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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 14 What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?
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What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Chapter: 14
DEMOCRATIC POLITICS – I (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 1. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemo-cratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.
(a) Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.
Ans. Not sure.
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
Ans. Undemocratic.
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
Ans. Democratic.
(d) Country D: There is no independent Election Commission.
Ans. Undemocratic.
Q. 2. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these Countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemo-cratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.
(a) Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
Ans. Undemocratic.
(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
Ans. Democratic.
(c) Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighboring country.
Ans. Undemocratic.
(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.
Ans. Undemocratic.
Q. 3. Which of these is not a good argument in favor of democracy? Why?
(a) People feel free and equal in a democracy.
(b) Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.
(c) Democratic government is more accountable to the people.
(d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.
Ans. (d) “Democracies are more prosperous than others.” This argument is not in favor of democracy. Because in democratic countries the poor and the rich all are living and all of them have a say, because their representatives make decisions according to their welfare and benefit. The representatives also feel that they will be chosen according to their work. So they also remain in the grip of fear. So they work hard.
Q. 4. Each of these statements contain a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to confirm to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation.
Ans. Undemocratic.
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported.
Ans. Democratic.
(c) Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organizations to demand one-third seats for women.
Ans. Democratic.
Q. 5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?
(a) Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.
(b) Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.
(c) Government fears its defeat in the next elections.
(d) People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
Ans. (d) People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
Q. 6. There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need. Which of these is not a democratic method?
(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to life.
(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
(c) Organizing public meetings against government’s policies.
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
Ans. (d) Paying money to government.
Q. 7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization in the country. Therefore army should rule the country.
Ans. Army should not rule the country of being disciplined and corruption free because the army don’t present the will of the people of the country.
(b) Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.
Ans. We don’t need the rule of wise in democracy if they are in small numbers because in democracy those should rule who represent the majority. Rule of majority does not mean the rule of ignorant people.
(c) If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.
Ans. The country should not be ruled by religious leaders in democracy because religion is matter of personal belief and faith in a supernatural power. Whereas democracy is totally based on the need and problems of man.
Q. 8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
(a) Father to daughter: I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.
Ans. The statement does not have democratic value, instead it how the elements of dictatorship of father. Because in democra everyone has the right to freedom of thought, opinion and to marry anyone he/she like.
(b) Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.
Ans. No, the statement does not keep the democratic value, because in a broader sense the students have the right to ask any question to the teacher related to the subject.
(c) Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.
Ans. Yes, the statement keeps the democratic value, because in working hours are divided by the law of country made by the people’s representatives in parliament.
Q. 9. Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
(a) All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
Ans. In a democratic country every man has right to vote.
(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
Ans. Education and health expenditure cannot be reduced in a democratic country.
(c) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of that country.
Ans. In a democratic country it cannot be done, beyond its resources.
(d) Several organizations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
Ans. In a democratic country it happens Occasionally.
(e) The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government’s policies and protests.
Ans. This is not democratic because freedom of press is must.
Q. 10. In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to influence the decisions taken by the government. The report highlighted that:
- If an average Black family earns $ 100 then the income of average White family is $ 162. A White family has twelve times more wealth than the average Black family.
- In a President’s election, nearly nine out of 10 individuals in families with income over $ 75,000 have voted. These people are the top 20% of the population in terms of their income. On the other hand only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $ 15,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population in terms of their income.
- About 95% contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them opportunity to express their opinion and concern, which is not available to most citizens.
- As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does not listen to their concerns-coming out of poverty, getting job, education, health care and housing from them. Politicians hear most regularly about the concerns of business and the most rich.
Q. 11. Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.
Ans. It is right that there is a fight between the have and have nots. The facts mentioned in the report of 2004 in USA clearly indicate that rich people are more influencing than the poor. They are the decision makers. All the policies are set by their representatives. Poor people have no say. It may be considered undemocratic but we must see the facts mentioned in the report. In the Indian democracy we can see easily that common man cannot contest election at his own expenses. The grass root poor people are working day and night for their livelihood. They have to fight with hunger not the government or any of its policy.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Which party always won elections in Mexico since its independence in 1930 until 2000?
(a) Revolutionary Party.
(b) Mexican Revolutionary Party.
(c) Institutional Revolutionary Party.
(d) Institutional Party.
Ans. (c) Institutional Revolutionary Party.
Q. 2. When did Zimbabwe attain independence and from whom?
(a) 1970, from Black minority rule.
(b) 1880, from White minority rule.
(c) 1980, from Americans.
(d) 1980, from White minority rule.
Ans. (d) 1980, from White minority rule
Q. 3. Which of these features is/are necessary to provide the basic rights to the citizens?
(a) Citizens should be free to think.
(b) should be free to form associations.
(c) Should be free to raise protest.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (d) All the above.
Q. 4. Some of the drawbacks of democracy is:
(a) instability and delays.
(b) corruption and hypocrisy.
(c) politicians fighting among themselves.
(d) all the above.
Ans. (d) all the above.
Q. 5. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making because:
(a) decisions are taken by educated people.
(b) decisions are taken by consultation and discussion.
(c) decisions are taken over a long period of time.
(d) all decisions are approved by judiciary.
Ans. (b) decisions are taken by consultation and discussion.
Q. 6. The most common form that democracy takes in our time is that of:
(a) limited democracy.
(b) representative democracy.
(c) maximum democracy.
(d) none of the above.
Ans. (b) representative democracy.
Q. 7. _________ is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people?
(a) Dictatorship.
(b) Non Democratic Government.
(c) Monarchy.
(d) Democracy.
Ans. (d) Democracy.
Q. 8. How does the definition of democracy help us?
(a) To separate democracy from forms of government that is clearly not democratic.
(b) So that we can get voting rights.
(c) To figure out what lies in A Democracy.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (a) To separate democracy from forms of government that is clearly not democratic.
Q. 9. How were the rulers of Myanmar elected?
(a) Dictatorship.
(b) By the people.
(c) Those who happened to be in control of the army became the rulers.
(d) Monarchy.
Ans. (c) Those who happened to be in control of the army became the rulers.
Q. 10. How are the rulers of Saudi Arabia elected?
(a) By the people.
(b) Rule of the army.
(c) Those who happen to be born into the royal family.
(d) None of the above.
Ans. (c) Those who happen to be born into the royal family.
Q. 11. Which officials must be elected for any government to be called a democracy?
(a) Certain people from different constituencies passing the criteria to be elected.
(b) Any adult of the country.
(c) Only bureaucratics.
(d) Heads of different organizations.
Ans. (a) Certain people from different constituencies passing the criteria to be elected.
Q. 12. He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country. Later he changed his designation to President and in 2002. Which President of Pakistan was this?
(a) General Pervez Musharraf.
(b) Muhammad Zia-ul-Ha.
(c) Farooq Leghari.
(d) Muhammad Mian Soomro.
Ans. (a) General Pervez Musharraf.
Q. 13. In a democracy the final decision making power must rest with _________.
(a) the official heads.
(b) the monarchs.
(c) those elected by the people.
(d) none.
Ans. (c) those elected by the people.
Q. 14. What is the Chinese Parliament called?
(a) National People’s Congress.
(b) Chinese Communist Party.
(c) The Communist Party of China.
(d) People’s Congress.
Ans. (b) Chinese Communist Party.
Q. 15. Which country has never been under a military or dictator’s rule?
(a) Cuba.
(b) Mexico.
(c) India.
(d) Nepal.
Ans. (b) Mexico.
Q. 16. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to Russian minority find it difficult to get ___________.
(a) the economic rights.
(b) the right to vote.
(c) right to women’s vote.
(d) all of the above.
Ans. (b) the right to vote.
Q. 17. Zimbabwe’s leader, Robert Mugabe, ruled the country since independence.
(a) Robert Mugabe.
(b) John Beten.
(c) Bean Achebe.
(d) Guten Zugab.
Ans. (a) Robert Mugabe.
Q. 18. What kind of oppression did Mugabe give his people?
(a) Opposition party workers were harassed and their meeting disrupted.
(b) Public protests and demonstrations against the government were declared illegal.
(c) There was a law that limited the right to criticize the President.
(d) All of the above.
Ans. (d) All of the above.
Q. 19. What requirements do the people of the state need before elections?
(a) They should be free to think.
(b) To have opinions.
(c) To form associations.
(d) All of the above.
Ans. (d) All of the above.
Q. 20. What requirements do the people of the state need after elections?
(a) Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law.
(b) To respect some guarantees to the minorities.
(c) Each of these is accountable not only to the people but also to other independent officials.
(d) All of the above.
Ans. (d) All of the above.
Q. 21. Which is true of democracy?
(a) By the people for the people.
(b) Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
(c) Democracy is all about political competition and power play.
(d) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
Ans. (a) By the people for the people.
Q. 22. Democracy is based on _________.
(a) discussions and meetings are amongst few.
(b) discussions and meetings occur when a number of people put their heads together.
(c) no discussions.
(d) unruly crowded meetings with no formal decision.
Ans. (b) discussions and meetings occur when a number of people put their heads together.
Q. 23. Democracy is better than other forms of government because:
(a) it allows change.
(b) allows voting.
(c) allows right to opinion.
(d) it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
Ans. (d) it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
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): Every democracy has to try to realize the ideals of a democratic decision making.
Reason (R): Every country is a perfect democracy.
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. 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): Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a collective decision.
Reason (R): Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part in all the decisions.
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. 26. 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): A minority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people.
Reason (R): The majority of people rule through their elected representatives.
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. 27. 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 a democracy, people are the subjects of a ruler.
Reason (R): Those in power have the right to remain in power.
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.
Fill in the Blanks:
(i) Democracy treats all persons as _________.
Ans. equal.
(ii) All the citizens of the country have right to _________.
Ans. vote.
(iii) Zimbabwe became an independent nation in __________.
Ans. 1980.
(iv) There should be no __________ on the basis of caste, creed, color of religion.
Ans. discrimination.
(v) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and __________.
Ans. conflicts.
True and False:
(i) Democracy makes government more responsive.
Ans. True.
(ii) People’s decision is the basis of a good democratic government.
Ans. False.
(iii) In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests.
Ans. True.
(iv) Universal adult franchise is the right of all adults to vote in political elections.
Ans. True.
(v) Democracy depends on the whims of the ruler or the dictator.
Ans. False.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Give one common feature of democratic governments.
Ans. One common feature is that people elect their representatives on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise.
Q. 2. What is a referendum?
Ans. A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. It may be adoption of a new constitution, a law or a specific governmental policy.
Q. 3. The kings of Nepal and Saudi Arabia are ruling even than they are undemocratic. Why?
Ans. It is because they happened to be born into the royal families.
Q. 4. How did Pervez Musharraf declare himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country?
Ans. In October 1999, he led a military coup to overthrow a democratically-elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country.
Q. 5. What do you mean by ‘Legal Framework Order’?
Ans. It was an order issued by General Musharraf empowering him to dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
Q. 6. Which body supervised the civilian cabinet according to Legal Framework Order?
Ans. The National Security Council dominated by military officials supervised the civilian cabinet.
Q. 7. What happened after the passage of the Legal Framework Order?
Ans. After the passage of the Legal Framework Order, elections were held to the national and state assemblies. The representatives were elected by the people.
Q. 8. Why is Pakistan not considered a democratic country even after having elections?
Ans. Despite elections to the national and provincial assemblies, the final powers rested with General Musharraf and military officers.
Q. 9. What was PRI?
Ans. It was a political party of Mexico called Institutional Revolutionary Party.
Q. 10. Why was every election won by PRI in Mexico?
Ans. PRI managed to win every election mainly through unfair means. They spent a lot of money in campaigning for its candidates and forced people to vote for them.
Q. 11. How can we say that people in Mexico did not have any choice in the elections?
Ans. These was no choice for people in Mexico. There was no way PRI could be defeated, even if the people were against it. The elections were not fair.
Q. 12. In which country women do not have the right to vote until 2015?
Ans. Until 2015, women do not have the right to vote in Saudi Arabia.
Q. 13. Which party of Zimbabwe led the struggle for independence?
Ans. The ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe led the struggle for independence.
Q. 14. How can you say that media is not independent in Zimbabwe?
Ans. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party’s version. The government also harasses those journalists who go against it.
Q. 15. What do you derive from a democratic government like the one in Zimbabwe?
Ans. Popular governments can be undemocratic and popular leaders can be autocratic.
Q. 16. Which factors, barring at the elections must be considered to assess democracy?
Ans. To keep a vigilant eye before and after the election is also required to assess democracy.
Q. 17. What basic rights were given by state to citizens to ensure democracy before elections?
Ans. The state should respect the basic rights of the citizens which include freedom to think, to have opinions, to express these in public, to form associations, to protest and take other political actions.
Q. 18. Point out one negative feature of democracy.
Ans. Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
Q. 19. In which condition does democracy lead to bad decisions?
Ans. When elected leaders are unaware of the best interests of the people, it leads to bad decisions.
Q. 20. List the cause for delay in decision-making.
Ans. Involving many people in the decision-making and taking their consent lead to delay in decision-making in democracy.
Q. 21. Mention the advantage of involving many persons in decision-making.
Ans. The advantage is that everyone is consulted that reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
Q. 22. What is the basic sense behind taking a decision in democracy?
Ans. In a democracy decision-making involves consultations and the consent of all those who are affected by that decision.
Q. 23. A democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. How?
Ans. Democracy provides political equality to all recognising that the poor, the rich, the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.
Q. 24. How does democracy allow us to correct our mistakes?
Ans. In a democracy there is room for public discussions on government’s rules or mistakes and there is room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers can be changed.
Q. 25. What is a representative democracy?
Ans. It is a form of democracy where the majority of people rule through their elected representatives.
Q. 26. Why is the representative democracy considered the most common form of democracy?
Ans. A large number of people in democracies can’t sit together and take decisions collectively, so representative democracy is the most common in practice.
Q. 27. What is direct democracy?
Ans. Direct democracy is also known as pure democracy. It is one in which entire people decide e.g., vote form consensus on policy initiative directly, e.g., Switzerland.
Q. 28. Which forms of governments do not require all citizens to take part in politics?
Ans. Governments like monarchy, dictatorships and one-party rule do not require all citizens to take part in politics.
Q. 29. Mention the constraints of citizens if they have an option to take part in decision-making.
Ans. A citizen does not have time, desire or skills to take part in decision-making.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Why is democracy is considered best form of government?
Ans. 1. Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government can respond to the people’s needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule.
2. If the rulers don’t want to, they don’t have to act according to the wishes of the people.
3. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
Q. 2. What are the three merits of democracy?
Ans. Three merits of democracy are as Follows:
1. Democracy assures equality: The democratic form of government stands for equality both in the economic and political fields. It assures the right to vote, the right to contest elections and the right to hold public office without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, creed or sex. It repudiates special privileges. In the economic field it ensures equality of opportunity and economic security to the masses.
2. It upholds individual liberties: Democracy is the only form of government which upholds individuals liberties and guarantees their rights through constitutional safeguards. Mill defends democracy on these basis. The freedom of speech, expression, press and association are some of the important civil rights assured to the people.
3. Willing obedience of laws: There is very little possibility on the part of the people of breaking or violating the laws of the state. In monarchical and aristocratic types of government laws are not framed on the will of people. Their force is needed for rendering obedience to laws. But in democracy, the people themselves make laws and they cannot afford to break the laws themselves.
Q. 3. Explain one way by which the following can be considered democratic:
(a) Family.
(b) Classroom.
(c) School.
(d) Society.
(e) Office.
Ans. The following can be considered democratic when:
(a) Every member is a family feel free to express his opinion before the others.
(b) The classroom creator suitable environment for all the students who belong to the different castes and religion.
(c) The school follows some secular Principle and does not allow anti, democratic thought to develop in the promises of school.
(d) When the final decision is taken in consultation with the senior people. And their views are supported by all.
(e) When the staff do not make any difference in view of the caste and religion is their behavior.
Q. 4. In order to remain in power, the ruling party of a democratic nation should exhibit which three qualities?
Ans. The ruling party of a democratic nation should exhibit the following qualities to remain in power.
(i) The ruling party should try to ensure that final decision making power must rest with those representatives who are elected by the people.
(ii) The elections should be based on a free and fair elections. If gives those currently in power a fair chance of losing. The ruling party should try in this direction.
(iii) In a democracy, the ruling party should respect the value of each vote.
Q. 5. What do you understand by representative democracy? Why is it a more practised form in today’s world?
Ans. Representative democracy is the most common form of democracy in the present world. In this form of governance, people elect this representatives to make rule for the country.
A more practiced form because
1. Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government can respond to the people’s needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule.
2. If the rulers don’t want to, they don’t have to act according to the wishes of the people.
3. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
Q. 6. Which are the reasons or arguments given against democracy.
Ans. 1. Army is the most disciplined and corruption free organization in the country Therefore army should rule the country.
2. The rule of majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise even if they are in small numbers.
3. If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters why not invites them to guide in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.
Q. 7. Explain how the economic and social equality is the basis for success of democracy.
Ans. Economic equality: Economic equality means that there is no discrimination on the basis of economic status of a person. Efforts are made to bridge the gap between rich and poor in democracy. At least minimum needs and requirement of every citizen should be fulfilled. There should be no economic exploitation.
Social equality: There should be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, color or religion. Equal opportunities should be available to all.
In a democratic system all people should have right of good governance only due to social and economic equality. People participate equally in political processes.
Therefore, social and economic equality is necessary for the success of a democracy.
Q. 8. Explain the meaning of democracy. Write any two characteristics of ancient democracy.
Ans. I. Meaning of Democracy: The word democracy consists of two Greek words “Demos and Cratia”, where demos means people and croatia means power. Thus democracy means the government by the people. American President, Abraham Lincoln has rightly described ‘democracy as government of the people, for the people and by the people.’ Such a government works for the welfare of the people.
In democracy citizens feel that they have a part in power.
II. Characteristics of ancient democracy:
(i) In ancient period, direct democracy was practiced because there were small states which had small populations.
(ii) This democracy was not based on equality. Only few rich people were allowed to vote.
Q. 9. How far it is correct that popular government’s can be undemocratic?
Ans. 1. If we wish to assess a democracy, it is important to look at the elections. But it is equally important to look before and after the elections.
2. There should be sufficient room for normal political activity, including political opposition, in the period before elections.
3. This requires that the state should respect some basic rights of the citizen. They should be free to think, to have opinions, to express these in public, to form associations, to protest and take other political actions. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of law.
4. These rights must be protected by an independent judiciary whose orders are obeyed by everyone.
Q. 10. Why a democratic government cannot do whatever it likes?
Ans. 1. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an election. It has to respect some basic rules. In particular it has to respect some guarantees to the minorities.
2. Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations. Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law.
3. Each of these is accountable not only to the people but also to other independent officials.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Explain the main features of democracy.
Ans. The main features of democracy are as under:
1. Election: In democracy, elections are held regularly on the basis of universal adult franchise. These elections offer a fair opportunity to the people to change their present rulers or government if they desire so.
2. Administrative control of the peoples’ representatives: In a democracy, rulers elected by the people take all the main administrative and policy related decisions and there is none above them to guide or direct them.
3. Equality: In a democracy all the people without any distinction of caste, creed, colour or sex are given the choice and opportunity on an equal basis.
4. Rule of the Constitution or Law: In a democracy the exercise of choice of electing their rulers leads to a government limited by the rules of the constitution and citizens right.
Q. 2. How can you say that democracy is better than other forms of government?
Or
“Democracy is better than other government.” Give any four reasons in support of this statement.
Ans. 1. The advantage in a democracy is that such mistakes cannot be hidden for long. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be changed. This cannot happen in a non-democratic government.
2. Democracy cannot get us everything and is not the solution to all problems. But it is clearly better than any other alternative that we know.
3. It offers better chances of a good decision, it is likely to respect people’s own wishes and allows different kinds of people to live together.
4. Even when it falls to do some of these things, it allows a way of correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why democracy is considered the best form of government.
Q. 3. “Rulers and the ruled, both are responsible for making of an ideal democracy.” Justify by giving suitable reasons.
Ans. The Rulers and the ruled are responsible for making of an ideal democracy in the following way:
(a) A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
(b) Democracy improves the quality of decision making. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. Any decision is taken after discussion, which reduces the possibility of taking rash and irresponsible decisions.
(c) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. Only in a democracy the different groups live with one another peacefully diverse country, Democracy keeps the diverse country together.
(d) The strongest argument for democracy is that it enhances the dignity of citizens. ln democracy the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated In Fact, democracy is based on the principles of political equality.
(e) Democracy allows us to correct our own mistakes. There is a space for public discussion on the mistakes and there is a room for correction. In democracy either the rulers have to change their decisions or the ruled will change them.
Q. 4. Why do we prefer democracy than any other form of the government?
Ans. Democracy is preferred than any other form of the government due to following reasons:
1. Democracy is better than any other form of government because it represents to the needs of the people. It does not depend on the whims of the ruler or the dictator. Democracy is an accountable form of government.
2. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion as such many mistakes are corrected in time. Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
3. Democracy gives peaceful solution to every problem. It provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflicts. It suits the needs of several nations like India with diversities of cultures, languages, literature, castes, creeds, etc.. Discussions lead to solution of each and every problem. Therefore, it helps in maintaining the unity.
4. Democracy is based on equality, freedom and it supports fraternity. Democracy enhances the dignity of every citizen.
Q. 5. If there was no democracy in India then what could have been its system of governance?
Ans. (i) In the absence of democracy, there would have been any other form of governance.
(ii) There could have been monarchy.
(iii) The monarchical system of governance existed in the medieval period.
(iv) In the ancient period both Monarchy and Republic existed in India.
(v) India could also experience monocracy or dictatorship.
Q. 6. What are the hindrances in the smooth functioning of democracy in India?
Ans. Democracy has been adopted in India and every effort has been made to strengthen it. In the preamble, India is declared “A Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.” In the preamble it is mentioned that the aim of the Constitution is to provide social, economic and political justice to all the citizens. Adult franchise is introduced in India. It has been tried in the Constitution to establish a system of ideal democracy in principle. But in practice Indian democracy is suffering from various social and economic evils which have proved a curse.
Major hindrances in the smooth functioning of democracy in India are as under:
1. Social and Economic Inequalities: To make democracy a success, social and economic equalities are essential. But in India, they do not exist even after 50 years of independence.
2. Communalism and Casteism: In India there prevails the communal disharmony. The casteism is also prevalent in the Indian society. These two are proving big hindrances or obstacles in the successful working of democracy in India.
HOTS QUESTION
Q. 1. Discuss the position of democracy in Saudi Arabia and modern Iraq.
Ans. Position of democracy in Saudi Arabia: According to scholars Saudi Arabia is not a democratic country in the true spirit. The ruler or the king of this country is all in all. He is not elected by the people of the country.
In Saudi Arabia women do not have rights to vote.
Present Iraq is also not a democratic country. No doubt the representatives in Iraq have been elected by the people but they (representatives) or not free to act as they like. They get everything endorsed by the United States.
Q. 2. Why do we prefer democracy than any other form of government?
Ans. Democracy is prefer than any other firm (Monarchy, Dictatorship, Military rule etc.) of the government due to following reasons:
(i) Democracy represents the desire, aspiration and feeling of the majority of the people. It does not depend on whim of ruler or the dictator. In simple words we can say that democracy of the people, by the people (or run by people representatives) and tries to care for public.
(i) Democracy believes in methods of discussion, consultation and persuasion. It improves the quality of decision making.
(ii) Democracy provides peaceful solutions of every problem. It tries to solve differences and conflicts in best ways.
(iii) Democracy is based on equality which ensured equal rights both for men and women, rich and poor, educated and uneducated people living in rural areas and urban areas.
(iv) Democracy gives importance to press or media and international institutions such as UN, World Bank and IMF. It is always worried in favor of expansion and protection of human rights and protection of earth and environment.
PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS
1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
Since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its President. The country has never been under a military or dictator’s rule. But until 2000 every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Opposition parties did contest sections, but never managed to win. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections.
(i) What conclusion can your draw from the situation of Mexico mentioned in the paragraph above?
(a) People seemed to have no interest in politics.
(b) People seemed to really have a choice but in practice they had no choice.
(c) The constitution of Mexico limit people’s participation in politics.
(d) People are comfortable with one-party rule.
Ans. (b) People seemed to really have a choice but in practice they had no choice.
(ii) A democratic country must be based on:
(a) strong military power.
(b) strong leader of a political party.
(c) the funds given to the government by the influential people.
(d) free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Ans. (d) free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
(iii) In China too, the elections do not offer the people any serious choice. They have to choose the:
(a) leader of the opposition party.
(b) candidate who can provide better policies for them.
(c) ruling party and the candidates approved by it.
(d) military leader for framing the government.
Ans. (c) ruling party and the candidates approved by it.
(iv) Which of the following feature of election is unique to China?
(a) Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.
(b) Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the people.
(c) Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the judiciary.
(d) Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the military.
Ans. (a) Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
Democracy is not a magical solution for all the problems. It has not ended poverty in our country and in other parts of the world. Democracy as a form of government only ensures that people take their own decisions. This does not guarantee that their decisions will be good. People can make mistakes. Involving the people in these decisions does lead to delays in decision making. It is also true that democracy leads to frequent changes in leadership. Sometimes this can set back big decisions and affect the government’s efficiency.
(i) For many, democracy is all about:
(a) welfare and well being of the citizens.
(b) political competition and power play.
(c) development of the nation.
(d) morality.
Ans. (b) political competition and power play.
(ii) In a democracy, what leads to bad decisions?
(a) Improper representation.
(b) So many are to be consulted.
(c) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
(d) People’s choices have to be taken in consideration.
Ans. (c) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
(iii) In a democracy, what causes instability?
(a) Frequent elections.
(b) Methods to deal with differences.
(c) People’s participation.
(d) The leaders keep on changing.
Ans. (d) The leaders keep on changing.
(iv) Democracy is better than any other form of government in:
(a) accumulating wealth and power.
(b) responding to the needs of the people.
(c) responding to the needs of the groups in majority.
(d) leading into conflicts.
Ans. (b) responding to the needs of the people.
