Based on your understanding, choose the correct option.
Q1.
Ans: (b) democracy
Today, democracy is considered the best and most popular form of government because it allows people to govern themselves directly or through elected representatives.
Q2.
Ans: (b) after independence
After gaining independence from British rule, India chose to become a democratic republic, framing a Constitution that governs the country.
Q3.
Ans: (a) the Athenian democracy
The earliest democracy began in Athens (in ancient Greece) in the 6th century BCE, known as direct democracy where all citizens assembled at one place to make laws and take decisions.
Q4.
Ans: (c) direct democracy
Direct democracy is characterized by the direct participation of people in the governance process, including making laws and decisions, as was practiced in ancient Greece.
Q5.
Ans: (b) French Revolution
The French Revolution of 1789 introduced the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, emphasizing the natural and universal rights of humans.
Q6.
Ans: (a) people govern themselves through elected representatives
Democracy allows people to govern themselves either directly or through representatives they elect, making it a government by the people, for the people.
Q7.
Ans: (c) ancient Greek Civilisation
The concept of democracy dates back to ancient Greek civilization, specifically Athens, where the earliest form of democracy was practiced.
Q8.
Ans: (b) two houses
India's legislature, part of the decision-making mechanism in a democracy, is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Q9.
Ans: (c) President
The President is the head of the executive of the Union of India, playing a crucial role in the governance structure of the country.
Q10.
Ans: (a) All adult citizens have the right to vote.
Universal Adult Franchise ensures that all adult citizens have the right to vote, which is a fundamental aspect of democracy, allowing citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Answer the following in one sentence.
Q1.
Ans: India chose to become a democratic republic after gaining independence.
Q2.
Ans: Democracy is a form of government where people govern themselves directly or through elected representatives.
Q3.
Ans: The ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired democratic ideals worldwide.
Q4.
Ans: A dictatorship is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group, often characterized by authoritarian control and lack of democratic freedoms.
Q5.
Ans: Universal Adult Franchise means that all adult citizens have the right to vote in elections, regardless of race, gender, or social status.
Answer the following questions in brief.
Q1.
Ans: Modern democracy often takes the form of indirect or representative democracy, where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, unlike ancient Greece's direct democracy where citizens themselves made decisions.
Q2.
Ans: The decline of feudalism, the formation of representative bodies of citizens, and the shift of power from feudal lords to the king and common people contributed to the growth of democratic principles.
Q3.
Ans: The Renaissance promoted the revival of Greek literature and culture, encouraging the growth and implementation of democratic concepts and leading to the establishment of legislative bodies with representatives from various social classes.
Q4.
Ans: The judiciary ensures justice and legality, protects the freedom and rights of citizens, and upholds the constitution, playing a critical role in safeguarding democracy.
Q5.
Ans: Democracy upholds human dignity and equality by respecting fundamental rights, ensuring equal opportunities, and preventing violations of rights, thereby promoting the welfare of all citizens.
Answer the following questions in detail.
Q1.
Ans: The timeline begins with ancient Greece in the 6th century BCE, followed by developments during the Medieval period, the Renaissance, the Glorious Revolution in England, the American War of Independence, the French Revolution, and the significant changes after World Wars and the Russian Revolution, leading to the global spread of democracy.
Q2.
Ans: Democracy embodies principles such as the sovereignty of the people, majority rule, minority rights, guarantee of basic human rights, free and fair elections, equality before the law, due process, constitutional limits on government, social, economic, and political pluralism, and values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and compromise.
Q3.
Ans: Social and economic equality ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities and rights, reducing disparities and fostering a sense of belonging and participation among the populace, which is crucial for the stability and success of a democracy.
Q4.
Ans: Indian democracy features a constitutional framework, a parliamentary system, federal structure, secular polity, independent judiciary, regular elections, multi-party system, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Q5.
Ans: The Government of India has initiated various schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and National Food Security Act to provide employment, housing, financial inclusion, and food security to the deprived sections of society, promoting social justice and equity.
