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Democracy: NBSE Class 9 Social science questions, answers
Here are the solutions, questions, answers, and notes of chapter 11: Democracy which is a part of social science class 9 syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board of School Education. However, these notes should be used only for references and additions/modifications should be made as per the requirements.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Introduction
Democracy is a form of government where people choose their leaders. Unlike monarchy where the son of a king becomes the king and rule over the citizens, in democracy, anyone can become the leader. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government by the people, of the people, and for the people.
Today, the United Nations has 193 member countries and among those 120 are democracies. Democracy is a very popular form of government around the world as people get to choose their leaders. And to choose their leaders, elections become a necessity. India is an example of a democratic government. Democracy again takes two forms- direct democracy and indirect democracy. In a direct democracy, people participate directly in the government and make the rules by themselves. It is convenient for countries with tiny populations where everyone can gather together at one place and decide what to be done. India, being a huge nation, cannot have a direct democracy and so we have the indirect form of democracy. In India, we choose our local leaders who represent us in the legislative assemblies and parliament and make the laws for us.
In this chapter you will learn the various aspects of democracy, how it came to be, what are the different characteristics of democracy and why democracy is so popular.
Textual questions and answers
Choose the correct answer
1. Which is not a feature of true democracy in the following statements?
(a) Citizens have the right to follow their own beliefs and faith.
(b) The rule of the law prevails and the police or military cannot terrorise any citizen.
(c) Only elected representatives can make laws and decide the policies.
(d) The government alone has access to all information.
Answer: D. The government alone has access to all information
2. A theocracy is:
(a) Rule of a military dictator.
(b) A government run according to the majority religion.
(c) Where the King is all in all.
(d) A constitutional government elected directly by the people.
Answer: B. A government run according to the majority religion
3. Which country is a typical example of Constitutional Monarchy?
(a) USA
(b) Britain
(c) Saudi Arabia
(d) India
Answer: B. Britain
4. Iraq under Saddam Hussain was an example of which form of government?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Democracy
(d) Theocracy
Answer: B. Dictatorship
5. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below:
Assertion (A): Democracy increases not only expectations but also complaints.
Reason (R) Complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong
(d) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
6. Consider the statements given below and choose the correct answer.
Statement I: Monarchy is a good alternative to Democracy.
Statement II: The Monarch himself functions as the military commander, legislature, executive, and judiciary.
(a) Statement (I) is correct and (II) is incorrect
(b) Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct
(c) Both (I) and (II) and incorrect
(d) Both (I) and (II) are correct
Answer: B. Statement (I) is incorrect and (II) is correct
7. Evaluate the arguments against democracy by identifying the appropriate statements among the following options.
I. As leaders keep changing, it leads to instability
II. There is no scope for morality in a democracy
III. Democracy improves the quality of decision making
IV. Democracy leads to differences, quarrels, and conflicts
(a) I and II are appropriate
(b) I, II, and III are appropriate
(c) All the statements are appropriate
(d) Only statement IV is appropriate
Answer: A. I and II are appropriate
Very short answer type questions
1. Who should be allowed to make laws and decide the policies of the Government?
Ans: Only those elected by the people make laws and decide the policies of the Government.
2. What do we call the right given to all adults to vote?
Ans: The right given to all adults to vote is called Universal suffrage.
3. Name two rights allowed in a democracy to the people.
Ans: Two rights allowed in a democracy to the people are right to contest elections and freedom of expression.
Short answer type questions
1. What is meant by the term ‘free and fair elections’?
Ans: By free and fair elections, it is implied that-
(i) Voters must be honestly counted (a proper census).
(ii) Voters should vote freely without any kind of pressure from those in power.
(iii) Voters should have the right to choose freely from among those competing in the elections.
(iv) Elections should be held regularly and be strictly impartial.
3. Explain the difference :
(i) Direct and Representative Democracy.
(ii) Theocracy and Absolute Monarchy.
(iii) Dictatorship and constitutional monarchy.
Ans: (i) Direct and Representative Democracy:
Direct Democracy is a democracy where every citizen participates in the election of the leaders and can speak in the assembly and vote on all issues.
On the other hand, in representative democracy people elect their representatives through adult franchise who make the laws and supervise the functioning of the government.
(ii) Theocracy and Absolute Monarchy:
Theocracy is a government which rules according to the religious teachings of the majority religion, e.g., Iran.
Whereas under Absolute Monarchy, the king is the government, and his authority is unlimited. Monarchies are hereditary.
(iii) Dictatorship and constitutional monarchy:
Dictatorship means the absolute rule of one man. Under dictatorships, governments can totally disregard the general public and their problems. e.g., Nazi Germany
On the other hand, in a constitutional monarchy, there is a king or queen as the head of the state but with nominal powers. The real power lies in the hands of Prime Minister and the Parliament.
Long answer type questions
1. Explain the essential features of democracy.
Ans: The essential features of democracy are:
i. Elected representatives: In a democracy, the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
ii. Free and fair elections: A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
iii. Universal suffrage: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value. All adults have the right to vote in the elections.
iv. Right to contest elections: All adults who fulfil the conditions, should be able to contest elections.
v. Freedom of expression: Citizens should have the right to express their opinion without any fear.
vi. Freedom of information: Citizens should have the right of access to all information, only the government should not have that monopoly.
2. Give four arguments for democracy.
Ans: Four arguments for democracy are:
i. A democratic government is a more accountable form of government.
ii. Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
iii. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
iv. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
3. Give six arguments against democracy.
Ans: Six arguments against democracy are:
i. Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
ii. Democracy is all about Political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
iii. So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.
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.
vi. Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.
Extra MCQs
1: The term ‘demokratia’ originated from which ancient language?
A. Latin
B. Greek
C. Roman
D. Egyptian
Answer: B. Greek
2: Who defined democracy as ‘a government by the people, of the people and for the people’?
A. Reinhold Niebuhr
B. Amartya Sen
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. The United Nations
Answer: C. Abraham Lincoln
3: In the Greek word ‘demokratia’, what does the component ‘demos’ mean?
A. To rule
B. Government
C. The people
D. Power
Answer: C. The people
4: A system of government where rule is by one person with unlimited authority is known as:
A. Constitutional Monarchy
B. Theocracy
C. Representative Democracy
D. Absolute Monarchy
Answer: D. Absolute Monarchy
5: Which of the following is a typical example of a constitutional monarchy?
A. Iran
B. Britain
C. USA
D. Ancient Athens
Answer: B. Britain
6: A government that rules according to the religious teachings of the majority religion is called a:
A. Dictatorship
B. Monarchy
C. Theocracy
D. Democracy
Answer: C. Theocracy
7: Which country recently adopted democracy in full measure?
A. China
B. Nepal
C. Myanmar
D. India
Answer: B. Nepal
8: What is the fundamental principle upon which universal suffrage is based?
A. Economic equality
B. Social hierarchy
C. Political equality
D. Religious freedom
Answer: C. Political equality
9: Which of the following is considered an argument AGAINST democracy?
A. It is a more accountable form of government.
B. It allows for the correction of mistakes.
C. It improves the quality of decision-making.
D. It can lead to instability due to changing leaders.
Answer: D. It can lead to instability due to changing leaders.
10: In a representative democracy, how do people choose their government?
A. By direct assembly and voting on issues
B. By electing representatives
C. Through a system of heredity
D. By military appointment
Answer: B. By electing representatives
11: The right of citizens to access information from the government in India is provided by which act?
A. The Fundamental Rights Act
B. The Right to Information Act
C. The Freedom of Expression Act
D. The Universal Suffrage Act
Answer: B. The Right to Information Act
12: What is a referendum?
A. A vote by elected representatives on a law
B. A system where only the ruling party can contest
C. A vote by all citizens on a specific issue
D. The process of electing a president
Answer: C. A vote by all citizens on a specific issue
13: Which form of government did Iraq have under Saddam Hussain?
A. Theocracy
B. Constitutional Monarchy
C. Democracy
D. Dictatorship
Answer: D. Dictatorship
14: According to the 20th-century philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr, man’s capacity for what makes democracy necessary?
A. Justice
B. Injustice
C. Power
D. Equality
Answer: B. Injustice
15: Which of the following is NOT listed as a major factor in the spread of democracy in the 20th Century?
A. The Second World War
B. The Industrial Revolution
C. Decolonisation
D. The collapse of the Soviet Union
Answer: B. The Industrial Revolution
16: Assertion (A): Democracy is considered better than other forms of government.
Reason (R): It allows people to correct their own mistakes through mechanisms like elections.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
D. (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
17: (I) In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote.
(II) Each vote must have one value.
A. I is the cause of II.
B. II is a contradiction of I.
C. I and II are two independent principles of democracy.
D. I and II are interconnected principles ensuring political equality.
Answer: D. I and II are interconnected principles ensuring political equality.
18: Statement I: In many modern, large countries, direct democracy is not possible.
Statement II: It is impossible for a vast population, like the 81 crore voters in India, to assemble in one place for discussion.
A. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
B. Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.
C. Both statements are true, and Statement II is the reason for Statement I.
D. Both statements are true, but they are unrelated.
Answer: C. Both statements are true, and Statement II is the reason for Statement I.
19: (I) In a democracy, so many people have to be consulted on a decision.
(II) This process often leads to delays in decision-making.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. II is the result of I.
C. I is independent of II.
D. II is the cause of I.
Answer: B. II is the result of I.
20: Assertion (A): A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes.
Reason (R): It must rule within limits set by constitutional laws and citizens’ rights.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
D. (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
21: Statement I: In an absolute monarchy, the monarch combines the functions of military commander, law maker, and judge.
Statement II: The monarch’s authority is unlimited.
A. Statement I is the cause of Statement II.
B. Statement II is the cause of Statement I.
C. Statement I is an example illustrating Statement II.
D. Statement I and Statement II are contradictory.
Answer: C. Statement I is an example illustrating Statement II.
22: (I) In a military dictatorship, rulers do not fear losing in elections.
(II) There is often no opposition allowed to contest elections.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. II is the primary reason for I.
D. I is the primary reason for II.
Answer: C. II is the primary reason for I.
23: Arrange the following historical events related to governance in the correct chronological order:
(i) The term ‘demokratia’ is coined in ancient Athens.
(ii) Iran’s revolution overthrows the Shah and installs a religious government.
(iii) Reinhold Niebuhr, a 20th-century philosopher, offers his views on democracy.
(iv) Nepal adopts democracy in full measure.
A. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
B. (i) → (ii) → (iii) → (iv)
C. (iii) → (i) → (iv) → (ii)
D. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
Answer: A. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
24: Consider the following steps in a democratic process. Choose the option that lists them in a logical sequence.
(i) Elected representatives make laws and decide policies.
(ii) Citizens vote in a free and fair election.
(iii) Citizens are given a real choice between political alternatives.
(iv) The final decision-making power rests with those elected by the people.
A. (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)
B. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)
C. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
D. (iii) → (ii) → (iv) → (i)
Answer: A. (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)
25: Arrange the following global events, which influenced the spread of democracy, in the correct historical order.
(i) Decolonisation
(ii) The collapse of the Soviet Union
(iii) The Second World War
A. (iii) → (i) → (ii)
B. (i) → (iii) → (ii)
C. (ii) → (i) → (iii)
D. (iii) → (ii) → (i)
Answer: A. (iii) → (i) → (ii)
Extra questions and answers
1. What is the definition of democracy?
Answer: A definition of democracy is that it is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
2. How did Abraham Lincoln define democracy?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government by the people, of the people and for the people.
3. What did Reinhold Niebuhr state about democracy?
Answer: Reinhold Niebuhr, a famous political philosopher of the 20th century, stated that man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible and man’s capacity for injustice makes democracy necessary.
4. From which Greek word did ‘democracy’ originate?
Answer: The term democracy originated from the Greek word ‘demokratia’.
5. What do the Greek words ‘demos’ and ‘kratia’ mean?
Answer: The Greek word ‘demos’ means the people, and ‘Kratia’ means to rule. Together, the term means rule by the people.
6. What is the main feature separating democracy from other governments?
Answer: Voting by all adults is the main feature which separates democracy from other forms of government, for example, a monarchy or an army rule.
7. Who holds the final decision-making power in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
8. What is meant by universal suffrage?
Answer: Universal suffrage 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. All adults have the right to vote in the elections.
9. What right is provided in India as a Fundamental Right regarding expression?
Answer: The right for citizens to express their opinion without any fear is provided in India as a Fundamental Right.
10. What does the Right to Information Act in India provide to citizens?
Answer: The Right to Information Act in India provides citizens with the right of access to all information. It allows citizens to seek information from all sources, ensuring the government does not have a monopoly on it.
11. What does ‘freedom to form associations’ allow citizens to do?
Answer: Freedom to form associations allows citizens the right to join or quit any party. They are allowed to fight elections as members of an opposition party, and opposition parties are allowed to flourish and contest elections.
12. What is meant by the ‘rule of law’ in a democracy?
Answer: The ‘rule of law’ means that no one can terrorise or torture those who oppose the government, neither the police nor the military. The military and the police are controlled by the elected representatives of the people, and the safety of the citizen is ensured. The judiciary is independent, protects the rights of individuals, and its decisions are respected by the government.
13. What is Direct Democracy?
Answer: Direct Democracy is a democracy where every citizen participates in the election of the leaders and can speak in the assembly and vote on all issues.
14. What is Representative Democracy?
Answer: Representative Democracy is a system where people elect their representatives who make the laws and supervise the functioning of the government. It is a democracy where there is Universal Adult Franchise and people choose their representatives who govern the country on their behalf.
15. What is a referendum?
Answer: A referendum is a vote on certain issues where the vote of the citizens is taken as a whole.
16. What is an Absolute Monarchy?
Answer: Under Absolute Monarchy, the king is the government, and his authority is unlimited. The king has all the powers and is all in all. Monarchies are hereditary.
17. What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
Answer: In a Constitutional Monarchy, there is a king or queen as the head of the state but with nominal powers, and the sovereign does not exercise any real authority. Real power lies in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Parliament. The monarch acts like an umpire who ensures that the elected persons do not become despotic and act according to rules.
18. What is a Dictatorship?
Answer: Dictatorship means the absolute rule of one man. Under a dictatorship, governments can totally disregard the general public and their problems.
19. Who is an Ayatollah?
Answer: In Iran, which is a theocracy, the religious leader is known as an Ayatollah.
20. What did the economist Amartya Sen claim about democracies?
Answer: The eminent economist Amartya Sen claimed that democracies are effective in preventing famines.
21. What is the origin and literal meaning of the term ‘democracy’?
Answer: The term democracy was coined in ancient Athens in the 5th century B.C. and originated from the Greek word ‘demokratia’. The components of the word are ‘demos’, meaning the people, and ‘Kratia’, meaning to rule. The term literally means “rule by the people.”
22. What is the role of elected representatives in a democracy? Give an example from India.
Answer: In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people. Only they should make laws and decide the policies of the government. For example, in India, Parliament and Legislative Assemblies make laws for the union and the states.
23. Why is universal suffrage considered a fundamental principle of political equality?
Answer: Universal suffrage is considered a fundamental principle of political equality because democracy is based on this principle. In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote, and each vote must have one value. All adults have the right to vote in the elections.
24. Explain the importance of ‘freedom of expression’ for citizens in a democracy.
Answer: In a democracy, citizens should have the right to express their opinion without any fear. They should be allowed to discuss the policies of the government. They can also demonstrate, criticise, organise meetings or campaign on public issues.
25. How does democracy ensure ‘freedom of culture and religion’?
Answer: Democracy ensures ‘freedom of culture and religion’ by allowing people to follow their own beliefs and faith. People can openly and freely follow any religion and speak their own language.
26. How does a democratic government rule within limits set by law and rights?
Answer: A democratic government rules within limits because it cannot do whatever it likes; it has to respect some basic rules and some guarantees to the minorities. Every major decision has to go through a series of consultations. Every office bearer has certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law. Therefore, a democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional laws and citizens’ rights.
27. State two key arguments in favour of democracy.
Answer: Two key arguments in favour of democracy are:
- A democratic government is a more accountable form of government.
- Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
28. State two key arguments against democracy.
Answer: Two key arguments against democracy are:
- Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
- Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
29. Why is direct democracy considered impossible in modern countries like India?
Answer: In modern countries, direct democracy is considered impossible because the vast population cannot gather at one place. For example, it is impossible for 81 crore voters of India to find a place to assemble for discussion. Also, people engaged in different occupations or businesses cannot meet at the same time.
30. How is a Constitutional Monarchy different from an Absolute Monarchy?
Answer: In an Absolute Monarchy, the king is the government, and his authority is unlimited; people have no power to dissent. In contrast, in a Constitutional Monarchy, there is a king or queen as the head of the state, but the sovereign does not exercise any real authority. The monarch acts like an umpire who ensures that the elected persons act according to rules.
31. What are the main features of a military dictatorship?
Answer: Under military dictatorships, the military chiefs enjoy absolute power and suppress any protest by the people. Those in power amass wealth illegally. They do not respond to any calamities, as there is no freedom of speech in the country. They do not fear any opposition because there is no opposition, and they do not fear losing in elections.
32. Why do people generally prefer democracy over other forms of government?
Answer: People generally prefer democracy because they think it is the best form of government. Democracy promises equality to all, rich as well as poor, and everyone has a right to be elected and have power. In non-democratic governments, those who enjoy power do not want to give it up and resist attempts to take power from their hands. This makes democracy an outcome of socio-economic differences or inequalities, and people have had to struggle for it.
33. What were the three major external factors for the spread of democracy in the 20th Century?
Answer: The spread of democracy in the 20th Century has been the result of three major external factors:
- The Second World War
- Decolonisation
- The collapse of the Soviet Union.
34. Explain the essential feature of ‘free and fair elections’ in detail.
Answer: Holding elections of any kind is not sufficient. The elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives. It should be possible for people to use this choice to remove the existing rulers or to continue with them, if they wish to. So, a democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing. The conditions for such an election are:
- Voters must be honestly counted through a proper census.
- Voters should vote freely without any kind of pressure from those in power.
- Voters should have the right to choose freely from among those competing in the elections.
- Elections should be held regularly and be strictly impartial.
35. What is meant by ‘rule of law and respect for rights’? How is this principle ensured?
Answer: ‘Rule of law and respect for rights’ means that above all, the rule of law should prevail. No one can terrorise or torture those who oppose the government, neither the police nor the military. This principle is ensured in several ways. The military and the police are controlled by the elected representatives of the people, and the safety of the citizen is ensured. The judiciary is independent, protects the rights of individuals, and its decisions are respected by the government.
36. Summarize the four key conditions that must be met for a government to be truly democratic.
Answer: A democracy is a form of government in which four key conditions are met:
- Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions;
- Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers.
- This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis; and
- The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights.
37. Explain any three arguments against democracy. Why might it lead to instability and delays?
Answer: Three arguments against democracy are:
- Democracy can lead to instability because leaders keep changing.
- It can lead to delays because so many people have to be consulted in a democracy.
- Democracy is also criticised for being all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality.
38. Differentiate between Direct and Representative Democracy. Why is the latter more common today?
Answer: Direct Democracy: Direct Democracy is a system where every citizen participates in the election of the leaders and can speak in the assembly and vote on all issues.
Representative Democracy: Representative Democracy is a system where people elect their representatives who make the laws and supervise the functioning of the government.
Representative democracy is more common today because in modern countries, direct democracy is impossible. The vast population cannot gather at one place; for example, it is impossible for 81 crore voters of India to find a place to assemble for discussion. Also, people engaged in different occupations or businesses cannot meet at the same time.
39. Describe the main characteristics of a Monarchy. Differentiate between its absolute and constitutional forms.
Answer: Monarchy is the rule by one person. The monarch holds society together and combines in himself the functions of the military commander, the law maker, the executive officer of the state, and the judge.
In an Absolute Monarchy, the king is the government, and his authority is unlimited. Monarchies are hereditary, and some monarchs claimed their authority came directly from God, making them answerable only to God and not their subjects. In absolute monarchies, people have no power to dissent.
In a Constitutional Monarchy, like in Britain, there is a king or queen as the head of the state, but the sovereign does not exercise any real authority. The monarch acts like an umpire who ensures that elected persons act according to rules. Real power lies with the elected representatives in the parliament who govern on behalf of the people.
40. What is a Theocracy? Explain its features with the example of Iran.
Answer: A theocracy is a form of government made up of a majority religion, where civil laws are made to conform to the religious teachings of that religion.
Iran is a theocracy. After a revolution in 1979, a religious government was installed. The government is made up of the majority religion, Islam, and civil laws are made to conform to its religious teachings. The religious leader is known as an Ayatollah.
41. Why is democracy considered superior to other forms of government like monarchy and dictatorship?
Answer: Democracy is considered superior to other forms of government for several reasons. Unlike other governments, democracy accepts that all people, irrespective of their parentage or heredity, can contribute to the government’s activities. It allows people with varying talents to work together and ensures no group can exploit weaker sections of society.
Democracy has a built-in mechanism to prevent rulers from going astray, as regular and periodical elections give people the chance to discard those with a bad record. It also ensures that underprivileged sections are represented within the government. Democracy promises equality to all, rich and poor, giving everyone the right to be elected and have power. Furthermore, it is claimed that democracies are effective in preventing famines.
42. Discuss the various freedoms and rights guaranteed to citizens in a truly democratic country.
Answer: In a truly democratic country, several freedoms and rights are guaranteed to citizens. These include:
- Freedom of expression: Citizens should have the right to express their opinion without any fear. They should be allowed to discuss the policies of the government. They can also demonstrate, criticise, organise meetings or campaign on public issues. This right is provided in India as a Fundamental Right.
- Freedom of information: Citizens should have the right of access to all information, and the government should not have a monopoly on it. Citizens can seek information from all sources. This is provided in India by the Right to Information Act.
- Freedom to form associations: Citizens should have the right to join or quit any party. They should be allowed to fight elections as members of an opposition party, and opposition parties should be allowed to flourish and contest elections. This is a Fundamental Right in India.
- Freedom of culture and religion: Democracy allows people to follow their own beliefs and faith. People can openly and freely follow any religion and speak their own language. The rights of the minorities should not be in any way less than those of the majority.
- Individual freedoms: In a democracy, the government does not impose any restriction on individual freedoms. Citizens can travel anywhere in the country, have a choice of residence, seek education anywhere and in any institution, and can apply for jobs without restrictions. There are no curbs on the discussion of ideas.
- Rule of law and respect for rights: Above all, the rule of law should prevail. No one can terrorise or torture those who oppose the government. The military and the police are controlled by the elected representatives of the people, and the safety of the citizen is ensured. The judiciary is independent, protects the rights of individuals, and its decisions are respected by the government.
43. Critically evaluate democracy by discussing the main arguments for and against it.
Answer: Democracy can be evaluated by examining the arguments both for and against it.
The main arguments for democracy are:
- A democratic government is a more accountable form of government.
- Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
- Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
- Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
The main arguments against democracy are:
- Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
- Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
- So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.
- Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
- Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
- Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.
44. Explain the reasons for the widespread acceptance and global spread of democracy in the 20th century.
Answer: One of the main reasons for the spread of democracy is that people think it is the best form of government. Every country, whenever it gets a chance, tries to replace its government with a democracy.
People prefer democracy to dictatorship or other forms of government because democracy promises equality to all, rich as well as poor. Everyone has a right to be elected and have power. In non-democratic governments, those who enjoy power do not want to give it up and resist attempts to wrest power from their hands. This makes democracy an outcome of socio-economic differences or inequalities. The working class has played a very decisive role in promoting democracy in the world.
The spread of democracy in the 20th Century has been the result of three major external factors:
- The Second World War
- Decolonisation and
- The collapse of the Soviet Union.
These three factors started a chain of events in many countries which helped democracy, along with internal forces and conditions conducive for democracy.
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