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Unit 12: Politics of Representation and Participation

reforms and reformers, and all ended in failure for mass protesters (and resulted in setbacks to Notes
official reforms too).
• In the Democracy Movement of 1978-1979, Deng Xiaoping publicly approved many of the
demands posted on Democracy Wall and published in unofficial journals, which called for a
“reversal of verdicts” on individuals and political events. The demands were an integral part of
the pressure for reform that surrounded the meetings of top leaders in late 1978, allowing elite
reformers to argue for major changes in policy and political orientation.
• The defeats extended beyond the mass protest movement to encompass setbacks to the official
reform movement too. When demands for reform moved to the city streets, more conservative
leaders attributed the social disorder to an excessively rapid pace of reform. The result was a
slower pace or postponement of reforms. Twice, the highest party leader was dismissed from
office as a result of the mass protests (Hu Yaobang in 1987 and Zhao Ziyang in 1989), and the
official reform movement lost its strongest proponent.
12.5 Key-Words

1. Enfranchisement : Freedom from political subjugation or servitude.
2. Elitist theory : It is the theory of state which seeks to describe and explain the power
relationships in contemporary society.
12.6 Review Questions

1. What is meant by representation? Discuss the theory of Representation.
2. Discuss briefly the following:
(i) Political participation in France
(ii) Political participation in UK
(iii) Political participation in Russia
3. Explain the Representation and Election System.
Answers: Self-Assessment

1. (i) Thomas Hobbes and Alexander Hamilton (ii) Chosen best
(iii) Conservative (iv) Liberal
(v) Law-maker.
12.7 Further Readings

1. Almond, G.A. et., 2000: Comparative Politics: A World View, New York: Harper/
Collins.
2. Palekar, S.A., 2009: Comparative Politics and Government, New Delhi, PHI
Learning Pvt. Ltd.
3. Johari, J.C., 2006: New Comparative Government, New Delhi: Lotus Press

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