WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?
Chapter-01 /CLASS- 09
CONCEPTS:
WHAT IS
DEMOCRACY?
"Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the
people” .In this type of government power is always in the hands of
people. The word democracy comes from the Greek word- Demokratia , Demos...It
means people &, Kratia....means... Rule.
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| WHAT IS DEMOCRACY |
Forms of
government-
(a) Democratic
government
(b) Non democratic
governments
Myanmar
where the army rules, Dictator Pinochet’s rule in Chile, or President
Nkrumah’s rule in Ghana was not democratic. They were not chosen by the people.
Hereditary kings, like the king of Nepal or Saudi Arabia, are also not democratic rulers.
They rule because they were born into noble families
Nkrumah’s rule in Ghana was not democratic. They were not chosen by the people.
Hereditary kings, like the king of Nepal or Saudi Arabia, are also not democratic rulers.
They rule because they were born into noble families
Several
features of democracy:-
1. In a democracy final decision making power must rest with
those elected by the people. In Pakistan, President Musharraf has the
power to dismiss national and state assemblies; so the final powers rest with
the army and the General himself. We cannot call it a democracy.
3. In a democracy people’s will is ascertained by each adult citizen having one vote and each vote has one value. Democracy is based on the fundamental principle of political equality.
A democratic government cannot do what it likes after winning the elections. It has to respect certain basic rules and is accountable not only to the people but also to other independent officials.
3. In a democracy people’s will is ascertained by each adult citizen having one vote and each vote has one value. Democracy is based on the fundamental principle of political equality.
A democratic government cannot do what it likes after winning the elections. It has to respect certain basic rules and is accountable not only to the people but also to other independent officials.
WHY DEMOCRACY?
Merits
of democracy :-
1. Democracy
is better than any other forms of government because it responds to needs of
the people
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision making as it is based on consultation and discussion.
3. It provides peaceful solution to every problem.
4. In democracy no one Is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.
5. It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
6. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
7.It enhances the dignity of citizens.
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision making as it is based on consultation and discussion.
3. It provides peaceful solution to every problem.
4. In democracy no one Is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.
5. It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
6. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
7.It enhances the dignity of citizens.
Demerits
of democracy:-
There
has been criticism of democracy by various people. The charges are that:
1. It
creates instability by changing its leaders frequently.
2. Democracy is about power play and political competition. There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have to be consulted before any issue is solved. It leads to delay.
2. Democracy is about power play and political competition. There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have to be consulted before any issue is solved. It leads to delay.
4. Elected
leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
5. It leads to corruption for it is based on electoral corruption.
6. Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, so decision making should not be left to them.
5. It leads to corruption for it is based on electoral corruption.
6. Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, so decision making should not be left to them.
MCQ [1 MARK]
Q.1.The
word ‘Democracy’ comes from the Greek word –
(a) Democracia
(a) Democracia
(b) Demokratia
(c) Demos
(d)
Kratia
Q.2.
‘One person, one vote’ means
(a) One person is to be voted by all
(a) One person is to be voted by all
(b) One person has one vote and each vote has one value
(c) A
person can vote only once in his life
(d) both
(a) and (c)
Q.3.
Democracy must be based on
(a) One party system
(a) One party system
(b) Free
and fair election
(d)
All the above
Q.4.Which
organ of the government is required to protect the rights of the citizens?
(a) Executive
(a) Executive
(b) Legislature
(c) Independent judiciary
(d) Police
Q.5. What is Constitutional Law?
(a) Provisions given in the Constitution
Q.5. What is Constitutional Law?
(a) Provisions given in the Constitution
(b) Law to make Constitution
(c) Law to set up Constituent Assembly
(c) Law to set up Constituent Assembly
(d) none of the above
Q.6. In
which period did China face one of the worst famines that have occurred in the
world?
(a) 1932-36
(a) 1932-36
(b)
1958-61
(c) 2001-2002
(d)
2004-2007
Q.7.The
most common form that democracy takes in our time is that of
(a) Limited democracy
(a) Limited democracy
(b) representative
democracy
(c) Maximum democracy
(c) Maximum democracy
(d) none of the above
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [3 MARKS]
Q.1. How can you say that every government that holds an election is not a democracy? Give an example to prove your point.
Ans. It is
true that every government that holds an election is not a democracy. In many
dictatorships and monarchies, there are formally elected parliaments and
governments but the real power is with those who are not elected. Pakistan
under General Musharraf could not be called a democracy because people there
elected their representatives to the national and provincial assemblies but the
power to take final decision rested with army officials and with General
Musharraf.
Q.2.In
China, elections are held after every five years. In spite of this, China does
not have a democratic government. Why?
Ans. In
China, elections are regularly held after every five years for electing the
country's Parliament. The Parliament 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. The government is always formed by the Communist Party.
Q.3. In
which way is the right to vote denied in Saudi Arabia and Fiji?
Ans. In Saudi
Arabia women do not have the right to vote. In Fiji, the electoral system is
such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian
Fijian. In both the countries, the right to vote is denied as there is no
political equality. In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and
each vote must have one value.
Q.4.
‘Democracy is based on consultation and discussion.’ Explain.
Ans. Consultation
and discussion help democracy prosper. 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. This
reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus democracy improves
the quality of decision-making.
Q.5 Is
it possible for any country to become a perfect democracy? Give reasons.
Ans. No
country is a perfect democracy as every democracy has to realise the ideals of
democratic decision-making. This cannot be achieved once and for all. This
requires a constant effort to save and strengthen democratic forms of
decision-making. What we do as citizens can make a difference to making our
country more or less democratic.
Q.6. Why
is Democracy considered the best form of government? Give three reasons.
Ans. Democracy
is a more accountable form of government.
2.It enhances the dignity of citizens.
3. It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
2.It enhances the dignity of citizens.
3. It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
Q.7 what
is the role of citizen in promoting democracy?
Ans. Every
citizen should be able to play equal role in decision-making. For this a
citizen not only needs an equal right to vote but also needs to have equal
information, basic education, and equal resources.
Q.8.
Explain any three differences between democratic country and non-democratic
country?
Ans. Democratic
country:-
A.Each adult citizen has a vote;
B. Each vote has one value; and
C. Free and fair elections are held.
A.Each adult citizen has a vote;
B. Each vote has one value; and
C. Free and fair elections are held.
Non-democratic
country:-
A. Election do not offer a choice and fair opportunity;
B. Rulers are not elected by the people; and
C. The rulers have unlimited power.
A. Election do not offer a choice and fair opportunity;
B. Rulers are not elected by the people; and
C. The rulers have unlimited power.
Q.9.
Explain any three features of democracy.
Ans. According
to a Democracy:
2. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
3. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.
2. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
3. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.
Q.10.
Why is Zimbabwe not considered a democratic country?
Ans. It is
ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert
Mugabe has been ruling the country since independence. Elections are held
regularly but always won by the ZANU-PF. President Mugabe uses unfair means in
the elections. He has changed the constitution several times to increase the
power of the president. Radio and TV are controlled by the government.
Q.11.
‘‘Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes’’. Support the given
statement with three points.
Ans. The
advantage in a democracy is that mistakes made by a government cannot be hidden
for long. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes and there is
room for correction. Either
the rulers have to change their decisions or they can be changed.
Q.12.
Explain any three major political changes that took place recently in India's neighborhood?
Ans. 1. Pakistan–General Musharraf led a military coup.
3. Iraq–Sadaam Hussain's regime was overthrown.
3. Iraq–Sadaam Hussain's regime was overthrown.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [5 MARKS]
Q.1.What
was the steps taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself?
Ans. In
Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He
overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief
Executive’ of the country.Later he
changed his resignation to President and in 2002 held a referendum in the
country that granted him a five year extension. This referendum was based on
fraud and malpractices.In 2002,
he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the Constitution of Pakistan.According
to this order, the President could dismiss the national or provincial
assemblies.
Q.2. On
the basis of the various examples given in the chapter, state what should be
the four features of a democracy?
Ans. Four
features of a democracy are…
B. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
C. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.
D. The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens' rights.
B. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
C. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.
D. The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens' rights.
Q.3.
Enumerate the arguments given against democracy.
Ans. Some
of the arguments against democracy are as follows:
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play, with no scope for morality.
3. Since so many people are to be consulted in a democracy, it leads to delays.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people; so it leads to bad decisions.
5. Democracy leads to corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play, with no scope for morality.
3. Since so many people are to be consulted in a democracy, it leads to delays.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people; so it leads to bad decisions.
5. Democracy leads to corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
Q.4 how
does democracy provide a method to deal with differences and conflicts?
Ans. In any
society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These
differences are particularly sharp in a country like India which has lot of
social diversity. The preference of one group may class with those of the other
groups. Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In
democracy, no one is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.Different
groups can live with one another peacefully. In a diverse country like ours,
democracy keeps our country together.
Q.5.
Write any four demerits of democracy.
Ans. (1)
Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
(2) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
(3) So many people have to be consulted in a Democracy that it leads to delays.
(4) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
(2) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
(3) So many people have to be consulted in a Democracy that it leads to delays.
(4) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
Q.6.What
is the significance of the rule of law and respect for rights in democratic
country? State four points.
Ans. 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. Every major decision has gone through a series of consultation.
Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution
and the law. Each is accountable not but only to law to other independent
officials.
Q.7.Why
does a democratic country always need a constitution?
Ans. All
countries that are democratic will have constitutions. After the war of
independence against Great
Britain the Americans gave themselves a constitution. After the revolution the
French people approved a democratic constitution. Since then it has become a
practice in all democracies to have a written constitution.
Q.8
‘‘Democracy enhances the dignity of citizen.’’ Justify this statement.
Ans.
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality on recognising that
the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the
educated. People are not subjects of a ruler. They are the rulers themselves.
Even when they make mistakes they are responsible for their conduct.
Q.9.
Give any four reasons why democracies resolve conflict in a better way than
other forms of governments.
Ans.
Democracies resolve conflict in a better way. Reasons-
1. it improves the quality of decision making. It has scope for consultation and discussion. 2. In a Democracy conflicts are no solved by brutal force but by peaceful solutions.
3. Even when people/associations/ government make mistakes for a democracy allows them to correct their mistakes.
4. Democracy provides a forum for consultations and discussions to resolve conflicts.
1. it improves the quality of decision making. It has scope for consultation and discussion. 2. In a Democracy conflicts are no solved by brutal force but by peaceful solutions.
3. Even when people/associations/ government make mistakes for a democracy allows them to correct their mistakes.
4. Democracy provides a forum for consultations and discussions to resolve conflicts.
Q.10.
Despite its demerits why is democracy the most preferred form of government?
Explain.
Ans. Despite
its demerits democracy is still the most preferred form of government as it is- 1. A
more accountable form of government. It responds to the needs of the people
because the constitution requires it; and
2. Better decision came for when many heads together strive to do so, this reduces the chance of rash decisions or irresponsible decisions plus a democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. It is clearly better than any other form of government.
2. Better decision came for when many heads together strive to do so, this reduces the chance of rash decisions or irresponsible decisions plus a democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. It is clearly better than any other form of government.
Q.11.
Why is democracy government a better government? Mention four reasons.
Ans. A
democratic government is a better government as-
1.It offers better changes of a good decision;
2.It is always likely to respect people wishes and allows;
3.Different kinds of people to live together; and
4.Even when it fails to do something for the people it allows a way of correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why a democracy is considered the best form of government.
1.It offers better changes of a good decision;
2.It is always likely to respect people wishes and allows;
3.Different kinds of people to live together; and
4.Even when it fails to do something for the people it allows a way of correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why a democracy is considered the best form of government.
HOTS
Q.1.Why
has India never had a famine of the level which occurred in China in 1958-61?
Ans. In
China’s famine of 1958-61, nearly three crore people died. In those days
India’s economic condition was not much better than China. Yet India did not
have a famine of the kind China had. The reason was the difference in the
economic policies of the two countries. Democratic government in India
responded to the food shortage in a way that Chinese government did not. If China
too had had multi-party elections, an opposition party and a press free to
criticise the government, so many people would not have died in the faminehots
Q.2 Why is it not possible for the people to
rule directly but through elected representatives?
Ans. The
people cannot rule directly but only through their elected representatives
because, firstly, modern democracies involve such a large number of people that
it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a collective
decision. Secondly, even if they could, the citizens do not have the time, the
desire or the skill to take part in all the decisions.
Q.3 Is
China a democratic country or not? Give two arguments in favour of your answer.
Ans. China
is not a democratic country.
Party or eight smaller parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections;
Party or eight smaller parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections;
2. before contesting elections a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese
Communist Party.
Q.4. How
does democracy in a country enhances the dignity of an individual? State three
points
Ans. 1.Democracy is based on the principal of political equality on recognising that
the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the
educated.
3. Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.
3. Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.
Q.5. Why is democracy called a ‘‘government by
discussion’’?
Ans. It is
called a ‘‘government by discussion’’ because a democracy is based on
consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many
people’s discussions and meetings. When a
member of people together thinks over a certain matter they are able to point out
possible mistakes. This takes time. But there is big advantage in taking time.
This reduces rush decisions, problems are not resolved by brutal force but by
peaceful discussions. It offers best alternative that we know.
Q.6
‘‘Democracy improve the quality of decision making.’’ Explain.
Ans.
Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In any
society people are bound to have difference of opinions and interests. These
differences are particularly sharp a country like ours which has an amazing
social diversity. People belong to different regions speak different languages,
practic different religions and have different castes. Preferences of a group
can clash with those of other groups. Democracy provides the only peaceful
solution to this problem. In democracy no one is a permanent winner. No one a
permanent loser. In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country
together.
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