What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
MCQs on Definition & Features
- Which
of the following best describes democracy?
a) Government ruled by kings
b) Government where rulers are elected by the people
c) Government controlled by military
d) Government ruled by priests
Answer: b) Government where rulers are elected by the people - Who
seized power in Pakistan in 1999 through a military coup?
a) Nawaz Sharif
b) Pervez Musharraf
c) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
d) Benazir Bhutto
Answer: b) Pervez Musharraf - Which
body did Musharraf set up that had military officers and could overrule
civilian decisions?
a) National Assembly
b) National Security Council
c) People’s Congress
d) Supreme Council
Answer: b) National Security Council - Which
of the following is NOT a feature of democracy?
a) Free and fair elections
b) Rule of law
c) Equal value of every vote
d) Rulers appointed by army
Answer: d) Rulers appointed by army - In
which country can only Communist Party-approved candidates contest
elections?
a) Pakistan
b) China
c) Mexico
d) Zimbabwe
Answer: b) China - For
how many years did the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)
continuously win elections in Mexico?
a) 50 years
b) 70 years
c) 60 years
d) 80 years
Answer: b) 70 years - Which
principle is called ‘Universal Adult Franchise’?
a) One vote, one person, many values
b) One person, one vote, one value
c) Only men can vote
d) Only educated can vote
Answer: b) One person, one vote, one value - Which
country denied voting rights to women until recently?
a) Mexico
b) Saudi Arabia
c) Fiji
d) Estonia
Answer: b) Saudi Arabia - In
Fiji, whose vote was given more value than others?
a) Women
b) Indigenous Fijians
c) Indian Fijians
d) Minorities
Answer: b) Indigenous Fijians - In
which country did ZANU-PF under Robert Mugabe misuse power and conduct unfair
elections?
a) Pakistan
b) Zimbabwe
c) China
d) Fiji
Answer: b) Zimbabwe
MCQs on “Why Democracy?”
- Which
of the following is NOT an argument in favor of democracy?
a) Promotes equality among citizens
b) Improves quality of decision-making
c) Enhances dignity of citizens
d) Quick and efficient decision-making
Answer: d) Quick and efficient decision-making - Democracy
allows people to correct mistakes because:
a) Dictators are powerful
b) Governments can be changed through elections
c) Citizens cannot vote
d) Leaders never change
Answer: b) Governments can be changed through elections - Why
is democracy considered better at resolving conflicts?
a) Because rulers never change
b) Because differences are settled through violence
c) Because it provides peaceful methods like debate and elections
d) Because only one group dominates
Answer: c) Because it provides peaceful methods like debate and elections - Which
of the following enhances the dignity of citizens in a democracy?
a) Political equality and respect
b) Military rule
c) Monarchy
d) Religious control of government
Answer: a) Political equality and respect - In
which form of government do rulers treat citizens as subjects, not
decision-makers?
a) Democracy
b) Dictatorship/Monarchy
c) Republic
d) Federal system
Answer: b) Dictatorship/Monarchy
MCQs on Arguments Against
Democracy
- Which
of the following is a criticism of democracy?
a) Promotes equality
b) Delays decision-making
c) Enhances dignity
d) Allows correction of mistakes
Answer: b) Delays decision-making - Why
do critics call democracy ‘unstable’?
a) Because leaders keep changing
b) Because people cannot vote
c) Because there are no elections
d) Because kings rule forever
Answer: a) Because leaders keep changing - Which
problem is often linked with democracies?
a) Absence of elections
b) Corruption and dirty politics
c) No freedom of expression
d) Military control
Answer: b) Corruption and dirty politics - Why
do some critics say ordinary people should not decide government policies?
a) Because they lack political knowledge
b) Because they are dictators
c) Because they are army officers
d) Because they are kings
Answer: a) Because they lack political knowledge - Which
of these is NOT a weakness of democracy?
a) Political competition may ignore real issues
b) Leaders keep changing
c) Improves quality of decision-making
d) Corruption and instability
Answer: c) Improves quality of decision-making
MCQs on Broader Meaning of
Democracy
- Democracy
should not only be judged by procedures (elections) but also by:
a) Wars it fights
b) Outcomes and results for citizens
c) Number of parties
d) Number of leaders
Answer: b) Outcomes and results for citizens - Which
of the following outcomes should a democracy deliver?
a) Reduce poverty and inequality
b) Respect citizens’ dignity
c) Protect rights and freedoms
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above - If
a country holds regular elections but violates rights and suppresses
opposition, it is:
a) A strong democracy
b) Not truly democratic
c) A monarchy
d) An ideal system
Answer: b) Not truly democratic - Which
of the following is necessary for a democracy to function properly?
a) Only elections
b) Free media, rule of law, equal rights
c) One-party rule
d) Military rule
Answer: b) Free media, rule of law, equal rights - Which
of these statements about democracy is true?
a) Democracy is perfect
b) Democracy has flaws but is better than any alternative
c) Democracy never changes rulers
d) Democracy doesn’t respect rights
Answer: b) Democracy has flaws but is better than any alternative
Mixed/Conceptual MCQs
- In
which year did General Musharraf hold a referendum in Pakistan to declare
himself President?
a) 1997
b) 1999
c) 2000
d) 2002
Answer: d) 2002 - The
Chinese National People’s Congress is elected for how many years?
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years
Answer: c) 5 years - The
PRI party in Mexico used unfair practices to win elections. What was its
full name?
a) People’s Revolutionary Institution
b) Institutional Revolutionary Party
c) International Reform Party
d) Progressive Republican Institute
Answer: b) Institutional Revolutionary Party - Who
was the leader of Zimbabwe accused of rigging elections and harassing
opposition?
a) Nelson Mandela
b) Pervez Musharraf
c) Robert Mugabe
d) Mao Zedong
Answer: c) Robert Mugabe - The
principle ‘one person, one vote, one value’ ensures:
a) Political equality
b) Economic equality
c) Religious equality
d) Social hierarchy
Answer: a) Political equality
1. Who has the final
decision -making power in a democracy?
Answer: In a democracy, the final decision-making
power rests with those elected by the people.
2. What is a referendum?
Answer: 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.
3. After how many years
does Mexico hold elections for electing the President?
Answer: Since its independence in 1930, Mexico
holds elections after every six years for electing the President.
4. 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?
Answer: Until 2015, women do not have the right to
vote in Saudi Arabia.
5. Who was the President of
Zimbabwe since independence?
Or
Robert Mugabe is the president of which country?
Answer: The President of Zimbabwe was Robert
Mugabe.
6. How does democracy in a
country enhance the dignity of an individual? State three points.
Answer: (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.
7. ‘‘Elections in China do
not represent people verdict.’’ Explain.
Answer: 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.
Can it be called a choice? There is only are political party and people have to
vote for its candidates.
8. ‘‘Democracy allows
people to correct their own mistakes’’. Support the given statement with three
points.
Answer: 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.
9. Explain any three major
political changes that took place recently in India’s neighbourhood?
Answer:
(i) Pakistan–General Musharaff led a military coup.
(ii) Nepal–In 2005 the new king dismissed the elected government.
(iii) Iraq–Sadaam Hussain’s regime was overthrown.
10. In China, elections are
held after every five years. Inspite of this, China does not have a democratic
government. Why?
Answer: In China, elections are regularly held after every five
years for electing the country’s Parliament. The Parliament has the power to
appoint the President of the country. It has nearly 3,000 members elected from
all over China. Some members are elected by the Army. Before contesting
elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. The
government is always formed by the Communist Party.
11. In which way is the
right to vote denied in Saudi Arabia and Fiji?
Answer: In Saudi Arabia women do not have 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. In both the countries, the right to vote
is denied as there is no political equality. In a democracy, each adult citizen
must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
12. ‘Democracy is based on
consultation and discussion.’ Explain.
Answer: Consultation and discussion help democracy prosper. 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 reduces the chances of rash or
irresponsible decisions. Thus democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
13. Is it possible for any
country to become a perfect democracy? Give reasons.
Answer: No country is a perfect democracy as every democracy has to
realize the ideals of democratic decision-making. This cannot be achieved once
and for all. This requires a constant effort to save and strengthen democratic
forms of decision-making. What we do as citizens can make a difference to
making our country more or less democratic.
14. Why is Democracy
considered the best form of government? Give three reasons.
Answer: Democracy is a more accountable form of government.
(i) It improves the quality of decision-making
(ii) It enhances the dignity of citizens.
(iii)It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
15. What is the role of
citizen in promoting democracy?
Answer: Every citizen should be able to play equal role in
decision-making. For this a citizen not only needs an equal right to vote but
also needs to have equal information, basic education, equal resources.
16. How can you say that
every government that holds an election is not a democracy? Give an example to
prove your point.
Answer: It is true that every government that holds an election is
not a democracy. In many dictatorships and monarchies, there are formally
elected parliaments and governments but the real power is with those who are
not elected. Pakistan under General Musharraf could not be called a democracy
because people there elected their representatives to the national and
provincial assemblies but the power to take final decision rested with army
officials and with General Musharraf.
17. Why has India never had
a famine of the level which occurred in China in 1958-61?
Answer: Children affected in famine. In China’s famine of 1958-61,
nearly three crore people died. In those days India’s economic condition was
not much better than China. Yet India did not have a famine of the kind China
had. The reason was the difference in the economic policies of the two countries.
Democratic government in India responded to the food shortage in a way that
Chinese government did not. If China too had had multi-party elections, an
opposition party and a press free to criticise the government, so many people
would not have died in the famine.
18. Why is it not possible
for the people to rule directly but through elected representatives?
Answer: 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.
19. Explain any three differences
between democratic country and non-democratic country?
Answer: In a Democratic country–
(i) Each adult citizen has a vote;
(ii) Each vote has one value; and
(iii) Free and fair elections are held.
In a non-democratic country —
(i) Election do not offer a choice and fair opportunity;
(ii) Rulers are not elected by the people; and
(iii) The rulers have unlimited power.
20. Is China a democratic
country or not? Give two arguments in favor of your answer.
Answer: China is not a democratic country.
(i) Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller
parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections;
(ii) Before contesting elections a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese
Communist Party.
21. Explain any three
features of democracy.
Answer: According to a Democracy—
(i) Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.
(ii) Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the
current rulers.
(ii) This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal
basis.
22. Why is Zimbabwe not
considered a democratic country?
Answer: It is ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom
struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe has been ruling the country since
independence. Elections are held regularly but always won by the ZANU-PF.
President Mugabe uses unfair means in the elections. He has changed the
constitution several times to increase the power of the president. Radio and TV
are controlled by the government.
23. What were the steps
taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself?
Answer: 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.
24. With reference to
Zimbabwe, describe how the popular approval of rulers is necessary in a
democracy but not sufficient.
Answer: In Zimbabwe, since Independence in 1980, elections have been
held regularly and always won by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom
struggle. Its leader, President Robert Mugabe, is popular but also uses unfair
practices in elections. His government has changed the Constitution several times
to increase the powers of the President and make him less accountable.
Opposition party workers are harassed. Public protests and demonstrations
against the government are declared illegal. There is a law that limits the
right to criticise the President.
25. On the basis of the
various examples given in the chapter, state what should be the four features
of a democracy. [V. Important]
Answer: Four features of a democracy are –
(i) Representatives elected by the people take all the major decisions.
(ii) Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the
current rulers.
(iii) This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal
basis.
(iv) The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules
of the constitution and citizens’ rights.
26. Enumerate the arguments
given against democracy.
Answer: 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.
27. How does democracy
provide a method to deal with differences and conflicts?
Answer: 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 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. Different groups can live with one another peacefully. In a diverse
country like ours, democracy keeps our country together.
28. Write any four
disadvantages of democracy.
Answer:
(1) Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
(2) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no
scope for morality.
(3) So many people have to be consulted in a Democracy that it leads to delays.
(4) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to
bad decisions.
29. How does a democratic
government rule within limits set by Constitutional Law? Give three reasons.
Answer: A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes simply
because it has won an election. 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. A democratic government rules within
limits set by constitutional law and citizens rights.
30. What is the
significance of the rule of law and respect for rights in democratic country?
State four points.
Answer: A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes simply
because it has won an election. It has to respect some basic rules. In
particular it has to respect some guarantees to the minorities. Every major
decision has go through a series of consultation. Every office bearer has
certain rights and responsibilities assigned by the constitution and the law. Each
is accountable not but only to law to other independent officials.
31. Why is democracy called
a ‘‘government by discussion’’?
Answer: It is called a ‘‘government by discussion’’ because a
democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always
involves many persons discussions and meetings. When a member of people
together think over a certain matter they are able to point out possible
mistakes. This takes time. But there is big advantage in taking time. This
reduces rush decisions, problems are not resolved by brutal force but by
peaceful discussions. It offers best alternative that we know
32. Why does a democratic
country always need a constitution?
Answer: All countries that are democratic will have constitutions.
After the war of independence against Great Britain the Americans gave
themselves a constitution. After the revolution the French people approved a democratic
constitution. Since then it has became a practice in all democracies to have a
written constitution.
33. ‘‘Democracy enhances
the dignity of citizen.’’ Justify this statement.
Answer: 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.
34. ‘‘Democracy improve the
quality of decision making.’’ Explain.
Answer: Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and
conflicts. In any society people are bound to have difference of opinions and
interests. These differences are particularly sharp a country like ours which
has an amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions speak
different languages, practise different religions and have different castes.
Preferences of a groups 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 a permanent loser. In a diverse country like India,
democracy keeps our country together.
35. Give any four reasons
why democracies resolve conflict in a better way than other forms of
governments.
Answer: Democracies resolve conflict in a better way. Reasons —
(i) It improves the quality of decision making. It has scope for consultation
and discussion.
(ii) In a Democracy conflicts are not solved by brutal force but by peaceful
solutions.
(iii) Even when people/associations/ government make mistakes for a democracy
allows them to correct their mistakes; and
(iv) Democracy provides a forum for consultations and discussions to resolve
conflicts.
36. Despite its demerits
why is democracy the most preferred form of government? Explain.
Answer: Despite its demerits democracy is still the most preferred
form of government as it is:
(i) a more accountable form of government. It responds to the needs of the
people because the constitution requires it; and
(ii) Better decision came for when many heads together strive to do so, this
reduces the chance of rash decisions or irresponsible decisions plus a
democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. It is clearly better than any other
form of government.
37. Why is democracy
government a better government? Mention four reasons.
Answer: A democratic government is a better government as –
(i) it offers better changes of a good decision;
(ii) it is always likely to respect people wishes and allows;
(iii) different kinds of people to live together; and
(iv) even when it fails to do something for the people it allows a way of
correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why a
democracy is considered the best form of government.
38. Democracy allows people
to correct their mistakes. How is this possible?
Answer: 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.
39. Explain with an example
of how popular governments can be an 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.
Answer: 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.
40. What according to you
is the broader meaning of democracy?
Or
What do you understand by She “broader meaning of democracy”? Explain in three
points.
Answer: (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.
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