as guardians of the Constitution and protectors of fundamental rights, ensuring rule of law and judicial review (Articles 124-147, 214-231).
- 4.
Independent Election Commission: Responsible for conducting free and fair elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President (Article 324).
- 5.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): Audits government accounts and reports to Parliament/State Legislatures, ensuring financial accountability of the executive (Article 148).
- 6.
Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances: The Constitution delineates powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each acting as a check on the others to prevent concentration of power.
- 7.
Fundamental Rights: Guarantees civil liberties and political rights to citizens, essential for a vibrant democracy (Part III of the Constitution).
- 8.
Decentralization: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts established Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities, strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
- 9.
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Visual Insights
Key Components of Democratic Institutions
Mind map showing the essential elements that constitute strong democratic institutions.
Democratic Institutions
- ●Free and Fair Elections
- ●Independent Judiciary
- ●Free Press
- ●Civil Society
Recent Developments
5 developmentsDebates on the independence and autonomy of various institutions, particularly in the context of appointments and policy decisions.
Calls for electoral reforms to enhance fairness and transparency in the election process.
Increased judicial activism and scrutiny of executive and legislative actions, leading to discussions on judicial overreach.
Efforts to strengthen grassroots democracy through greater devolution of powers and funds to local self-governments.
The role of media and civil society organizations in holding democratic institutions accountable and fostering public discourse.