All questions of What is Democracy? Why Democracy? for Class 9 Exam

's Congress of China?

There are 2,980 members elected to the National People's Congress of China.

Office bearers are accountable

A is ur answer

Basic Rights of Citizens

The basic rights of citizens are essential to ensure that they have the freedom to live their lives with dignity and respect. In order to provide these rights, there are certain features that are necessary. These features include:

Freedom of thought: Citizens should be allowed to think independently and form their own opinions without fear of persecution.

Freedom of association: Citizens should be free to form associations and groups to pursue common goals and interests.

Right to protest: Citizens should have the right to raise their voices and protest peacefully against any injustice or violation of their rights.

Importance of these features

These features are necessary to ensure that citizens have the basic rights that they are entitled to. Without these features, citizens would be unable to express themselves freely, form groups to pursue common goals, or protest against any injustice. These features are essential for the functioning of a democratic society where citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process and hold their government accountable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the basic rights of citizens are essential for the functioning of a democratic society. The features of freedom of thought, freedom of association, and the right to protest are necessary to provide citizens with the basic rights they are entitled to. Without these features, citizens would be unable to express themselves freely and participate in the decision-making process. Therefore, it is important for governments to ensure that these features are protected and upheld.

The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is the correct answer to the question. This party dominated Mexican politics for over 70 years, from 1929 until 2000. The PRI was founded in 1929 by Plutarco Elías Calles, a former president of Mexico.

History of the PRI

The PRI was initially created as a coalition of several political groups that supported the Mexican Revolution. During the early years of its existence, the PRI implemented various social and economic policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the Mexican population. In the 1940s, the PRI established itself as the dominant political force in Mexico, winning every presidential election until 2000.

The PRI's Political Control

The PRI's political control was maintained through a combination of patronage, corruption, and repression. The party controlled most of the country's institutions, including the judiciary, the media, and the labor unions. The PRI also had a powerful intelligence agency that monitored political opponents and dissenters.

Despite its authoritarian tendencies, the PRI was able to implement significant social and economic reforms during its long rule. The party introduced land reforms, nationalized key industries, and established a social security system. However, the PRI's policies also led to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite, and many Mexicans remained impoverished and marginalized.

The End of the PRI's Dominance

The PRI's dominance began to wane in the 1990s, as Mexico underwent significant political and economic changes. The country became more democratic, with the establishment of a multiparty system and the expansion of civil liberties. Economic liberalization and globalization also led to significant changes in the country's economy, with the emergence of new industries and the decline of traditional sectors.

In 2000, the PRI lost the presidential election for the first time in 71 years, with Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) winning the presidency. The PRI remained a significant political force in Mexico, however, and returned to power in 2012 with the election of Enrique Peña Nieto.

The separation of powers is a fundamental guarantee of the independence of the judiciary. In the decision-making process, judges should have freedom to decide cases impartially, in accordance with their interpretation of the law and the facts. They should be able to act without any restriction or improper influence.

The Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front has been the ruling party in Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. The party was led for many years under Robert Mugabe, first as Prime Minister with the Zimbabwe African National Union and then as President from 1987 after the merger with the Zimbabwe African People's Union and retaining the name ZANU–PF, until 2017 when he was removed as leader.

The example of Zimbabwe illustrates that popular governments can be undemocratic. Despite being elected, leaders like Robert Mugabe used unfair practices, suppressed opposition, and disregarded basic rights, showing that popularity alone does not ensure democratic governance.

For an election to be considered democratic, it must offer a real choice between political alternatives. This allows citizens to choose their representatives freely and ensures that those currently in power have a fair chance of losing, thus maintaining the essence of democracy.

Understanding Representative Democracy
In a representative democracy, citizens exercise their power by voting for elected officials to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. This system contrasts with other forms of democracy, such as direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in decision-making.
Key Characteristics of Representative Democracy:
- Elected Representatives: Citizens select representatives through regular elections. These officials are accountable to the people and should act in their best interests.
- Decision-Making: Elected representatives deliberate on various issues, propose laws, and make policy decisions. This process allows for a more organized and efficient government.
- Majority Rule: Decisions are typically made based on majority votes, reflecting the collective will of the electorate while also protecting minority rights.
- Accountability: Representatives can be held accountable through elections, allowing voters to remove those who do not fulfill their duties or represent their interests effectively.
Benefits of Representative Democracy:
- Efficiency: Representatives can dedicate time and expertise to understand complex issues, making informed decisions that may be challenging for the general public.
- Representation: This system enables diverse groups within society to have a voice through their elected officials, fostering inclusivity.
- Stability: Elected representatives can provide consistent governance, as they are not subject to frequent changes in public opinion that can occur in direct democracies.
In summary, representative democracy is a system where elected officials represent the populace, making it a practical approach for managing modern societies while ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and considered.

I'm sorry, I cannot answer the question without more information. Please provide me with a question or context.

Democracy allows public discussion and correction of mistakes. Leaders must be responsive to the people, and decisions can be revised or leaders replaced, ensuring accountability.

The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was known for using various unfair practices to maintain its hold on power in Mexico until 2000. This included forcing government employees to attend party meetings, manipulating media coverage, and moving polling booths at the last minute to disrupt voting.

A fundamental principle of democracy is that each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have equal value. This principle ensures political equality among all citizens, irrespective of their background, ensuring fair and equal participation in the democratic process.

Ultimate Source of Power in a Democracy
In a democratic system, the ultimate source of final decision-making power is vested in the people, typically exercised through elected representatives. Here's a detailed explanation of why option 'C' is the correct answer:
The Role of Elected Representatives
- Representation of the People: Elected representatives are chosen by the citizens to voice their opinions, concerns, and needs in the government. This ensures that the views of the majority are considered in decision-making.
- Accountability: Elected officials are accountable to their constituents. If they fail to represent the interests of the people, they risk losing their position in the next election.
Contrast with Other Options
- Appointed Officials: While they may have expertise, appointed officials lack direct accountability to the public and can make decisions that do not reflect the will of the people.
- The Military: Military rule undermines democratic principles. Decisions made by the military may not prioritize civilian interests or democratic values.
- External Powers: Relying on outside influences can compromise national sovereignty and the ability of citizens to govern themselves. Decisions should be made by those directly accountable to the electorate.
Conclusion
In summary, a democracy thrives when the ultimate decision-making power lies with elected representatives. This structure ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of its citizens, fostering a system where the people have the primary say in how they are governed.

Evaluating both pre-election and post-election conditions is crucial to ensure that a democracy functions effectively. This includes checking that there is sufficient political activity, respect for basic rights, and an independent judiciary. If a government is popular but restricts political freedoms and fails to respect citizens' rights, it may still be undemocratic despite holding elections.

Violation of Democratic Principles
In a democracy, the ability for the ruling party to be removed through elections is fundamental. When this feature is compromised, it specifically violates the principle of free and fair electoral competition.
Key Aspects of Free and Fair Electoral Competition
- Competitive Elections: Democracies rely on elections where multiple parties can contest, ensuring voters have genuine choices.
- Accountability: If a ruling party cannot be challenged or replaced through elections, it reduces accountability to the electorate. Voters must have the power to remove leaders who do not serve their interests.
- Political Pluralism: A healthy democracy encourages diverse political opinions and parties. If one party remains in power indefinitely, it stifles political diversity and innovation.
- Voter Empowerment: Free and fair elections empower citizens by allowing them to express their will. If the ruling party cannot be removed, this empowerment is undermined.
Consequences of the Violation
- Erosion of Trust: Citizens may lose faith in the electoral process if they believe their votes do not matter, leading to apathy and disengagement.
- Authoritarianism: The inability to change leaders through elections can shift a government towards authoritarianism, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few.
- Stability Issues: Without the mechanism to change leadership, societies may face unrest or conflict as citizens seek alternative means to express dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, the inability to remove a ruling party through elections undermines the democratic framework and stifles essential elements like accountability, competition, and voter empowerment. It is crucial for a democracy to ensure that elections remain free, fair, and competitive to uphold its core values.

Evaluating both pre-election and post-election conditions is crucial to ensure that a democracy functions effectively. This includes checking that there is sufficient political activity, respect for basic rights, and an independent judiciary. If a government is popular but restricts political freedoms and fails to respect citizens' rights, it may still be undemocratic despite holding elections.

Democracy provides a peaceful solution to conflicts by allowing different groups to coexist and resolve their differences through dialogue and compromise, ensuring no permanent winners or losers.

The Role of Democracy in Addressing People's Needs
Democracy, as a form of government, is fundamentally built on the principle of representation and accountability. This ensures that the needs of the populace are prioritized. Here's how democracy effectively responds to people's needs compared to non-democratic governments:
Accountability of Leaders
- In a democratic setup, leaders are elected by the people. This means they have a mandate to serve the interests of their constituents.
- If they fail to address the needs of the people, they can be voted out in the next election, creating a strong incentive for them to be responsive.
Public Participation
- Democracies encourage public participation in decision-making processes. Citizens have the right to voice their concerns and influence policies that affect their lives.
- This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.
Freedom of Expression
- Democracies uphold the freedom of expression, allowing individuals and groups to advocate for their needs and rights.
- This freedom helps in highlighting issues that may be overlooked by those in power, prompting necessary actions.
Checks and Balances
- Democratic systems incorporate checks and balances among various branches of government. This structure prevents the concentration of power and promotes fair governance.
- Independent institutions, like the judiciary and media, play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that people's needs are met.
Conclusion
In summary, option 'C' is correct because democracy inherently ensures that rulers must address the needs of the people through accountability, public participation, and institutional checks. In contrast, non-democratic governments often lack these mechanisms, leading to a diminished responsiveness to the populace's needs.

The definition of democracy as "rule by the people" is considered inadequate because it does not address the type of elections held. This definition might include governments that hold elections but do not meet other democratic criteria, such as fair and free elections. Therefore, while the basic idea of people ruling is central, the specifics of how elections are conducted and how power is exercised are crucial for a fuller understanding of democracy.