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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 13 Democracy In The Contemporary World
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Democracy In The Contemporary World
Chapter: 13
DEMOCRATIC POLITICS – I (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q.1. Which of the following does not lead to the spread of democracy?
(a) Struggle by the people.
(b) Invasion by foreign countries.
(c) End of colonialism.
(d) People’s desires for freedom.
Ans. (b) Invasion by foreign countries.
Q. 2. Which of the following statement is true about today’s world?
(a) Monarch as a form of government has vanished.
(b) The leadership between different countries has become more democratic than ever before.
(c) In more and more countries rulers are being elected by the people.
(d) There are no more dictators in the world.
Ans. (b) The leadership between different shan became more democratic than ever before.
Q. 3. Use one of the following statements to completed the sentences.
Democracy in the international organizations requires that…
(a) The rich countries have a greater say.
(b) Countries should have a ways according to their military.
(c) Countries should be treated with respect in proportion to their population.
(d) All the countries in the world should be treated equally.
Ans. (d) All the countries in the world should be treated equally.
Q. 4. Based on the information give in this chapter match the following countries and the Path democracy has taken in the Country.
| Country | Path to Democracy |
| (a) Chile | (i) Freedom fromBritish colonial rule. |
| (b) Nepal | (ii) End of military dictatorship. |
| (c) Poland | (iii) End of one Party rule. |
| (d) Ghana | (iv) King agreed to give up his powers. |
Ans.
| Country | Path to Democracy |
| a. Chile | (i) End of military dictatorship. |
| b. Nepal | (ii) King agreed to give up his powers. |
| c. Poland | (iii) End of one Party rule. |
| d. Ghana | (iv) Freedom from British colonial rule. |
Q. 5. What are the difficulties people face in a non-democratic country? Give answers drawing from the examples given in this chapter.
Ans. (i) One such country is Myanmar, previously known as Burma. It gained freedom from colonial rule in 1948 and became a democracy. But the democratic rule ended in 1962 with a military coup.
(ii) In 1990 elections were held for the first time after almost 30 years. The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced Soo-chi), won the election. But the military leaders of Myanmar refused to step down and did not recognise the election results. Instead, the military put the elected pro-democracy leaders, including Suu Kyi, under house arrest.
(iii) Political activists accused of even the most trivial offenses have been jailed. Anyone caught publicly airing views or issuing statements critical of the regime can be sentenced up to twenty years in prison.
(iv) Due to the coercive policies of the military-ruled government in Myanmar, about 6 to 10 lakh people in that country have been uprooted from their homes and have taken shelter elsewhere.
Q. 6. Which freedom are usually taken away when a democracy is over thrown by the military?
Ans. (i) No political activity is allowed. If some one tries he/she could he arrested.
(ii) Freedom to Press is not allowed.
(iii) Any body can be picked up at any time and without any reason can be sent to jail for years. There is no vakil, appeal and daleel.
(iv) Restriction of movement.
(v) All the democratic ways may be closed.
(vi) Political activists accused of even the most trivial offenses have been jailed.
Q. 7. Which of the following positions can contribute to democracy at the global level? Give reasons for your answer in each case.
- My country gives more money to international institutions. Therefore, I want to be treated with more respect and exercise more power.
- My country may be small or poor. But my voice must be heard with equal respect, because these decisions will affect my country.
- Wealthy nations will have a greater say in international affairs. They cannot let their interests suffer just because they are outnumbered by poor nations.
- Big countries like India must have a greater say in international organizations.
Ans. 1. My country may be small or poor. But my voice must be heard with equal respect, because these decisions will affect my country.
2. Due to this decision my country can not be overlooked by the stronger nations and they could not thrust their decisions on the smaller and poor countries.
3. If our country will have equal rights and respect then we can up lift our country in the worldwide activities like trade, international affairs, role in UNO and the respect of the people of our country.
4. All the countries are same.
Q. 8. Here are three opinions heard in a television debate on the struggle for democracy in Nepal. Which of these do you agree with and why?
Guest 1: India is a democracy. Therefore, the Indian government must support the people of Nepal who are struggling against monarchy and for democracy.
Guest 2: That is a dangerous argument. We would be in the same position as the US was in Iraq. Remember, no outside force can promote democracy.
Guest 3: But why should we bother about the internal affairs of another country? We should be worried about our business interests there, not about democracy.
Ans. I’m agree with the statement of Guest
(i) The reasons are as under:
(a) India has broken its silence on the ongoing turmoil in Nepal with a strong message to King Gyanendra: read the writing on the wall and genuinely restore democratic processes or risk losing all powers.
(b) New Delhi conveyed to the king that it felt the endgame for the monarchy had begun. This time it made no mention of its long held twin pillars” theory — of political parties and constitutional monarchy being the bulwark needed for Nepal’s stability.
(c) Sources said the spontaneous nature of the pro-democracy protests by political parties and the involvement of people from all walk of society showed that “events had begun to unravel very fast”.
(d) Neither India nor any other country can determine the outcome of the turmoil. “Events have gone well beyond that,” an analyst said. It was for the king to decide now.
(e) It is felt that Gyanendra may still be able to salvage his position and retain “something resembling ceremonial monarchy” if he seeks “genuine” engagement with the political parties. “But” given the rising tide of republicanism, even that option may not available for long,” a source said.
(f) At last the King Gyanendra step down. New Nepal is a democratic country.
Q. 9. In an imaginary country called Happy land, the people overthrew the foreign ruler and brought back the old royal family. They said: “After all their ancestors were our kings before foreigners started ruling us. It is good that we have one strong ruler, who can help us become rich and powerful”. When someone talked about democracy the wise men said it is a foreign idea. Their struggle was to throw the foreigners and their ideas out of the country. When someone demanded freedom for the media, the elders thought that too much criticism of the ruler would not help them improve their living standards. “After all, the king is so kind and interested in the welfare of all the subjects. Why create problems for him? Don’t we all want to be happy?”
After reading the above passage, Chaman, Champa and Chandru made the following observations:
Chaman: Happyland is a democratic country because people were able to throw out the foreign rulers and bring back the king.
Champa: Happyland is not a democratic country because people cannot criticize the ruler. The king may be nice and may provide economic prosperity, but a king can not give a democratic rule.
Chandru: What people need is happiness. So they are willing to allow their new ruler to take decisions for them. If people are happy it must be a democracy.
What is your opinion about each of these statements? What do you think about the form of government in this country?
Ans. 1. As people need happiness, so they are willing to allow their new ruler to make decisions for them. If people are happy it must be a democracy.
2. In a democratic country we have certain fundamental rights. They are must for every citizen. So that they can do the best and remain in a peaceful manner.
3. This is human nature that he can not bear any outer pressure. So democracy is for the uplifting and happiness of the people.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. “Workers of my homeland! I have faith in Chile and its future ___________. It will be a moral lesson to castigate felony, cowardice, and treason.” Who said this?
(a) General Augusto Pinochet.
(b) General Alberto Bachelet.
(c) Salvador Allende.
(d) Michelle Bachelet.
Ans. (c) Salvador Allende
Q. 2. Who led the military coup in Chile in 1973?
(a) General Alberto Bachelet.
(b) Michelle Bachelet.
(c) General Augusto Pinochet.
(d) Salvador Allende.
Ans. (c) General Augusto Pinochet.
Q. 3. Who was elected as President of Chile in Jan. 2006?
(a) Michelle Bachelet.
(b) General Bachelet.
(c) General Pinochet.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (a) Michelle Bachelet.
Q. 4. Which party ruled in Poland in 1980?
(a) Polish Workers Party.
(b) Polish Party.
(c) Polish United Workers’ Party.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (c) Polish United Workers’ Party.
Q. 5. Who was the leader of the Solidarity Movement in Poland?
(a) Pinochet.
(b) Lech Walesa.
(c) Jaruzelski.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (b) Lech Walesa.
Q. 6. The three governments of Allende’s Chile, Walesa’s Poland and Michelle’s Chile had a:
(a) Democratic form of government.
(b) Martial law.
(c) Communist form of government.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (a) Democratic form of government.
Q. 7. Which Revolution inspired many struggles for democracy all over Europe?
(a) Russian Revolution.
(b) American Revolution.
(c) French Revolution.
(d) Both (a) and (b).
Ans. (c) French Revolution.
Q. 8. When did Ghana become independent and from whom?
(a) 1956, Dutch.
(b) 1957, France.
(c) 1957, Britain.
(d) 1958, Germany.
Ans. (c) 1957, Britain.
Q. 9. Which organ of the U.N. is responsible for maintaining peace and security among the countries?
(a) General Assembly.
(b) Security Council.
(c) International Court of Justice.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (c) International Court of Justice.
Q. 10. Name the body of the U.N. which acts like a Parliament.
(a) General Assembly.
(b) Security Council.
(c) International Court of Justice.
(d) Social and Economic Council.
Ans. (a) General Assembly.
Q. 11. How many members does the Security Council consist of?
(a) 5
(b) 10
(c) 15
(d) 20
Ans. (c) 15
Q. 12. Name the five permanent members of the Security Council.
(a) US, Germany, France, China, Italy.
(b) US, Britain, Germany, Italy, France.
(c) US, France, Switzerland, China, Russia.
(d) US, France, Britain, Russia, China.
Ans. (d) US, France, Britain, Russia, China.
Q. 13. The President of the World Bank has always been from:
(a) U.K.
(b) U.S.A.
(d) Russia.
(c) France.
Ans. (b) U.S.A.
Q. 14. Which party ruled Iraq since 1968?
(a) Ba’ath Party.
(b) Socialist Ba’ath Party.
(c) Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (c) Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party.
Q. 15. What is the territory under the immediate political control of another state called?
(a) Communist state.
(b) Colony.
(c) Democratic state.
(d) none of the above.
Ans. (b) Colony.
Q. 16. Which one of the following situations is democratic?
(a) General Pinochet, an Army General of Chile, led a coup and became the President of the country.
(b) In China, always the Communist Party only wins in elections and forms the government.
(c) The government led by Jaruzelaki in Poland, imposed martial law and imprisoned thousands of Solidarity members who took part in strike.
(d) The African National Congress of South Africa drew up a constitution which gave most extensive rights to its citizens.
Ans. (d) The African National Congress of South Africa drew up a constitution which gave most extensive rights to its citizens.
Q. 17. Which one of the following countries is not a permanent member of UN Security Council?
(a) China.
(b) France.
(c) Japan.
(d) Russia.
Ans. (c) Japan.
Q. 18. Which of the following does not lead to the spread of democracy?
(a) Struggle by people.
(b) Invasion by foreign country.
(c) End of colonialism.
(d) People’s desire for freedom.
Ans. (b) Invasion by foreign country.
Q. 19. Why was International Monetary Fund established?
(a) To maintain peace and security among the countries.
(b) Lends money to governments of member nations when in need.
(c) To implement and formulate trade agreements.
(d) To take decision regarding misery and poverty of western countries.
Ans. (b) Lends money to governments of member nations when in need.
Q. 20. In Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi led:
(a) National Congress.
(b) United Workers Party.
(c) Communist Party.
(d) the National League for Democracy.
Ans. (d) the National League for Democracy.
Q. 21. Strike the odd one out:
(a) General Assembly.
(b) International Court of Justice.
(c) Security Council.
(d) Veto.
Ans. (d) Veto.
Q. 22. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The UN Secretary General said that the US war on Iraq was illegal.
Reason (R): The war against Iraq was not authorized by the UN General Assembly.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
Q. 23. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The veto system has led more and more people and countries to protest and demand that the UN becomes more democratic.
Reason (R): Each permanent member has veto power. It means that the Council cannot take a decision if any permanent member says no to that decision.
Options:
(a) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
(b) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 24. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): In Myanmar, the military-ruled government advocated the democratic regime.
Reason (R): In Myanmar, about 6 to 10 lakh people have left their homes and have taken shelter elsewhere.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (b) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Q. 25. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The next big push towards democracy came after the Second World War.
Reason (R): Democracy was revived in several Middle East countries.
Options:
(a) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Who was the President of Chile before the military coup was staged?
Ans. Salvador Allende was the President of Chile before the military coup was staged.
Q. 2. Name the party founded by Salvador Allende in Chile.
Ans. The Socialist Party of Chile was founded by Salvador Allende.
Q. 3. What were the policy decisions of President Allende other than works for poor and workers?
Ans. Reform of the educational system and opposed to foreign companies taking away natural resources like copper from the country.
Q. 4. What is meant by coup?
Ans. A coup is the sudden overthrow of the government illegally. It may be violent in nature.
Q. 5. What was the fate of the Allende’s Government?
Ans. Allende’s government, which was elected by people was overthrown by the military led by General Augusto Pinochet through Conspiracy and violence.
Q. 6. What do you mean by military dictatorship?
Ans. From an elected government power was shifted to officers of military. Military dictatorship means military could do what they wanted. No one could question their action.
Q. 7. How did Pinochet’s government treat the supporters of Salvador Allende?
Ans. Pinochet’s government tortured and killed several of those who supported Allende and those who wanted democracy to be restored.
Q. 8. Which hope was expressed by Allende in his last address?
Ans. Allende expressed that felony, cowardice and treason were finally punished. His hope was realized after referendum.
Q. 9. Who was Michelle Bachelet?
Ans. Michelle Bachelet was the daughter of General Alberto Bachelet, the Chilean Air Force officer, who was tortured and killed by Pinochet’s government. She was a moderate socialist who became the President of Chile in 2006.
Q. 10. What was the significance of Polish United Workers’ Party?
Ans. The party was one of the many communist parties that ruled in several countries of East Europe.
Q. 11. How was the USSR government associated with government of Poland?
Ans. Soviet Union (USSR) government, which was a vast and powerful communist state, was supporting and controlling the government of Poland.
Q. 12. Name the first independent trade union formed in a communist country Poland?
Ans. The first independent trade union in any communist country was Solidarity.
Q. 13. What do you mean by Universal Adult Franchise?
Ans. Every citizen of 18 years and above has the right to vote under Universal Adult Franchise.
Q. 14. In which year was Universal Adult Franchise introduced in India?
Ans. In India, Universal Adult Franchise was introduced in 1950, the year when the new Constitution was put into force.
Q. 15. Why was there a big push towards democracy after 1980?
Ans. After 1980, there was a big push towards democracy because in several countries of Latin America democracy was revived and several countries after gaining independence chose to become democracies.
Q. 16. What caused a big change in the political map of the world?
Ans. The end of Soviet control on Eastern Europe and the breakup of the Soviet Union led to a big change in the political map of the world.
Q. 17. What is the United Nations Organisation?
Ans. United Nations Organisation is a global association of nations of the world to help cooperation in international law, security, economic development and social equity.
Q. 18. Which organ of the UN is responsible for maintaining peace and security among countries?
Ans. The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining peace. and security among countries.
Q. 19. What is the limitation of the General Assembly?
Ans. General Assembly cannot take any decision about what action should be taken to solve a conflict between different countries.
Q. 20. What is Veto power?
Ans. When any of the five permanent members of the Security Council says no to the decision of the Security.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Who was Lech Walesa? Why was he famous in Poland?
Ans. 1. On August 1980, the workers of Lenin Shipyard in the city of Gdansk went on a strike.
2. The strike began with a demand to take back a crane operator, who was dismissed from service.
3. Walesa soon emerged as the leader of the striking workers.
4. The workers led by Walesa signed a 21 point agreement with the government that ended their strike.
5. In Oct, 1990 Walesa was elected the President of Poland.
Q. 2. How was Solidarity came in power in Poland?
Ans. 1. Another wave of strikes, again organized by Solidarity began in 1988.
2. Another round of negotiations with Walesa resulted in an agreement in April 1989 for free elections.
3. Solidarity contested all the 100 seats of the Senate and won 99 of them.
4. In October 1990, Walesa was elected the Presidential of Poland.
Q. 3. What is Direct democracy? Write any two differences between democratic and non-democratic governments.
Ans. I. Direct Democracy: In this democratic system, all adult citizens of a country directly participate in the making of laws and functioning of the government. Here the will of people is expressed directly and immediately through the people rather than the elected representatives. Direct democracy used to exist in small Greek States.
II. Difference between democratic and non-democratic governments:
(i) In democratic government power is with the people while in non-democratic government is not given to the people.
(ii) Democratic government provides rights and freedom to its citizen while non-democratic governments are not in favour of giving freedom and rights to the citizens.
Q. 4. How can you claim that the incident of September 1973 in Chile was a military coup?
Ans. 1. General Augusto Pinochet (pronounced Pinoshe), an Army General, led the coup. The government of the United States of America was unhappy with Allende’s rule and is known to have supported and funded activities that led to the coup.
2. Pinochet became the President of the country and ruled it for the next 17 years.
3. The power shifted to the military officers. They could do as they wished and no one could questions them. Thus a military dictatorship was established in Chile.
Q. 5. Mention some of the major changes in India’s neighborhood i.e. Pakistan and Bangladesh during 1990 and after. Also mention some of facts regarding political changes in Nepal.
Ans. 1. From the last decade of 20th century several changes took place in India’s neighborhood. Pakistan and Bangladesh made a transition from army rule to democracy in 1990s. In Nepal, the king gave up many of his powers to become a constitutional monarch to be guided by elected leaders. However, these changes were not permanent.
2. In 1999 General Musharraf brought back army rule in Pakistan. In 2005 the new king of Nepal dismissed the elected government and took back political freedoms that people had won in the previous decade.
Q. 6. What do you know about the democracy in Poland?
Ans. 1. In 1980, Poland was ruled by the Polish United Workers Party. This was one of the many communist parties that ruled in several countries of Eastern Europe at that time. In these countries no other political party was allowed to function.
2. The people could not freely choose the leaders of the communist party or the government.
3. Those who spoke against the leaders or the party or the government were put in prison. The government in Poland was supported and controlled by the government of the Soviet Union (USSR), a vast and powerful communist state.
Q. 7. ‘If every country becomes democratic, the world will by itself become democratic.’ Do you agree with the statement? Give some facts to prove your opinion.
Ans. This is not true. Although most of the countries in the world have become democratic, many international institutions are still not working on democratic principles. In the UNO, enjoyment of Veto Power by five permanent members of the Security Council is undemocratic. Some other agencies like IMF, World Bank and WTO also are not working on democratic principles.
After the collapse of USSR, USA is the only super power left in the world. It has enabled and encouraged that country to act unilaterally without seeking the consent of other countries.
Q. 8. How can you say that some of the so-called democracies in the 19th century or in the beginning of the twentieth century were not full democracies and were not democracies in the real sense of the modern world?
Ans. (i) Most of the so called democratic countries in the 19th century even in England, France etc, did not allow all people to vote. They had not given the right to vote to their woman citizens.
(ii) Some countries like USA, though they called themselves democracies, had not given the right to vote to the blacks.
Q. 9. Mention Pinochet’s government tortures.
Ans. 1. Pinochet’s government tortured and killed several of those who supported Allende and those who wanted democracy to be restored. These included General Alberto Bachelet of the Chilean Air Force and many other officers who refused to join the coup.
2. General Bachelet’s wife and daughter were put in prison and tortured. More than 3,000 people were killed by the military.
3. Many more were reported ‘missing. No one knows what happened to them.
Q. 10. Why General Jaruzelski grew anxious and imposed martial law?
Ans. 1. The government agreed to recognise the workers right to form independent trade unions and their right to strike. After the Gdansk agreement was signed, a new trade union called Solidarity (Solidarnosc in Polish) was formed. It was the first time an independent trade union was formed in any of the communist states. Within a year, Solidarity swept across Poland and had about one crore members.
2. Revelations of widespread corruption and mismanagement in the government made matters worse for the rulers. The government, led by General Jaruzelski, grew anxious and imposed martial law in December 1981.
3. Thousand of Solidarity members were put in prison. Freedom to organize, protest and express opinions was once again taken away.
Q. 11. How you can say that the big push towards democracy came after 1980? Mention same of the factors regarding this.
Ans. 1. The disintegration of the Soviet Union accelerated this process. From the story of Poland we know that the then Soviet Union controlled many of its neighboring communist countries in Eastern Europe.
2. Poland and several other countries became free from the control of the Soviet Union during 1989-90. They chose to become democracies. Finally the Soviet Union itself broke down in 1991. The Soviet Union comprised 15 Republics. All the constituent republics emerged as independent countries. Most of them became democracies.
3. Thus the end of Soviet control on Eastern Europe and the break up of the Soviet Union led to a big change in the political map of the world.
Q. 12. What is the role of UN General Assembly?
Ans. 1. Everyone of the 192 member countries of the UN has one vote in the UN General Assembly. It meets in regular yearly sessions under a president elected from among the representatives of the member countries.
2. General Assembly is like the parliament where all the discussions takes place. In that sense the UN would appear to be a very democratic organization. But the General Assembly cannot take any decision about what action should be taken in a conflict between different countries.
Q. 13. Mention the role of UN Security Council.
Ans. 1. The fifteen-member Security Council of the UN takes such crucial decisions. The Council has five permanent members – US, Russia, UK, France and China. Ten other members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The real power is with five permanent members.
2. The permanent members, especially the decisions. US, contribute most of the money needed for the maintenance of the UN. Each permanent member has veto power. It means that the Council cannot take a decision if any permanent member says no to that decision. This system has led more and more people and countries to protect and demand that the UN becomes more democratic.
Q. 14. Write a short note on Interna-tional Monetary Fund (IMF).
Ans. 1. International Monetary Fund (IMP) is one of the biggest moneylenders for any country in the world. Its 173 member states do not have equal voting rights.
2. The vote of each country is weighed by how much money it has contributed to the IMF. Nearly half of the voting power in the IMF is in the hands of only seven countries (US, Japan, France, UK, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia). The remaining 166 countries have very little say in how these international organizations take decisions.
3. The World Bank has a similar system of voting. The President of the World Bank has always been a citizen of the US, conventionally nominated by the Treasury Secretary (Finance Minister) of the US government.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. What do you know about the restoration of Democracy in Chile?
Ans. Restoration of Democracy in Chile:
1. Pinochet’s military dictatorship came to an end after he decided to hold a referendum in 1988. He felt confident that in this referendum, the people would say ‘yes’ to his continuing in power.
2. But the people of Chile had not forgotten their democratic traditions. Their vote was a decisive ‘no’ to Pinochet. This led to Pinochet losing first his political and then his military powers. The hope Allende expressed in his last address was realized: ‘felony, cowardice and treason were finally punished.”
3. Political freedom was restored. Since then Chile has held four presidential elections in which different political parties have participated. Slowly, the army’s role in the country’s government has been eliminated.
4. The elected governments that came to power ordered inquiries into Pinochet’s rule. These inquiries showed that his government was not only very brutal, but also very corrupt.
Q. 2. Discuss important reasons responsible for the spread of democracy in contemporary World.
Ans. After the end of Second World War democracy expanded at a reasonably very good speed in contemporary world. Several reasons were responsible for this development.
1. Democracy of the government of the people is considered by people and most of the country the best form of government. The liking of the people for democracy was most important cause for its establishment and expansion.
2. Democracy suits to social, economic and political conditions in most of the countries. Democracy believes in establishment of equality, freedom, social justice, economic equality, as well as welfare of the weaker sections of the society.
3. Politically all societes love freedom of expression. Democracy grants freedom of mass-media, press and right of expression and speech.
4. Popular struggles and people movements have been undertaken by the leaders and common people in a harmonious way.
5. Democratic governments favor international institutions such as UN, World Bank and IMF. Democracy favors human rights and mutual corporations for the protection of environment and to check pollution in all areas and fields.
Q. 3. Some statements are given below, states if you will call these democratic or not democratic. Give reason also.
(i) Teacher: (To the students)- During my lecture, no one will ask any question.
(ii) Employee: (To the officer)- From tomorrow I will not work for 10 hours. In our law there are lesser working hours.
(iii) Mother: (To her daughter)- You cannot go to play outside. You cook food at home.
Ans. (i) This statement does not have the democratic value, because in a broader sense the students have the right to ask relevant question.
(ii) This statement has the democratic value. An employer cannot force employee to work for 10 hours as it is against the labour laws.
(iii) This statement does not have the democratic value. A mother cannot force her daughter in such an autocratic way.
Q. 4. Suppose you are a citizen of an autocratic or non democratic country. What difficulties would you face in such a country. Give any three points.
Ans. (i) A non-democratic government might respond to the peoples needs, but it always depends on the wishes of the rulers. If the rulers are not willing, they would not act according to the wishes of the people.
(ii) A non-democratic government cannot be a good government because it does not respond to the needs of the people.
(iii) In a non-democratic government rulers are not elected by the people. This type of government does whatever it likes. We cannot express our views openly.
Q. 5. How can you prove that 19th century struggle for democracy often centered round political equality, freedom and justice? What was one major demand of the citizens?
Ans. 1. In the nineteenth century struggles for democracy often centered round political equality, freedom and justice. One major demand was the right for every adult citizen to vote. Many European countries that were becoming more democratic did not initially allow all people to vote.
2. In some countries only people owning property had the right to vote. Often women did not have the right to vote. In the United States of America, the blacks all over the country could not exercise the right to vote until 1965.
3. Those struggling for democracy wanted this right granted universally to all adults-men or women, rich or poor, white or black. This is called ‘universal adult franchise’ or ‘universal suffrage’.
Q. 6. Write the five characteristics of autocratic system.
Ans. (i) Autocracy is a system of government by one person with absolute power.
(ii) In this political system supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person.
(iii) The term autocrat was used for anyone holding the title emperor.
(iv) Several autocrats depended on their nobles, the military, the priesthood or other elite groups.
(v) In an autocracy both political and economic powers are concentrated in one person. Nazi Germany is an example of an autocracy.
HOTS QUESTION
Q. 1. What type of attitude was of colonial rulers or imperialists about their Colonies and cities?
Ans. The colonial rulers or imperial powers conquered several countries and cities. They did not like their culture or symbols related with native people or society. They gave name to cities of their colonies of their choice.
Q. 2. Discuss the major effects of democracy in contemporary world.
Ans. Effects of democracy in contemporary world:
(i) Most of the people in almost all countries of contemporary world had accepted this truth that democracy is the best form of the government. It has ensured the safety of the all citizens under its umbrella.
(ii) Democracy has avail all its citizens to aspire for any post, even if they belong to ordinary family like our second Prime Minister Sh. Lal Bahadur Shastri or Prime Minister during the NDA coalition Sh. Atal Behari Vajpai who occupied this highest position for several times. We can also mention the name of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who was the President of India during NDA regime and even later on for some months.
(iii) Democracy has ensured the freedom of speech to all of its adherents who can criticize the government if it is going astray.
(iv) Democracy has ensured the existence of the different political parties which can always to capture power and form the government.
(v) Democracy has ensured freedom to the workers to form their own trade unions.
Q. 3. Briefly examine the way democracy was restored in Poland.
Ans. In Poland democracy was restored in the following ways:
(a) Before 1980, Poland was ruled by the Polish United Workers’ Party. No other party was allowed to function.
(b) After a long strike in 1980, by the workers, the government agreed to recognise the workers’ right to form independent trade unions, and their right to strike.
(c) A new trade union Solidarity was formed.
(d) In 1981, there was a countrywide strike by Solidarity which was suppressed by the government with the help of Russia.
(e) In 1988, there was another strike. This time, government was weaker, and there was no support from Soviet Union.
(f) Therefore, the government negotiated free and fair elections which was held in 1990.
PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS
1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
“Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its future. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks to prevail. Keep in mind that, much sooner than later, the great avenues will again be opened, through which will pass free men to construct a better society. Long live Chile! Long live the people! Long live the workers!
These are my last words, and I am certain that my sacrifice will not be in vain. I am certain that, at the very least, it will be a moral lesson that will punish felony, cowardice, and treason.”
(i) The extracts given above are from the last speech of:
(a) General Augusto Pinochet.
(b) General Alberto Bachelet.
(c) Salvador Allende.
(d) Michelle Bachelet.
Ans. (c) Salvador Allende.
(ii) What was his designation in the country he lived?
(a) He was the Defence Minister of Chile.
(b) He was the leader of the opposition party in Chile.
(c) He was the supporter of Solidarity in Poland.
(d) He was the President of Chile.
Ans. (d) He was the President of Chile.
(iii) Which of the following political party was formed by the speaker of the speech given above?
(a) The National League for Democracy.
(b) Socialist Party of Chile.
(c) Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party.
(d) Communist Party of Chile.
Ans. (b) Socialist Party of Chile.
(iv) What was the speaker opposed to?
(a) The establishment of a communist government in Poland.
(b) The establishment of a socialist government in Chile.
(c) The foreign companies taking away natural resources like copper from the country.
(d) The interference of government in the military issues of Chile.
Ans. (c) The foreign companies taking away natural resources like copper from the country.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
On the morning of 11 September 1973, the military took over the seaport. The Defence Minister was arrested by the military when he arrived at his office. The military commanders asked the President to resign. Allende refused to resign or leave the country. But realizing the danger to the country and to his life, he addressed the people on the radio, part of which we read in the beginning. Then the military surrounded the President’s house and started bombing it. President Allende died in the military attack.
(i) Which of the following incident is being discussed in the above passage?
(a) Military Coup of Myanmar, 1962.
(b) Military Coup of Chile, 1973.
(c) Break up of Soviet Union.
(d) Military Coup of Ghana, 1966.
Ans. (b) Military Coup of Chile, 1973.
(ii) Who among the following led the coup mentioned in the above passage?
(a) General Alberto Bachelet of the Chilean Air Force.
(b) Lech Walesa, a former electrician of the shipyard.
(c) General Jaruzelski, a Polish military officer.
(d) General Augusto Pinochet, an Army general.
Ans. (d) General Augusto Pinochet, an Army general.
(iii) United States of America funded the activities that led to the coup in Chile because:
(a) it wanted to extend its control over the politics of Chile.
(b) it wanted to make Chile its colony.
(c) it was unhappy with Allende’s rule.
(d) it wanted to use Chile as its military base.
Ans. (c) it was unhappy with Allende’s rule.
(iv) Pinochet’s government tortured and killed several of those who supported Allende and those who:
(a) wanted the foreign interference in Chile.
(b) wanted democracy to be restored in Chile.
(c) wanted the power in the hands of the workers.
(d) wanted the new constitution of Chile to be framed.
Ans. (b) wanted democracy to be restored in Chile.
3. Read the given passage and answer be questions that follow:
The workers led by Walesa signed a 21-point agreement with the government that ended their strike. The government agreed to recognise the workers’ right to form independent trade unions and their right to strike. After the Gdansk agreement was signed, a new trade union called Solidarity (Solidarnosc in Polish) was formed. It was the first time an independent trade union was formed in any of the communist states.
(i) The workers led by Walesa signed a 21-point agreement with the government that ended their strike. What was the strike about?
(a) Right to form political associations.
(b) Right to own property.
(c) Right to form independent trade unions, release of political prisoners and an end to censorship on press.
(d) Right to work.
Ans. (c) Right to form independent trade unions, release of political prisoners and an end to censorship on press.
(ii) The strike by the workers at the Lenin Shipyard was stated as illegal. Why?
(a) Because they did not take permission for strike from the government.
(b) Because their demands were not constitutional.
(c) Because they wanted end of the military rule in Poland.
(d) Because trade unions independent of the ruling party were not allowed in Poland.
Ans. (d) Because trade unions independent of the ruling party were not allowed in Poland.
(iii) The government in Poland, led by General Jaruzelski, grew anxious and imposed martial law in December 1981. Why?
(a) The workers’ protest turned violent.
(b) Revelations of widespread corruption and mismanagement in the government made matters worse.
(c) The workers staged a coup against General Jaruzelski.
(d) The common people in Poland began demanding constitutional reforms.
Ans. (b) Revelations of widespread corruption and mismanagement in the government made matters worse.
(iv) The military government in Poland, led by General Jaruzelski, was supported and controlled by the:
(a) capitalists of USA.
(b) trade Unions of Poland.
(c) government of the Soviet Union (USSR).
(d) business community of Poland.
Ans. (c) government of the Soviet Union (USSR).
