Unit Test(Solutions): What is Democracy? Why Democracy? | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M.: 30

Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which of the following is a key feature of democracy? (1 Mark)
(i) Rule by the military
(ii) Rule by the monarchy
(iii) Rule by the elected representatives
(iv) Rule by a single party

Ans: (iii) 
Democracy is defined as a form of government where the rulers are elected by the people. This feature distinguishes democratic governments from non-democratic ones like monarchies or dictatorships.

Q2: In a democracy, which of the following is necessary for a free and fair election? (1 Mark)
(i) The ruling party must always win
(ii) Opposition parties are allowed to contest elections
(iii) Only members of the ruling party can vote
(iv) The government controls the outcome of the election

Ans: (ii) 

A crucial aspect of democracy is the presence of a free and fair electoral competition where opposition parties are allowed to contest, providing voters with a real choice.

Q3: What does "universal adult franchise" mean in the context of democracy? (1 Mark)
(i) Only men are allowed to vote
(ii) Only the wealthy can vote
(iii) Every adult citizen has the right to vote
(iv) Voting is restricted to government officials

Ans: (iii) 
Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen, regardless of wealth, gender, or social status, has the right to vote in a democracy. This principle is fundamental to political equality.

Q4: The principle of "one person, one vote" is important in a democracy because it ensures what? (1 Mark)
(i) Equal representation for all citizens
(ii) More votes for the wealthy
(iii) Political power is concentrated in one group
(iv) The ruling party remains in power indefinitely

Ans: (i) 
The principle of "one person, one vote" ensures that each citizen's vote has the same value, promoting equality and fairness in the electoral process.

Q5: Why must a democracy respect the rights of its citizens? (1 Mark)
(i) To maintain control over the population
(ii) To suppress opposition
(iii) To ensure the rule of law and protect individual freedoms
(iv) To create fear among citizens

Ans: (iii) 
In a democracy, respecting citizens' rights is essential to uphold the rule of law and protect individual freedoms. These rights include freedom of speech, expression, and the right to a fair trial.

Q6: What are the two conditions that must be fulfilled for an election to be considered democratic? (2 Marks)
Ans:

1. The election must offer a real choice between political alternatives, allowing voters to remove the current rulers if they wish.
2. The election process must be free and fair, where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.

Q7: Explain the significance of the principle of "one person, one vote" in a democracy. (2 Marks)
Ans:
The principle of "one person, one vote" ensures political equality by giving every adult citizen an equal say in the decision-making process. It prevents the concentration of political power in the hands of a few and promotes fairness in the electoral process.

Q8: What does the term "universal adult franchise" imply in the context of democracy? (2 Marks)
Ans:
Universal adult franchise implies that every adult citizen, regardless of wealth, gender, or social status, has the right to vote. This principle is fundamental to ensuring political equality and inclusiveness in a democracy.

Q9: Discuss the role of free and fair elections in a democracy. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Free and fair elections are essential for democracy as they provide a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power.
• They ensure that the government remains accountable to the people by allowing citizens to choose their representatives.
• Elections must offer a real choice between different political parties and candidates, with no undue influence or manipulation, ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the government.

Q10: Explain why "political equality" is a critical feature of democracy. (3 Marks)
Ans:

• Political equality means that every citizen has an equal right to participate in the political process, including the right to vote and run for office.
• This principle prevents the domination of any particular group and ensures that all citizens have a say in the decisions that affect them.
• Political equality fosters inclusiveness and fairness, making the democratic process representative of the entire population.

Q11: How does democracy ensure the accountability of the government? (3 Marks)
Ans:

• In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people through regular elections, where citizens can vote to keep or change their leaders.
• The presence of a free press and independent judiciary also ensures that the government's actions are scrutinized and held accountable.
• Additionally, democratic processes like debates, discussions, and public consultations allow citizens to express their opinions and influence government decisions.

Q12: Describe the key features that distinguish a democracy from other forms of government. (5 Marks)
Ans:

• Rule by Elected Representatives: In a democracy, the rulers are elected by the people through a free and fair electoral process. This distinguishes it from autocracies or monarchies, where power is inherited or seized.
• Political Equality: Democracy is based on the principle of one person, one vote, ensuring that every citizen has an equal say in the decision-making process.
• Accountability of the Government: Democratic governments are accountable to the people, who have the power to remove them through elections if they fail to fulfil their responsibilities.
• Respect for Rights: A democracy respects and protects the rights of its citizens, including freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, ensuring that individual freedoms are not violated.
• Rule of Law: In a democracy, the government operates within the limits set by constitutional law, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law and that no one is above the law.

Q13: Analyze the arguments for and against democracy as a form of government. (5 Marks)
Ans:

• Arguments for Democracy:

  • Accountability: Democracy ensures that the government is accountable to the people, who can change their leaders through elections.
  • Better Decision-Making: Democratic decisions are made through consultation and discussion, reducing the chances of rash or irresponsible actions.
  • Conflict Resolution: Democracy provides a peaceful way to resolve differences and conflicts through debate and compromise, rather than through violence.
  • Enhancing Dignity: Democracy respects the dignity of citizens by treating them as equals and recognizing their rights to participate in governance.
  • Self-Correction: Democracy allows for the correction of mistakes through public discourse and change of leadership, which is not possible in non-democratic regimes.

• Arguments against Democracy:

  • Instability: Frequent leadership changes can lead to political instability, affecting the efficiency of governance.
  • Slow Decision-Making: Democratic processes can be slow due to the need for consultation and consensus, delaying important decisions.
  • Risk of Corruption: Electoral competition can lead to corruption, as candidates may resort to unethical practices to win votes.
  • Ill-Informed Decisions: Critics argue that ordinary citizens may not always make the best decisions, leading to poor governance.
  • Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights: In some cases, democracy can lead to the tyranny of the majority, where the rights of minorities are overlooked.

Despite these criticisms, democracy is still considered the best form of government because it provides mechanisms to address and correct its flaws, ensuring that the will of the people is respected and upheld.