What Is Democracy - Class 9 Civics - Extra Questions

Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.

This statement is democratic as it calls for a rule of law which is beneficial for the employees.


Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women.

This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women.-Democratic element
Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent.-Undemocratic element


Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 percent people of that country.

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


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.
Country A: People who do not accept the country's official religion do not have a right to vote.
Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
Country C: Ruling party had lost last three elections.
Country D: There is no independent election commission.

Country A: Undemocratic. Because in a democratic country, every citizen has voting rights.
Country B: Not sure. In this situation, there are two possibilities, (a) the winning party is dedicatedly working for the development of nation and is popular among the people (b) the winning party has been hampering with the election process and/or results.
Country C: Democratic. There is free and fair elections in the country.
Country D: Undemocratic. Independent election is necessary for conducting free and fair elections in a democratic nation. 


Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
Father to daughter: I dont want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.

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


Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.

The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency -Democratic 
element large-scale rigging was reported - Undemocratic element


Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
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.

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


What do you understand by the term 'direct democracy'?

Direct democracy is a form of government in which people directly participate in the affairs of the state/government.


How can we say that democratic government makes slow decision?

Democratic government is based on the idea of negotiations and deliberations. There are multiple rounds of debates which take place before a final decision. Majority of the representatives have to be convinced about the efficiency of a decision/law which takes time and effort, thus, making the process slower.


Explain the meaning of democracy.

Democracy  is a form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing legislation. Who people are and how authority is shared among them are core issues for democratic theory, development and constitution. 


If every country becomes democratic, the world will by itself become democratic. Do you agree with this statement?

This statement is not true. Although most of the countries in the world have become democratic after the Second World War, many international institutions are still not working on democratic principles.
In the United Nations Organisation (UNO), enjoyment of veto power by five permanent members (US, Russia, UK, France and China) of the Security Council is undemocratic. Some other agencies like International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and Word Trade Organisation (WTO) also are not working on democratic principles.
The voting power of the IMF and World Bank depends upon how much money each country has contributed to these organisations.
After the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, USA is the only super power left in the world. This has enabled and encouraged that country to act unilaterally without seeking the consent of other countries.


Explain any three essential features of democracy.

The three essential features of democracy can be listed as follows
(i) Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people on the principle of one person, one vote.
(ii)  Democracy must be based on  free and fair elections, where those who are currently in power have a fair chance of losing. Voters should have a choice of candidates.
(iii)In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.


How is democratic government known as responsive government? Explain with examples.

Democracy is often referred to as being an accountable, responsive and legitimate form of government. According to professor Jason Barabas, democratic responsiveness measures the degree to which governmental policies match public preferences. For example, during the rule of UPA, the Ministry of Environment, under pressure from the United Nations, some NGOs and several environmental protection groups, passed several legislations to regulate the process of industrialisation while at the same time protecting the environment.


Why is democracy considered as the best form of government?

Democracy is considered the best form of government for these reasons.
(i) It is a more accountable form of government as it has to respond to the needs of the people.
(ii) Democracy improves the quality of decision- making as it is based on consultation and discussion.
(iii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts as differences are bound to occur.
(iv) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens as it is based on the principle of political equality. 



How does democracy improve the quality of decision-making?

Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meeting. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. Even though this takes time but taking time over important decisions is a must. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy improves the quality of decision making.


How does democracy allow us to correct its own mistakes?

There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in  democracy. 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 room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be changed.


Give arguments against democracy.

We can give the following arguments against democracy:
(i) Leaders keep changing in a democracy which leads to instability.
(ii) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
(iii) Delays are often made because many people have to be consulted in a democracy.
(iv) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
(v) Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.


Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. Explain.

Democracy is based on the the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a rulers, they are rulers themselves.


Distinguish between the democratic government and non-democratic government.

 Democratic government Non-democratic government
 Democracy is the best form of government as the rulers are accountable to the people and have to fulfill their needs. The rulers are not accountable to the people and their needs.
 In a democratic government, people elect their rulers and have right in decision making. In non-democratic governments, people do not elect their rulers and have no right in decision making.
 There is freedom of expression and people enjoy political rights. There is no freedom of expression and people do not enjoy fundamental rights.
 Example: India, USA. Example: Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe.


What is referendum?

Referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may be adoption of a new constitution, a law or a specific government policy.


How can you say that democracies are based on political equality?

Democracy's literal meaning is people's rule. In democracies, every citizen vote has the same value irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or race.
This makes sure the political equality among its citizens. 


Mention any two limitations of a democratic government.

(i) A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won an election.
(ii) It has to respect some basic rules. In particular it has to respect some  guarantees to the minorities.


Which form of government accommodates social diversity?

Democracy is the form of government, which accommodates social diversity as it contains space for equality, a fair representation of all citizens irrespective of their caste, creed, colour, race, religion, language or place of residence. The majority always needs to work with the minority in a democracy so that governments function to represent the general view.


Describe any five characteristics of democracy.

The Characteristics of democracy are:
1) Elected representative : The people among themselves elect representatives who would govern them.
2) Civil liberties : Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, expression, etc are provided to the people.
3) Independent judiciary : The judiciary is free from the control of the executive and hence results in a more democratic resolution of disputes.
4) Organised opposition party : An organised opposition party is an essential part of the democracy as it keeps a check on the government.
5) Rule of law : Rule of law prevails in a democracy and no one is above the law. The law is supreme and all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.


According to your view democracy is accountable, responsive and legitimate government. Give three arguments in favour of your view.

In a democracy, we are most concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Therefore, the most basic outcome of democracy should be that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. There is one respect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: a democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic government is people’s own government. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. As the accompanying evidence from South Asia shows, the support exists in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes.


In a ________ the government has to explain its actions and defend its decisions to the people.

Democracy.
Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures. The citizen can check whether the government is working in accordance with the correct procedures or not. They have the right to examine the process of decision making. This factor is often missing from the non-democratic government. This process of accountability and transparency is an essential feature of democracy, where the government has to explain its action and defend its decisions to the people.


Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
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.

In a democracy people have right to express their opinion in peaceful manner. It is undemocratic behaviour.


Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
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 governments policies and protests.

This is undemocratic nature as in democracy freedom of press and media is must.


Match the items given in List I correctly with those given in List 2.

(1) The power vested in one man- Monarchy. Under the monarchy system, the monarch (king or queen) has the power to make decisions and run the government.
(2) Government of people - Democracy. This kind of government is of the people, for the people, and by the people.
(3)It protects rights to unorganized workers - The Government protects the rights of unorganized workers.
(4) The highest court of justice in India is the Supreme Court of India.
(5) Women suffrage movement - This movement is for Voting right.


The essence of democracy is__________________

The essence of democracy system is to integrate the principles of democracy in actual practice.


Is the following statement is democratic or undemocratic? Explain.
Teacher to student: Don't disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.

This statement is not under democratic setup. The student has the right to ask question. This is undemocratic if his right is denied.


"Democracy is the only peaceful solution to the problems in a socially diverse country like India." Comment.

Democracy is the only solution to the problems to a socially diverse country like India in the following manner
(i) In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country together.
(ii) In our country, people belong to different regions, languages, religions and castes. Equal dignity and respect is given to every citizen without any discrimination.
(iii) They have different preferences. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other groups which can be resolved here in a better way.
(iv) In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner and no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
(v) In any society, people have differences of opinion and interests. These differences are particular sharp in a country like ours where there is a wide social diversity.


"A challenge is an opportunity for progress." Support the statement with your arguments.

"A challenge is an opportunity for progress" because: 
1) A challenge is not just a problem 
2) A challenge is a difficulty that carries within it an opportunity for progress 
3) Once we overcome a challenge we go up to a higher level than before 
4) Legal challenges alone cannot overcome challenges to democracy like inequality, poverty, unemployment illiteracy, regionalism, casteism, communalism etc. 
5) Legal constitutional changes and the cooperation of the citizen is the need of the hour. 


How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyze.

Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens because: 
1) In a democracy people have the right to choose their representatives and the people will have control over them. 
2) Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making that affects them all. This ensures that the working of the government is transparent. 
3) Everybody expect the government to be attentive to the needs and expectations of the people. 
4) It is expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable. 
5) The opposition parties can also question and criticize the government policies. They keep a check on the ruling party and make sure that it does not misuse the power. 


How is the quality of decision making improved in a democracy?

When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time but reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.


Highlight the functions of democratic government.

Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. A democratic government must work for ensuring the participation of all people in the political process.
It should protect the civil liberties and basic rights of the people.
It should preserve the dignity and freedom of all citizens.
It should make laws for the welfare of people irrespective of differences among the people.
It should keep the transparency and accountability of its work.
Citizens must be made aware of their rights and duties by the government.


What distinguishes democracy from other forms of governments?

(i) Other forms of governments like monarchy, dictatorship or one-party rule do not require all citizens to take part in politics. In fact, most undemocratic governments would like citizens not to take part in politics.
(ii) But democracy depends on active political participation by all the citizens.
(iii) In a democratic set-up the fate of the country depends not just on what the rulers do, but mainly on what its citizens do.


Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. Elaborate this statement.

(i) In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in our country which has amazing social diversity.
(ii) People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practice different religions and have different castes. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other groups.
(iii) The conflict can be solved by brutal power. Whichever group is more powerful will dictate its terms and others will have to accept that. But that will lead to resentment.
(iv) Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy, no one is permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully. In a diverse country like India, democracy allows different kinds of people to live together.


"In a democracy every citizen must be able to play equal role in decision making. For this you don't need just an equal right to vote. Every citizen needs to have equal information, basic education, equal resources and a lot of commitment."
What is your opinion about this? Write in brief.

The ideals of democracy have solid base no doubt but unless every citizen gets opportunity to play role in decision making; he/she cannot say that he/she is living in a true democratic set-up. 
Also, the government should provide equal opportunities of education to all of its citizens. Whatever resources are available, they must be utilized equally by all.
What we wish usually does not get fulfilled. Although India is the largest democracy in the world, most of the people here are not leading a standard life. They are being neglected. They are not getting proper hygienic environment. Malnutrition is seen among them.


Mention three instances which are exceptions of the principle of one person, one vote, one value.

Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value. But there are many instances of denial of equal right to vote:
(i) In Saudi Arabia women did not had the right to vote till very recently.
(ii) Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
(iii) In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.


How is democracy better than other forms of government? Explain giving at least five arguments in the favour of democracy.

Democracy is undoubtedly better than other forms of government. We can give the following arguments in its favour:
(i) Democracy improves the quality of decision making. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put their head together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time but there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.
(ii) 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 belong to different regions, speak different languages, practice different religions and have different castes. They look at the world differently and have different preferences. The preference of one group can clash with those of other groups. This conflict can be solved peacefully in a democratic set-up. In democracy no one is a permanent winner, no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
(iii) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.
(iv) Democracy allows us to correct its own mistakes. Another advantage in a democracy is that if mistake are made, they 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 rules can be changed This cannot happen in a non-democratic government.
(v) Democracy is more accountable form of government. Democracy responds to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government may and can respond to the people's needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.


Class 9 Civics Extra Questions