What were the Basic Democracies?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] In 1959 local committees were named Basic Democrats (BD).
2. [1-4] 80 000 BD's.
3. [1-4] No political parties to take place in the elections held December 1959 to January 1960.
4. [1-4] Newly elected BD's able to vote in referendum on Ayub Khan remaining President, 95% voted yes.
5. [5-7] The focal point of political power lay with the party leadership and with Bhutto in particular, so when things went wrong he was blamed.
6. [5-7] The changes in education were criticised as they led to overcrowding in existing schools whilst new ones were built/the building of new schools/ the recruitment of new teachers could not be achieved quickly/was very expensive.
7. [5-7] Many families resented the educational reforms because it meant a loss of earnings for them.
8. [5-7] Opponents alleged that Bhutto and his party manipulated the election in March 1977, which led to protests that were put down by the police.
9. [5-7] Martial law was imposed in Karachi, Lahore and Hyderabad and strikes by bus and truck drivers in Karachi (Operation Wheel Jam), caused further problems for Bhutto.
10. [5-7] During Bhutto's time in office the economy declined which contributed to unrest and reduced support for his government.
11. [7-10] Khwaja Nazimuddin: 1948 made 2nd Governor General, appointed Liaquat Ali Khan Prime Minister.
12. [7-10] Khwaja Nazimuddin: Made Objectives Resolution in 1949. It focussed on the principles of Islam and human rights. Designed to deflect criticism from religious leaders who wanted the new state to be more Islamic.
13. [7-10] Khwaja Nazimuddin: Drafted a constitution, which attracted much criticism as it was seen by many as being insufficiently Islamic.
14. [7-10] Khwaja Nazimuddin: Kept the economy going and produced surplus budgets for the new state.
15. [7-10] Malik Ghulam Muhammad: As 3rd Governor General responsible for the Six Year Plan for agriculture, power, industry and transport. It was important to the economic development of Pakistan.
16. [7-10] Malik Ghulam Muhammad: Severe problems hampered development such as food shortages and drought. Rioting followed and the government found it challenging to overcome these issues, leading to many personnel changes. Little constitutional development could take place because of these challenges.
17. [7-10] Malik Ghulam Muhammad: He resigned in 1955 due to ill health.
18. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: Became acting Governor General in 1955.
19. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: Introduced the One Unit policy in 1955, which he claimed would bring about greater efficiency and development in West Pakistan. The policy meant that East Pakistan could not gain a majority in the Assembly.
20. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: Introduced the new Constitution in 1956, under which he was able to become President.
21. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: He suspended the Constitution in 1958 and declared Martial Law.
22. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: His rule became unpopular and lost the support of many leading politicians.
23. [7-10] Iskander Mirza: He declared Martial Law but was forced to resign by Ayub Khan in 1958.