The Crisis of Democratic Order Class 12 Question Answer Explained

Understanding the Crisis of Democratic Order in Class 12 Political Science

The crisis of democratic order refers to the period during the late 1960s and early 1970s when India’s democracy faced significant challenges. Political instability, social unrest, and weakening of democratic institutions marked this phase.

Class 12 NCERT explains this crisis as a result of multiple factors including factionalism within political parties, rise of authoritarian tendencies, and challenges in maintaining law and order. This section helps students understand the background and nature of the crisis.

Key points to remember:

• Political parties became fragmented
• Frequent changes in government led to instability
• Social movements questioned state authority
• Emergency (1975-77) was a turning point

This understanding is vital for answering exam questions on the topic.

Causes Behind the Crisis of Democratic Order

Several causes contributed to the crisis of democratic order in India:

• Political Instability: Frequent splits in the Congress party and weak coalition governments.
• Economic Challenges: Inflation, unemployment, and poverty increased public dissatisfaction.
• Social Unrest: Movements demanding social justice and rights created pressure on the state.
• Authoritarian Tendencies: Centralisation of power and curbing of dissent weakened democracy.

Understanding these causes helps in answering questions that ask for explanations or analysis.

Impact of the Emergency on Democratic Order

The Emergency declared in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is a critical event in the crisis of democratic order. It lasted for 21 months and involved:

• Suspension of fundamental rights
• Censorship of the press
• Arrest of political opponents
• Centralisation of power

This period is often cited as the peak of the crisis, showing how democracy was severely undermined. For Class 12 students, it’s important to note:

• The reasons behind the Emergency
• Its effects on political institutions
• Public reaction and restoration of democracy in 1977

Example Question: Explain the significance of the Emergency in the crisis of democratic order.

Answer: The Emergency marked the suspension of democratic freedoms and showed the vulnerability of Indian democracy to authoritarian rule.

Role of Political Parties and Social Movements During the Crisis

Political parties and social movements played a dual role:

• Political Parties: Internal conflicts weakened parties like Congress, leading to splits and unstable governments.
• Social Movements: Groups like the Naxalites and other regional movements challenged state authority and demanded reforms.

These dynamics intensified the crisis but also pushed democracy to adapt and reform.

Worked Example:

Q: How did factionalism in political parties contribute to the crisis?

A: Factionalism caused splits, reducing the majority support in Parliament and leading to unstable coalition governments, which weakened democratic governance.

This analysis helps answer questions on political dynamics during the crisis.

Lessons Learned and Democratic Resilience Post-Crisis

Despite the crisis, Indian democracy showed resilience:

• Restoration of elections in 1977
• Strengthening of democratic institutions
• Increased awareness of civil rights

The crisis taught important lessons about the need for checks and balances, transparency, and citizen participation.

For Class 12 students, understanding these outcomes is key to answering questions on the chapter’s conclusion and significance.

Summary Table:

This comparison helps in exam answers related to the impact and lessons of the crisis.