Social Science Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Social Science Chapter 10. Grassroots Democracy

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

Democracy

Chapter 10. Grassroots Democracy

Democracy

Democracy is a system of governance in which the people have the power to participate in making decisions that govern them.

• The word democracy comes from two Greek words.
• dēmos means ‘people’.
• kratos means ‘rule’ or ‘power’.
• Therefore, democracy literally means the rule of the people.
• Democracy is one of the foundation stones of modern systems of governance.
• In a large country, it is not practical for every citizen to directly participate in every decision.
• Therefore, people elect representatives to take decisions on their behalf.
• India follows a representative democracy.

Why Do We Need Representatives?

• It is not practical for all citizens to participate directly in every decision.
• A large number of people may have different opinions on an issue.
• Representatives can present the views and concerns of the people.
• People elect representatives through elections.
• The elected representatives participate in discussions and decision-making.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Different opinions are considered through dialogue and debate.

Example of a Representative

Suppose a class has a problem that needs to be brought to the principal. Instead of the entire class going to the principal, the class can elect a class representative to present its views.

• The class representative speaks on behalf of the class.
• The representative is chosen by the members of the class.
• This illustrates the basic idea of representative democracy.
• In the same way, citizens elect representatives at the State and national levels.

Representatives at Different Levels

MLA – Member of Legislative Assembly

MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly.

• MLAs are elected representatives at the State level.
• People vote to elect MLAs from their respective constituencies.
• MLAs participate in the State legislature.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• They represent the views and concerns of people in their constituencies.

MP – Member of Parliament

MP stands for Member of Parliament.

• MPs are elected representatives at the national level.
• People elect MPs through elections.
• MPs participate in Parliament.
• They discuss national laws, problems and possible solutions.
• They represent the people at the national level.

MLA and MP – Difference

Elections

Election is the process through which people choose their representatives by voting.

• Elections are an important part of representative democracy.
• Citizens vote for candidates who they want to represent them.
• The elected representatives take part in governance.
• Through elections, people participate in the process of government.
• Elections provide citizens an opportunity to choose their representatives.

Voting

Voting is the process of expressing one's choice between different options or candidates.

• Voting is an important method of participation in democracy.
• People use their votes to choose representatives.
• In some situations, voting can also be used to directly choose between options.
• The option or candidate receiving the required majority of votes is selected according to the applicable rules.

Direct Democracy

Direct democracy is a system in which people directly participate in taking a decision.

• People themselves take part in the decision-making process.
• There is no need for representatives to make that particular decision on their behalf.
• Every participant's opinion can directly contribute to the final decision.
• It is more practical for small groups or specific decisions.

Example of Direct Democracy

Suppose a class has to choose between two picnic destinations, A and B. The students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both places and then vote by raising their hands.

• Students directly express their preference.
• The number of votes for each option is counted.
• The option receiving more votes is selected.
• This is an example of direct democracy.
• The students themselves directly participate in the decision.

Representative Democracy

Representative democracy is a system in which people elect representatives who take part in decision-making on their behalf.

• Citizens elect representatives through elections.
• Representatives participate in legislative assemblies.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Dialogue and debate help representatives deal with different opinions.
• India follows representative democracy.

Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy – Difference

India – A Representative Democracy

• India is a representative democracy.
• People elect representatives at different levels.
• MLAs are elected at the State level.
• MPs are elected at the national level.
• Elected representatives participate in discussions and decision-making.
• They discuss laws, problems and possible solutions.
• Dialogue and debate are important parts of the democratic process.
• In principle, Indian citizens above the age of 18 have the right to participate in elections.

Democracy and Representation

• Democracy gives people a role in the governance of their country.
• In a large country, representation makes democratic governance practical.
• Citizens choose people to represent their interests.
• Representatives discuss public issues in legislative bodies.
• Different opinions can be expressed through dialogue and debate.
• Thus, elections and representation connect citizens with government.

Grassroots Democracy

Grassroots democracy refers to a system that enables and encourages the participation of ordinary citizens in decisions that affect them.

• The term grassroots refers to ordinary people at the base of society.
• Grassroots democracy gives ordinary citizens a say in decisions affecting their lives.
• It encourages participation from the local or basic level of society.
• It strengthens people's involvement in governance.
• It makes democracy more participatory.
• Citizens are not merely governed; they can also participate in decisions affecting them.

Importance of Grassroots Democracy

• It encourages ordinary citizens to participate in governance.
• It gives people a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
• It helps bring local issues and concerns into decision-making.
• It encourages people to take responsibility for their communities.
• It strengthens democratic participation.
• It connects citizens more closely with the system of governance.

Democracy – Important Points

• Democracy literally means the rule of the people.
• dēmos = people.
• kratos = rule or power.
• India is a representative democracy.
• People elect representatives through elections.
• MLAs represent people at the State level.
• MPs represent people at the national level.
• Representatives discuss laws, problems and solutions.
• Dialogue and debate help deal with different opinions.
• Direct democracy involves direct participation in decision-making.
• Representative democracy works through elected representatives.
• Grassroots democracy encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Important Concepts at a Glance

Chapter in Four Lines

• ✔ Governance organises society through rules and decision-making.
• ✔ Government makes and implements rules through its three organs.
• ✔ Democracy gives people a role in governance through participation and representation.
• ✔ Grassroots democracy encourages ordinary citizens to participate in decisions affecting them.

Before We Move On – Key Points

• ✔ No country can run without governance and government.
• ✔ A modern government has three organs—legislature, executive and judiciary.
• ✔ The three organs need to work together.
• ✔ The Indian government functions at three levels—Centre or national, State and local.
• ✔ Democracy provides the overall framework for this system.
• ✔ Democracy functions through elected representatives at the State and national levels.
• ✔ Grassroots democracy enables and encourages ordinary citizens to have a say in decisions affecting them.