Modern India: Political Challenges
Sikhism
A religion that combines elements of Islam & Hinduism
Rajya Sabha
Council of State, Upper house, State legislatures votes them in,
Secular
Lacking an official religion
Political Parties
Usually more or less a dozen political parties
Voting Requirements
You have to be a citizen of India, You have to be eighteen years old
The Golden Temple
the holiest site in the Sikh religion
Unifying factors of India
Commitment to democracy, Modern communications, Strong leaders, Common religious faith of hundreds of millions of Hindus
Election Ballots
Due to many Indians inability to read or write, on ballots symbols represent political parties. Symbols like a goat, tree, ox, or cornstalk
Who did India model their government after?
England
Jawaharlal Nehru
First prime minister of India. Wanted a casteless, secular India. Was prime minister for 17 years.
Obstacles that threaten to tear India apart
Hindu Muslim clashes, Sikh separatism, Cultural diversity, Huge population, Caste system
Prime Minister
Holds the real power in India
Lok Sabha
House of the people, Lower house, Indian population votes them in, has more power
Houses of Indian Parliament
Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
Events of Indira Gandhi's ministry
Ordered government troops to storm the Golden Temple that was held by armed sikhs, Her government was charged with corruption, She declared a state of emergency in 1975- limited freedom of press (to draw away from corruption)
Type of Government India has
Parliamentary Democracy- the political party that wins the most seats in parliament has the power and the leader of that party becomes the prime minister
Coalition Government
When no party wins the majority of seats in parliament, several parties join together to rule. They often have difficulty governing because the party disagrees on many issues
BJP
largest, most important political party in India, Stresses Hindu traditions
President of India
more of a figurehead, no real power but they do appoint state governors
