What is Democracy? Why democracy? - Class 9 - Social Science
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Back Questions - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
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.
a) Country A: This country restricts voting rights based on religion, which violates the principle of political equality. Therefore, it can be classified as undemocratic.
b) Country B: While the same party has been winning elections, this information alone doesn't indicate unfair practices without more context on the nature of the elections. Thus, the classification would be not sure.
c) Country C: The ruling party losing in the last three elections suggests a competitive political environment and the possibility of power changing hands, aligning with democratic principles. It can be classified as democratic.
d) Country D: The absence of an independent election commission raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of elections, leaning towards undemocratic practices.
Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write 'democratic', 'undemocratic' or 'not sure' against each of these.
a Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
b Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
c Country R: The country's leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.
d Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.
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Sign up nowWhich of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
a People feel free and equal in a democracy.
b Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.
c Democratic government is more accountable to the people.
d Democracies are more prosperous than others.
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Sign up nowEach 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 Organisation (WTO).
b. The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.
c. Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
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Sign up nowWhich 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.
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Sign up nowThere 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 right to life.
b. Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
c. Organising public meetings against government's policies.
d. Paying money to government officials to get water.
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Sign up nowWrite a response to the following arguments against democracy:
a. Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore 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.
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Sign up nowAre 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.
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Sign up nowConsider 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 right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
b. The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
c. People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of that country.
d. Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
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.
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Sign up nowIn 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income 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 dollars then the income of average White family is 162 dollars. 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 income over 75,000 dollars 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% contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them 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 job, 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.
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Sign up nowExtra Questions - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of:
A. Rajya Sabha
B. Lok Sabha
C. Supreme Court
D. Electoral College
The correct answer is A. Rajya Sabha.
The Vice President of India holds the ex-officio position as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This means that by virtue of being the Vice President, he or she automatically assumes the role of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This role is inherent to the office of the Vice President, defining the unique responsibilities associated with this position.
The word democracy may stand for a natural social equality in the body politic or for a constitutional form of government in which power lies more or less directly in the people's hands. The former may be called social democracy and the latter, democratic government. The two differ widely, both in origin and in moral principle. Genetically considered, social democracy is something primitive, unintended, proper to communities where there is general competence and no marked personal eminence. There will be no aristocracy, no prestige, but instead an intelligent readiness to lend a hand and to do in unison whatever is done. In other words, there will be that most democratic of governments - no government at all. But when pressure of circumstances, danger, or inward strife makes recognized and prolonged guidance necessary to a social democracy, the form its government takes is that of a rudimentary monarchy established by election or general consent. A natural leader emerges and is instinctively obeyed. That leader may indeed be freely criticized and will not be screened by any pomp or traditional mystery; he or she will be easy to replace and every citizen will feel essentially his or her equal. Yet such a state is at the beginnings of monarchy and aristocracy.
According to the author, a social democracy would adopt a formal system of government when:
A. Recognized leadership becomes necessary to support social programs.
B. People lose the instinctive ability to cooperate in solving social problems.
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Sign up nowHOTS - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
How can the distinction between a 'minimal democracy' and a 'good democracy' inform our understanding of democratic societies today?
The distinction between a 'minimal democracy' and a 'good democracy' sharpens our understanding of democratic societies by setting a benchmark for evaluation. A 'minimal democracy' is characterized by essential features like elections where rulers are elected by the people, offering a fair chance of replacing current rulers, equal voting rights, and a government functioning within constitutional limits. Conversely, a 'good democracy' extends these notions towards higher ideals such as ensuring social justice, reducing inequality, embracing diversity, guaranteeing freedom of expression, and public participation in democratic processes beyond just voting. This distinction reminds us that while a country may fulfil the basic requirements of a democracy, striving towards the ideal of a 'good democracy' enhances the quality of governance, citizen dignity, and societal harmony.
Debate the statement: "Democracy is the best form of government." Use arguments and examples from the chapter.
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Sign up nowLong Questions - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
Discuss why merely holding elections is not a sufficient condition to label a government as a democracy. Provide examples from the chapter.
Merely holding elections is not a sufficient condition to label a government as a democracy because democracy entails more than just the act of voting. For instance, in China, elections don't offer a real choice to the people since all candidates need approval from the Chinese Communist Party, limiting political competition. Similarly, in Mexico under the PRI, elections were marked by unfair practices, inhibiting genuine electoral competition. A true democracy requires free and fair electoral competition where voters have real choices and the possibility of changing the current rulers. Additionally, democracy involves respecting citizens' rights, political equality, and the rule of law, ensuring that the elections lead to a government that adheres to constitutional limits and respects individual freedoms, not merely the holding of elections.
Evaluate the significance of "rule of law" and "respect for rights" in distinguishing a democracy from a non-democracy.
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Sign up nowMCQ - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
Based on the following information, classify each of the countries as ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’, or ‘not sure’:
a. Country P: The press is not allowed to criticize the government, and all media are state-controlled.
b. Country Q: Elections are held regularly, but there is only one candidate who runs for president every time.
c. Country R: Every adult citizen of the country has the right to vote, and the elections are free and fair.
d. Country S: The judiciary is not independent, and the decisions of the courts can be vetoed by the executive branch.
a. Country P is classified as undemocratic because the press is not allowed to criticize the government, indicating lack of freedom of expression.
b. Country Q is classified as undemocratic due to the lack of political competition, even though elections are held.
c. Country R can be considered democratic as it has free and fair elections with universal adult franchise.
d. Country S is likely undemocratic because an independent judiciary is crucial for democracy, and veto power by the executive undermines this independence.
For each scenario below, decide if the country is ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’, or ‘not sure’, and justify your answer briefly:
a. Country W: Citizens elect their leaders, but a powerful military leader has the final say on major policy decisions.
b. Country X: Multiple political parties exist and compete in elections, but there have been credible reports of electoral fraud in recent years.
c. Country Y: All citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, or economic status have equal rights, including voting rights, but public protests are banned.
d. Country Z: Rulers claim to be elected by the people, but in reality, vast sections of society, including women and minorities, are denied the vote.
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Sign up nowShort Questions - What is Democracy? Why democracy? | Democratic Politics - I | Social Science | Class 9
What is the basic definition of democracy provided in the chapter?
The basic definition of democracy provided in the chapter is: democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. This definition emphasizes the essential feature of democratic governance, where electoral process ensures that the authority to make decisions is vested in representatives chosen by the citizens.
List at least two features that differentiate democratic governments from non-democratic governments.
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