WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

1. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how
would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ 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.
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty
years.
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Answer:
(a) Undemocratic
(b) Not sure
(c) Democratic
(d) Undemocratic

2. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how
would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ 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.
(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the
judiciary.
(c) Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country
without taking permission from its neighbouring country.
(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by
officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.
Answer:
(a) Undemocratic
(b) Democratic
(c) Undemocratic
(d) Undemocratic

3. Which of these is not a good argument in favour 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.
Answer:
(d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.
This is not a good agreement as the prosperity of a country cannot be determined
through its form of government but through its economic condition. For example, a
democratic country like India is still a developing country, while a country following
monarchy rule is economically strong.
Page No: 38

4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and 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
conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-
scale rigging was reported.
(c) Women’s representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 percent. This
led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
Answer:
(a) Democratic: Passing of the laws by the Parliament.
Undemocratic: Conforming to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation.
(b) Democratic: The order to re-poll by the Election Commission.
Undemocratic: large scale rigging was reported
(c) Democratic: Demand by Women’s Organisation to reserve one-third seats for
women.
Undemocratic: Women’s representation in parliament is less than 10 percent.

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.
Answer:
(d) “People are free to believe in and practise any religion” is not a valid reason because
there are lesser chances for famine to take place in a democratic country. This is
because practicing of religion is not at all related to famine.

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 needs. Which of these is not a democratic method?
(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of the right to life.
(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
(c) Organising public meetings against the government’s policies.
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
Answer:
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water is an undemocratic method.

7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy.

(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country.
Therefore the army should rule 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.
(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.
Answer:
(a) Though the army the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the
country, however, it cannot be justified that they should rule the country. Primarily,
because they do not form a democratic government i.e. are not elected by the people.
Secondarily, people will not be allowed to voice their opinion or expression as all their
fundamentals rights would be curtailed. Also, there would be no assurance that the
army cannot turn into a ruthful dictator at any point of their rule, making the life of the
people difficult. For example, the people of Chile suffered under the rule of General
Augusto Pinochet.

(b) Such a thing would be against the principle of the Universal Adult Franchise,
wherein every person above the age of 18 yrs in our country irrespective of religion,
caste, sex, socio-economic background, etc. has the right to vote. Everyone has the
right to participate equally in the formation of the government. Therefore ignoring some
sections of society would be unfair. Moreover, wise men need not be necessarily good
administrators.

(c) Those who say that the country should be ruled by religious leaders are making a
very risky statement. Because in a multi-religious country bringing religion into politics
can cause serious conflict among the people. Moreover, religious leaders can bring
trouble to the country due to their mutual conflicts of ideologies. Besides, many even do
not have any experience in administration. Thus, it is very necessary for them to run
their own religious institutions and need not meddle in the political affairs of the country.

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.
(b) Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in
the classroom.
(c) Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the
law.
Answer:
(a) The statement made is an undemocratic statement as the girl is being denied as an
opportunity to voice her opinion and choose her partner. As per our Constitution, every
citizen who is 18 or above has the right to marry according to his/her choice.

(b) The statement made is undemocratic as the student is being denied the right to ask
questions/clear his doubts. The best the teacher can do is to ask the student to ask his
query at the end of the lecture; however, stopping him from doing so is incorrect.
(c) The statement made is a democratic statement because here the employees are
asking for their fundamental rights. Within the norms of the company, the employees
are always entitled to ask or request their office for something.

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 the right to vote Elections are held
regularly.
(b) The country took a loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for
the given loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education
and health.
(c) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in
one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of the country.
(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and
nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. The government has
arrested these leaders.
(e) The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the
newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news
about the government’s policies and protests.
Answer:
(a) Two important features of democracy are regular elections and universal adult
franchise.

(b) Undemocratic: because it is undemocratic action to reduce expenses at the cost of the
people.

(c) The national language can be a single language because such a concept will bring
about national integrity but other languages also should be encouraged to cultivate in
their respective regions.

(d) Democracy provides people the right to strike or the right to free speech and
demonstrations.

(e) A very important part of democracy is the freedom of the press. Therefore, the total
control of media shows that there is no freedom of speech and expression and the right
to speak against the government.
Thus, though the country is democratic in some manners, it is also undemocratic in
some ways.

10. Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in
this report but using examples from India.
Answer:
Democracy and poverty have been inextricably linked in India ever since her birth. The
political independence of our country had been achieved through the mass participation
of the rural poor in the national movement. However, and unfortunately, since then this
rural poor mass of the Indian population has seen its influence shrink in national politics.

A decade by decade, India has cultivated its resources and added to its national
financial wealth, the rich have grown richer, and the poor have grown abysmally poorer.
We have the distinction of being the largest democracy in the world, but we are also one
of the world’s poorest countries, with gaping economic cleavages within our society.

The inequality of income is a concern that gets reflected directly in the operation of the
democratic process of our republic. Research has firmly established the fact that though
the majority of Indian voters come from the rural Indian hinterland, their influence on
their elected representatives and on the whole, on the process of national policymaking
is shrinking with each passing year. On the other hand, the richer sections of our
society, though they do not necessarily vote or have any discernible concern for their
civic responsibilities, exercise leverage on the policymaking in this country grossly
disproportionate to their actual size in the population.

Moreover, the culture of corporate funding of political parties has fast spawned its
offspring in the realms of the government establishment. It has made political parties
and their leaders less dependent on their actual electorate and has allowed them to
ignore the real concerns of the public like agrarian reforms, fine-tuning of the Public
Distribution System, agricultural subsidies, and educational reforms.

To encapsulate, as we take pride in us being the largest democracy in the world, it is

also necessary to recognise and act on the fact that the phenomenon of gross
economic inequalities is putting a major limitation on its workability

Question 1.
What is representative democracy?
Answer:
Under representative democracy all the people do not rule or take decisions but a
majority or elected representatives are allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the
people.

Question 2.
Which is the most common form of democracy in today’s world?
Answer:
Representative Democracy.

Question 3.
Name any two characteristics of democracy.
Answer:
  People choose their rulers.
 People have freedom to express their views.

Question 4.
Why are quality decisions a possibility in a democracy?
Answer:
A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.

Question 5.
Whose rule is democracy considered to be?
Answer:
People’s rule e.g., Salvador Allende’s rule in Chile.

Question 6.
With whom does the final decision-making power rest in a democracy?
Answer:
Elected representatives of the people.

Question 7.
Under which form of government political equality given importance?
Answer:
Democratic.

Question 8.
In spite of having a vast social diversity, what keeps the people of India together?
Answer:
Democracy.

Question 9.
What should be done in a democracy if mistakes are committed?
Answer:
There should be public discussion on these mistakes.

Question 10.
When do we say that elections are fair?
Answer:
The elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.

Question 11.
‘In a democracy, the majority of the people rule through their elected representatives.’
Give reasons. HOTS
Answer:
  Modem democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically
impossible for them to sit together, and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to
take part in all the decisions.

Question 12.
How does democracy in a country enhance the dignity of an individual? State three
points.
Answer:

 Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. So all the citizens

whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated have the same status.
 People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.
 The ruler has to rule or work according to the wishes and the needs of the people.
If the people do not like the ruler they can change him through election.

Question 13.
When does a citizen have an equal role in decision-making?
Answer:
If a decision involves many persons, discussions and meetings.

Question 14.
What is Referendum?
Answer:
A direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to either accpet or reject a proposal.

Question 15.
When did the World Trade Organization set up?
Answer:
1955.

Question 16.
Which form of government is considered nbn-democratic?
Answer:
Military rule or monarchy.

Question 17.
By whom was the ‘Legal Framework Order’ issued in Pakistan?
Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf.

Question 18.
After how many yeafcs does Mexico hold elections for electing its president? ‘
Answer:
After every six years.

Question 19.
During which period did China record its worst famine in the I world’s history?
Answer:
During 1958-1961.

Question 20.
Before contesting elections in China, whose approval does a candidate need to have?
Answer:
The Chinese Communist Party.

Question 21.
Which country does not give voting rights to minorities?
Answer:
Estonia.

Question 22.
By whom is the President of China appointed?
Answer:
Members of the National People’s Congress.

Question 23.
Name any two countries where free and fair elections are not held.
Answer:
China and Mexico.

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Important

Questions Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Define Democracy. Sate two merits and demerits of democracy.
Answer:
Democracy is a form of government which is chosen by the people to work for their
welfare and can be changed by them.
Merits:

 Democracy is the best form of government as the rulers are accountable to the
people and have to fulfil their needs.
 Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. This reduces the chance of
hasty and irresponsible decisions from being taken and improves the quality of
decision making.
Demerits:

 Leaders keep changing in democracy. This leads to instability.

 Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for
morality.

Question 2.
How elections in India are different from Mexico?
Answer:

 Both the countries have a multi-party system. In case of India, political parties in
power often loose elections whereas in case of Mexico PRI did not loose a single
election for more than 70 years.
 Elections in India are held after every 5 years whereas in case of Mexico elections
are held after 6 years.
 Government officials work under the Election Commission during the election days
whereas this is not true for Mexico.

Question 3.
Assess any three conditions that apply to the way a democratic government is run after
the elections.
Answer:

 People should have the freedom to express their views. They should have
freedom to form associations and to protest also.
 Country is governed by the constitutional law. Everyone should be equal in the
eye of law.
 People’s rights should be respected and it must be protected by an independent
judiciary whose orders are obeyed by everyone.

Question 4.
What does direct democracy imply? Why can it not be practised in the present day
world?
Answer:
(i) Direct democracy implies to the democracy in which every citizen must be able to
play equal role in decision-making.
(ii) (a) Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically
not possible for them to sit together and take a collective decision. Even the majority
does not rule directly but through their elected representatives.
(b) Moreover, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part in
all the decisions.

Question 5.
‘Democracy is all about political competition and powerplay. There is no scope for
morality’. Justify the statement by giving arguments against democracy.
Answer:

 Political parties and candidates use all the dirty tricks to win elections.
 Many of them use money and muscle power during the elections.
 Political parties or candidates demand votes on the basis of caste, religion etc.

Question 6.
Explain the major features of democracy.
Answer:

 Final Authority with the People’s Representatives: In a democracy the final

decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
 Free and Fair Elections: A democracy must be based on a free and fair elections
where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
 One Person, One Vote, One Value: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have
one vote and each vote must have one value.
 Rule of Law and Respect for Rights: A democratic government rules within limits
set by constitutional law and citizen’s rights.

Question 7.
‘Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.’ Explain. VBQ
Answer:

 Democracy is based on consultation and discussion.

 A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out
possible mistakes in any decision.
 As most of the decisions are taken by discussions, this reduces the chances of
rash or irresponsible decisions.
 If the decision is not according to the wishes of the people, they have the right to
protest, and even can force the government to withdraw it.

Question 8.
“Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its
own mistakes.” Explain. HOTS
Answer:
There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in a democracy. No form of
government can guarantee that. 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.
Question 9.
Why is democracy called a “Government by discussion”?
Answer:

 Democracy provides all the citizens some basic rights through which they can give
their opinion.
 Democracy provides h chance to all the citizens to choose their representatives,
and change them, if they do not work according to their wishes.
 In the Parliament, all the members have the right to give their opinions,
 Democracy provides the citizens a right to follow any religion.

Question 10.
Which is the most common form of democracy? Why is this form of democracy
necessary?
Answer:
The most common form of democracy is representative democracy.

 Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically

impossible for them to sit together, and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to
take part in all the decisions.

Question 11.
‘Is it good to elect a President for life or is it better to hold regular elections after every
five years’? Express your view with reasons to support them.
Answer:
No, it is not good to elect a President for life. But, it is certainly better to hold regular
elections after every five years.
Reasons:

 Regular elections provide an opportunity to the people to change the government

if it does not act as per the wishes of the people.
 Regular and fair election is an important aspect of democracy.

Question 12.
“A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable
form of government.” Explain.
Answer:

 Democratic government is an accountable government i.e., it is responsible for its

actions, decisions and policies including the administration. The government is
answerable to the Parliament or we can say to the people. If government is not
working according to the needs and expectations of the citizens the Parliament
can move a no confidence motion against the government.
  More than three crqre people lost their life in 1958-61 famine in China but India,
whose economic condition was poorer as compared to China, did not have a
famine of the kind China had.
 The existence of democracy in India made the Indian government respond to food
security in a way that the Chinese government did not.

Question 13.
Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy.
Give reasons to support your decision.
(i) All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
(ii) 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.
(iii) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one
language, the language spoken by 52 per cent people of that country.
(iv) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide
strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
(v) The government owns the radio and television in the country.‘All the newspapers
have to get permission from the government to publish any news about government’s
policies and protests.
Answer:
(i) Where citizens have the right to vote and elections are held regularly, it is
democracy. But elections should be free and fair. In India democracy exist because
elections are held free and fair.
(ii) It is democratic. Simply by taking loan from international agency the democratic
government does not became undemocratic.
(iii) It is not democratic. In a democracy education should be given in a language
spoken by the students.
(iv) It is not democratic. People have a right to protest against the policies of
government. Peaceful demonstrations and nation wide strikes are democratic method of
protest.
(v) It is undemocratic. For democracy it is essential that radio and television should be
autonomous.

Question 14.
Why was every election won by the party called PRI in China? Explain any three
reasons.
Answer:
Every election won by the party called PRI in China because:

 Until 2000, every election was won by the dominant party called PRI.
 In its presence, opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to
win.
 The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections.

Question 15.
Citizens of a non-democratic nation can bring about a change in the political system of
the country. Write any three traits which can help them to do so.
Answer:
Traits are:

 They should be allowed to actively participate in the politics.

 They can form associations. They can protest and take other political actions.
  They can express opinions in public.

Question 16.
“Elections in China do not represent people’s verdict”. Explain. HOTS
Answer:

 In China, elections are regularly held after every five years, for electing the
country’s Parliament, called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s
Congress). ,
 The National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of the
country.
 It has nearly 3,000 members elected from all over China. Some members are
elected by the army.
 Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese
Communist Party.
 Only those, who are member’s of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller
parties allied to it were allowed to contest elections held in 2002-03.
 The government is always formed by the Communist Party.

Question 17.
Distinguish between a democracy and a good democracy on three points.
Answer:

S.No. Democracy Good Democracy

A good democracy is a government which is elect

A democratic government is government
(i) by the people and people take part in all the
which is elected by the people.
decisions.

(ii) In a democracy regular elections are held. In a good democracy regular free and fair election
 are held.

In a good democracy along with political there is

(iii) In a democracy there is political equality.
economic as well as social equality.

Question 18.
Distinguish between democratic and non-democratic elections.
Answer:

S.No. Democratic Elections Non-democratic Elections

Under democratic elections, all citizens

(i) Under this, all citizens are not given right to vot
have one vote with equal value.

(ii) Elections are held at regular intervals. Elections are not held at regular intervals.

(iii) Free and fair elections are conducted. Free and fair elections are not conducted.

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Important

Questions Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
With the help of an example, prove that a democratic government is a more
accountable form of government.
Answer:
We can take the example of India. In India, the government is accountable to the
citizens.
(i) Government policies in India are based on the democratic values.
(ii) It is able to respond to the needs of the people.
(iii) It holds multi-party elections.
(iv) It has opposition parties to criticize the government.
(v) Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.
So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures
can find it out. This is known as transparency. So, this shows democracy produces a
government which follows the procedures and is accountable to the government.
(vi) A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizen’s
right.
(vii) Democracy provides a method to deal with difference and conflicts. It is suitable in
countries like India. India has diversity of language, religion and culture.
(viii) It is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own
tnistakes.
(ix) Democracy also increases the dignity of the citizens, because it is based on the
principle oApolitical equality. This means that the poorest and the least educated have
the same status as the rich and educated.

Question 2.
“Democracy is the most popular form of government emerging in the modem times, still
the shortcomings cannot be ruled out.” Justify the statement by assessing any five
shortcomings of democracy. HOTS
Answer:

 Instability: Under democracy, leaders and political parties keep changing. This
leads to political instability.
 Low Morality: Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There
is no scope for morality.
 Delays in Decision Making: All the decisions are to be approved and discussed in
the Parliament, and many people and institutions are to be consulted. So it leads
to delays in decision making.
 Bad Decisions: As most of the leaders do not know the best interest, of the
people, it leads to bad decisions.
 Corruption: As the democracy is based on electoral competition, it leads to
corruption. Many political parties use muscle and money power to come to power.
 Illiterate and Politically Unconscious Voters: In most of the developing countries,
voters are illiterate and politically unconscious, so they elect wrong candidates.

Question 3.
Why is democracy considered to be the best option among all other political systems
available in world? Explain.
Answer:

 Accountable Government: Democracy is better than any other form of government

because it represents the needs of the people. It does not depend on the whims of
the ruler or the dictator. In simple words, we can say that democracy is for the
people. It is an accountable form of government.
  Based on Consultation Discussion: Democracy is based on consultation and
discussion. As such many mistakes are corrected in time. Thus, democracy
improves the quality of decision making.
 Deals with Differences: Democracy provides a peaceful solution to every problem.
It provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflicts. It suits the
needs of many countries like India with diversity of languages, religions, castes
and creeds. Discussions lead to the solution of every problem, so it keeps our
country united.
 Political Equality: Democracy is based on political equality which ensures equal
rights, both for the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated. Thus, in a
way, democracy enhances the dignity of every citizen.
 Room for Correction: It is only in democracy that mistakes are admitted, and all
attempts are made to correct these mistakes. If mistakes are made, it is only in
democracy that they are admitted and then corrected. In democracy, thus, there is
a room for correction.
 Democracy provides the opportunity to the citizens to flourish according to their
ability.

Question 4.
Explain the major features of democratic governments.
Answer:

 Responsible .Government: Democratic government is a responsible government.

The representatives elected by the people on the basis of universal Vdult
franchise remain responsible to the people and in case they do not remain
responsible before the people, the people can change them during the next
elections.
 Possibility of Good Laws: In a democratic government, the representatives have a
direct relation with the people. Therefore, they properly understand their problems
and interests. They properly represent the interest of the people in the assemblies,
and the parliament and always try to get the good laws passed.
 Political Education: The greatest merit of democracy is its educative value.
Participation in elections and other political activities, make the people intelligent
and politically conscious. They become enlightened citizens.
 Based on Liberty and Fraternity: In democracy, the rights and the liberty of the
people are well safeguarded. People are given freedom to express their views
without any fear. They can criticise the wrong policies of the government.
 Respect of the Principle of Equality: In democracy, all are equal in the eyes of law,
and no discrimination is done on the basis of birth, race, caste, colour, sex,
religion, etc. All citizens get equal opportunities to participate in the affairs of the
state.
 Government Based on the Will of the People: Democracy is based on the will of
the people, and it functions according to their consent. The Government cannot
ignore the interest of the people.
Question 5.
Which characteristics make democratic government so popular?
Answer:

 Accountable Government: Democracy is better than any other form of government

because it represents the needs of the people. It does not depend on the whims of
the ruler or the dicator. In simple words, we can say that democracy is for the
poeple. It is an accountable form of government.
 Based on Consultation and Discussion: Democracy is based on consultation and
discussion. As such many mistakes are corrected in time. Thus, democracy
imporoves the quality of decision making.
 Deals with Differences: Democracy provides a peaceful solution to every problem.
It provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflicts. It suits the
needs of many countries like India with diversity of languages, religions, castes
and creeds. Discussions lead to the soultion of every problem, so it keeps our
country united.
 Political Equality: Democracy is based on political equality which ensures equal
rights, both for the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated. Thus, in a
way, democracy enhances the dignity of every citizen.

Question 6.
“Though democracy is considered to be the best form of government, it is not an ideal
form of government.” Give five arguments to prove the above statement.
Answer:

 It is not an ideal form of government because every citizen does not play equal
role m decision-making. Even the majority does not rule directly. But, it rules
through their elected representatives.
 Democracy provide only political equality but people also need social and
economic equality.
 An ideal government is a government which is not run by few powerful people.
 An ideal government is free of corruption.
 An ideal government is a government where there is a gender equality.

Question 7.
Explain the representative democracy. Why is the representative democracy the most
common form of government in modem times? Explain any four reasons.
Answer:
(i) When the majority of people rule through their elected representatives, this is called
representative democracy.
(ii)

 The most common form that democracy takes in our times is that of a
representative democracy. In a democracy, all the people do not rule. Direct rule
by people is not possible.
  So, in a democracy, the majority is allowed to take decisions on
behalf of all the people. Even the majority does not rule directly. It rules through its
elected representatives.
 A representative democracy becomes necessary. Modem democracies comprise
a large number of people. It is physically impossible for them to sit or collect
together at a place and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could collect together, all the citizens do not have the time, the desire,
or the skills to take part in all the decisions.

Question 8.
Write any five arguments in favour and five against democracy as a form of
government.
Answer:
Arguments in Favour of Democracy:

 Democratic form of government is accountable.

 It improves the quality of decision making.
 It provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
 It enhances the dignity of citizen.
 It allows us to correct our mistakes.

Arguments Against Democracy:

 Change of leaders lead to instability.

 It involves only political competition with no scope for morality.
 Consulting more people leads to delays.
 It leads to corruption.
 Ordinary people don’t know that what is good for them.

Question 9.
Write some common features of the non-democratic countries.
Answer:
Some common features of the non-democratic countries are:
(i) In non-democratic countries, the people are not allowed to criticise the government.
Doing so means imprisonment, harassment and trouble one after the other.

(ii) In non-democratic countries, the rule of the king or the so-called military rule prevails
and the question of elections does not arise.

(iii) In non-democratic countries, no opposition is tolerated. So the question of political

parties, especially of the opposition parties does not arise. Only those political parties
can survive which toe to the line of the government.
(iv) In non-democratic countries, the workers are not allowed to form their independent
trade unions. Only such trade unions can survive, who rightly or wrongly, support the
policies of the government.

(v) In non-democratic countries, all the people are at the mercy of the dictator or the
military rulers. Anybody can be detained, arrested or even put to death without any trial.

(vi) In non-democratic countries, nobody can even aspire for any big post. If he is ready
to be a tool in the hands of the ruler/ dictator/military leaders, he can hope to get some
good post. But he will have to kill his conscience and become dumb and deaf.

Question 10.
Why is Zimbabwe not considered a democratic country?
Answer:
(i) Same Party Ruling: Zimbabwe attained independence from white minority rule in
1980. Since then the country has been ruled by the party ZANU-PF. Its leader Robert
Mugabe, has been ruling the country since independence.

(ii) Unfair Elections: Elections have been held regularly and . always won by the ruling
party. They have not been free and fair.

(iii) Change of Constitution to Favour the Government: President Mugabe appears to be

popular but also uses unfair practices in elections. His government has changed the
Constitution several times to increase the power of the President and make him less
accountable.

(iv) Suppression of Opposition: Opposition party workers are often harassed and their
meetings disrupted by ruling party.

(v) Right to Freedom Missing: Public protests and demonstrations against the
government are declared illegal. There is a law that limits the right to criticise the
President. Television and radio are controlled by the government.

(vi) Absence of Independent Judiciary: The government has ignored some court
judgements that went against it and has pressurised judges.

Question 11.
How far was the communist government responsible for the famine that occurred in
China in 1958-1961? Explain.
Answer:
China’s famine of 1958-1961 was the worst recorded famine in the world history. Nearly
three crore people died in this famine. During those days, India’s economic condition
was not much better than China. Yet India did not have a famine of the kind China.
Economists think that this was a result of different government policies in the two
countries. The existence of democracy in India made the Indian government respond to
food scarcity in a way that the Chinese government did not. They point out that no
large-scale famine has ever taken place in an independent and democratic country, If
China too had multi parti elections, an opposition party and a press free to criticize the
government, then so many people may not have died in the famine.