Class 9th science solutions

Q1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government?
Ans:  In a democracy, people choose their leaders and help make decisions that affect everyone. The government must answer to the citizens and meet their needs. Democracy involves discussion and compromise, which can cause delays but ensures decisions follow rules and are transparent. It also sets up ways for people to hold the government accountable. Key practices include regular, fair elections, public debates on important issues, and citizens’ right to know about the government. While democracies should be attentive to people’s needs and avoid corruption, they don’t always meet these expectations. Despite being sometimes slow or inefficient, democratic government is legitimate because it is chosen by the people.

Q2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Ans: Democracies respect differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences, as was done in Belgium. Democracy is best suited to accommodate social diversities but the example of Sri Lanka reminds us that this democracy must fulfil the following two conditions:
1. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
2. Rule by the majority should not become rule by the majority community in terms of religion, race, or linguistic group. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in the majority at some point in time.

Q3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
(a) Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
(b) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
(c) The government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, and education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
(d) In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is an absence of any domination and conflict.
Ans: 

(a) History reveals that poor countries achieved better economic growth under a dictatorship rather than in a democracy. Though this may be true, the positive aspects of democracy, like freedom of expression, dignity, and independence cannot be sacrificed for economic growth alone.
(b)  To reduce economic inequality, we need to create more jobs, especially in manufacturing and services. This requires improving access to health and education so everyone can contribute to the economy. Additionally, redistributing income from the rich to the poor through fair taxation and targeted subsidies is essential. While democracy plays a role in addressing these issues, it alone cannot achieve economic equality.
(c) This option is not wise. Poverty reduction would allow the poor better access to civic amenities such as health services thereby improving their standard of living. By spending on quality education, informed and productive citizens will emerge and add to the development of the country. A healthy and educated citizen will allow the effective functioning of industries and infrastructure.
(d) The statement is partially true. One vote ensures only equal political opportunity to elect. Democracy is mean and it depends upon the people to have the desired end. Democracy ensures the means of resolution of conflict but not its absence; similarly, it ensures means of political accommodation but not political freedom.

Q4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also, suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
(a) Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for Dalits and non-Dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
(b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
(c) Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an inquiry has been ordered.
Ans: 

(a)  (i) The challenge relates to social diversity. There are separate doors for Dalits and Non-Dalits to enter the temple.
(ii) To deepen democracy, there should be a law banning discrimination on account of caste, religion or other factors. People should also be encouraged to come forward and support abolishing this practice.
(b) This relates to economic inequalities with special reference to the poor condition of farmers in different states of India. The government should take the following steps to improve their condition:
(i) To give financial help or loans for the purchase of seeds, urea, etc.
(ii) Irrigation and other facilities should be increased to avoid the situation of droughts.
(iii) The MSP of crops should be increased.
(c)  (i) The dignity and freedom of citizens have been challenged.
(ii) There should be transparency in the working of the police departments to avoid fake encounters. Only then there will be trust of the people in the government’s activities and democracy will be deepened.

Q5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct – democracies have successfully eliminated?
(a) conflicts among people
(b) economic inequalities among people
(c) differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
(d) the idea of political inequality
Ans: d) the idea of political inequality

Democracies aim to reduce political inequality by ensuring that all citizens have equal rights to participate in the political process, such as voting and running for office. However, they have not completely eliminated conflicts, economic inequalities, or differences in opinions about how marginalized sections should be treated. 

Q6. In the context of assessing democracy which among the following is odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:
(a) free and fair elections
(b) dignity of the individual
(c) majority rule
(d) equal treatment before the law
Ans: c) majority rule

While free and fair elections, dignity of the individual, and equal treatment before the law are essential components for evaluating the health of a democracy, majority rule alone does not guarantee a functioning democracy. Democracy requires not only that decisions be made by majority rule but also that minority rights are protected, and all individuals are treated with dignity and equality. 

Q7. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that
(a) democracy and development go together
(b) inequalities exist in democracies
(c) inequalities do not exist under dictatorship
(d) dictatorship is better than democracy
Ans: b) inequalities exist in democracies

Studies on political and social inequalities reveal that while democracies aim to promote equality and justice, inequalities can still persist within democratic systems. This is due to various factors such as economic disparities, social stratification, and unequal access to opportunities.

Q8. Read the passage below:
Nannu is a daily wage earner. He lives in Welcome Mazdoor Colony, a slum habitation in East Delhi. He lost his ration card and applied for a duplicate one in January 2004. He made several rounds to the local Food and Civil Supplies office for the next three months. But the clerks and officials would not even look at him, leave alone do his job or bother to tell him the status of his application. Ultimately, he filed an application under the Right to Information Act asking for the daily progress made on his application, names of the officials, who were supposed to act on his application, and what action would be taken against these officials for their inaction.
Within a week of filing an application under the Right to Information Act, he was visited by an inspector from the Food Department, who informed him that the card had been made and he could collect it from the office. When Nannu went to collect his card next day, he was given a very warm treatment by the Food and Supply Officer (FSO), who is the head of a Circle. The FSO offered him tea and requested him to withdraw his application under the Right to Information since his work had already been done.
What does Nannu’s example show? What impact did Nannu’s action have on officials? Ask your parents their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.
Ans: (a) Nannu’s example shows that ordinary people should be aware of their rights. They should exercise their rights without any fear as has been done by Nannu.
(b) Nannu’s action had a significant effect on the officials who not only made his ration card but also offered him a cup of tea at the office of the Food and Supply Officer. He was given proper respect. However, the Food and Supply Officer requested him to withdraw his application because his ration card had been prepared.
(c) The experiences of the parents are not satisfactory. Generally the govt, officials do not bother about the people who visit them. Their problems are not solved. They are asked to come again and again. However, now there is some improvement due to Right to Information.

Q1. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Ans: The different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India are:

1. Sex-ratio: In India, sex-selective abortions occur due to a preference for male children, with a sex ratio of 927 girls to 1000 boys, and even lower in some areas. A girl child is aborted due to the preference for a male child among several Indian parents and the assumption that a girl child will be a burden on the economic wealth of the parents. 
2. Literacy: The literacy rate for women is 54% compared to 76% for men, as many girls drop out of school. Financially weak parents often prioritise sons’ education or save for daughters’ dowries instead of their education.
3. High-paid jobs: Women form a small portion of highly paid and valued jobs. Many girls are not able to pursue higher education in India due to early marriage, inaccessibility to higher education institutes or lack of money to pursue higher education. Therefore, they do not have the qualifications to apply for high-paying jobs.
4. Safety: Many women face sexual harassment and domestic violence, which makes it hard for them to follow their dreams. This happens because people often see women as physically weaker, there is not enough support from the police, and society is largely male-dominated.

Q2. State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Ans: Different forms of communal politics:

• The expression of communal superiority in everyday beliefs.
  Example: Militant religious groups.
• The desire to form a majoritarian dominance or a separate state.
  Example: Separatist leaders and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Central India.
• The use of religious symbols and leaders in politics to appeal to the voters.
  Example: Hate speeches against particular minorities during elections.
• Communal politics can take the form of communal violence and riots.
  Example: The riots in Gujarat in 2002.

Q3. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Ans: Caste inequalities are still continuing in India in the following ways:

1. Most people still marry within their own caste or tribe, and inter-caste marriages are often discouraged, especially by upper castes.
2. Despite being banned by the Constitution, untouchability persists, particularly in rural areas.
3. Groups with historical access to education continue to excel, while those previously excluded still lag behind.
4. Caste contributes to economic inequality, as it affects access to resources. Upper castes are best off, Dalits and Adivasis are worst off, with the backwards classes in between.
5. Although every caste has some poor members, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty is much higher for the lowest castes. Lower caste people, like rural landless labourers, are generally poor and are exploited even today. The percentage of the population living below the poverty line between 1999-2000 was 45.8% (STs) 35.9%, (SCs) and 27% (OBCs) in the rural areas.

Q4. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Ans: Caste alone cannot determine election results in India because:

1. No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of a single caste. Hence, every candidate and party needs to win the support of more than one caste/community to win elections.
2. No party wins all the votes of a particular caste. When it is said that caste is a ‘vote bank’ of one party, it means that a large proportion of the voters from that caste vote for that party.

Q5. What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
Ans: The status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies is very less as mentioned below:

1. In Lok Sabha, the percentage of elected women members has never reached even 10 per cent of its total strength.
2. Their share in the state assemblies is less than 5 per cent. India is among the bottom group of nations in the world in this respect.
3. Thus, the proportion of women in legislative bodies has been very low. Women’s organisations and activists have been demanding reservation of at least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women.

Q6. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Ans: Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:

1. The Constitution provides all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.
2. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.

Secular India

Q7. When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies
Ans: (b) Unequal roles assigned by society to men and women

Gender division usually refers to the societal assignment of unequal roles, responsibilities, and expectations to men and women, which often leads to inequality and discrimination.

Unequal Roles Assigned

Q8. In India, seats are reserved for women in
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State Legislative Assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies
Ans: (d) Panchayati Raj bodies

In India, seats are reserved for women in Panchayati Raj bodies, which are the rural local government institutions. This reservation aims to promote women’s participation in local governance.

Panchayati Raj Bodies

Q9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
Α. One religion is superior to that of others.
Β. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) A and C
(d) B and D
Ans: (c) A and C

Communal politics is based on the belief that one religion is superior to others and followers of a particular religion form one community. Statements Β and D represent principles of secularism and equal citizenship, which are contrary to communal politics.

Q10. Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong? It
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion
(b) gives official status to one religion
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities
Ans: (b) gives official status to one religion

India’s Constitution does not give official status to any religion; it promotes secularism and prohibits discrimination based on religion. 

Q11. Social divisions based on ______________ are peculiar to India.
Ans: Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.

 Caste

Q12. Match List I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

Ans: (b) B, A, D, C is the correct answer.

Q1. Locate the following States on a blank outline map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
Ans:

Q2: Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline map of the world.
Ans:

Q3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Ans: (a) Similar feature: Distribution of powers- (i) In both countries, power has been divided among the national government, state (provincial) governments, and local governments (community govt, in Belgium).
(ii) In Belgium, the community government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
(iii) In India, the legislative powers are divided as mentioned in the Union List, State List and Concurrent List. In addition to this, by the Act of 1992, the local governments have been granted more powers.
(b) Different features: In Belgium, in addition to the Central and State governments, there is a third kind of government that is community government. This is elected by people belonging to one language community – Dutch, French and German-speaking, no matter where they live. This government deals with cultural, educational and language-related issues. In India, there is no such government.
In India, there is a three-tier government. The third government is the local government, i.e., Panchayats at the village level and Municipalities at the town level.

Q4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Ans: 

Difference between Federal and Unitary Forms of GovernmentQ5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Ans: Two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992 are as follows:
(i) Before 1992, elections to the local bodies were not held regularly. Since 1992, it has been constitutionally mandated to hold regular elections for local government bodies.
(ii) Before 1992, local bodies did not have any powers or resources of their own. After 1992, the state governments were required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

Q6. Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a (i) ______________ type of federation, all the Constituent States have equal powers and States are (ii)______________vis-a-vis the federal government. But India is a (iii) ______________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the (iv) __________ government has more powers.
Ans: (i) coining together (ii) strong (iii) holding together (iv) central

Q7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Ans: The position held by Sangeeta that the policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity is correct. The Central Government agreed to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes to avoid a Lankan kind of situation. Otherwise, the movement against Hindi would have taken an uglier turn. Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of India. The flexibility in the policy has proved to be in the interest of the country. Thus, the policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Hindi is being used along with English for official purposes.

Q8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(а) National government gives some powers to the provincial government.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Ans: (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

This option correctly describes federalism, where power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces. 

Q9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below:
A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages

Ans: (i) Union List: Defence, Banking and Communications.
(ii) State List: Police, Agriculture and Trade.
(iii) Concurrent List: Education, Forests and Marriages.

Q10. Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

Ans: (d) Local governments — Residuary powers.

It is not correctly matched because the residuary powers have been given to the Central Government.

Q11. Match List I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

Ans: (c)A-1, C-2, D-3, B-4.

Q12. Consider the following statements:
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A, C and D
(c) A and B only
(d) B and C only
Ans: (c) A and B only.

• Statement A: Correct. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial (or state) governments are clearly defined in the constitution.
• Statement B: Correct. India is a federation because the Constitution specifies the powers of the Union and State Governments, and they have exclusive jurisdiction over their respective subjects.
• Statement C: Incorrect. Sri Lanka is not a federation; it is a unitary state despite being divided into provinces.
• Statement D: Incorrect. India remains a federation despite some powers being devolved to local government bodies; this devolution does not negate its federal nature.

Thus, the correct statements are A and B only.

Q1. What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.
Ans: Different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies:
(i) Horizontal distribution of Power

• Power is shared among  different organs of the government the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.
• Example: the Indian  Parliament enacts laws. Executive executes or implements them and judiciary checks the functioning of executive. 

(ii) Federal Division of Power

• A Federal Government governs the whole country, which in India is known as the Central or Union Government, along which lower levels of government also exist. 
• India has a three-tier system: Central, State, and Local Governments.

(iii) Power shared among different social groups

• This system ensures diverse groups have a voice in government and provides fair power to minorities. 
• In India, this is achieved through reserved constituencies in Assemblies and Parliament. Belgium’s Community Government is another example.

(iv) Power shared among political parties, pressure groups, and moments:

• Over time, power is shared among different political parties with diverse ideologies and social groups, forming a Coalition Government. 
• Interest groups like traders, businessmen, farmers, and industrial workers also influence and participate in decision-making. 

Q2. State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context.
Ans: 
(i) Prudential Reason

• It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. 
• It brings out better outcomes
  Example: In India seats in the Parliament and assemblies have been reserved for weaker sections.

(ii) Moral Reason

• It is the spirit of democracy. 
• All people should be consulted in a democracy.
• In India, people elect their representatives after every five years or earlier.

Q3. After reading this chapter, three students drew different conclusions. Which of these do you agree with and why? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

• Thomman − Power sharing is necessary only in societies which have religious, linguistic or ethnic divisions.
• Mathai − Power sharing is suitable only for big countries that have regional divisions.
• Ouseph − Every society needs some form of power sharing even if it is small or does not have social divisions.

Ans: 

• The conclusion drawn by Ouseph is correct. 
• Every society needs some form of power-sharing. 
• In a family, the members may differ but power-sharing may resolve differences.
• In a society too different communities should try to accommodate each other as has been done in Belgium where the French-speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels because the Dutch-speaking community has accepted equal representation in the central government.

Q4. The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate into this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.
Ans:

• The ban is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power-sharing arrangements.
• It is an example of the imposition of the will of the majority on the minority which is against the principle of accommodation.
• The ban may result in strained relations between different communities i.e., French-speaking and Dutch-speaking in Belgium.

Q5. Read the following passage and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.
“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy in the hands of the people. Given power to panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus, Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
Ans:  The prudential reason for power sharing offered in the above passage is giving power to panchayats. It is a way to reduce corruption and increase administrative efficiency.

• Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy.
• It restores power to the people.
• It reduces corruption and increases administrative efficiency.
• People control over development schemes.
• It will strengthen the foundations of democracy.

Q6. Different arguments are usually put forth in favor of and against power-sharing. Identify those which are in favor of power-sharing and select the answer using the codes given below? Power-sharing:
A. reduces conflict among different communities
B. decreases the possibility of arbitrariness
C. delays the decision-making process
D. accommodates diversities
E. increases instability and divisiveness
F. promotes people’s participation in government
G. undermines the unity of a country

Ans: (a)

Q7. Consider the following statements about power-sharing arrangements in Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Α. In Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority of people tried to impose their domination on the minority French-speaking community.
B. In Sri Lanka, the policies of the government sought to ensure the dominance of the Sinhala-speaking majority.
C. The Tamils in Sri Lanka demanded a federal arrangement of power-sharing to protect their culture, language and equality of opportunity in education and jobs.
D. The transformation of Belgium from a unitary government to a federal one prevented a possible division of the country on linguistic lines.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B, C and D
(b) A, B and D
(c) C and D
(d) B, C and D
Ans: (d)

Statement A is incorrect because, in Belgium, the Dutch-speaking majority did not impose domination; instead, Belgium adopted power-sharing arrangements to ensure equality between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. The rest of the statements are true.

Q8. Match List I (forms of power-sharing) with List-II (forms of government) and select the correct answer using the codes given below in the lists:

Ans:

Q9. Consider the following two statements on power sharing and select the answer using the codes given below:
1. Power-sharing is good for democracy.
2. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
Which of these statements are true and false?
(a) A is true and B is false
(b) Both A and B are true
(c) Both A and B are false
(d) A is false but B is true
Ans: (b)

Features of power-sharing are as follows:

• Power-sharing reduces the possibility of conflicts between social groups.
• Power-sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
• Power-sharing is the spirit of democracy.
• Power-sharing is good for democracy.