Q.1. Who has the final decision-making power in a democracy?

[CBSE 2017]

Ans. In a democracy, the final decision-making power rests with those elected by the
people.

Q.2. Democracy allows people to correct their mistakes. How is this possible? [CBSE
2017]

Ans. Mistakes may be made in a democracy. No form of government can guarantee that.
But in a democracy, there is an advantage that such mistakes cannot be hidden for long.
There is a space for public discussion of these mistakes so there is room for correction
too. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be changed. This
cannot happen in a non-democratic government. Thus, we can say that on this count
the democracy is better than other governments.

Q.3. What is a referendum? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to either
accept or reject a particular proposal. It may be the adoption of a new constitution, a
law or a specific governmental policy.

Q.4. Explain with an example of how popular governments can be undemocratic and
popular leader can be autocratic.

Or

ZANU-PF wins the elections every five years in Zimbabwe. Are the leaders of ZANU-PF
close to the values of democracy? Explain. [CBSE 2016]

Ans. Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has been ruled by ZANU-PF and Robert
Mugabe as its leader. The leaders of ZANU-PF were not close to the values of
democracy in the following ways:

(a) Elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF. President Mugabe is
popular but also uses unfair practices in elections.

(b) Over the years his government has changed the constitution several times to make
the President more powerful and less accountable.

(c) Opposition party workers are harassed and their meetings disrupted. Public protests
and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal.

(d) Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the government’s
version.
Q.5. What according to you is the broader meaning of democracy?

Or

What do you understand by She “broader meaning of democracy”? Exp Jain in three
points. [CBSE 2016]

Ans. (a) Democracy is a form of government in which people’s representatives sit

together to make decisions.

(b) Elections are held to choose the representatives and native people or citizens are
allowed to participate in the elections.

(c) Democracy, as a principle, can be applied to any sphere of life. In a true democracy,
no one goes to bed hungry or denied equal information, basic education and equal
resources.

Q.6. After how many years does Mexico hold elections for electing the President?
[CBSE 2016]

Ans. Since its independence in 1930, Mexico holds elections after every six years for
electing the President.

Q.7. In which country women do not have the right to vote until 2015?

Or

Who does not have the right to vote in Saudi Arabia? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. Until 2015, women do not have the right to vote in Saudi Arabia.

Q.8. Who was the President of Zimbabwe since independence?

Or

Robert Mugabe is the president of which country? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. The President of Zimbabwe was Robert Mugabe.

Q.9. The media is not independent in Zimbabwe. How?

Ans. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling
party’s version. There are independent newspapers, but the government harasses those
journalists who went against it.

Q.10. How can you say that China is not a democratic country?

Ans. In China, the elections do not offer the people any serious choice. They must
choose the ruling party and the candidates approved by it. That is why we cannot say
that China is a democratic country.

Q.11. How does democracy improve the quality of decision making?

Ans. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. 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 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. Thus, democracy improves
the quality of decision-making.

Q.12. How does democracy enhances the dignity of citizens?

Ans. Even if democracy does not bring about better decisions and accountable
government, it is still better than other forms of government. 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. Even
when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.
Q.13. How is democracy better than other forms of government?

Ans.

It is correct that democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows
us to correct our own mistakes. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in
a 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 room for
correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be
changed. This cannot happen in a non-democratic government.

Q.14. Democracy cannot get us everything and is not the solution to all problems.

Then why are we interested in democracy?

Ans.

It is clearly better than any other alternative form that we know. It offers better | chances
of a good decision and it is likely to respect people’s own wishes and allows different
kinds of people to live together.

Even when it fails to do some of these things, it allows a way of correcting its mistakes
and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why democracy is considered the best
form of government.

Q.15. What does ‘one person, one vote, one value’ mean? Name the countries that
deny the equal right to vote.

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. Democracy
is linked to the demand for Universal Adult Franchise. Yet, there are many instances of
denial of equal right to vote.

Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote.

Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to the
Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.

In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value
than that of an Indian-Fijian.

Q1. Which party of Zimbabwe helped its country to gain independence?

The ZANU-PF party of Zimbabwe helped its country to gain independence.

Q2. Which Pakistani general led a military coup in October 1999?

The Pakistani general who led a military coup in October 1999 was General Pervez
Musharraf.

Q3. Since 1930, which country holds elections after every six years and which has never
been under a military or dictator’s rule?

The country is Mexico.

Q4. Zimbabwe attained independence from white minority rule in which year?

Zimbabwe attained independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Q5. During which period did China record its worst famines in world history?

China’s famine of 1958-1961 was the worst recorded famine in world history. Nearly
three crore people died in this famine.

Q6. Which one country out of France, the USA, Myanmar and India is not a truly
democratic country?

Myanmar is not a truly democratic country because it is ruled by military rulers.

Q7. In Iraq, the real powers are held by which outside country?

The real powers in Iraq are held by the USA.

Q8. In which country does the vote of an indigenous citizen have more value than that of
migrants from other countries?

In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value
than that of an Indian-Fijian (Fijian who is a descendent of migrants from India)

Q9. What are the major challenges to the working of democracy in India?
Casteism and communalism are the major challenges to the working of democracy in
India.

Q10. Is it true of democracy that it allows a way of correcting its mistakes and offer
more dignity to all citizens?

It is true because elections are held regularly in a democracy every few years, thus
allowing a way of correcting our mistakes. It offers more dignity to all citizens by treating
all of them equally.

Q11. Name the famous political party of Mexico.

The famous political party of Mexico is Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Q12. What is the most common form of democracy in today’s world?

The most common form of democracy in today’s world is representative democracy.

Q13. The government has not made any provision for drinking water in some villages in
remote areas. The villagers of a particularly remote area decided to pay some money to
the government officials to get water to their villages. Was this a democratic method?

No, this was not a democratic method. They could have organised public meetings
against the government’s policies, filed a case in the courts claiming that water is part
of the right to life, or even boycotted the next elections to give a message to all parties,
which are all democratic methods.
Q14. Where did democracy make its first formal appearance in the 5th and 6th century
BC?

Democracy made its first formal appearance in the Greek city-states during the 5th and
6th century BC.

Q15. What are the three types of government practiced in Belgium?

The three types of government practiced in Belgium are:

(i) Central Government

(ii) State Government
(iii) Community Government

Q16. Which one country out of Bangladesh, USA, Saudi Arabia and India has
the lowest participation of women in public life?

Saudi Arabia has the lowest participation of women in public life.

Q17. Name the capital of the Republic of Fiji.

Suva is the capital of the Republic of Fiji.

Q18. Which form of Government is present in Fiji?

Fiji is a Parliamentary republic run by a military-appointed government.

Q19. When did Estonia restore its independence from the Soviet Union?
Estonia, a state in the Baltic region in Northern Europe got independence
from the Soviet Union on 20th August 1991.

Q20. Name the capital and official language of Estonia.

The capital of Estonia is Tallinn and the official language is Estonian. Other
recognized regional languages are Voro, Setu.
Q21. Explain the type of government present in Mexico.

The United Mexican states are a federation whose government is

representative, democratic and republican based on a presidential system
according to the 1917 Constitution.

Q22. In which respect Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world?

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that ban women from driving.

Q23. Do the women of Saudi Arabia have the right to vote?

On 25th September 2011, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has announced that
women will have the right to stand and vote in future local elections and join
the advisory Shora, a council as full members.
Q24. What kind of government does Zimbabwe have?

Zimbabwe is a republic with a presidential system of government. But now

the country is effectively an authoritarian dictatorship under President Robert
Mugabe who has re-elected in 2013 at the age of 89 for another five years.

Q25. What was the designation taken by Pervez Musharraf for himself when
he overthrew the democratic government of Pakistan in 1999?

Pervez Musharraf declared himself the Chief Executive of Pakistan when he

overthrew the democratic government of Pakistan in 1999.
Q26. ‘Banning Trade Unions’- Is it a characteristic of democracy or not?

‘Banning Trade Unions’ is not a characteristic of democracy. In a democracy,

people can choose their own leaders.

Q27. Suggest one of the important features of democracy.

Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people

on the principle of one person, one vote.

Q28. With what motive did General Pervez Musharraf issue a ‘Legal
Framework order’ in August 2002?

In August 2002 he issued a legal framework order that amended the

constitution of Pakistan. In this order, the President can dismiss the national
and provincial assemblies.
After passing, these law elections were held to the national and state
assemblies.
So the elections were held regularly and power rest with elected
representatives.
But still, the final power rests with military officers and Mushraff himself.
Q29. What does a candidate need before contesting elections in China?

A candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party before

contesting elections in China.

Q30. Write three arguments in favour of democracy.

Arguments for democracy are:

A democratic government is a more accountable form of government. A

democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.
Democracy is based on negotiation and deliberation, which improves the
quality of decision-making.
It allows us to correct our own mistakes. In a democracy, there is always a
scope that the rulers can change their wrong decisions, or the rulers
themselves can be changed.
Q31. Is China a democratic country or not? Give two arguments in favour of
your answer.

China is not a democratic country in the true spirit:

For contesting the election to the Chinese Parliament, the candidates need
the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. Only the members of the
Communist Party and its eight allies are allowed to contest the election.
There is one-party rule, i.e. the Communist Party in China, which is not the
indication of a true democracy. Therefore, China cannot be said to be a true
democracy.

Q32. Examine any three demerits of democracy.

Some demerits of democracy are:

Leaders keep changing in a democracy. It leads to instability.

Democracy is all about political competition and power play. Here political
parties try to win elections spreading caste feelings, communalism,
practising immoral methods etc.
So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.
Involving people in the decision-making does lead to delay, which is not
desirable for the nation.
Q33. Describe four features of democracy as a form of government.

The features of democracy are:

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the

people.
Democracy must be based on a free and fair election, where those currently
in power have a fair chance of losing.
In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must
have one value.
In a democracy, government rules within limits set by constitutional law and
citizens rights.

Q34. Explain any three difficulties faced by the people in a non-democratic

country.
Three difficulties faced by the people in a non-democratic country are:

In a non-democratic country, all the people are at the mercy of the dictator or
the military rulers. They may or may not respond to people’s need.
In non-democratic countries, people are not allowed to criticise the
government. By doing this, people may face imprisonment, harassment, etc.
In a non-democratic country, no opposition is tolerated, so the question of
opposition party or trade unions does not arise.

Q35. How does democracy allow us to correct our own mistakes?

There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in a democracy.

Actually, no form of government can guarantee it.
The advantage of democracy is that mistakes cannot be hidden for a long
time. There is always a scope for a public discussion of mistakes in
democracy. In a democracy, all citizens can take part and there is room for
correction.
Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers themselves can
be changed in democracy.

Q36. Write any three instances of denial or equal right to vote in world
politics. Or Why are China, Estonia and Saudi Arabia not truly democratic
countries? State one reason to each one of them. Or Why are China and
Saudi Arabia non-democratic countries though they declared themselves as
democracies? State one reason to each of the countries.

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.
In Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote until 2011. On 25 th
September 2011, King Abdullah has declared that women will have the right
to stand and vote in future.
Estonia made its citizenship rule so that people belonging to the Russian
minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
In China, before contesting the election, the needs approval of the Chinese
Communist Party.
Although the countries declare themselves as democracies, the fundamental
principle of ‘political equality ‘ is denied in all Cases. Thus, these are not truly
democratic countries.
Q37. State the freedoms which are usually taken away when democracy is
overthrown by a military regime.

The freedoms usually taken away by a military regime are:

There will be no freedom of expression and speech.

In a non-democratic government, the rulers do not have to act according to
the wishes of the people. The needs of the people can be ignored by the
military ruler.
In a democracy, no one is a permanent loser or winner. But in a military
regime, the same ruler or ruling party can rule the country for a very long time.
In a non-democratic country, there is no freedom to form political
associations and organize protests and political action. In reality, the political
freedom of the citizen is completely denied in a military regime.
Q38. ‘Democracy is all about political competition and powerplay. There is no
scope for morality’. Justify the statement by giving arguments against
democracy.

Democracy as a form of government, only ensures that people can make

their own decision.
It does not guarantee that their decisions will be good always. In a
democracy, leaders keep changing, which leads to instability.
Democracy is based on consultation and discussion, but so many people
have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to a delay.
Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad
decisions.
As democracy is all about political competitions, it leads to corruption.
Political parties utilise many corrupt tricks to win the election.
Ordinary people do not know what is good for them. People can make
mistakes so they should not decide anything.

Q39. ‘Democracy is better than any other form of government because it

allows to correct its own mistakes. Justify the statement with the help of
three examples. Or Democracy is better than other forms of government
because it allows us to correct our own mistakes. Discuss.

Democracy always offers scope for correction, which is impossible in any

other form of government.
No form of government is free from mistakes. Democracy also involves many
mistakes. But the good thing is that it allows one to correct its own mistakes.
The advantage of democracy is that, if there is any mistake, it cannot be
hidden for long. Sooner or later, the public comes to know about them.
There is always space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is
room for correction.
Correction of mistakes results in either the rulers have to change their
decision, or the rulers themselves can be changed through the election. This
cannot happen in a non-democratic government.
Q40. Which of the following countries is not democratic?
(a) India
(b) China
(c) United States of America
(d) Nepal

(b) China

In China, the elections do not offer the people any serious choice. They have
to choose the ruling party and the candidates approved by it. Hence, we
cannot call China a democratic country.