Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Democratic Politics - I

Q1. What were the steps taken by Musharraf in Pakistan to empower himself? [Important]

Ans.

• General Pervez Musharraf carried out a military takeover in October 1999 in Pakistan.
• He ousted a government that had been elected through a democratic process and assumed the title of 'Chief Executive'.
• Subsequently, Musharraf changed his position to President and conducted a deceptive referendum in 2002, granting himself an additional five years in power.
• The referendum, marred by deceit and wrongdoing, enabled Musharraf to extend his term.
• In 2002, he introduced a 'Legal Framework Order' that brought modifications to Pakistan's Constitution.
• Under this order, the President gained the authority to dissolve the national or provincial assemblies.

Q2. With reference to Zimbabwe, describe how the popular approval of rulers is necessary in a democracy but not sufficient.
Ans. 

• Since gaining Independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has conducted regular elections consistently won by ZANU-PF, the party that spearheaded the liberation movement.
• President Robert Mugabe, a popular figure, has been accused of employing unfair tactics during elections.
• The government, led by Mugabe, has amended the Constitution multiple times to enhance the President's authority and reduce accountability.
• Workers of opposition parties face harassment.
• Public protests and demonstrations against the government are deemed unlawful.
• Legislation exists that restricts the freedom to criticize the President.

Q3. On the basis of the various examples given in the chapter, state what should be the four features of a democracy. 

Ans.

1. Final Decision-Making Power:The ultimate decision-making authority must rest with elected representatives. This ensures that the rulers are chosen by the people and are accountable to them.

2. Free and Fair Elections:Elections must be genuinely competitive and offer a real choice between political alternatives. It should be possible for people to remove the current rulers through the electoral process.

3. Universal Adult Franchise:Every adult citizen must have the right to vote, and each vote must carry equal value. This principle ensures political equality and prevents discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or other factors.

4. Rule of Law and Respect for Rights:A democratic government operates within the constraints of the law and must respect basic rights and freedoms of all citizens. It should allow for political opposition, free expression, and equal treatment under the law. Additionally, a democratic government must not act arbitrarily; it must adhere to constitutional limits and respect the rights of minorities.

These features collectively ensure that a government functions democratically by being accountable to the people, maintaining fair electoral practices, ensuring equal voting rights, and upholding fundamental rights and legal constraints.

Q4. Discuss the disadvantages of democracy.
Ans. 

• In any society, differences in opinions and interests are inevitable, especially in socially diverse countries like India.
• These differences often lead to conflicts between various groups.
• Democracy serves as the sole peaceful resolution to this issue.
• In a democratic setup, no single group remains a perpetual winner or loser.
• Different groups can coexist peacefully within a democratic framework.
• For a diverse nation like India, democracy plays a crucial role in maintaining unity.

Q6. Which characteristics make democratic government so popular? 

Fig. Democracy means power to people

Q10. ‘‘Democracy enhances the dignity of citizen.’’ Justify this statement.
Ans.

• Democracy boosts the respect and worth of its citizens.
• It is built on the concept of treating everyone equally, irrespective of their wealth or education level.
• In a democracy, individuals are not subjects under a leader but are leaders themselves.
• Even in the face of mistakes, individuals carry responsibility for their choices and behaviors.

Q11. ‘‘Democracy improve the quality of decision making.’’ Explain.
Ans. 

• Democracy offers a way to handle differences and conflicts within a society.
• In diverse societies like ours, differences in opinions and interests are inevitable due to social diversity.
• India, with its diverse regions, languages, religions, and castes, experiences sharp differences in preferences among groups.
• Democracy serves as a peaceful solution to resolve clashes of preferences between different groups.
• In a democratic system, no one remains a perpetual winner or loser, fostering equity.
• For a diverse nation such as India, democracy plays a crucial role in maintaining unity.

Q12. Give any four reasons why democracies resolve conflict in a better way than other forms of governments.
Ans. Democracies resolve conflict in a better way. Reasons —

• It improves the quality of decision making. It has scope for consultation and discussion.
• In a Democracy conflicts are not solved by brutal force but by peaceful solutions.
• Even even when people/associations/ government make mistakes for a democracy allows them to correct their mistakes
• Democracy provides a forum for consultations and discussions to resolve conflicts.

Q13. Despite its demerits why is democracy the most preferred form of government? Explain.
Ans. Despite its demerits democracy is still the most preferred form of government as it is:

Accountable Government:

Democracy surpasses other forms of government because it represents the people's interests, not the whims of a ruler or dictator. In essence, democracy is by and for the people, embodying accountability in governance.

Based on Consultation and Discussion:

Democracy hinges on consultation and discussion, allowing timely rectification of errors. Consequently, democracy enhances the quality of decision-making processes.

Deals with Differences:

Democracy offers a peaceful resolution to every issue, serving as the optimal method for managing differences and conflicts. It aptly suits diverse countries like India, encompassing a variety of languages, religions, castes, and creeds. Discussions lead to solutions, thereby promoting national unity.

Political Equality:

Democracy rests on political equality, ensuring equal rights for all—regardless of wealth, education, or social status. This aspect of democracy enhances the dignity of every citizen.

Room for Correction:

Only in democracy are mistakes acknowledged and efforts made to rectify them. Democracy provides the space to admit and correct mistakes, fostering continual improvement and accountability.

Opportunity for Individual Flourishing:

Democracy allows citizens to thrive according to their abilities, providing them with opportunities to pursue personal growth and fulfillment.

Q14. Why is democracy government a better government? Mention four reasons.
Ans.Fig: Democratic government.A democratic government is a better government as—

• it offers better changes of a good decision;
• it is always likely to respect people wishes and allows;
• different kinds of people to live together; and
• even when it fails to do something for the people it allows a way of correcting its mistakes and offers more dignity to all citizens. That is why a democracy is considered the best form of government.

Q15. What are the various aspects of democracy? 

Ans. We can identify three dimensions of democracy—political, social, and economic.

• Political Aspect: Political democracy necessitates "government by consent and political equality." Democracy, as a governance model, entails holding regular elections. Furthermore, there should be multiple political parties vying for power. 
• Social Aspect: A democratic society fosters an environment of equality. Discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or gender should not exist. Equal access to shops, restaurants, hotels, and public places of entertainment is essential. Our Constitution guarantees equality for all individuals before the law.
• Economic Aspect: Political democracy becomes meaningful when accompanied by economic democracy. The most enduring democracies globally often incorporate extensive welfare programs for impoverished communities.

Q16. Why did the Institutional Revolutionary Party in Mexico never lose any election till 2000? 

Ans. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Mexico maintained an unbroken winning streak until 2000. Several factors contributed to its enduring dominance:

• PRI secured victory in every election until 2000, with opposition parties consistently failing to win.
• Government employees were obligated to attend PRI's party meetings. Teachers in government schools pressured parents to vote for PRI candidates.
• The media largely overlooked the activities of opposition parties, often focusing solely on criticism.
• Last-minute changes in polling booth locations sometimes hindered voters from casting their ballots.
• PRI invested significant financial resources in its candidates' campaigns.

Q17. Write some common features of the non-democratic countries. 

Ans.

• Criticism of the government in non-democratic countries leads to imprisonment, harassment, and ongoing troubles for individuals.
• Non-democratic countries are often governed by monarchies or military rule, eliminating the possibility of elections altogether.
• Opposition parties are not tolerated in non-democratic countries, resulting in a lack of political pluralism. Only political parties that align with the government's agenda can exist.
• Independent trade unions are prohibited in non-democratic countries. Only those unions that support the government's policies, whether justified or not, are allowed to function.
• Non-democratic countries are characterized by the unchecked power of dictators or military rulers. Arbitrary detention, arrest, and even execution without trial are commonplace, leaving all citizens vulnerable to state oppression.