Text Book Solutions All Class

Ques1. Which of the guiding values of the Constitution of India means that people have the supreme right to make decisions?

Answer:  The guiding value called ‘Sovereign’ means that people have the supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate to the Government of India. 

Ques2. How many members did the Constituent Assembly have that wrote the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian Constitution had 299 members. 

Ques3. Name the President of the Constituent Assembly?

Answer: Dr Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly. 

Ques4. Is it true that non-democratic countries do not have a Constitution?

Answer: No, it is not true. Whether democratic or not, most countries in the world need to have some basic rules which are called the Constitution.  

Ques5. Name the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of India?

Answer:  Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, an eminent lawyer and politician, was the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of India.  

Ques6. Earlier to 1992, South Africa practiced a form of racial discrimination. What is it termed as?

Answer:  The racial discrimination practiced in South Africa prior to 1992 was called apartheid. 

Ques7. In a republic, how is the Head of State decided or chosen?

Answer: In a republic, the Head of State is a person elected by people. 

Ques8. Nelson Mandela remained in prison for treason for how many years?

Answer:  Nelson Mandela spent approximately 27 years in prison, primarily on Robben Island, during the apartheid era in South Africa.

Ques9. On which day did South Africa gain independence from the rule of the White minority?

Answer: South Africa gained independence from the rule of the White minority on 26th April, 1994.  

Ques10. What is the title of the autobiography of Nelson Mandela?

Answer: The title of the autobiography of Nelson Mandela is, “Long Walk to Freedom”.  

Ques11. Which national leader tried to draft a Constitution for India as far back as in 1928?

Answer: Pandit Moti Lal Nehru tried to draft a Constitution for India in 1928. 

Ques12. When were the elections to the Constituent Assembly held in India?

Answer:  The elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July, 1946 

Ques13. The Constituent Assembly originally had how many members and was left with how many after the partition of the country?

Answer:  Originally the Constituent Assembly had 389 members, but was reduced to 299 members after the partition of the country.  

Ques14. In which country did a large number of ‘Whites’ settle and become the local rulers?

Answer: The country is South Africa.  

Ques15. Who said, “…. I shall work for an India in which the poorest shall feel that it is their country in whose making they have an effective voice. ……”?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi said this statement.  

Ques16. Did the ideals of the Quit India Movement contribute to the making of the Indian Constitution?

Answer:  No, they did not. However, the Socialist Revolution in Russia, the Bill of the Rights of the US and the ideals of the French Revolution were the contributing factors.  

Ques17. Which organisation led the freedom movement in South Africa?

Answer:  The African National Congress (ANC) was the umbrella organisation that led the struggle against the policies of segregation.  

Ques18. Which Indian politician bitterly criticized Mahatma Gandhi’s vision?

Answer: Dr BR Ambedkar, who played a key role in the making of the Constitution, had a different understanding from Mahatma Gandhi of how inequalities could be removed. He often bitterly criticised Mahatma Gandhi and his vision. 

Ques19. From which country’s Constitution have most countries of the world chosen to begin their Constitution with a Preamble?

Answer:  Most countries of the world have chosen to begin their Constitution with a Preamble from the Constitution of the USA. 

Ques20.  Did all members of the Constituent Assembly of India hold the same views on all provisions of the Constitution?

Answer: No, they did not. But the Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner to decide all matters. 

Ques21. Why is India considered as a sovereign country?

Answer: India is a sovereign country because people have supreme right to make decisions.  

Ques22. How do you define a country where citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion?

Answer: A country where citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion in known as secular state.  

Ques23. Define the Preamble.

Answer: An introductory statement containing guiding values in a Constitution is known as the Preamble.  

Ques24. Name the leader who used to write in the magazine ‘Young India’ in 1931.

Answer:  Mahatma Gandhi used to write in the magazine ‘Young India’ in 1931.  

Ques25. Who is known as the Father of Indian Constitution?

Answer:  Dr BR Ambedkar is known as the Father of Indian Constitution. 

Ques26. What is ‘Constituent Assembly Debates’?

Answer:  Each and every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly have been recorded and preserved as ‘Constituent Assembly Debates’.  

Ques27. In which session of the Congress did Indian National Congress Plan on how independent India’s Constitution should look like?

Answer:In Karachi Session(1931), Indian National Congress planned on how independent India’s Constitution should look like 

Ques28.When did the Indian Constitution come into force?

Answer: On 26th January, 1950, the Indian Constitution came into force.  

Ques29. In the Constituent Assembly, the first captain of the Indian hockey team also has a role. Who was he?

Answer: He was Jaipal Singh.  

Ques30. Which country has the largest written Constitution of the world?

Answer: India has the largest written Constitution of the world. 

Ques31. Who often bitterly criticised Mahatma Gandhi and his vision regarding how to remove inequalities from our society?

Answer:  Dr BR Ambedkar had a different understanding of how inequalities could be removed from our society, thus he often bitterly criticised Mahatma Gandhi and his vision.

Ques32. On the basis of what did the system of apartheid divide people?

Answer: On the basis of skin colour the system of apartheid divided    people.   

Ques33. “I have fought against the white domination and I have fought against the Black domination”. Who said this sentence?

Answer: Nelson Mandela said this statement. 

Ques34. If the head of the state is an elected person and not a hereditary position. What is it called?

Answer: It is called as Republic. 

Ques35. Name the founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha. 

Answer: G Durgabai Deshmukh was the founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha.   

Ques36. What would have happened in South Africa if the black majority had decided to take revenge on the whites for all their oppression and exploitation?

Answer:  If the blacks had not forgiven the whites for all their oppression and exploitation and decided to take revenge upon them, there would have been bloodshed everywhere. It could have led to a division of the country and we would not have seen a united and peaceful South Africa that exists now. Fortunately, the black community followed the policy of non-violence in their freedom struggle.  

Ques37.Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution.

Answer: (a)-(iv),    (b)-(iii), (c)-(i),    (d)-(ii). 

Ques38. Read again the extracts from Nehru’s speech “Tryst with Destiny” and answer the following Why did Nehru use the expression “not wholly or in full measure” in the first sentence? What pledge did he want the makers of the Indian Constitution to take? “The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye”. Who was he referring to?

Answer:  (i) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru used the expression ‘not wholly or in full measure’ because the pledge that they had taken was yet to be fulfilled, it was yet to be completed, although not all at once but substantially and gradually.
(ii) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru wanted the makers of the Constitution to take a pledge of dedication to the service of the nation and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.
(iii) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru was referring to Mahatma Gandhi.  

Ques39. Here are some of the guiding values of the Constitution and their meanings. Rewrite them by matching them correctly.

Answer: (a)-(ii),  (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv),   (d)-(i),  

Ques40. Here are different opinions about what made India a democracy. How much importance would you give to each of these factors? Democracy in India is a gift of the British rulers. We received training to work with representative legislative institutions under the British rule. Freedom struggle challenged the colonial exploitation and denial of different freedoms to Indians. Free India could not be anything but democratic. We were lucky to have leaders who had democratic convictions. The denial of democracy in several other newly independent countries shows the important role of these leaders.

Answer:(i) Although, the British rule was not democratic our leaders learnt about how to work with representative Legislative institutions during the last few years of the rule, as the British allowed elections in a limited way and creation of some Legislative Assemblies. 

(ii) Freedom struggle  against  colonial  exploitation contributed a lot to making India a democracy. 

(iii) This is the most important factor in making India a democracy. The absence of these type of leaders made many newly independent countries undemocratic.  

Ques41. What do you understand by the term ‘apartheid’?

Answer:  Apartheid was the name of a system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, which was imposed on black by the white Europe In this system, the blacks were forbidden from living in white areas. They could work in white areas only if they had a permit. Trains, buses, taxis, hotels hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls, theatres, beaches, swimming pools, public toilets, etc were all separate for the whites and the blacks. 

Ques42. What was the ‘Drafting Committee’?

Answer: The ‘Drafting Committee’ chaired by Dr BR Ambedkar prepared a draft of the Constitution for discussion. Several rounds of thorough discussion took place on the Draft Constitution, clause by clause. The members worked for 114   days spread over three years. More than two thousand amendments were considered. Every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly has been recorded and preserved. 

Ques43.  How did the Blacks of South Africa fight against the practice of apartheid? What is meant by apartheid? How did the people of South Africa struggle against it? Or Describe any three efforts made by the people of South Africa to struggle against the apartheid system.

Answer:Apartheid was the name of a system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, which was imposed by the white Europeans on the blacks. 

(i) Since 1950, the blacks, coloureds and Indians fought against the apartheid system. They launched protest marches and strikes. 

(ii) The African National Congress led the struggle against this policy of segregation. 

(iii) Many workers’ unions and the Communist Party joined this movement. 

(iv) Even many sensitive Whites joined the ANC and played a leading role in this movement. 

Ques44. What is meant by ‘sovereign, socialist and secular’ as the key words of our Constitution?

Answer:  The Constitution of India declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
(i) Sovereign The sovereign nature of India signifies that people of India have supreme right to make decisions on internal as well as external matters.
(ii) Socialist The socialist nature of India suggests that wealth is generated socially and should be shared equally by society.
(iii) Secular The word ‘secular’ signifies that the state has no official religion of its own. Every citizen has complete freedom to follow any religion.  

Ques45. The South African Constitution inspires democrats all over the world’. Justify the statement.

Answer:  After two years of discussion and debate the Constitution of South Africa was produced. It gave its citizens the most extensive rights available in any country. The Constitution writers included everybody, no one has treated differently whatever they have done in the past. So all communites sat down together to transform the bitter experience into a binding glue of a rainbow nation. They wanted to solve the problems of the country collectively. The Constitution was based on social equality and justice. Thus the Constitution inspires democrats all over the world.  

Ques46. Who led the struggle against apartheid? State any four practices following in the system of apartheid in South Africa.

Answer:African National Congress (ANC) led the struggle against apartheid. Many sensitive whites also joined the ANC to oppose apartheid and played a leading role in the struggle movement. Apartheid was the name of a system or policy of racial discrimination unique to South Africa. 

(i) The white Europeans imposed this system on non-white people of South Africa. 

(ii) The blacks were forbidden from living in white areas. They could work in these areas only if they had a permit. 

(iii) There were separate schools, colleges, hotels, hospitals, trains, buses, cinema halls, theatres, shopping areas and public toilets, swimming pools and beaches, etc for the whites and blacks. 

(iv) The blacks could not even visit the churches where the whites worshipped.

(v) The non-whites were denied the voting rights and even the basic human right.  

Ques47. What is a Constitution? Why do we need a Constitution? Give any five reasons. Or Why do we need a Constitution in a democracy? Explain any three reasons. Or What is a Constitution? Why do we need a Constitution? Give any four reasons.

 Answer:  The Constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living together in a country. Constitution is the supreme law that determines the relationship among people living in a territory (called citizens) and also the relationship between the people and government. We need a Constitution because
(i) It generates a degree of trust and coordination that is necessary for different   kind of people to live together.
(ii) It specifies how the government will be constituted, who will have power to take which decisions.  
(iii) It lays down limits on the powers of the   government and tells us what the rights of the  citizens are.
(iv) It expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.
(v) Indian Constitution safe guards the interests of minority, OBC, poor and weaker section of our society. It gives universal adult franchise to all and establishes equality for all.  

Ques48. “The manner in which the Constituent Assembly worked gives sanctity to the constitution of India. “Justify the statement with three arguments.

Answer:  The manner in which the Constituent Assembly worked gives sanctity to the Constitution. This statement can be justified by following points
(i) It worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner.
(ii) First some basic principles were decided and agreed upon and a draft of Constitution was prepared.
(iii) Serveral rounds of thorough discussion took place, clause by clause.
(iv) More than two thousands amendments were considered.
(v) Every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly was recorded and preserved. These ‘Constituent Assembly Debates, were printed in 12 volumes.  

Ques49. How has the Indian Constitution embodied the basic values into institutional arrangements? Explain.

Answer:  Indian Constitution is embodying the basic values into institutional arrangements by following ways
(i) The Constitution of India is a detailed document. It needs to be amended quite regularly to keep it updated. It has to be changed in accordance with people’s aspirations and changes in society. These changes are called Constitutional Amendments.
(ii) The Constitution lays down a procedure for choosing persons to govern the country. (iii) It defines who will have how much power to take which decisions.
(iv) It limits the powers of the government by providing some rights to the citizen that cannot be violated.  

Ques50. Explain the major factors that contributed to the making of Indian Constitution. Or List the factors that contributed to the making of Indian Constitution. 

Answer:  The making of a Constitution for a huge and diverse country like India was not an easy task. The various factors that contributed in the making of our Constitution were (i) Many of our leaders were inspired by the ideals of French Revolution
(ii) They were also influenced by the practice of parliamentary democracy in Britain and the Bill of Rights in the US.
(iii) Socialist Revolution in Russia inspired them to think of a system based on social and economic equality. (iv) At each step they questioned whether the things suited our country or not.

1) Which of the following is in favour of democracy?
(a) Leaders keep changing 
(b) Delays are often made in taking decisions
(c) The dignity of the citizen is enhanced 
(d) Political competition is very prominent
Ans:  (c) 

2) Which reason is responsible for the death of nearly three crore people in China’s famine of 1958-1961?
(a) Presence of democracy
(b) Absence of democracy
(c) Government’s negligence 
(d) Weak economic policy
Ans: (b) 

3) I have heard a different version. Democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people. Why don’t we accept that?
Ans: In some cases, the democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people i.e., where the democracy does not belong to the people it is not for them but far away from them, where the democracy is not by the people but the candidates the votes with money which means that true democracy does not exist. But we should not see these examples and be hopeless. These cases are exceptions and not the rule, which will be removed with the passage of time.

4) Let us take Lyngdoh Madam seriously and try to write down the exact definition of some of the simple words that we use all the time: pen, rain and love. e.g., is there a way of defining a pen that distinguishes it clearly from a pencil, a brush, chalk or crayon? 
(i) What have you learnt from this attempt? 
(ii) What does it teach no about understanding the meaning of democracy?
Ans: 

(i) From this conversation, I have learnt that there is no shortest to our thinking about the matter ourselves. We have to think about its meaning and evolve a definition. Each and everything has some specific features on the basis of which we can define that thing.
(ii) We need a definition only when we come across a difficulty in the use of a word. We need a clear definition of democracy because there are different kinds of governments which are known as Democracy. Abraham Lincoln said that Democracy is a rule of the people, for the people and by the people. We must not accept the definition, jug. because everyone accepts it. We do not know if this is the best way of defining democracy unless we think about it ourselves. After thinking about it we can say that democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. This is a common basic feature of democracy.

5) Ribiang went back home and collected some more famous quotations on democracy. This time she did not mention the names of the people who said or wrote these. She wants you to read these and comment on how good or useful these thoughts are 
(i) Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor. 
(ii) Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they, have told you what you think it is you want to hear. 
(iii) Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. 
(iv) Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. 
(v) All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
Ans: The first and second thoughts are about those forms of government in which the people have the right to elect their ruler without having options. It means they have to elect the candidate only from the ruling party. In the third thought, it suggests that if man accepts justice, then democracy is possible. But when the man follows injustice, democracy is necessary there to give justice to others. The fourth thought, suggests that there must be a balance between the form of government and our need. The strongest argument for democracy is about what it does to the citizens. Democracy recognises our needs and enhances our dignity. In the last thought, there is scope for changing the features and activities of democracy as per our need. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in a democracy. The advantage is that there is room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers can be changed. In this way, the ills of democracy can be cured. 

6) This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of US and other foreign powers. 
(i) What do you think this cartoon is saying? 
(ii) Why is ‘democracy’ written the way it is?
Ans: (i) The cartoon is saying that democracy is being established in Iraq with the help of the US military power.
(ii) Democracy is written in this particular way because it shows that it is not true democracy and it is a mockery of democracy set up by the US for its own interest. Democracy is being ridiculed in this cartoon. 

7) Syria is a small West Asian country. The ruling Ba’ath Party and some of its small allies are the only parties allowed in that country.
(i) Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico? 
(ii) What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?
Ans: (i) Yes, this cartoon could be applied to China, because there is a one-party rule in China. Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese communist party. So China cannot be said to be a true democracy. Mexico has a multiparty system. Nationally there are three large political parties, viz, Institutional Revolutionary   Party (IRP), National Action Party (NAP), and Party of the Democratic Revolution (PDR). But until 2000 every election was won by the PRI. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections. So the cartoon can be applied to Mexico until the 2000 election. But in 2006, election PRI fell to third place behind both the PAN and the PRD. Now Mexico has a coalition government.
(ii) Crown of leaves means a circle of leaves that is worn on somebody’s head as a sign of victory. The cartoon signifies that democracy has won in some of the countries of the world, but it is not accepted by all. 

8) This cartoon was drawn in the context of Latin America.

(i) Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well?
(ii)Think of other countries where this could apply? 
(iii) Does this happen sometimes in our country as well?
Ans: 
(i) The cartoon suggests the scene of booth capturing with the gun. This can be applicable to Pakistan. In Pakistan, General Musharraf with the help of army officials controlled the elected representatives.
(ii) This could be applied in Iraq, China, etc.
(iii) Booth capturing by the political hooligans happens sometimes in our country also. 

9) All this is so remote for me. 
(i) Is democracy all about rulers and governments?
(ii) Can we talk about a democratic classroom?
(iii) Or a democratic family?
Ans: 

(i) Democracy is not only about rulers and governments. Democracy is a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. In this sense, it can be applied to any organisation other than the government.
(ii) We can have democratic classrooms where the students can ask questions without hesitation. Where the teachers have a democratic temperament. Where the interaction is not one-way traffic but a healthy two-way interaction.
(iii) Democracy can be seen in families also. We could have democratic families where the decisions are not taken by any one individual and imposed on the rest of the family members. All the family members should sit down and arrive at a general consensus. My opinion should matter as much as my father’s. In this way, we can have, democracy in our family also.

10) This cartoon was titled ‘Building Democracy’ and was first published in a Latin American Publication. 

(i) What do money bags signify here? 
(ii) Could this cartoon be applied to India?
Ans: 

(i) At the time of the election, the political parties in the fray spend a lot of money to win the election. Not only political parties, the government also spends a lot of money to conduct a free and fair election. The cartoon suggests that we establish democracy with the help of money power.
(ii) Yes, this cartoon could be applied to India. 

11) This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown. He is shown behind the bars. 

(i) What is the cartoonist saying here? 
(ii) Compare the message of this cartoon with the first cartoon in this chapter.
Ans: 

(i) In one of the quotations of the cartoon, the cartoonist tells us about the equality of the right to vote and equal value of each man’s vote. In another quotation, he says that the dicta top mostly prefers the situation when he is the only man to decide any matter by his only vote.
(ii) The first cartoon shown in two chapters suggests that the US army personnel are elevating the process to form a democracy in Iraq. But in this cartoon, the message is that democracy is already established.    

12) (i) Why talk about Zimbabwe? 
(ii) I read similar reports from many parts of our own country. Why don’t we discuss that?
Ans: (i) The President of Zimbabwe is the head of the state of Zimbabwe. In 1987, Robert Mugabe becomes the president and he revises the Constitution to make himself Executive President. President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections. Opposition party workers are harassed, public protest and demonstration against the government are declared illegal, both print and electronic media are controlled by the government. The government has pressurised judges to give verdict in favour of the government. The example of Zimbabwe shows that popular approval of the rulers is necessary for a democracy, but it is not sufficient. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won the election. This is the reason for which Zimbabwe is discussed here.
(ii) Our country is democratic and elections are by and large free and fair. However, sometimes we hear reports about the use of unfair means, violence and money power in elections. These tactics (methods) are adopted by some candidates with criminal connections or criminal background. However, such cases are decreasing day by day. 

13) Chinese Government blocked the free flow of information on the internet by placing restrictions on popular websites like ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo’. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the reader of another major event in recent Chinese history. Find out about that event. 

Ans: The cartoon reminds us of the Massacre in Tiananmen square in 1989. In April 1989, triggered by the death of Hu Yaobang, a liberal reformer, mass gathering and protests took place in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It was largely a student-run demonstration that called for economic reform, freedom of the press and political liberalisation. The Chinese government brutally suppressed the movement for which it was internationally 

14) Read these five examples of working or denial of democracy. Match each of these with the relevant feature of democracy discussed above.

Ans: 

15) I want to be in Lyngdoh Madam’s class! That sounds like a democratic classroom, doesn’t it?
Ans: Yes, Lyngdoh Madam’s classroom sounds like a democratic classroom. Here everybody can speak his own mind. The students are giving their own arguments passionately. They feel very bad if someone that the environment in the classroom is democratic.

16) This cartoon is from Brazil, a country that has long experience of dictatorship. It is entitled The Hidden Side of Dictatorship’ 

(i) Which hidden sides does this cartoon depict? 
(ii) Is it necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side? 
(iii) Find out the dictators discussed in the first chapter and, if possible, about Abacha in Nigeria and Macros in the Philippines. 
Ans: 

(i) The hidden side depicted by the cartoon is the brutal side to the dictator. Dictator like Hitler ordered mass killings to eliminate ‘undesirable’ persons like Hitler many dictator killed the innocent people who were against their regime. This evil side of the dictator is shown in this cartoon.
(ii) No, it is not necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side. Because, if the dictator really wants to work for the betterment of people, he does not need to have a hidden side.
(iii) (a) The revolt by the army took place in Chile on 11th, September 1973 under General Augusto Pinochet in which President Salvador Allende was killed. Pinochet became the president of the country and ruled it for the next 17 years.
(b) Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski was the last communist leader of Poland who was the head of the state from 1985 to 1990. He resigned from power after the Polish Round table Agreement in 1989 that led to democratic elections in Poland.
(c) General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military dictator and politician. He was the defacto president of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998. His regime was tied to human rights violations and allegations of corruption. He hanged the famous social activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. He did not allow democratic process like elections in Nigeria He was listed as the world’s fourth most corrupt leader in recent history.
(d) Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was the president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He implemented wide-ranging programmes of infrastructure development and economic reform. However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian, political repression and human rights violations. In 2004, Global Transparency Report, Marcos appeared on the list of the world’s corrupt leader. He was said to have amassed between $ 5 billion to $ 10 billion in his 21 years as President of the Philippines. 

17) What would have happened if India was not a democracy? Could we have stayed together as a single nation?
Ans: No, we would have not stayed together as a single nation if India was not a democracy. India has multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-linguistic population. If there was no democracy then all the people could not have followed their religion and customs with freedom and there would have been conflicts between different religious and linguistic groups where the minorities would have lived in fear and insecurity. But democracy provides the peaceful solutions to every problem. It provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflicts. 

18) Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
Ans: Democracy is often viewed as the best form of government for several reasons:

• Better Decision-Making: It tends to produce better decisions by involving many people in discussions.
• Respect for Wishes: Democracies are more likely to respect the wishes of the people.
• Inclusivity: They allow diverse groups to coexist peacefully.
• Accountability: Leaders must respond to the needs of the people, making them more accountable.
• Correcting Mistakes: Democracies provide a way to correct errors through public discussion and feedback.
• Dignity: They enhance the dignity of all citizens, recognising everyone’s equal status.

While democracy may not solve every problem, it offers a framework for improvement and greater citizen involvement, making it preferable to other forms of government.

19) How does democracy allow us to correct its own mistakes?
Ans: The democratic system does not guarantee that mistakes won’t occur, but it provides mechanisms for addressing them. Key features include:

• Transparency: Mistakes in a democracy are often exposed quickly, allowing for public discussion.
• Accountability: Leaders can be held responsible for their decisions and may need to change them.
• Change of leadership: If rulers fail to correct their mistakes, citizens have the power to replace them.

In contrast, non-democratic governments lack these corrective measures, making it difficult to rectify errors. While democracy is not perfect and does not solve all issues, it remains superior to other forms of government by promoting citizen dignity and providing a framework for improvement.

20) How does democracy improve the quality of decision making?  
Ans: A democratic decision involves the consultation and consent of all affected individuals. In a democracy:

• Everyone, regardless of power or status, has an equal say in decision-making.
• This principle applies to governments, families, and organisations.
• Democracy reduces the likelihood of rash or irresponsible decisions.

Moreover, democracy:

• Provides a method for resolving conflicts and differences peacefully.
• Enhances the dignity of all citizens, recognising their equal status.
• Allows for the correction of mistakes through public discussion.

In summary, democracy improves decision-making by ensuring inclusivity, accountability, and the opportunity for correction.

41) 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. Those who are not powerful have the same say in taking the decisions as those who are powerful. When many people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes or drawbacks in any decision. It takes time. But important decisions should be taken after proper discussion. This process may be time-consuming, but it reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus the lengthy process of taking decisions on any important issue in democracy improves the quality of the decision. 

42) Explain the difficulties faced by the people in a non-democratic country? 
Ans: The common difficulties faced by the people in a non-democratic country are
(i) People cannot choose or change their ruler.
(ii) People cannot question the authority of the ruler or dictator.
(iii) People do not enjoy any rights. Supporters of democracy are tortured or killed. For example, in Chile more than 3000 people were killed by military.
(iv) In a non-democratic country, public protests and demonstration against the government are declared illegal. Sometimes political activists are imprisoned for   indefinite time. For example, Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar spent a long time in under house arrest.
(v) In a non-democratic country, people do not have political equality. Universal adult Franchise is denied sometimes.
(vi) In a non-democratic country people may have elected their representatives, but in reality they are not really the rulers. The power of taking final decision rests with army officials. For example, in Pakistan, the real power is enjoyed by the army. 

43) “Democracy is the most popular form of government emerging in modern times. Still its shortcomings cannot be ruled out.” Justify the statement by assessing any five shortcomings of democracy.
Ans: Shortcomings of democracy are
(i) In the democratic form of government, leaders keep on  changing, which leads to instability.
(ii) There is political competition and power play everywhere. This situation hardly follows any rules of morality.
(iii) Elected leaders are unable to contact a large number of people and can hardly guess about the real problems of the people, which results in wrong decisions, delay of work, etc.
(iv) A large number of people are illiterate. They do not know what is good for them. So they cannot decide anything properly.
(v) Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition. To win the election, the political parties adopt their own policies and try to win election by hook or by crook. 

44) How did. Musharraf establish his rule in Pakistan?
Ans: General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan in October 1999. He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the Chief Executive of the country. Later the changed his designation to President. In 2002, he held a referendum in the country that granted him a five year extension. In August, 2002, he issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the Constitution of Pakistan. According to this order, the President can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies. A National Security Council dominated by military officers supervised the work of the civilian cabinet. After passing the ‘Legal Framework Order’ Law, elections were held to the national and state assemblies.  

45) How did Robert Mugabe establish his dictatioral rule in Zimbabwe after independence?
Ans:  Zimbabwe attained independence from white minority rule in 1980. After independence, the country has been ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader Mugabe has been ruling since independence. Mugabe is popular, but also uses unfair practices in elections. Over the years, his government has changed the constitution several times to increase the power of the President and make him less accountable. Opposition party workers are harassed, public protests against the government are delcared illegal and both electronic and print media are controlled by the government. Even the government ignores the court judgements that go against it. He has reelected in 2013 at the age of 89 for another five years. His supporters characterise him as a true Pan-Africanist who stands strong against forces of imperialism in Africa.  

46) Write a response to the following arguments against democracy. 
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore Army should rule the country. 
(b) Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers. 
(c) If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.
Ans: (a) The Army is for the defence of the country. Even if it is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation it should not be allowed to rule the country as its primary duty is defence and not governance.
(b) Rule of majority is democratic as it represents the views of all sections of people. Illiterate and poor people cannot be called ignorant. At least they can realize which representative is good for them. Democracy means equal opportunity to all without any discrimination
(c) This statement is wrong. We should not mix religion and politics, especially in a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual country like India, Besides, many religious leaders do not have any experience of administration.

47) Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why? 
(a) Father to Daughter I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family, children marry what the parents tell them to. 
(b) Teacher to Student Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom. 
(c) Employee to the Officer Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.
Ans: (a) The first statement is undemocratic because a girl is not allowed to give her opinion relating to her own marriage. Just as the people have the right to choose their representatives, the girl should also be allowed to have a say in the selection or choice other husband.
(b) The second statement is undemocratic because the student is not being allowed to speak and ask questions. It is the duty of the teacher to teach and satisfy the queries of the students.
(c) The third statement is democratic because it calls for the reduction of working hours according to the law. Employees should enjoy the right to work for fixed hours as fixed by international law. 

48) Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
Ans: Democracy has been accepted as the best form of government in the modern world. Under this, government works for the welfare of the people. Democracy performs better regarding the removal of poverty and backwardness in a country. It offers better conditions of living. It implements policies to ensure equal opportunities for all the citizens in education and employment. Democracy is likely to respect people’s own wishes and allows different kinds of people to live together. Even if it fails to deliver on some of its promises, always there is a scope to correct its mistakes. Above all, it offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why democracy is considered the best form of government.

49) Is Mexico a democratic country or not? Give arguments in favour of your answer.
Ans: Mexico became independent in 1930. It holds elections after every six years. But until 2000, every election was won by a party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). PRI used many dirty tricks to win the elections. It spent a large sum of money for its candidates. Opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed to win. Media largely ignored the activities of the opposition political parties. But from 2000 the scenario has changed. In the 2000 election, Vicente Fox of National Action Party (PAN) in alliance with Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) became the first opposition candidate to win the election. Vicente Fox became the President of Mexico. After him Felipe Calderone of National Action Party (PAN) again became the President. It suggests that Mexico has marched towards democracy. 

50) Explain the representative democracy. Why is the representative democracy the most common form of government in modern times? Explain any four reasons. Or What is the representative democracy? Discuss its significance in the contemporary world.
Ans: The most common form of democracy in present time is that of a representative democracy. It is a type of democracy founded on the principle of elected representatives representing a group of people as opposed to direct democracy.
(i) India and most of the countries follow the representative democracy. In a democracy, all the people do not rule. Direct rule by people is not possible.
(ii) In a democracy, a majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people. Even the majority does not rule directly. It rules through its elected representatives.
(iii) Representative democracy becomes necessary in the contemporary world. Because modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a collective decision.
(iv) Even if they could, the citizens do not have the time, desire or skill to take part in all the decisions. 

51) Elections in China do not represent people’s verdict. Explain. Or Why are elections in China not free and fair? Explain any three reasons. Or Why can’t the democratic set up in China be called a true democracy? Explain.
Ans: Democracy is a major concept introduced to China in the late 19th century.
In China, elections are regularly hold after every five years for electing the country’s Parliament, called National People’s Congress.
It has nearly 3000 members elected from all over China. Some members are elected by the army.
This National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the president of the country.
Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist party.
Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller parties allied to if -are allowed to contest elections in China.
The government is always formed by the communist party.  
Thus, we cannot say that the elections in China are  free and fair. It is always restricted by the communist   party.

52) What steps were taken by PRI to win election in Mexico? Or The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) used many dirty tricks to win elections in Mexico”. Justify the statement with five example. Or Describe any five dirty tricks used by PRI to win elections in Mexico. Or “Till 2000 Mexican people seem to have a choice to elect their leader but practically they had no choice.” Support this statement with three suitable reasons.  
Ans:The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) of Mexico won all the elections from 1930 to 2000. The opposition parties did contest elections, but never managed win. The PRI used many dirty tricks to attend the elections.
(i) All the government employees had to attend the party meetings of PRI.\
(ii) Teachers of government schools advised and sometimes forced the parents for casting their votes in favour of PRI.
(iii) Media always criticised the opposition parties but ignored their good effort.
(iv) Sometimes the Polling booths are shifted from one place to another without prior notice. It tried to hamper the election procedure.
(v) Being in power, the PRI spent a large sum of money to manipulate the election and the campaign for the candidate. In Mexico people seemed to really have a choice, but in reality they had no choice, but to cast their vote in favour of the PRI. 

53) Who said this : ‘Democracy is the rule of the people, for the people and by the people’?
Ans: Abraham Lincoln, the former President of USA said this. 

54) From which word or words, has the word ‘Democracy’ been derived?
Ans: The word ‘Democracy’ is derived from the Greek words – ‘Demos’ and ‘cratia’. ‘Demos’ means ‘people’ and ‘cratia’ means ‘power’. Thus, Democracy means a form of government in which the power to rule lies in the hands of the people.

55) What is direct democracy?
Ans:  It is a form of government in which people directly participate in the affairs of the state. This system is possible only in those states where the population is small and all the citizens can directly participate in the affairs of the state. All the adult citizens have the right to participate in the meetings of the Assembly where all the laws are passed and decisions are taken. Today this system exists only in a few cantons of Switzerland. 

56) The King of which country has declared that in future he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives?
Ans: King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives.

57) What do you understand by ‘indirect democracy’?
Ans: Indirect democracy has been established in almost all the modern states, because modern states are much larger in size and population than before. Here people do not directly taken part in the affairs of the state, but they elect their representatives for a fixed period. If the representatives do not work according to the wishes of the people and for their welfare, they are changed at the time of the next election. 

58)  Parliamentary democracy envisages representation of the people, responsible government and ……. (Select the correct option) 
(a) accountability of the Council of Ministers 
(b) universal adult franchise 
(c) major political parties 
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) 

59) Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries? Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these. 
(a) Country A People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote. 
(b) Country B The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years. 
(c) Country C Ruling party has lost in the last three elections. 
(d) Country D There is no independent Election Commission.
Ans: (a) Undemocratic
(b) Not sure
(c) Democratic
(d) Undemocratic 

60) Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries? Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these. 
(a) Country P The Parliament cannot pass a law about the Army without the consent of the Chief of Army. 
(b) Country Q The Parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the Judiciary. 
(c) Country K The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country. 
(d) Country S All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the Central Bank which the ministers cannot change.
Ans: (a) Undemocratic
(b) Democratic
(c) Undemocratic  
(d) Undemocratic 

61) Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why? 
(a) People feel free and equal in a democracy. 
(b) Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others. 
(c) Democratic government is more accountable to the people. 
(d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.
Ans: (d) Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favour of democracy because countries of the Middle East like UAE and Saudi Arabia are economically strong but they have non-democratic governments, whereas India is a developing country but is a democracy. The poor countries can be democratic while the rich ones may not be. A good monarch can make his country more prosperous than some of the democracies.
62) Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement. 
(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the Parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation.
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported. 
(c) Women’s representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
Answer : (a) Passing of laws by the Parliament is democratic, whereas  passing in conformity to the regulations decided by World Trade Organisation (WTO) is undemocratic.
(b) To order repoll in a constituency by the Election Commission is democratic, whereas   large scale rigging is undemocratic.
(c) Women’s representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent is undemocratic, whereas demand by women’s organisations to reserve one-third seatsfor women is democratic.

63) Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country? 
(a) Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation. 
(b) A free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country. 
(c) Government fears its defeat in the next elections. 
(d) People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
Ans: (d) is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country, because practicing a religion is in no way related to prevent famines.

64) How does democracy enhance the dignity of the citizens?
Ans: Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. It means that the poorest and the least educated have 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 own mistakes.
65) This cartoon was published in Canada just before its Parlimentary elections of 2005. Everyone, including the cartoonist, expected the Liberal Party to win once again. When the result came, the Liberal Party lost the elections. In this cartoon an argument against democracy or for democracy?
Ans: This cartoon is an argument for democracy. Because in democracy, the voters decide in favour of or against the ruling party. Although the cartoonist expended the Liberal Party to win, he criticised the Liberal Party which he could do only in a democracy.

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.

General Parvez 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?

Until 2015, women in Saudi Arabia did not have the right to vote. However, the situation changed when the government announced reforms, allowing women to vote and contest in municipal elections. This was a significant step toward political equality, although Saudi Arabia still does not function as a full democracy.

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 25th 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.