Political leaders, the visions they promote, and the systems and values governing a country play a pivotal role in fostering peace and development, bring to promoting oppression, or causing the resurgence of conflict. Since so much is at stake, peace negotiations often involve intense competition for power and the prospect of controlling the government. For countries with little or no experience in democratic governance, the challenges are immense. However, the post-conflict environment also provides an opportunity for countries to create new structures of government and systems of "good governance." In situations where the international community has undertaken state-building efforts, international institutions assume some responsibility for issues related to democracy and governance. This is often a period when international aid is more readily available and the participation of civil society is encouraged. It is also a significant period of opportunity for women. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in recent years post-conflict countries have "featured prominently in the top 30 of the IPU's world ranking of women in national parliaments." In particular, these countries have effectively used quotas and reserved seats to ensure the presence and participation of women in newly created institutions. Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised through representatives chosen in free and fair elections. However, democracy does not simply mean that "the majority rules." A democratic system also protects the human rights of minorities and respects multiple or plural views and opinions. In a democracy, people have rights as citizens, but they also have responsibilities to participate actively in the governance process. There are many forms of democracy around the world, such as electoral and consultative democracies, and there are ongoing debates about whether a single model of democracy can suit all societies. The process through which a country attempts to become more democratic is known as democratisation. For a country to be truly democratic, all citizens-men and women alike-must be empowered to participate fully in the governance process as citizens, voters, advocates, civil servants, judges, and elected representatives. An increasingly important aspect of democratisation in many parts of the world is decentralisation.
Dr. Vishakha Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Dayanand Girls PG College, Kanpur.
Preface Chapter 1 The Preamble of Indian Constitution Chapter 2 Features of Indian Constitution Chapter 3 Fundamental Rights Chapter 4 Fundamental Duties Chapter 5 Directive Principles of State Policy Chapter 6 President of India Chapter 7 Vice President Chapter 8 The Prime Minister Chapter 9 Supreme Court of India Chapter 10 High Court Chapter 11 Governor of The State Chapter 12 Chief Minister Bibliography
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