JAC Class 9 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? 

JAC Board Class 9th Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

I. Objective Type Questions

1. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by:
(a) the people
(b) rich people
(c) the king
(d) all of the above.
Answer:
(a) the people

2. In which year, General Pervez Musharraf held a referendum which granted him five years’ extension as a President?
(a) 2005
(b) 2008
(c) 2002
(d)2010.
Answer:
(c) 2002

3. Since its independence in, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its President.
(a) 1938
(b) 1930
(c) 1935
(d) 1947.
Answer:
(b) 1930

4. Which form of government requires all citizens to take part in politics ?
(a) Democracy
(b) Monarchy
(c) Dictatorship
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Democracy

5. Democracy is better than other forms of government because:
(a) people are given opportunities to participate directly in government
(b) democratic governments prepare annual budget
(c) it is a more accountable form of government
(d) none of the above.
Answer:
(c) it is a more accountable form of government

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
State the definition of democracy given by Abraham Lincoln.
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States from 1861 to 1865, defined democracy as “Government of the people, for the people and by the people.”

Question 2.
From which Greek word democracy has been derived?
Answer:
Democracy has been derived from the Greek word ‘Democratia’.

Question 3.
What do you mean by the term ‘Democracy’?
Answer:
The term democracy is derived from two Greek words ‘Demos’ which means people and ‘Kratia’ ‘meaning the government. Thus, Democracy means “Rule by the people”.

Question 4.
Which Pakistani general led a military coup in October 1999?
Answer:
The Pakistani general who led a military coup in October 1999 was General Pervez Musharaf.

Question 5.
What was the designation taken by General Pervez Musharraf for himself when he overthrew the democratic government of Pakistan in 1999?
Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf declared himself the chief executive of Pakistan when he overthrew the democratic government of Pakistan in 1999.

Question 6.
What is a Referendum?
Answer:
A Referendum is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a particular issue of public policy.

Question 7.
With what motive did General Pervez Musharraf issue a ‘legal framework order’ in August 2002?
Answer:
The motive was to ensure that he had the ultimate power to decide how he wanted Pakistan to be ruled.

Question 8.
Mention one of the important features of democracy.
Answer:
One important feature of democracy is that the final decision-making power rests with those elected by the people.

Question 9.
What is the name of the Chinese parliament?
Answer:
The name of the Chinese parliament is Quanguo Renmin Daibiuo Dahui (National People’s Congress).

Question 10.
Which party always forms the government in China?
Answer:
The Communist Party of China always forms the government in China.

Question 11.
When did Mexico get independence?
Answer:
Mexico got independence in 1930.

Question 12.
From 1930, which country holds elections after every six years and which has never been under a military or dictator rule?
Answer:
Mexico.

Question 13.
What is the name of famous political party of Mexico?
Answer:
The famous political party of Mexico is Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Question 14.
Despite having an elected parliament and government under the monarchy and military rule, why can’t they be called democracy?
Answer:
Because the elected Parliament is nominal. Real power rests in the hands of those people, whom the people have not chosen.

Question 15.
Who should have the final decision-making power in a democracy?
Answer:
The power to make the final decisions in a democracy should be in the hands of the elected representatives by the people.

Question 16.
What do you understand by political equality?
Answer:
Political equality means that each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.

Question 17.
When did Zimbabwe get independence?
Answer:
Zimbabwe gained independence inl980.

Question 18.
Which party of Zimbabwe led the struggle for independence?
Answer:
ZANU-PF.

Question 19.
What does the example of Zimbabew tell us?
Answer:
The example of Zimbabew shows that popular approval of the rulers is necessary in a democracy.

Question 20.
Within what limits does a democratic government govern?
Answer:
A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Question 21.
State any two characteristics of democracy.
Answer:

1. Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.
2. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.

Question 22.
Give any two arguments against democracy.
Answer:

1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
2. Democracy leads to corruption.

Question 23.
Give any two arguments for democracy.
Answer:

1. It is a more accountable form of government.
2. It improves the quality of decision-making.

Question 24.
Which governance system is based on the principle of political equality?
Answer:
Democratic governance is based on the principle of political equality.

Question 25.
Mention any four challenges to Democracy.
Answer:

1. Economic Inequalities,
2. Social Inequalities,
3. Leadership and Political Parties,
4. Power-play in ‘Elections’.

III. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How did Musharraf establish his rule in Pakistan?
Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan in October 1999. He over-threw a democratically-elected government and declared himself the chief executive of the country. Later, he changed his designation to President. In 2002, he held a refrendum in the country that granted him a five-year extension.

In August, 2002, he issued a legal framework order that amended the constitution of Pakistan. According to this order, the President can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies. After passing the ‘legal framework order’ elections were held to the national and state assemblies. But the final power was in the hands of military officers and General Musharraf. Elected representatives had only some powers.

Question 2.
“In Pakistan people elect their representatives to the national and provincial assemblies but still it cannot be called a democratic country.” Give reasons.
Answer:
In Pakistan, General Parvez Musharraf led a military coup against a democratically- elected government. The work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council which was dominated by military officers. Though, at present, Pakistan has a democratic government under the leadership of Imran Khan, but the government is still a tool in the hands of Pakistani Army and ISI.

Question 3.
“In China, elections are regularly held after 5 years for electing the country’s Parliament, but still it cannot be called a democratic country.” Give reasons.
Answer:
In China, elections are regularly held after every five years for electing the country’s Parliament. Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of theChinese Communist Party. Only those who are the members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections. The government is always formed by the Communist Party. Therefore, China cannot be called a democratic country.

Question 4.
‘Since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years to elect its President. The country has never been under a military or dictator’s rule but still it cannot be called a democratic country’. Give reasons.
Answer:
Since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every 6 years. The country has never been under a dictator or military ruler. But until 2000 every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to win. The government used all its machinery to win elections.

All those who were employed in goverment offices had to attend its party meeting. Teachers of government schools used to force parents to vote for the PRI. Media used to work under the influence of the government. The PRI spent a large sum of money in the campaign for its condidates. Thus, due to lack of free and fair elections, Mexico cannot be called a democratic country.

Question 5.
Why are Saudi Arabia, Estonia and China non-democratic countries though they declare themselves as democracies ? State one reason for each of the countries.
Answer:
One major demand of democracy is ‘universal adult franchise’, i.e., the right to vote for every adult citizen. But in world politics, there are many instances of denial of equal right to vote.
These are:

1. In Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote until 2015.
2. Estonia made its citizenship rules in such a manner that people be longing to Russian minority find of it difficult to get the right to vote.
3. In China, before contesting the election, the candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. Although these countries declare themselves as democracies, the fundamental principle of ‘political equality’ is denied in all the cases. Thus, these are not truly democratic countries.

Question 6.
Why Zimbabwe cannot be called a democratic nation? Give reasons.
Answer:
Since independence in 1980, the country has been ruled by ZANU-PF. Its leader, Robert Mugabe, had been ruling the country since independence. Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe uses unfair practices in elections.

Over the years, his government has changed the constitution several times to increase the powers of the President. Opposition party workers are harassed and their meeting disrupted. Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal. The courts are there, but most of the time their orders are ignored by the government. Because of all these reasons, Zimbabwe can¬not be called a democratic country.

Question 7.
Which three rights should every citizen of a democratic country get?
Answer:
Following are the three rights should every citizen of a democratic country get

1. Citizens should be free to express their opinion in public, to form associations, to protest and take other political actions.
2. They should be equal in the eyes of the law.
3. These rights must be protected by an independent judiciary, whose orders should be obeyed by everyone.

Question 8.
Explain the major arguments against democracy.
Answer:
The major arguments against democracy are as follows:

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. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
4. Democracy leads to corruption, for it is based on electoral competition.
5. Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.

Question 9.
“Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.” Explain.
Answer:
Democracy is based on consultation and discussion.

1. 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 the possible mistakes in any decision.
2. As most of the decisions are taken by discussion, this reduces the chances of irrational or irresponsible decisions.
3. If the decision is not according to the wishes of the people they have the right to protest and they can even force the government to withdraw it.
4. Thus, we can say that democracy improves the quality of decision-making.

Question 10.
“Democracy provides a method to deal with differecences and conflicts.” Explain.
Answer:

1. Democracy provides all the citizens some basic rights through which they can give their opinion.
2. Democracy provides the citizens a right to choose their representatives and change them if they do not work according to their wishes.
3. In the parliament, all the members have the right to give their opinion. Therefore, we can say that democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

Question 11.
“Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.” Explain.
Answer:
There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in 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. While this cannot happen in a non-democratic government.

Question 12.
What is democracy? Which are its four features?
Answer:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. Some features of democracy are:

1. Democracy is a form of government in which the rules are elected by the people.
2. A democracy must be based on a free and fair election, where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
3. In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
4. In a democracy, government rulers within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Question 13.
Keeping in mind the features and principles of democracy, can you say that India is a democratic country? Explain by giving examples.
Answer:

1. Decision-making power with the people’s representative: In India, the final decision-making power is with the parliament, whose members are directly elected by the people.
2. Free and fair elections: In India, we have the Election Commision an independent body for conducting elections. Due to this, the party which is in power has a fair chance of losing.
3. One person, one vote, one value: In India, all the adult citizens have one vote and each vote has one value.
4. Rule of law and respect for rights: Indian government rules within limits set up by the constitutional law. All the citizens have been given some basic rights.

Question 14.
Why is democracy better than any other form of government? Write any five argument to support your answer.
Or
Explain any five arguments in favour of democracy.
Answer:
Democracy is better than any other form of government Five arguments in favour of democracy are as follows:

1. A democratic form of government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.
2. Democracy is based on consulation and discussion. Although it takes time, this process reduces the chances of irrational and irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts in the society. In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country united.
4. As democracy is based on the principle of political equality, it enhances the dignity of citizens.
5. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own mistakes. In democracy, there is a space for public discussion on these mistakes and there is always a room for correction.

Question 15.
“Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens”. Explain.
Answer:
There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in 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 always a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers can be changed. While this cannot happen in a non-democratic government.

Question 16.
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. Explain.
Answer:
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality due to the recognition that the poor 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.

Question 17.
Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. Explain it.
Answer:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. Rulers elected by the people take all the important decisions. The rulers of democracy have to attend to need of the people. Democracy is based on discussion and consultation.

A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings. So, democracy improves the quality of decision-making. Democracy recognises the principal of political equality. It recognises that the poor and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. Thus, people are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.

III. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Explain any five drity tricks used by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to win elections in Mexico.
Answer:
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) of Mexico won all the elections from 1930 till 2000. The opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to win. The PRI used may dirty triks to win the election. These were:

1. All those who were employed in government offices had to attend its party meetings.
2. Teachers of government schools used to force the parents to’vote for the Institutional Revolutionary Party.
3. Sometimes, the polling booths were shifted from one place to another without prior notice, which made it difficult for people to cast their votes.
4. Media largely ignored the activities of the opposition political parties.
5. Being in power, the PRI spent a large sum of money to manipulate the elections and in campaigning for the candidates.

Question 2.
Explain the major features of democracy.
Answer:
The major features of democracy are as follows:
1. Responsible Government:
A democratic government is a responsible govern¬ment. The reprsentatives elected by the people on the basis of universal adult 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.

2. Free and fair elections:
A democracy is based on free and fair elections, where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.

3. Based on Liberty and Fraternity:
In democracy, the rights and the liberty of the people are well safe guarded. People are given freedom to express their views without any fear. They can criticise the wrong policies of the government.

4. Respect of the Principle of Equality:
In a 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.

5. Government based on the will of the people:
A 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.

6. Political Education:
The gretaest merit of a democracy is its educative value. Participation in elections and other political activities, make the people intelligent and politically conscious. They become enlightened citizens.

Question 3.
Explain any five limitations of democracy.
Answer:

1. Instability: Under democracy, leaders and political parties keep changing. This leads to political inslability.
2. Law morality: Democracy is all about political competition and power-play. There is no scope for morality.
3. 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.
4. Bad decisions: As most of the leaders do not know the best interest of the people, it leads to bad decisions.
5. Corruption: As democracy is based on electoral competition, it leads to corrup¬tion. Many political parties used muscle and money power to come to power.
6. Illiterate and politically unconscious voters: In most of the developing countries, voters are illiterate and politically unconscious, so they elect wrong governance.

Question 4.
Distinguish between democratic and non-democratic conditions.

Democratic	Non-Democratic
1. Government: A democratic government is elected by the people and it works for the people. It is also answerable to the people. People can change it, if it is not working according to the wishes of the people.	1. Government: A non-democratic government is not elected by the people. The ruler may be hereditary or a military general, who has come to power by force. People cannot change it as there are no regular elections.
2. Basic rights: Under democracy, people ( are given basic rights like freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of forming associations or unions, etc.	2. No basic rights: Under non-democratic conditions, peoploe are not given basic rights. Citizens are put behind bars if they try to demand the basic rights.
3. Regular elections: Under this, there (i are regular elections through which people can change their government.	3. No regular elections: Under this, there are no regular elections. Most of the non-democratic rulers have captured the power through military coup.
4. Constitution: Under democracy, the; (i government works within the limits, set up by the constitution. It has different institutions like judiciary which can check the powers of the government. Parliament is supreme 1 Under ( democracy, it is the parliament which is supreme. All the leaders or’ even the govenment is answerable to the parliament.	4. Constitution: Some of the non democratic countries may have a constitution, but it can be changed only according to the wishes of the dictator.
5. Parliament is supreme: Under democracy, it is the parliament which is supreme. All the leaders or’ even the govenment is answerable to the parliament.	5. The ruler is supreme: Under non-democratic conditions, it is the ruler who is supreme. All the political and economi powers are in his/her hand.

 

JAC Class 9 Social Science Important Questions