Democratic Rights class 9 political science MCQ & SAQ

Democratic Rights class 9 political science NCERT SOLUTION

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 neighboring 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 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. 

 

Answer

 

Option 'D' Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favor of democracy as there are many countries such as Sri Lanka, India which opted for democracy but not prosperous where other countries such as China or Saudi Arabia which have communist and monarchy rule respectively are more prosperous. The prosperity of any country depends on the correct policies of the government. It also depends on the availability of natural resources not with the form of government. Democracy can't guarantee prosperity.

 

Page No: 16

 

4. Each of these statements contains 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 conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organization (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 per cent. This led women’s organizations to demand one-third of seats for women.

 

Answer

 

(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament - Democratic element

to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organization (WTO). - Undemocratic element

 

(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency - Democratic element

large-scale rigging was reported - Undemocratic element

 

(c) This led women’s organizations to demand one-third of seats for women. - Democratic element

Women’s representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 percent. - Undemocratic element

 

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 practise any religion.

 

Answer

 

Option ‘d’ is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country. This is because practicing a religion has nothing to do with preventing 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 need. 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) Organizing public meetings against government’s policies.

(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.

 

Answer

 

Option ‘d’, which advocates paying the government officials money, is an undemocratic method.

 

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

(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization 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 democracy is a government elected by the people, from among the people themselves. The Army is integral in protecting the country, but it is not elected by the people; hence, it cannot form a democratic government. The second statement is not true as all people are intelligent to some extent. The third statement is dangerous because bringing religion into politics can cause serious conflict.

 

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) This statement of father is undemocratic as every adult has the right to choose their life partner. The father does not have the right to impose their choice on the daughter.

 

(b) This statement also is not under democratic setup. The student has the right to ask questions. This is undemocratic if his right is denied.

 

(c) The third statement is democratic as it calls for a rule of law which is beneficial for the employees.

 

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 loans 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 of the people of the country.

(d) Several organizations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. 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 government’s policies and protests.

 

Answer

 

(a) This is democracy as only democratic setup allows the right to vote and also elections at regular time periods.

 

(b) A democratic country has to look after the welfare of its people. The condition of reducing expenses on health and education is against the welfare of the people.

 

(c) In democracy, education is available in all languages as it is a basic right. Official language can be the language of the majority of people.

 

(d) In a democracy, people have the right to express their opinion in a peaceful manner. It is undemocratic behavior.

 

(e) This is undemocratic nature as in democracy freedom of press and media is must. If the government owns radio and television then freedom of the press is violated.

 

Page No. 17

 

10. In 2004 a report published in the USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income are 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 an average White family is $ 162. A White family has twelve times more wealth than the average Black family.

• In a President’s election nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in families with incomes 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% of contributions to political parties come from the rich. This gives them the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns, 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 jobs, education, health care and housing for them. Politicians hear most

regularly about the concerns of business persons and the rich. 

Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.

Democratic Rights class 9 political science MCQ 

1. Which body exposed to the world that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws?

(a) United Nations

(b) International Court of Justice

(c) Amnesty International

(d) Supreme Court of USA

► (c) Amnesty International

 

2. What was the reason given by America for imprisoning people at Guantanamo Bay?

(a) They had been caught spying.

(b) They were planning to kill the US President.

(c) They were planning to set up a Communist government in the USA.

(d) America considered them as enemies and linked them to the attack on New York on 11th

September, 2001.

► (d) America considered them as enemies and linked them to the attack on New York on 11th

 

3. Of which country was Kosovo a province before its split?

(a) USSR

(b) Yugoslavia

(c) South Africa

(d) Germany

► (b) Yugoslavia

 

4. How was the massacre of Albanians finally stopped?

(a) The UN ordered for Milosevic’s arrest

(b) Several countries intervened to stop the massacre

(c) The Serbs turned against Milosevic

(d) Milosevic reformed himself

► (b) Several countries intervened to stop the massacre

 

5. What is the position of women in Saudi Arabia?

(a) Women are given all the rights

(b) Women are given equal status with men

(c) Women are subjected to many public restrictions

(d) They are offered high positions

► (c) Women are subjected to many public restrictions

 

6. What is meant by ‘rights’?

(a) One’s demand to get everything without sharing with others

(b) Claims of a person over other fellow beings, society and the government

(c) Not possessing any freedoms

(d) None of the above

► (b) Claims of a person over other fellow beings, society and the government

 

7. What can be done in case of infringement of the rights in a democracy?

(a) Citizens are helpless; they cannot do anything

(b) They can approach courts to protect their rights

(c) They can ask their representatives to do the needful

(d) None of the above

► (b) They can approach courts to protect their rights

 

8. What was the result of the intervention of other countries to stop the killings of Albanians?

(a) Milosevic lost power and was tried for crimes against humanity

(b) The other countries were punished by UNO for interfering in another country

(c) Led to further army action by Milosevic

(d) None of the above

► (a) Milosevic lost power and was tried for crimes against humanity

 

9. Which of these statements about the relationship between democracy and rights is more valid?

(a) Every country that is a democracy gives rights to its citizens

(b) Every country that gives rights to its citizens is a democracy

(c) Giving rights is good, but it is not necessary for a democracy

(d) All the above

► (b) Every country that gives rights to its citizens is a democracy

 

10. The government is responsible for providing free and compulsory education to all the

children up to the age of :

(a) 16 years

(b) 12 years

(c) 18 years

(d) 14 years

► (d) 14 years

 

11. Which of these is/are the new rights guaranteed by the constitution of South Africa for its citizens?

(a) Right to privacy

(b) Right to an environment that is not harmful to the people’s health

(c) Right to have access to adequate housing

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

12. The right to seek the enforcement of all Fundamental Rights is called :

(a) Right against Exploitation

(b) Right to Freedom

(c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

(d) Cultural and Educational Rights

► (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies

 

13. What did Dr. Ambedkar refer to as the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ as?

(a) The brain of our Constitution

(b) The heart and soul of our Constitution

(c) The heart of our Constitution

(d) The soul of our Constitution

► (b) The heart and soul of our Constitution

14. Which of the following is not an instance of an exercise of a Fundamental Right?

(a) Workers from Bihar go to Punjab to work on the farms

(b) Parents’ property is inherited by their children

(c) Christian mission sets up a chain of missionary schools

(d) Religion is not taken into consideration during admission in schools

► (b) Parents’ property is inherited by their children

 

15. Which of these is not seen as a standard of human rights by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?

(a) Right to social security and insurance

(b) Right to health

(c) Right to accumulate wealth

(d) Right to adequate standard of living

► (c) Right to accumulate wealth

 

16. What is meant by the term ‘writ’?

(a) Written laws

(b) A formal document containing an order of the court to the government

(c) Basic features of the Constitution

(d) None of the above

► (b) A formal document containing an order of the court to the government

 

17. When was the NHRC set up?

(a) 1998

(b) 1996

(c) 1993

(d) 2001

► (c) 1993

 

18. What does ‘Right to Equality’ say about public jobs?

(a) Jobs will be provided to all by the government

(b) Jobs will be reserved for the more meritorious students

(c) All citizens will be provided with equal opportunity in matters of employment

(d) None of the above

► (c) All citizens will be provided with equal opportunity in matters of employment

 

19. How many Fundamental Rights does the Indian constitution provide?

(a) 7

(b) 6

(c) 5

(d) 8

► (b) 6

 

20. Which of these is false regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression?

(a) Everyone has a right to think differently

(b) One may disagree with a policy of the government

(c) One can use it to incite people against the government

(d) One is free to criticize the government

► (c) One can use it to incite people against the government

 

21. One of the forms of exploitation as mentioned in the constitution is ‘traffic’. What does it mean?

(a) Transport system

(b) Buying and selling of human beings

(c) Buying and selling of goods

(d) None of the above

► (b) Buying and selling of human beings

 

22. What does the Constitution say about the practice of untouchability?

(a) It stands abolished

(b) Its practice in any form is punishable by law

(c) Since it is an age-old custom, it should be respected

(d) Both (a) and (b)

► (d) Both (a) and (b)

 

23. Laws have been made to prohibit children from working in which of these industries?

(a) Beedi making

(b) Firecrackers and matches

(c) Printing and dyeing

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

24. What is meant by ‘begar’?

(a) Practice of begging

(b) Practice of forcing workers to work without any wages

(c) Practice of encouraging workers to work at normal wages

(d) Both (b) and (c)

► (b) Practice of forcing workers to work without any wages

 

25. Which among the following cannot be challenged in a court?

(a) Directive principles of state policy

(b) Fundamental Rights

(c) Freedom to choose any profession or business

(d) Right to move freely to any part of the country.

► (b) Fundamental Rights

 

26. Which of the following freedoms is not available to an Indian citizen?

(a) Freedom to start a movement to change the government

(b) Freedom to oppose the government

(c) Freedom to participate in armed revolution

(d) None of these

► (c) Freedom to participate in armed revolution

 

27. Which of the following rights is not available under the fundamental rights?

(a) Right to Equality

(b) Right to Freedom

(b) Right to protect one’s culture

(d) Right to property.

► (d) Right to property.

 

28. Cultural and Educational Rights are safeguarded mainly for :

(a) Women

(b) minorities

(c) children

(d) Men

► (b) minorities

 

29. Which one of the following fundamental rights is called the heart and soul of the Indian constitution?

(a) Right to equality

(b) Right to constitutional remedies

(c) Right to freedom

(d) Right to freedom of religion

► (b) Right to constitutional remedies

 

30. Which one of the following rights is available to the citizens of India and not to the citizens of Saudi Arabia?

(a) The country is ruled by a hereditary king

(b) Citizens cannot form political parties

(c) Women are subjected to many public restrictions

(d) Citizens enjoy the freedom of religion

► (d) Citizens enjoy the freedom of religion

 

31. Civil Rights are given to the individual by:

(a) Nature

(b) God

(c) The State

(d) The people

► (c) The State

 

32. Who called the right to constitutional remedies as the heart and soul of the constitution?

(a) J.L. Nehru

(b) B. R. Ambedkar

(c) Mahatma Gandhi

(d) Rajendra Prasad

► (b) B. R. Ambedkar

Democratic Rights class 9 political science SAQ

Write any four features of the Right to Equality as a Fundamental Right.

Answer:

• According to this law, the government shall not deny to any person in India equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.

• The government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion, caste, ethnicity, sex or place of birth.

• All citizens shall have equality of opportunity in matters relating to any position in the government.

• The principle of non-discrimination extends to social life as well.

 

Write a short note on the following fundamental rights:

(а) Right to Freedom of Religion.

(b) Cultural and Educational Rights.

Answer:

(a) Right to Freedom of Religion: Right to freedom of religion provides religious freedom to all the citizens of India. All religions are equal before the state and no religion will be given preference over the other. Citizens are free to practise their respective religions. Foremost objective of this right is to sustain the principle of secularism in the country. No state-run institution can give religious education. Religious communities can set up charitable institutions of their own.

(b) Cultural and Educational Rights: India is multi-religious, multilingual and multicultural, each having its own identity and characteristics. To preserve these diversities, it is natural to grant the following Cultural and Educational Rights to the minorities and other communities.

• Right to Conserve the Language, Script and Culture Under this Right, minorities have the right to conserve their distinct language, script or culture and to join state-owned or state-aided institutions without discriminations.

• Right to Establish Educational Institutions: Under this each minority group has a right to establish and administer educational institutions of its choice. The State shall not discriminate between minorities, while granting aid to their educational institutions.

 

“Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right”. What is so special about this right?

Or

Dr Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, “the heart and soul of our constitution”. Give reason.

Answer:

• It is through this Right that all other Fundamental Rights are safeguarded and arbitrary action of the state is checked.

• Under this Right, a citizen is entitled to move the Supreme Court or any High Court or any other courts so authorized, if his/ her Fundamental Right (or Rights) is encroached upon, abridged or snatched away by the State, an individual or a body of persons. The courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs to the concerned to protect the rights of the complainant.

 

Mention three major Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India.

Or

Write three Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India. [CBSE March 2011]

Answer:

• The Right to Equality: Under this the State can make special provisions for women and children.

• Right Against Exploitation: Traffic in human beings, especially women and children, shall be an offense punishable in accordance with the law.

• Right Against Exploita-tion: Under this no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.

Democratic Rights class 9 political science LONG QUESTION

‘The Right to Freedom is actually a cluster of several rights.’ Discuss.[CBSE 2015]

Answer:

• Freedom to live in any part of India: All citizens are free to live in any part of India but the State can put restrictions keeping in mind the welfare of local people.
  Freedom to practice any profession or occupation: All citizens have the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

• Right to Free Movement: Every citizen of India has been granted freedom to move throughout the Indian territory.

• Freedom to Assemble Peacefully: Indian citizens have been given the right to assemble without arms.

• Freedom of Speech and Expression: Democracy is a government by citizens. Freedom of speech and expression works as a barometer of public opinion.

• Right to Form Associations or Unions: The Constitution guarantees the right to form associations and unions to every citizen of India.

Question 2.

What was Amnesty International’s report regarding the prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? State the condition of prisoners according to the report of Amnesty International in Guantanamo Bay.[CBSE March 2013]

Answer:

Amnesty International which is an international human rights organization, collected information on Guantanamo Bay and reported:

• Families of prisoners, media or even UN representatives were not allowed to meet these prisoners. The US army arrested them, interrogated them and decided whether to keep them there or not.

• There was no trial before any magistrate in the US. Nor could these prisoners approach courts in their own country.

• The prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated United States Laws.

• They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties.

• Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.

.

State any three rights guaranteed by the Constitution of South Africa.[CBSE 2014 March]

Answer:

• Right to privacy, so that citizens or their home cannot be searched, their phones cannot be tapped, their communication cannot be opened.

• Right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well being.

• Right to have access to adequate housing.

 

Which fundamental right is being violated under the following circumstances.

(a) A student belonging to the SC category is not allowed to use a public park.

(b) Citizens are not being allowed to hold a meeting.

(c) A woman was sold to a rich landlord.

(d) You are being denied admission to a government college on the basis of your religion.

Answer:

(a) Right to Equality.

(b) Right to Freedom.

(c) Right against Exploitation

(d) Cultural and Educational Right

Why do we need rights in a democracy? [CBSE March 2011,13,15]

Answer:

• Fundamental Rights provide the conditions which are essential for the development of the inherent qualities in man and to secure his all round growth.

• These are necessary to preserve human dignity and promote social progress in an atmosphere of freedom.

• These provide civil liberties, without which democracy cannot be even conceived.

• These are a significant check on the arbitrary use of power by the government.

• Rights protect minorities from the oppression of the majority.

 

Explain the Right against Exploitation.[CBSE March 2011,12,15] Or

Mention the provisions of Fundamental Right against exploitation. [CBSE March 2011 ]

• Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour: Under this traffic in human beings and “beggar” or any other form of forced labor is prohibited. This means that sale and purchase of women, men and children and making a person work against their will without payment is banned.

• Prohibition of Employ-ment of Children in Factories: No child below the age of 14 years shall be employed in a factory or mine and in other hazardous work. Thus child labour is banned, because this is considered as an exploitation, and as such it is illegal.

 

Mention any three rights of a detained person. [CBSE March 2011 ]

• To be informed of the reason for arrest and detention.

• To be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.

• Right to consult a lawyer or engage a lawyer for his defense.

 

Mention the restrictions that can be imposed on various forms of freedoms granted by the Constitution. [CBSE March 2011 ]

 

• Freedom of speech and expression — reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this freedom.

• Restriction on freedom to hold meetings, processions, rallies and demonstrations and reasonable restriction in the interest of public order.

• Restrictions on freedom to form associations and unions in the interest of public order, morality of sovereignty or integrity of India.