B. A. 1st Sem, Unit: IV, Political Science, (Major) (Civic Consciousness & Democratic Responsibility)

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 Unit- IV: “Civic Consciousness and Democratic Responsibility” are:

  1. Political Obligation

  2. Commitment

  3. Sensitization

  4. Tolerance

  5. Accountability

๐Ÿ›️ Civic Consciousness and Democratic Responsibility

๐ŸŒฟ Meaning of Civic Consciousness

Civic consciousness means being aware of one’s rights and duties as a citizen and understanding how our actions affect society and the nation.
It is about realizing that citizenship is not only about enjoying rights but also about actively contributing to the community, respecting laws, and promoting social harmony.

In simple words, it means:

“Knowing what is right for the nation — and doing your part to make it better.”

๐Ÿ“˜ Meaning of Democratic Responsibility

Democratic responsibility refers to the duties and moral obligations of citizens to protect democratic values such as freedom, equality, tolerance, and justice.
It means participating in public life responsibly — by voting, questioning leaders, respecting diversity, and ensuring that democracy truly works “for the people, by the people, and of the people.”

๐Ÿ“– In Political Science Terms

In Political Science, these two ideas together form the foundation of “civic culture” — a concept developed by Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba in The Civic Culture (1963).
They argued that democracy flourishes when citizens are politically aware, responsible, and actively involved in governance, not passive or ignorant.

Civic Consciousness and Democratic Responsibility

1. Political Obligation

Meaning:
Political obligation refers to the moral or legal duty of citizens to obey the laws and support the institutions of the state.

Definition:
According to John Locke, “Political obligation is the moral requirement to obey the laws of one’s country.”
D.D. Raphael adds that it is “the requirement of a citizen to act in accordance with the commands and expectations of the political authority.”

Explanation:
Political obligation is the foundation of political stability. It connects individual freedom with social order. Citizens obey laws not out of fear, but because they believe in the legitimacy of the state and its authority.

Example:

  • India: Paying taxes, voting in elections, and following traffic rules or standing respectfully during the national anthem reflect political obligation-our moral duty to the state

๐ŸŸข Example: During elections, when citizens vote honestly without accepting bribes or false promises, they show their obligation toward democracy.

  • Global: During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens following lockdown protocols for public safety represented political obligation toward the community.

2. Commitment

Meaning:
Commitment refers to a citizen’s dedication to uphold democratic values, participate in governance, and contribute to nation-building.

Definition:
According to political theorist David Easton, commitment represents “a deep attachment and active support for the political system and its principles.”

Explanation:
Commitment is not just loyalty; it is active participation in making democracy work—by being informed, voting responsibly, and holding leaders accountable.
It involves emotional and rational faith in democratic institutions like Parliament, judiciary, and media.

Example:

  • India: Citizens showing up to vote despite bad weather, or students participating in cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

  • Global: Greta Thunberg’s climate activism demonstrates civic commitment to environmental responsibility.

“How many of you have ever joined a cleanliness drive or awareness rally?”

๐ŸŸข Example: Students participating in ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ or college NSS/NCC units reflect civic commitment — they work for society beyond personal benefit.

3. Sensitization

Meaning:
Sensitization means becoming aware of and responsive to social, political, and ethical issues affecting society.

Definition:
In civic education, sensitization is “the process of creating awareness among citizens about rights, duties, and social issues that demand collective action.”

Explanation:
A sensitized citizenry understands problems such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, corruption, or climate change, and seeks constructive solutions. Sensitization promotes empathy and inclusive governance.

Example:

  • India: Awareness campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao sensitize people about gender equality.

  • Global: The Black Lives Matter movement sensitized people globally about racial injustice and police violence.

“If you saw a girl being denied education because of her gender, what would you do?”

๐ŸŸข Example: Campaigns like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’ help citizens become more sensitized to gender issues.
Similarly, awareness drives against plastic use or child labour show civic sensitization in action.

4. Tolerance

Meaning:
Tolerance is the willingness to accept opinions, beliefs, and practices that differ from one’s own.

Definition:
John Stuart Mill defined tolerance as “the recognition of the right of every individual to think freely and express opinions without interference.”

Explanation:
Tolerance is the cornerstone of democratic society—it ensures peaceful coexistence despite diversity of religion, caste, language, or ideology. Intolerance leads to conflict and threatens democracy.

Example:

  • India: Celebrating festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas together shows cultural and religious tolerance.

  • Global: The European Union’s “United in Diversity” motto symbolizes tolerance among diverse nations.

“How do we celebrate different festivals in our neighbourhood?”

๐ŸŸข Example: In India, people celebrate Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Gurpurab together — that’s religious tolerance.
This acceptance of diversity keeps our democracy peaceful.
Globally, the European Union’s motto — “United in Diversity” — shows tolerance among multiple languages and cultures.

5. Accountability

Meaning:
Accountability means that public officials and institutions are answerable for their actions, decisions, and use of public resources.

Definition:
According to Mark Bovens, “Accountability is a relationship in which an actor has an obligation to explain and justify conduct to a forum that can pose questions and pass judgment.”

Explanation:
It ensures transparency, prevents abuse of power, and strengthens public trust. Accountability is enforced through elections, media scrutiny, judiciary, and citizen vigilance.

Example:

  • India: The Right to Information Act (2005) empowers citizens to hold government officials accountable.

  • Global: The Watergate scandal (USA, 1970s) demonstrated accountability when President Nixon resigned after investigative journalism exposed misuse of power.

“If a government officer refuses to give you your scholarship or information, what can you do?”

๐ŸŸข Example: The Right to Information Act (2005) allows citizens to question government departments — promoting transparency and accountability.
Media investigations into corruption cases (like the 2G scam or Watergate scandal) also ensure that leaders remain answerable to the people.

Summary Table:

Concept Meaning Key Thinker/Definition Example
Political Obligation Duty to obey laws and support state John Locke – moral duty to obey laws Paying taxes, voting
Commitment Dedication to democratic values David Easton – attachment to political system Civic volunteering, activism
Sensitization Awareness of social-political issues Civic education process Gender equality campaigns
Tolerance Acceptance of differences J.S. Mill – freedom of opinion Inter-faith harmony
Accountability Answerability of power-holders Mark Bovens – justification to public RTI Act, Watergate case

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๐Ÿงญ Flowchart: Civic Consciousness and Democratic Responsibility

             CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS & DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITY
                               │
    ┌──────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────┐
    │                          │                          │
POLITICAL OBLIGATION      COMMITMENT               SENSITIZATION
(Duty towards the State)  (Active Involvement)     (Awareness & Empathy)
    │                          │                          │
Obey laws, pay taxes,    Participate in voting,     Aware of issues like
respect Constitution     cleanliness drives,        gender, environment,
and institutions         community work             corruption, etc.
    │                          │                          │
Promotes Order         Strengthens Participation   Builds Responsible Citizens
    │                          │                          │
    └────────────┬──────────────┴──────────────┬──────────────┘
                 │                             │
           TOLERANCE                     ACCOUNTABILITY
     (Respect for diversity)        (Answerability of power)
                 │                             │
      Accepting differences,          Transparency, RTI Act,
      maintaining peace               media & judicial checks
                 │                             │
          Promotes Harmony             Ensures Good Governance
                 │                             │
                 └───────────────► DEMOCRATIC STABILITY ◄───────────────┘


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