Final Notes CP 1 Pol Science

Political Science- Std 9
Cp 1- What is Democracy? Why Democracy

Write the questions marked with NB in your notebook
Q.1 Write a broad definition of democracy. Enumerate its basic features. NB

OR . On the basis of the various examples given in the chapter, state what
should be the four features of a democracy.
ANS. Democracy is a form of government in which the rules are elected by the people.
Democracy form of government in which
∙ Rules elected by the people take all the major decision.
∙ Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current
rules.
∙ This choice and opportunity is available to all the people an equal basis.
∙ The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the
constitution and citizen rights.
Q2 Enumerate the arguments against democracy. NB

Or Give the demerits of democracy
Ans. Some of the arguments against democracy are as follows :
(i) Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
(ii) Democracy is all about political competition and power play,
with no scope for morality. (iii) Since so many people are to be
consulted in a democracy, it leads to delays.
(iv) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people; so it leads to bad
decisions.
(v) Democracy leads to corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
Q.3 Despite its demerits why is democracy the most preferred form of government?
Explain. NB
Ans. Despite its demerits democracy is still the most preferred form of government as
Arguments for Democracy:
∙ 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 enhances the dignity of citizens.
∙ It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
Q.5. ‘‘Democracy improve the quality of decision making.’’ Explain. NB

Ans. 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 belonging to different regions speak
different languages, practice different religions and have different castes.
Preferences of a group can clash with those of other groups. Democracy
provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy no one is a
permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser. In a diverse country like
India, democracy keeps our country together.
Q.6. Why is democracy called a ‘‘government by discussion’’? NB

Ans. It is called a ‘‘government by discussion’’ because a democracy is
based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always
involves many people’s discussions and meetings.
When a number of people together think over a certain matter they are able to
point out possible mistakes. This takes time. But there is a big advantage in
taking time. This reduces rush decisions, problems are not resolved by brutal
force but by peaceful discussions. It offers the best alternative that we know.
Q.8 How does democracy provide a method to deal with differences and conflicts?
NB
Ans. In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and
interests. These differences are particularly sharp in a country like India which
has a lot of social diversity. The preference of one group may class with those of
the other groups. Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this
problem. In democracy, no one is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.
Q.10. What were the steps taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself? NB
Ans. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999.
∙ He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief
Executive’ of the country. ∙ Later he changed his designation to President and in 2002
held a referendum in the country that granted him a five year extension. This
referendum was based on fraud and malpractices.
∙ In 2002, he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the Constitution of
Pakistan. According to this order, the President could dismiss the national or
provincial assemblies.
Q.11. Democratic government is a better government because it is a more

accountable form of government. Explain. NB
Ans Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of
the people.
∙ A men democratic government may and come respond to the people’s need, but it all
depends on the wishes of the people who rule.
∙ If the rulers don’t want to they don’t have to act according to the wishes of the
people.
∙ Democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.
Q.12. ‘‘Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes’’. Support

the given statement with three points. NB
∙ Ans. The advantage in a democracy is that mistakes made by a government 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 they can be changed.
Q.13. How does democracy in a country enhance the dignity of an individual?
State any three points. NB ∙ Ans. (i) Democracy is based on the principal of
political equality on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the
same status as the rich and the educated.
∙ (ii) People are not subjects of a ruler they are the rulers themselves.
∙ (iii) Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.
Q.16. Why is it not possible for the people to rule directly but through elected
representatives? NB Ans. The people cannot rule directly but only through their
elected representatives because, firstly, modern democracies involve such a large
number of people that it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a
collective decision.
Secondly, even if they could, the citizens do not have the time, the desire or the skill to
take part in all the decisions.
.

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Political Science- Std 9

Cp 1- What is Democracy? Why Democracy

Q.1 Write a broad definition of democracy. Enumerate its basic features. NB

Q2 Enumerate the arguments against democracy. NB

Q.5. ‘‘Democracy improve the quality of decision making.’’ Explain. NB

amazing social diversity. People belonging to different regions speak

different languages, practice different religions and have different castes.

Preferences of a group can clash with those of other groups. Democracy

provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy no one is a

permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser. In a diverse country like

India, democracy keeps our country together.

Q.6. Why is democracy called a ‘‘government by discussion’’? NB

based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always

involves many people’s discussions and meetings.

problem. In democracy, no one is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.

Q.11. Democratic government is a better government because it is a more

Q.12. ‘‘Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes’’. Support

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