Practice Questions: Key Elements of a Democratic Government | Practice Questions with Solutions for Class 6 PDF Download

Q1: What is the name of The ‘Council of States’ in India?
Ans: Rajya Sabha.

Q2: What is Zulu?
Ans: Language of South Africa.

Q3: What is ‘African National Congress’ in South Africa?
Ans: A group of people who led the struggle against apartheid.

Q4: How many fundamental duties are given in our constitution?
Ans: Ten fundamental duties.

Q5: Name the highest court of appeal in India.
Ans: Supreme Court.

Q6: What is meant by political equality?
Ans: Apartheid laws categorised the South African population into Black, White and Coloured race. The law separated the residential areas of the Blacks and Whites. Blacks were restricted from renting property in the areas deemed as white zones. They were not given any right to take part in the South African government.

Q7: Explain the concept of Universal Adult Franchise.
Ans: Right to vote is a bedrock of a democratic system. It should be equally available to all. Citizens cast their vote at regular interval. The constitution of India has introduced universal adult franchise. All the adults above the age of 18 years, irrespective of their castes, colour and or sex are entitled to participate in the election.

Q8: Who was Nelson Mandela?
Ans: Nelson Mandela is the famous leader of Africa. In his fight against racism he sacrificed twenty six years in prison. Finally, he succeeded and in 1994 South Africa became a democratic country in which people of all races were considered equal.

Q9: What do you mean by the 'Republican form of government'?
Ans: Our society is divided into many classes, castes, religions and languages. The Constitution places special importance to fraternity which means the spirit of brotherhood. It is the principle that gives unity and solidarity to social life. It is difficult thing to achieve.

Q10: Who elects the President of India? List any three presidents of India?
Ans: The President of India is elected by the members of an 'Electoral College' consisting of the elected members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. Election is conducted through secret ballot. Three presidents of India are: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Zakir Hussain.

Q11: Under which article of the Indian Constitution “Untouchablity is banned"?
Ans: Article 17 of the Indian constitution states that untouchablity is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of “Untouchability’’ shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.

Q12: How do people participate in the formation of the government?
Ans: In a democracy the representatives (who forms the government) are elected by the people through voting in elections. Representatives take decisions on behalf of the people. All governments are elected for a fixed period that is for five years.

Q13: Why do conflicts occur in our society?
Ans: Conflicts occur when people of different cultures, religions and regions or economic backgrounds do not get along with each other, or when some among them feel they are being discriminated against. Such people may use violent means to settle their differences.

Q14: What is the main dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu?
Ans: The major dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is water stored in Mettur dam and Krishnasagar dam because Krishnasagar dam fulfills Karnataka needs for irrigating and Mettur dam is used for crops grown in the delta region of state. Each state want water for its need and claimed more proportion. This dispute is also known as Cauvery River Dispute.

Q15: What is 'African National Congress'?
Ans: Social equality means the absence of discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, sex, religion, or language. Under the social equality everyone has equal status and opportunities..

Q16: Write a short note on Social justice.
Ans: Justice is defined as social, economic and political. Social justice implies that all citizens are treated equally irrespective of their status in society as a result of the accident of birth, race, caste, religion, sex, title etc. However the state may make provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes of citizens.

Q17: What is 'Representative Democracy’?
Ans: African National Congress has been the ruling party of post apartheid South Africa. It had its origin from the South African Native National Congress. The party was formed to increase the rights of the Black South African population.

Q18: What do you understand by the term participation? Why do conflicts arise? Give an example of conflict in India.
Ans: People’s participation can be understood as the participation of people in governance through elections and other means such as rallies, processions, signature campaigns etc. People participate by taking an interest in the working of the government and criticising it when required. By participating, people express their opinions and public opinion thus created is very essential in a democracy. Conflicts arise when the interest of the people of different cultures, religions, regions or economic background contradict. For example, river can be a source of conflict like the Cauvery River dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Q19: What are some important powers of the President in India.
Ans:

• The President appoints the Attorney- General of India, the judges of the Supreme Court and of the High courts, the Governors, Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives of India abroad.
• He has the power to sign all the international treaties and agreements.
• He represents India in International Conference.
• A money bill cannot be introduced in the parliament without the approval of the president.
• He has the power to reduce the punishment that a person receives.

Q20: What is the importance of public opinion? Name the agencies that are helpful in the formation of public opinion?
Ans: Public opinion contributes a lot to the development of social life. It does not allow the government to be absolute. The views, interests and aspirations of the people constitute the core of the democratic system. Public opinion ensures democratic communications.
The following agencies are helpful in the formation of public opinion, press, radio, television, cinema, political parties and election. Mass media plays a crucial role in reflecting public opinion. Freedom of expression can be made by all classes of people whether rich or poor through these agencies.