What is Democracy? Why Democracy?-Question Answers-Class 9-Social Science

What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class-9 Subject- Social Science

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2 Marks Questions:

1. What is democracy?

• A form of government where people elect their rulers.
  
  

• It ensures people's participation in governance.
  
  

2. Why is the rule of law important in a democracy?

• It ensures equality before the law.
  
  

• It prevents misuse of power by leaders.
  
  

3. What is the meaning of one person, one vote, one value?

• Each adult citizen has one vote.
  
  

• All votes carry equal importance.
  
  

4. What does political equality mean in a democracy?

• Every citizen has equal rights in decision-making.
  
  

• All citizens have equal voting rights.
  
  

5. Why do we need a definition of democracy?

• To identify true democracies from false ones.
  
  

• Because different countries misuse the term ‘democracy’.
  
  

6. What does ‘free and fair election’ mean?

• Citizens can choose from real alternatives.
  
  

• Ruling parties can be removed if people want.
  
  

7. Why can Pakistan under Musharraf not be called a true democracy?

• Final power rested with the army, not elected leaders.
  
  

• People’s representatives could not make final decisions.
  
  

8. What is the significance of the Zimbabwe example?

• Shows elections alone do not ensure democracy.
  
  

• Rights, fairness, and law must be respected too.
  
  

9. What is meant by “popular leaders can be autocratic”?

• Being popular doesn’t mean being democratic.
  
  

• Autocratic leaders may misuse power.
  
  

10. What does universal adult franchise mean?

• All adults have the right to vote.
  
  

• It is a key feature of democracy.
  
  

5 Marks Questions:

1. Explain the major features of a democratic government.

• Rulers are elected by the people.
  
  

• Elections must be free and fair.
  
  

• Each citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value.
  
  

• Government works within the limits of the Constitution.
  
  

• Citizens have fundamental rights and freedom.
  
  

2 . Write 5 arguments in favour of democracy. 

Answer: Arguments in Favour of Democracy: 

1. People elect their leaders – Citizens choose who will govern them.
   
   

2. Equal rights for all – Every adult has the right to vote and express their opinion.
   
   

3. Government is accountable – Rulers must explain their actions to the public.
   
   

4. Peaceful solution to conflicts – Democracy encourages discussions, not violence.
   
   

5. Mistakes can be corrected – If leaders fail, people can vote them out in the next election.

3 . Write 5 arguments against democracy.

                                                    OR

    ‘Democracy is all about political competition and powerplay. There is no scope for morality’. Justify the statement by giving arguments against democracy. 

Answer: Arguments Against Democracy

1. Leads to delays – Decisions take time due to discussions and debates.
   
   

2. Elected leaders may not be wise – People may vote for those who are popular, not capable.
   
   

3. Corruption in elections – Some leaders use money and power to win.
   
   

4. Unstable government – Frequent changes in leadership can affect progress.
   
   

5. People may not always make good choices – Voters may not understand complex issues.

4. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?

                                                        OR

    Democratic government is better than other forms of government. Justify the statement.

• It allows people to choose and change their leaders.
  
  

• It gives equal rights to all citizens.
  
  

• It respects people’s opinions and freedom.
  
  

• It corrects mistakes through discussion and criticism.
  
  

• It helps different groups to live together peacefully.
  
  

5. Describe how elections in China and Mexico were undemocratic.

• In China, only one party (Communist Party) was allowed to contest.
  
  

• People had no real choice in elections.
  
  

• In Mexico, the same party (PRI) always won using unfair methods.
  
  

• Opposition was harassed, and media was controlled.
  
  

• Polling booths were shifted and people were forced to vote for PRI.
  
  

6. What conditions must be fulfilled for elections to be called democratic?

• Real choice of political parties and candidates.
  
  

• Free and fair voting without pressure.
  
  

• Equal right to vote for every adult citizen.
  
  

• Independent body (Election Commission) to conduct elections.
  
  

• The ruling party must have a fair chance of losing.
  
  

7. How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?

• Treats all individuals as equal regardless of status.
  
  

• Allows even the poor and uneducated to vote and lead.
  
  

• Citizens have the right to question and criticize the government.
  
  

• Promotes freedom of expression and belief.
  
  

• Makes people responsible for their own choices.
  
  

 8. How can democracy correct its own mistakes?

• Through elections, people can remove wrong leaders.
  
  

• Media and public debates expose bad decisions.
  
  

• Court and law help in stopping misuse of power.
  
  

• People can protest and demand justice.
  
  

• Mistakes are discussed and corrected through changes in policy.
  
  

9. How does democracy improve the quality of decision-making?

• Involves discussions and meetings before decisions.
  
  

• Different opinions are considered.
  
  

• Prevents hasty and one-sided decisions.
  
  

• Encourages transparency and accountability.
  
  

• Reduces chances of major errors.
  
  

10. Explain the broader meanings of democracy beyond elections.

• Equal participation in family, schools, and organizations.
  
  

• Decision-making through discussion and agreement.
  
  

• Everyone’s opinion matters, not just the powerful.
  
  

• Encourages fairness and sharing of responsibilities.
  
  

• Democracy is both a value and a system.
  
  

11. How does democracy provide a peaceful solution to conflicts?

• People solve problems through voting and discussion.
  
  

• No one is a permanent winner or loser.
  
  

• Encourages respect for different views.
  
  

• Prevents violence by giving equal representation.
  
  

• Promotes unity in a diverse society.
  
  

12. What are the main limitations of a non-democratic government?

• No right to vote or choose leaders.
  
  

• Power stays in the hands of a few.
  
  

• No freedom to express opinions or protest.
  
  

• High chances of corruption and misuse of power.
  
  

• People cannot question or remove bad rulers.
  
  

13. Describe how democratic governments are accountable.

• Rulers can be removed in elections.
  
  

• Media and the opposition check power.
  
  

• Public discussions expose wrong decisions.
  
  

• The Judiciary protects rights.
  
  

• Laws apply equally to all.
  
  

14. Give examples to show elections do not always make a country democratic.

• China holds elections but only one party can contest.
  
  

• Mexico had elections but one party always won using unfair means.
  
  

• Zimbabwe held elections but suppressed opposition.
  
  

• Pakistan had elected assemblies but army ruled.
  
  

• Fair competition and real choice must exist.
  
  

5. How does democracy improve decision-making?

• Involves discussion and debate.
  
  

• Many viewpoints are considered.
  
  

• Mistakes can be identified early.
  
  

• People’s needs are prioritized.
  
  

• Rash decisions are avoided.
  
  

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To Learn More Click Below:

Cahpter 1- What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Chapter 2- Constitutional Design

Chapter 3- Electoral Politics

Chapter 4- Working of Institutions

Chapter 5- Democratic Rights