What Is Democracy Why Democracy class 9 political science MCQ & SAQ

What Is Democracy Why Democracy 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:

(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.

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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 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 percent. This led women’s organizations 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 Organization.

(b) Democratic: The order to re-poll by the Election Commission.

Undemocratic: large scale rigging was reported

(c) Democratic: Demand by the Women's Organization 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) The 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 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) Organizing 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 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) Though the army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization 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 fundamental rights would be curtailed. Also, there would be no assurance that the army cannot turn into a ruthless 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 necessarily be 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 of the country.

(d) Several organizations 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 the 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 policy making 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.

What Is Democracy Why Democracy class 9 political science MCQ 

Question. Who led a military coup in Pakistan in 1999?

(a) Benazir Bhutto

(b) Nawaz Sharif

(c) Pervez Musharraf

(d) None of the above

Answer :  C

Question. The word ‘Democracy’ comes from the Greek word –

(a) Democracia

(b) Demokratia

(c) Demos

(d) Kratia

Answer :  B

Question. The head of the government in Nepal is the :

(a) President

(b) Prime Minister

(c) King

(d) Vice President

Answer :  A

Question. In any society, people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. Which is a better way of dealing with these conflicts?

(a) By brutal power exercised by the government

(b) By allowing one group to dictate terms to others

(c) By providing equal opportunities to all

(d) By opting for a strong leader who should have all the powers.

Answer :  C

Question. 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

Answer :  C

Question. Some of the drawbacks of democracy is

(a) Instability and delays

(b) corruption and hypocrisy

(c) Politicians fighting among themselves

(d) all the above

Answer :  D

Question. Which of these is not an instance of broader meaning of democracy?

(a) Taking opinion of all the family members before taking a decision

(b) Being allowed to ask questions in the class

(c) Having no say in one’s marriage plan

(d) None of the above

Answer :  C

Question. ………..is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people?

(a) Dictatorship

(b) Non Democratic Government

(c) Monarchy

(d) Democracy

Answer :  D

Question. How are the rulers of Saudi Arabia elected?

(a) By the people

(b) Rule of the army

(c) because they happen to be born into the royal family

(d) None

Answer :  C

Question. Democracy must be based on

(a) One-party system

(b) Free and fair election

(c) Choice from only the ruling party

(d) All of the above

Answer :  B

Question. 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

Answer :  C

Question. Which of these is permitted under the Rule of Law?

(a) The Prime Minister can be punished for violating the Constitution.

(b) Police have a right to kill anybody.

(c) Women can be paid lesser salaries.

(d) The President can rule for as long as he wants.

Answer :  A

Question. What kind of government is there in Myanmar?

(a) Government elected by the people

(b) Communist government

(c) Army rule

(d) Monarchy

Answer :  C

Question. When did Mexico become independent?

(a) 1979

(b) 1981

(c) 1980

(d) 1982

Answer :  C

Question. In any society, people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. Which is a better way of dealing with these conflicts?

(a) By brutal power exercised by the government

(b) By allowing one group to dictate terms to others

(c) By providing equal opportunities to all

(d) By opting for a strong leader who should have all the powers.

Answer :  C

Question. Zimbabwe attained independence from White minority rule in …….?

(a) 1980

(b) 1975

(c) 1981

(d) 1977

Answer :  A

Question. In which of these cases can democracy not provide a complete solution?

(a) Removing poverty completely

(b) Providing education to all

(c) Giving jobs to all

(d) All of the above

Answer :  D

Question. Which of these is permitted under the Rule of Law?

(a) The Prime Minister can be punished for violating the Constitution.

(b) Police have a right to kill anybody.

(c) Women can be paid lesser salaries.

(d) The President can rule for as long as he wants.

Answer :  A

Question. A democratic government has to respect some rules after winning the elections. Which of these points is not a part of those rules?

(a) Respecting guarantees given to the minorities.

(b) Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations.

(c) Office-bearers are not accountable.

(d) Office-bearers have some responsibilities.

Answer :  C

Question. Which party has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence and who is its ruler?

(a) ZANU-PF, Robert Mugabe

(b) ZANU-PF, Kenneth Kaunda

(c) Zimbabwe Freedom Party, Nelson Mandela

(d) Zimbabwe Party, P Johnson

Answer :  A

Question. Which of these is an example of perfect democracy?

(a) USA

(b) UK

(c) India

(d) None of the above

Answer :  D

Question. When was Mugabe forced out of office?

(a) 2018

(b) 2017

(c) 2016

(d) 2019

Answer :  B

Question. 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

Answer :  B

Question. Which party has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence and who is its ruler?

(a) ZANU-PF, Robert Mugabe

(b) ZANU-PF, Kenneth Kaunda

(c) Zimbabwe Freedom Party, Nelson Mandela

(d) Zimbabwe Party, P Johnson

Answer :  A

Question. How many members are elected to the National People’s Congress from all over China?

(a) 3050

(b) 3000

(c) 4000

(d) 2000

Answer :  B

Question. 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

Answer :  D

Question. What is Constitutional Law?

(a) Provisions given in the Constitution

(b) Law to make Constitution

(c) Law to set up Constituent Assembly

(d) none of the above

Answer :  A

Question. In which period did China face one of the worst famines that have occurred in the world?

(a) 1932-36

(b) 1958-61

(c) 2001-2002

(d) 2004-2007

Answer :  B

Question.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

Answer :  B

What Is Democracy Why Democracy class 9 political science SAQ

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 decisions rested with army officials and with General Musharraf.

 

Q.2.         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 people, 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 realize 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.

(i) It improves the quality of decision-making                (ii) It enhances the dignity of citizens. (iii)It allows us to correct our own mistakes.

 

Q.7 What is the role of citizens in promoting democracy?

And.Every citizen should be able to play an 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,equal resources.

 

Q.8. Explain any three differences between democratic country and non-democratic country? Ans.In a Democratic country–

(i) Each adult citizen has a vote; (ii) Each vote has one value; and (iii) Free and fair elections are held. In a non-democratic country — (i) Election do not offer a choice and fair opportunity; (ii)

Rulers are not elected by the people; and (ii) the rulers have unlimited power.

 

Q.9. Explain any three features of democracy.

Ans.According to a Democracy— (i) Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.

(ii)             Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers; and

(iii)            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.  And.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. (i) Pakistan–General Musharaff led a military coup.

(ii)             Nepal–In 2005 the new king dismissed the elected government.

(iii)            Iraq–Sadaam Hussain's regime was overthrown.

What Is Democracy Why Democracy class 9 political science long question

Q.1.What were the steps taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself?

AnsIn 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 designation 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 –

(i)               Representatives elected by the people take all the major decisions.

(ii)             Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.

(iii)            This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.

(iv)           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 is as follows:

(i)               Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.

(ii)             Democracy is all about political competition and power play, with no scope for morality.

(iii)            Since so many people are to be consulted in a democracy, it leads to delays.

(iv)           elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people; so it leads to bad decisions.

(v)             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 a 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.

 

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 consultations. 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?

And.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 — (i) it improves the quality of decision making. It has scope for consultation and discussion. (ii) In a Democracy conflicts are not solved by brutal force but by peaceful solutions. (iii) Even even when people/associations/ government make mistakes for a democracy allows them to correct their mistakes; and (IV)

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—

(i) A more accountable form of government. It responds to the needs of the people because the constitution requires it; and (ii) Better decisions come 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 a democratic government a better government? Mention four reasons.

Ans.A democratic government is a better government as— (i) it offers better changes of a good decision; (ii) it is always likely to respect people wishes and allows; (iii) different kinds of people to live together; and (iv) 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.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 the Chinese government did not.

If China too had had multi-party elections, an opposition party and a press free to criticize 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?

And.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 favor of your answer.

Ans. China is not a democratic country. (i) Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist

Party or eight smaller parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections; (ii) before contesting elections a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.

 

Q.4. How does democracy in a country enhance the dignity of an individual? State three points

Ans. (i) 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.

(ii)             People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.

(iii)            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 a big advantage in taking time. This reduces rush decisions, problems are not resolved by brutal force but by peaceful discussions. It offers the 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 differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours which has an amazing social diversity. People belonging to different regions speak different languages, practise different religions and have different castes. Preferences o 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 is a permanent loser. In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country together.