Question

The democratic countries that face the “challenge of expansion” are
(A) Norway and Germany
(B) Spain and Portugal
(C) India and U.S.A
(D) England and Russia

Answer 1

Hint: Democracy is the system of ruling by the people. It ensures that every citizen takes part in the decision making process through elected representatives. The challenge is a difficulty that carries within it a context for progress. There are three challenges to democracy. Those are Foundational challenge, challenge of expansion, challenge of deepening.

Complete answer:
A challenge to democracy means problems come while ensuring a democratic set up in the country. It discusses the problems that need to be solved to sustain democracy in the country.

Foundational challenge: it is found in those countries where democracy is not there. This challenge can be challenged by bringing down non democratic forms of government, by keeping the military away, by establishing a sovereign and functional state.

The challenge of expansion: most democratic countries face this challenge. By providing greater power to local government, extending federal principle to all, including women and minority groups. India and the U.S.A faces this challenge.

The challenge of deepening: all democratic countries face this challenge. This challenge can be overcome by strengthening the institutions and practice of democracy, bringing down the control of the rich and the powerful in the decision making process.

Thus the option (C) is correct

Note Visible steps taken in India for the challenge of expansion, those are division of power between the central government and the state governments, reversed seats for SCs, STs and OBCs, poverty alleviation programs. The democracy word is derived from Greek. it is a combination of two words, demos mean all citizens living in a particular city, kratos means power.