Through voting in elections people elect their leaders to represent them. The representatives take decisions on behalf of the people. All governments are elected for a fixed period. Besides voting there are other ways of participating in the process of government.

(i) People participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and by criticizing it when required.

(ii) People express their views through dharnas, rallies, strikes, signature campaigns and make governments understand what action they should take.

(iii) Another way for people to participate is by organising themselves into social movements that seek to challenge the government and its functioning.