Text Book Solutions All Class

Q1: Give a detailed description of the powers of the President of India.
Ans:
The President is the elected head of the state. He/she heads the executive body of the Indian Union. He/ she issues orders to enforce laws made by the Parliament. He/she exercise the following powers:

• The Council of Ministers themselves is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• All laws and major policy decisions of the government are issued in his/her name.
• All top-level officials of the Union government sire appointed by the President and can be removed by him/her.
• He/she has the power to appoint the ambassadors to other countries. He/she also receives the ambassadors and other envoys from foreign countries.
• All international treaties and agreements are made in the name of the President.
• A bill passed by the Parliament becomes a law only after the President gives assent to it. If the president wants, he/she can delay this for some time and send the bill back to the parliament for reconsideration.
• The President can grant pardon to anyone sentenced by the courts.
• The President exercises direct control on the administration of Union Territories.

Q2: In what different ways does Parliament exercise political authority on behalf of the people?
Ans:

In all democracies, an assembly of elected representatives exercise supreme political authority on behalf of the people. Such an assembly is called Parliament. At the state level this is called Legislature or Legislative Assembly.

• Parliament exercises political authority on behalf of the people in many ways:
• It is the final authority for making laws in any country. Parliaments all over the world can make new laws, change existing laws, or abolish existing laws and make new ones in their place.
• Parliaments all over the world exercise some control over those who run the government. In some countries like India this control is direct and full.
• Parliaments controls all the money that governments have. In most countries any of the public money can be spent only when the Parliament sanctions it.
• Parliament is the highest forum of discussion and debate on public issues and national policy in any country. Parliament can seek information about any matter.

Q3: What are the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India?
Ans:

The Prime Minister of India is the head of the government and exercises wide ranging powers:

• He/she chairs cabinet meetings. He/she coordinates the work of different departments. His/her decisions are final in case disagreements arise between departments.
• He/she exercises general supervision of different ministries. All ministers work under his/her leadership.
• The Prime Minister distributes and redistributes work to the ministers. He/she also has the power to dismiss ministers. When the Prime Minister quits, the entire ministry quits.
• He is a link between the President and the people. He/she is the person who is actually responsible for the effective functioning of the government.
• The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers. The whole body works together under him/her as a team. Thus, if the cabinet is the most powerful institution in India, within the Cabinet it is the Prime Minister who is the most powerful.

Q4: How can you say that in India courts are independent of the legislature and the executive?
Ans:
In India, we have courts independent of the legislature and the executive.

• The judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
• In practice it now means that the senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. There is very little scope for interference by the political executive.
• The senior most judge of the Supreme Court is usually appointed the Chief Justice. Once a person is appointed as judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court it is nearly impossible to remove him or her from that position.

Q5: How is the President elected in our country?

Ans: In our country the President is not elected directly by the people. The elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) elected him. A candidate standing for President’s post has to get a majority of votes to win the election. This ensures that the President can be seen to represent the entire nation. He remains the nominal executive and can never claim the kind of direct popular mandate that the Prime Minister can.

Q6: Give the brief description of the Council of Ministers.
Ans:
Council of Ministers is the official name for the body that includes all the Ministers. It usually has 60 to 80 Ministers of different ranks:

• Cabinet Ministers are usually top level leaders of the ruling party or parties who are in charge of the major ministries. Usually the Cabinet Ministers meet to take decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers. Cabinet is thus the inner the ring of the Council Ministers. It comprises about 20 ministers.
• Ministers of State with independent charge are usually in-charge of smaller Ministries. They participate in the Cabinet meeting only when specially invited.
• Ministers of State are attached to and required to assist Cabinet Ministers.

Q7: What are the two categories that make up the executive? Describe them.
Ans:

• In a democratic country, two categories make up the executive. The first category which is elected by the people for a specific period is called the political executive. Political leaders who take the big decisions fall in this category.
• In the second category, people are appointed on a long-term basis. This is called the permanent executive or civil servants. Persons working in civil services are called civil servants. They remain in office even when the ruling party changes. These officers work under political executive and assist them in carrying out the day-to-day administration.

Q8: Name the three institutions that play a key role in major decisions in a democratic country. How do these institutions work?
Ans:
The three institutions are: Legislature, executive and judiciary.

• Legislature: It is an assembly of people’s representatives with the power to enact laws for a country. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures have authority to raise taxes and adopt the budget and other money bills.
• Executive: It is a body of persons having authority to initiate major policies, make decisions and implement them on the basis of the Constitution and laws of the country.
• Judiciary: It is an institution empowered to administer justice and provide a mechanism for the resolution of legal disputes.

Q9: What was the objective of the Mandal Commission? Mention one of the recommendations that it make in its report.
Ans:

• The Government of India appointed the second Backward Classes Commission in 1979 under the supervision of B.P Mandal. Since its head was B.P Mandal it came to be known the as Mandal Commission.
• The main objective of this commission was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend steps to be taken for their advancement.
• The Commission gave its Report in 1980 and made many recommendations. One of these was that 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for the socially and educationally backward classes.

Q10: How did people react to the decision to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission?
Ans:

• The decision to implement the Mandal Commission’s recommendations led to widespread protests and counter protests, some of which were violent. People reacted strongly because this decision affected thousands of job opportunities.
• Some felt that existence of inequalities among people of different castes in India needed job reservations. The felt, this would give a fair opportunity to those communities who so far had not adequately been represented in government employment.
• Others felt that this was unfair as it would deny equality of opportunity to those who did not belong to backward communities. They would be denied jobs even though they could be more qualified. Some felt that this would generate caste feelings among people and hamper national unity.

Q11: In our country, the Parliament consists of two Houses. Describe briefly these two Houses.
Ans:

• These two Houses are known as the Council of States or the Rajya Sabha and the House of the People or the Lok Sabha.
• The Rajya Sabha is usually elected indirectly and performs some special functions. The most common work of this House is to look after the interests of various states, regions or federal units.
• The Lok Sabha is usually directly elected by the people and exercises real power on behalf of the people.

Q12: How is the Prime Minister appointed in our country?
Ans:

• Prime Minister is the most important political institution in the country. But there is no direct election to the post of the Prime Minister. The President appoints the Prime Minister.
• But the President cannot appoint anyone he/she likes. The president appoints the leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha, as Prime Minister.
• In case no single party or alliance gets a majority, the President appoints the person most likely to secure a majority support. The Prime Minister does not have a fixed tenure. He continues in power so long as he remains the leader of the majority party or coalition.

Q13: What are the limitations of the Prime Minister in coalition government?
Ans:
The emergence of coalition government has put some barriers on the power of the Prime Minister:

• The Prime Minister of a coalition government cannot take decisions as he/she likes. He has to accommodate different groups and factions in his party as well as among alliance partners.
• He also cannot ignore the views and positions of the coalition partners and other parties, on whose support the survival of the government depends.

Q14: Enlist the disputes that can be taken by the Supreme Court.
Ans:
The Supreme Court can take up the following types of disputes:

• Between citizens of the country;
• Between citizens and the government;
• Between two or more state governments; and
• Between governments at the Union and State level.
• The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in civil and criminal cases. It can hear appeals against the decisions of the High courts.

Q1: Examine the role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections in India.
Ans:
Elections in India are conducted by an independent and very powerful Election Commission. It enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary enjoys. The Chief Election Commission or CEC is appointed by the President of India. But once appointed, the CEC is not answerable to the president or the government. Even if the ruling party or the government does not like what the Commission does, it cannot remove the CEC.
The Elections Commission of India uses wide-ranging powers in ensuring free and fair elections in the country.

It takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declarations of results.

• It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it.
• During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials.
• When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.
•  The Election Commission can reprimand the government and administration for their lapses. When election officials come to the opinion that polling was not fair in some booths or even an entire constituency, they order a repoll. The ruling parties often do not like what the EC does, but they have to obey. Thus, the EC plays a important role in ensuring free and fair elections in India.

Q2: What are reserved constituencies? Why are they necessary in India? What are the provisions of this system of reservation?
Ans:
Reserved constituencies are constituencies that are set aside for certain weaker sections of the Indian society. The weaker sections of the society may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and the state Legislative Assemblies. They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections against others. Those who are influential and resourceful may prevent them from wining elections. If that happens, our Parliament and Assemblies would be deprived of the voice of a significant section of our population.
That would make our democracy less representative and less democratic. So, a special system of reserved constituencies for the weaker sections was started to bring them in the mainstream of the country.
The Provisions of this systems are:

• Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Schedules Tribes (STs).
• In a SC reserved constituency only someone who belongs to the Scheduled Castes can stand for election. Similarly only those belonging to the Scheduled Tribes can contest an election from a constituency reserved for ST.
• Currently, in the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 47 for the Scheduled Tribes (as on 1 September 2012). This number is in proportion to their share in the total population.

Q3: Give a list of the minimum conditions needed for a democratic election.
Ans:
All democratic countries hold elections. But most non-democratic countries also hold some kind of elections. But they can’t really be called democratic elections. Here is a simple list of the minimum conditions of a democratic election:

• Everyone should be able to choose. This means that everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value.
• There should be something to choose from. Parties and candidate should be free to contest elections and should offer some real choice to the voters.
• The choice should be offered at regular intervals. Elections must be held regularly after every few years.
• The candidate preferred by the people should get elected.
• Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish.

Q4: What are the challenges to free and fair elections in India?
Ans:
There are many challenges of Indian elections. Some of them are given below:

• Candidates and parties with a lot of money may not be sure of their victory but they do enjoy a big and unfair advantage over smaller parties and independents.
• In some parts of the country, candidates with criminal connection have been able to push others out of the electoral race and to secure a ‘ticket’ from major parties.
• Some families tend to dominate political parties; tickets are distributed to relatives from these families.
• Very often elections offer little choice to ordinary citizens, for both the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice.
• Smaller parties and independent candidates suffer a huge disadvantage compared to bigger parties. The above challenges exist not just in India but also in many established democracies. Unless these challenges are overcome, elections cannot be called free and fair.

Q5: Why do democratic countries need to hold elections?
Ans:
Democratic countries need to hold elections for the following reasons:

• We cannot imagine a democracy without elections. A rule of the people is possible without any elections of all the people can sit together everyday and take all the decisions. But this is not possible in any large community.
• It is also not possible for everyone to have time and knowledge to take decisions on all matters. Therefore in most democracies people rule through their representatives.
• These representatives are chosen by a mechanism called election, which takes place at regular intervals so that people change them if they wish to do so.

Q6: In an election the voters makes many choices. Mention them.
Ans:
In an election the voters make the following choices:

• They can choose who make laws for them.
• They can choose who will form the government and take major decisions.
• They can choose the party whose policies will guide the government and law making.

Q7: What details are mentioned in the legal declaration made by candidates? Why is this information made public?
Ans:
Every candidate has to make a legal declaration, giving full details of:

• Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate;
• Details of the assets and liabilities of the candidate and his/her family; and
• Educational qualifications of the candidate. This information is made public because this provides an opportunity to the voters to make their decision on the basis of the information provided by the candidates.

Q8: Mention some of the unfair practices used in elections.
Ans:
Some of the unfair practices used in elections are:

• Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters’ list.
• Misuse of government facilities and officials by the ruling party.
• Excessive use of money by rich candidates and big parties.
• Intimidation of voters and rigging on the polling day.

Q9: What is the significance of the voters’ list in a democratic election?
Ans:

• In a democratic election, the list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before the election and given to everyone. This is called the voters’ list. This is an important step for it is linked to the first condition of a democratic election. Everyone should get an equal opportunity to choose representatives. No one should be denied the right to vote without a good reason.
• The voters’ list needs to be revised time to time. It is the responsibility of the government to get the names of all the eligible voters put on the voters’ list. As new persons attain voting age names are added to the voters’ list. Names of those who move out of the place or those who are dead are deleted. A complete revision of the list takes place every five years. This is done to ensure that it remains up to date.

Q10: What do political parties and candidates do during election campaigns?
Ans:

• During election campaigns political parties mobilise their supporters. They try to focus public attention on some big issues. They want to attract the public to that issue and get them to vote for their party on that basis.
• During this period the candidates contact their voters, and try to convince them that their party is  better than others.
• This is also the period when newspapers and television news are full of election related stories and debates.

Q11: How did the voters use to indicate who they wanted to vote for in earlier times? What do they do now-a-days?
Ans:

• Earlier the voters used to indicate who they wanted to vote for by putting a stamp on the ballot paper, which was a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with the party name and symbols were listed.
• Nowadays Electronic Voting Machines or EVMs are used to record votes. The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols.
• What the voter has to do is to press the button against the name of the candidate he/she wants to give his/her vote.

Q12: Why are election campaigns important in a democracy? When do these take place in our country?
Ans:

• Elections are the centerpiece of democracy. They give people a chance to choose the representatives, the government and the policies they prefer. Therefore it is necessary to have a free and open discussion about who is a better representative, which party will make a better government or what is a good policy. This is what happens during election campaigns. In the absence of election campaigns, people would be in utter confusion.
• In our country such campaigns take place for a two-week period between the announcement of the final list of candidates and the date of polling.

Q13: Why is it necessary for the Election Commission of India to be independent and powerful?
Ans:

• In our country elections are conducted by an independent and very powerful Election Commissioner or EC. It can reprimand the government and administration for their lapses.
• When election officials come to the opinion that polling was not fair in some booths or even an entire constituency, they order a repoll.
• The ruling parties often do not like what the EC does. But they have to obey. This would not have happened if the EC was not independent and powerful.

Q14: What happens once the polling is over?
Ans:

• Once the polling is over, all the EVMs are sealed and taken to a secure place. A few days later, on a fixed date, all the EVMs from a constituency are opened and the votes secured by each candidate are counted.
• The agents of all candidates are present there to ensure that the counting is done properly. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency is declared elected.
• In a general election, usually the counting of votes in all the constituencies takes place at the same time, on the same day. Within a few hours of counting, all the results are declared and it becomes clear as to who form the next government.

Q15: What is the principle of universal adult franchise? What does it mean in practice?
Ans: In practice the principle of universal adult franchise means that everyone should have one vote and each vote should have equal value. No one should be denied the right to vote without a good reason. Different citizens differ from one another in many ways—some are rich, some are poor, some are highly educated, some are not so educated or not educated at all; some are kind , others are not so kind. But all of them are human beings with their own needs and views. That is why, all of them deserve to have an equal say in decisions that affect them.

Q16: What are the demerits of an electoral competition?
Ans:
An electoral competition has many demerits. Some of them are:

• It creates a sense of disunity and factionalism in every locality.
• Different political parties and leaders often level allegations against one another.
• Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections. Some people say that this pressure to win electoral fights does not allow sensible long-term policies to be formulated.

Q1: How did the white Europeans occupy South Africa and begin to rule by imposing apartheid on the country?
Ans: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination specific to South Africa, imposed by white Europeans. This occupation began in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when European trading companies used force to take control of the land. Key points about apartheid:

• White settlers became the local rulers, significantly outnumbering the indigenous population.
• The system categorised people based on skin colour: blacks, coloured, and Indian migrants.
• Non-whites were treated as inferiors and denied basic rights, including voting.
• Blacks faced severe restrictions, such as being banned from living in white areas and needing permits to work there.
• Public facilities were segregated, with separate amenities for whites and non-whites.

Despite international condemnation, the apartheid regime continued to oppress the majority until the struggle for freedom led to significant changes.

Q2: How was the apartheid system particularly oppressive for the black population?
Ans: The apartheid system was extremely oppressive for the black population in South Africa. Key aspects of this oppression included:

• Segregation: Blacks were forbidden from living in white areas.
• Permits Required: They could only work in white areas if they had a special permit.
• Separate Facilities: There were distinct trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls, theatres, beaches, swimming pools, and public toilets for whites and blacks.
• Religious Restrictions: Blacks were not allowed to attend churches where whites worshipped.
• Prohibition on Protests: They could not form associations or protest against their treatment.

This system enforced a strict division and denied basic rights, reinforcing the idea that non-whites were inferior.

Q3: How did the people of South Africa fight against the oppressive system of apartheid?
Ans: The struggle against the apartheid system in South Africa was a collective effort by non-whites, including blacks, coloured individuals, and migrant Indians. This fight began in 1950and continued until the system was dismantled.

• Protests and strikes were launched to oppose the oppressive policies.
• The African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the main organisation leading the struggle against segregation.
• Many workers’ unions and the Communist Party also played significant roles in the resistance.
• Support came from some white individuals who opposed apartheid.
• Numerous countries condemned the apartheid regime as unjust and racist.
• Despite international pressure, the white government maintained its segregation policies, often resorting to violence against those who protested.

Q4: What made the blacks and whites apprehensive at the time of Constitution making in South Africa?
Ans: The following factors made both ethnic groups apprehensive at the time of Constitution making in South Africa:

• The oppressor (whites) and the oppressed (blacks) in the new democracy were planning to live together as equals. It was not going to be easy for them to trust each other. They had their fears.
• Both groups wanted to safeguard their interests. The black majority was keen to ensure that the democratic principle of majority rule was not compromised. They wanted substantial social and economic rights.
• The white majority was keen to protect its privileges and property.

Q5: What was the attitude of the black leaders towards the whites after the emergence of the new democratic South Africa?
Ans: After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, black leaders chose to refrain from seeking revenge against the whites for their past oppression. Instead, they adopted a forgiving and liberalstance.

• They encouraged fellow blacks to forgive the whites for the atrocities committed during their time in power.
• The leaders called for the creation of a new South Africa, founded on the principles of equality for all races and genders, as well as democratic values, social justice, and human rights.
• Both the party that had ruled through oppression and the party that led the freedom struggle collaborated to draft a common Constitution.

Q6: Why is a written Constitution needed in every country?
Ans: Every country consists of diverse groups of people, which can lead to differences in opinions and interests. To ensure peaceful coexistence, it is essential to have a set of basic rules known as a Constitution. These rules serve several important functions:

• Supremacy of Rules: The Constitution is the highest law and applies to everyone, including the government and citizens.
• Defining Relationships: It outlines how individuals relate to one another and to the government.
• Establishing Trust: By providing clear guidelines, it fosters trust and cooperation among different groups.
• Limiting Government Power: It specifies the powers of the government and protects citizens’ rights.
• Reflecting Aspirations: The Constitution embodies the collective hopes of the people for a just society.

While not all countries with a Constitution are democratic, every democratic nation must have one to function effectively.

Q7:  Mention the role of the Constituent Assembly in the making of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Constituent Assemblywas a body of elected representatives responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. Here are key points about its role:

• The elections for the Constituent Assembly took place in July 1946, with its first meeting in December of the same year. Following the partition, the Assembly was divided into those for India and Pakistan, with the Indian Assembly comprising 299 members.
• It took the Assembly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution, during which members deliberated for 114 days. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated annually as Republic Day.

Q8: What is the significance of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Preamble of the Constitution of India serves as a guiding light for the nation’s governance and principles. It encapsulates the core values and philosophy upon which the entire Constitution is founded. Here are its key significances:

• The Preamble acts as the foundation of the Indian Constitution, reflecting its essence.
• It provides a benchmark to assess the legality and morality of laws and government actions.
• Key terms such as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republic are embedded within it, forming the bedrock of India’s democracy.

Q9: What compromises were made between the blacks and whites at the time of Constitution making in South Africa?
Ans: The process of creating a constitution in South Africa involved significant compromises between the black majority and the white minority. Key points of this agreement included:

• The black majority aimed to ensure that the principle of majority rule was upheld, along with substantial social and economic rights.
• The white minority sought to protect its privileges and property.
• After extensive negotiations, both sides reached a compromise:
  • The whites accepted the principle of one person, one vote.
  • They agreed to some basic rights for the poor and workers.
  • The blacks agreed that majority rule would not be absolute.
  • They consented that the majority could not take away the property of the white minority.
• This compromise was challenging to implement, raising concerns about trust and the potential for future conflicts.

Ultimately, the constitution aimed to create a framework for a new democratic society, ensuring that all voices were heard and respected.

Q10: How can you say that the Constituent Assembly was the representative body of the people of India?
Ans:

• The Constituent Assembly was a true representation of the people of India, comprising notable leaders such as Rajendra Prasad, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and others, who represented various sections of Indian society.
• Although there was no universal adult franchise at the time, the Assembly was elected mainly by members of the existing Provincial Legislatures, ensuring a fair geographical representation from all regions.
• Socially, the Assembly included members from diverse language groups, castes, classes, religions, and occupations, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian society.

Q11:How did the white minority and the black majority agree to draw up a common Constitution for South Africa?
Ans:

• After the emergence of the new democratic South Africa, the two parties, the one that ruled through oppression and the other that led freedom struggle, sat together to draw up a common Constitution. After long negotiations both parties agreed to a compromise.
• The whites agreed to the principle of majority rule and that of one person are vote. They also agreed to accept some basic rights for the poor and the workers.
• The blacks agreed that the majority rule would not be absolute. They agreed that the majority would not take away the property of the white minority.

South Africa got independence from the apartheid government in 1994. Afterwards the process of Constitution making began. It took two years when South Africa got one of the finest constitutions of the world. In 1996, President Nelson Mandela promulgated it. Here are the major characteristics of this Constitution:

• The Constitution of South Africa is the highest law of the land. It is widely regarded as the most progressive Constitution in the world, with a Bill of Rights second to none.
• The new Constitution was written in consultation with the public as well as elected public representatives.
• The Constitution gives to its citizens the most extensive rights available in any country. It is based on equality of all races and men and women, on democratic values, social justice and human rights.
• Freedom of expression and association, political and property rights, housing, health care, education, access to information and access to courts have also been incorporated in the Constitution of South Africa.
• Speaking on the South African Constitution, Mandela said that the Constitution speaks of both the past and the future. On the one hand, it is a solemn pact in which all the citizens of South Africa declare to one another that they shall never permit a repetition of their racist, brutal and repressive past.

Thus, the South African Constitution inspires democrats all over the world. A state denounced by the entire world till recently as the most undemocratic one is now seen as a model of democracy.

Q12: Mention some of the major characteristics of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, has several key characteristics:

• Sovereign: The people have the supreme right to make decisions regarding internal and external matters.
• Socialist: Wealth should be shared equally, and the government regulates ownership to reduce socio-economic inequalities.
• Secular: The government treats all religions equally, with no official religion.
• Democratic: Citizens enjoy equal political rights, elect their leaders, and hold them accountable.
• Justice: Discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender is prohibited, and the government works for the welfare of all, especially disadvantaged groups.
• Liberty: Citizens have the freedom to think, express, and act without unreasonable restrictions.
• Equality: Everyone is equal before the law, and the government ensures equal opportunities for all.
• Fraternity: Promotes a sense of brotherhood and unity among all citizens.

These principles reflect the aspirations of the Indian people and guide the functioning of the government.

Q13: How can you say that the Indian Constitution is both rigid and flexible?
Ans: One of the key features of the Constitution of India is that it is both rigid and flexible.

• Rigid Aspects:
  • Provisions related to the basic structure of the Constitution, such as the division of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, cannot be altered by Parliament alone.
  • Any amendments require approval from both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
  • Additionally, the amendments must be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the states.
• Flexible Aspects:
  • The Constitution can be amended to meet the changing needs of society.
  • The framers did not view it as a static or unchangeable document.
  • Provisions exist to incorporate changes over time, known as constitutional amendments.

This dual nature allows the Constitution to adapt while maintaining its core principles, ensuring it remains relevant to the aspirations of the people.

Q14: Which values are embedded in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution? Explain.
Ans: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as a brief introduction to its core values, acting as the guiding principle for all its articles. It is often referred to as the soul of the Constitution. Key values embedded in the Preamble include:

• Sovereign: India has the ultimate authority to govern itself without external interference.
• Socialist: Wealth should be shared equitably among all citizens, with government regulation to reduce inequalities.
• Secular: The state treats all religions equally, ensuring freedom of belief and practice.
• Democratic: The government is elected by the people, ensuring political rights and accountability.
• Justice: All citizens are entitled to fair treatment, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
• Liberty: Citizens can express their thoughts freely without unreasonable restrictions.
• Equality: Everyone is equal before the law, with equal opportunities for all.
• Fraternity: Promotes a sense of brotherhood among citizens, ensuring dignity and unity.

These values reflect the aspirations of the Indian people and form the foundation of the nation’s democracy.

Q15: What is Constitution of a country? Why do we need it? Or, what is the importance of a Constitution in a country?
Ans: The Constitution of a country is a collection of written rules accepted by all its citizens. It serves as the supreme law that defines the relationships among people within a territory and between the people and their government. The importance of a Constitution can be summarised as follows:

• Trust and Coordination: It fosters a sense of trust and cooperation necessary for diverse groups to coexist.
• Government Structure: It outlines how the government is formed and specifies who holds decision-making power.
• Limits on Power: It establishes limits on government authority and defines the rights of citizens.
• Aspirations of Society: It reflects the collective hopes of the people for a just and equitable society.

While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, every democratic nation has a constitution that guides its governance and protects citizens’ rights.

Q1. How can you say that the forms of government ruling in countries like Myanmar, Chile, Nepal and Saudi Arabia are not Democratic?

Ans: Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people. This definition helps us identify governments that are not democratic, such as those in Myanmar, Chile, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia. Here’s why these countries do not qualify as democratic:

• Myanmar: The country is ruled by military leaders who are not elected. The army controls the government, and the people have no influence over this.
• Chile: Under Pinochet, the government was not elected by the people, making it undemocratic.
• Nepal and Saudi Arabia: The kings in these countries rule by virtue of their birthright, not through a democratic election by the populace.

Q2. ‘The elections held in China and Mexico are not fair elections.’ Explain.

Ans: Elections are held in both China and Mexico, but they are not fair. The electoral processes in these countries do not provide genuine choices for voters.

• In China, citizens can only vote for candidates approved by the ruling party, limiting their options.
• In Mexico, while it appears that voters have choices, the ruling party has historically maintained power, making it nearly impossible for opposition parties to win.

For a system to be considered a true democracy, elections must allow for a real chance of change in leadership. This means:

• Voters should have the ability to choose from multiple political alternatives.
• Those currently in power must have a fair possibility of losing.

Q3. How are elections in India different from those of Mexico?

Ans: India and Mexico both have a multi-party system, but their election processes differ significantly:

• Free and Fair Elections: In India, elections are generally considered free and fair, allowing for a real chance of losing. In contrast, from 1930 to 2000, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) in Mexico won every election.
• Election Oversight: During elections, Indian government officials operate under the authority of the Election Commission, not the government. This is not the case in Mexico.
• Election Frequency: Elections in India occur every five years, while Mexico holds elections every six years.

Q4. “Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.” Explain.

Ans: Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

In any society, differences in opinions and interests are inevitable, especially in a diverse country like ours. Here are some key points:

• People come from various regions, speak different languages, practise different religions, and belong to different castes.
• These differences can lead to clashes between groups, making peaceful coexistence challenging.

Democracy offers a peaceful way to manage these conflicts:

• In a democracy, there are no permanent winners or losers.
• It allows different groups to coexist peacefully, promoting unity in a diverse nation like India.

Additionally, democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by involving them in decision-making processes. This approach:

• Encourages careful consideration of important decisions.
• Reduces the likelihood of rash or irresponsible choices.

Q5. ‘A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ right’. Explain.

Ans: A democratic government cannot act without limits, even after winning an election. It must adhere to certain fundamental rules, particularly those that protect minority rights. Major decisions require thorough consultations.

• Each office holder has specific rights and responsibilities defined by the Constitution and the law.
• They are accountable to both the public and independent officials.
• All individuals should be treated equally under the law.
• Citizens must have the freedom to think, express opinions, form associations, protest, and engage in political activities.

Q6. What steps did president Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe take to remain in power?

Ans: Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from its independence in 1980 until he was ousted in 2017. His government employed several tactics to maintain power:

• Regular Elections: Elections were consistently held, with ZANU-PF winning each time. While Mugabe enjoyed some popularity, he also engaged in unfair practices to secure victories.
• Constitutional Changes: The government altered the Constitution multiple times to enhance presidential powers and reduce accountability.
• Suppression of Opposition: Opposition party members faced harassment, and their meetings were often disrupted. Public protests were declared illegal, and laws restricted criticism of the President.
• Media Control: The government controlled television and radio, promoting only its narrative. Independent newspapers faced harassment, and journalists critical of the government were targeted.
• Judicial Pressure: The government ignored court rulings against it and pressured judges to comply with its demands.

Q7. What is representative democracy? Why is it criticised?

Ans: Representative democracy is a system of government where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people. This approach is necessary because it is impractical for everyone to participate in decision-making directly. Despite its widespread acceptance and praise, representative democracy faces several criticisms:

• Political competition: The focus on power struggles often overshadows ethical considerations.
• Decision-making delays: The need to consult multiple leaders can slow down important decisions.
• Misguided leaders: Elected officials may not always act in the best interest of their constituents, resulting in poor choices.
• Corruption: The competitive nature of elections can foster corrupt practices.
• Lack of knowledge: Many citizens may not be well-informed enough to make significant decisions.

While democracy is not a perfect solution to all societal issues, it provides a framework for governance that allows for public participation and accountability. However, it is essential to critically evaluate its effectiveness and the arguments against it.

Q8. Is it right to criticise democracy? Give your opinion.

Ans: Arguments against democracy

• Leaders frequently change, leading to instability.
• Democracy often revolves around political competition, which can lack moral considerations.
• Consulting many people can result in delays in decision-making.
• Elected leaders may not always act in the best interest of the public, leading to poor decisions.
• Corruption can arise due to the competitive nature of elections.
• Ordinary citizens may lack the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that democracy is not a perfect solution for all issues. It has not eradicated poverty in our country or globally.

Q9. How is Zimbabwe an example of non-democratic country?

Ans: Zimbabwe became independent in 1980 and has been ruled by the ZANU-PF party, led by Robert Mugabe, since then.

• Elections are held regularly, but ZANU-PF always wins. Although Mugabe was popular, he employed unfair practices during elections.
• The government has amended the Constitution multiple times to enhance presidential powers and reduce accountability.
• Opposition party members face harassment, and their meetings are often disrupted. Public protests are deemed illegal.
• A law restricts the right to criticise the President, limiting free speech.
• Media is government-controlled, promoting only the ruling party’s perspective. Independent journalists face intimidation for opposing views.

Mugabe was ousted in 2017, illustrating that while popular support is crucial in a democracy, it does not guarantee democratic practices.

Q10. Give broader meaning of democracy.

Ans: Democracy is often viewed as a form of government, but its meaning extends beyond that. Here are some broader interpretations:

• A democratic family allows all members to participate in decision-making, ensuring everyone’s opinion is valued.
• Democracy can also represent an ideal standard that societies strive for, where no one goes to bed hungry and all citizens have an equal role in decisions.

Understanding democracy as an ideal helps us evaluate existing systems and identify their weaknesses. It emphasises that:

• Democratic decisions involve consultation and consent from all affected individuals.
• Everyone, regardless of power, should have an equal say in decision-making.

This principle can apply to various aspects of life, not just government. For example, in a small community, decisions can be made collectively, reflecting true democratic practice.

Q11. “Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes.” Explain.

Ans: Democracy does not guarantee that mistakes won’t happen; no government can assure that. However, it offers significant advantages:

• Transparency: Mistakes in a democracy cannot be hidden for long.
• Public Discussion: There is space for open dialogue about errors.
• Correction Mechanism: Rulers can change their decisions or be replaced, which is not possible in non-democratic systems.

Thus, democracy provides a way to correct mistakes and enhances the dignity of all citizens. It acknowledges that every individual, regardless of their background, has equal status and responsibility in governance.

Q12. Which is the most common form of democracy? Why is it important in today’s world? Or why is direct democracy not possible in the present day world? Or why do we need a representative democracy in the present day world?

Ans: The most common form of democracy today is representative democracy. In democratic countries, not everyone rules directly; instead, a majority makes decisions through their elected representatives. This system is crucial for several reasons:

• Modern democracies involve a large number of people, making it impractical for everyone to gather and make decisions together.
• Most citizens lack the time or desire to participate in every decision, which is why representatives are essential.
• Representative democracy allows for efficient governance and better representation of diverse interests.

In smaller communities, direct decision-making can occur, but for larger populations, representative democracy is necessary.

Q13. Why do we need a representative democracy in the present day world?

Ans: The most common form of democracy today is representative democracy. In democratic countries, not everyone rules directly. Instead, a majority makes decisions through their elected representatives. This system is crucial for several reasons:

• Modern democracies involve a large number of people, making it physically impossible for everyone to gather and make decisions together.
• Even if they could meet, most citizens lack the time, desire, or skills to participate in every decision.

Q14. How can you say that Saudi Arabia, Estonia and Fiji are not democratic countries in true sense of the term?

Ans: Although the principle of Universal Adult Franchise is widely accepted, there are still significant instances of unequal voting rights:

• In Saudi Arabia, women were denied the right to vote until 2015.
• Estonia has citizenship rules that make it difficult for the Russian minority to obtain voting rights.
• In Fiji, the electoral system values the vote of an indigenous Fijian more than that of an Indian-Fijian.

These factors highlight the challenges to true democratic representation in these countries.

Q15. Explain how elections are held in China. Why is the government there always formed by the Communist Party only?

Ans: Elections in China occur every five years to elect the country’s parliament, known as the National People’s Congress (NPC).

The NPC has the authority to appoint the President of China and consists of nearly 3,000 members elected from across the nation, including some from the military.

Key points about the electoral process include:

• Candidates must receive approval from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before running.
• Only members of the CCP or eight smaller allied parties can contest elections.
• This system ensures that the government is consistently formed by the Communist Party.

Q16. “Till 2000, Mexican people seem to have a choice to elect their leader, but practically they had no choice”. Support this statement with valid reasons.

Ans: The elections in Mexico until 2000 were largely undemocratic. Here are some key reasons:

• Every election was won by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), with opposition parties failing to secure victories.
• The PRI employed various manipulative tactics to ensure its success, including requiring government employees to attend party meetings.
• Government school teachers pressured parents to vote for the PRI.
• The media predominantly ignored opposition parties, focusing mainly on their criticisms.
• Polling booths were sometimes relocated at the last minute, complicating the voting process.
• The PRI invested significant funds in its election campaigns.

These factors indicate that while it appeared people had a choice, in reality, they did not. The ruling party was virtually unstoppable, regardless of public sentiment. Therefore, these elections cannot be considered a true representation of democracy.

Q17. What arguments are given against democracy? Enlist any five.

Ans: Arguments against democracy often highlight its perceived flaws. Here are some common criticisms:

• Frequent leadership changes can create instability.
• Democracy often involves political competition, which may overshadow moral considerations.
• Consulting many leaders can lead to delays in decision-making.
• Elected leaders may not always understand the best interests of the people, resulting in poor choices.
• Electoral competition can foster corruption.
• Some argue that ordinary people lack the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Despite these criticisms, it’s important to remember that democracy is not a perfect solution for all issues. It has not eradicated poverty in many regions, including our own.

Q18. Give some of the features of non-democratic government that are also applicable to Pakistan under Pervez Musharraf.

Ans: In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999, overthrowing the democratically elected government. He declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ and later became President. In 2002, he held a controversial referendum that allegedly involved malpractices and fraud, granting him a five-year extension.

Key features of Musharraf’s non-democratic government include:

• Amendment of the Constitution through a ‘Legal Framework Order’ in August 2002, allowing him to dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
• Supervision of the civilian cabinet by a National Security Council dominated by military officers.
• While elections were held for national and provincial assemblies, the real power remained with military officials and Musharraf.

Thus, Pakistan under Musharraf cannot be considered a democracy. The rulers were not truly elected by the people, and the final decision-making power rested with those not elected. This situation contradicts the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

Q19. What are the merits or benefits of democracy?

Ans: Democracy is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide as people seek it and fight for it. Many influential figures have praised this form of government, making it a preferred choice over other political systems. Supporters of democracy highlight several key benefits:

• Responsiveness to Needs: Democracy is more effective than non-democratic systems in addressing the needs of the people. While non-democratic governments may respond to public needs, their actions depend on the rulers’ desires. In contrast, democratic leaders must consider the people’s wishes, making them more accountable.
• Consultation and Discussion: Democratic decisions involve extensive consultation and discussion. This collaborative approach reduces the likelihood of hasty or irresponsible choices, thereby enhancing the quality of decision-making.
• Conflict Resolution: Democracy offers a framework for managing differences and conflicts. In diverse nations like India, it fosters cooperation and peaceful solutions between various groups, preventing clashes.
• Dignity of Citizens: Democracy is rooted in the principle of political equality, recognising that every individual, regardless of their background, holds the same status. Citizens are not subjects of a ruler; they are the rulers themselves, which enhances their dignity.
• Self-Correction: While mistakes can occur in any government, democracies have mechanisms for correcting errors. Public discussion allows for transparency and accountability, ensuring that mistakes are addressed and rectified.

Q20. Compare some of the major features of democratic and non-democratic governments.

Ans:  A democratic government differs significantly from a non-democratic government in several ways: