Worksheet Solution: What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Worksheet Civics Chapter 1

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Q.1. Which two countries of the world have allowed the ruling parties to contest elections?

China and Mexico are the two countries where ruling parties can contest elections.

• In China, the elections are tightly controlled by the Communist Party.
• In Mexico, while elections are held regularly, the ruling party historically dominated until 2000.

Q.2. Write a drawback of the electoral system of Fiji?

In Fiji, the electoral system has a significant drawback:

• The vote of an indigenous Fijian carries more weight than that of an Indian Fijian.
• This disparity undermines the principle of political equality, which is essential in a democracy.

Q.3. Why are quality decisions always possible in a democracy?

Quality decisions in a democracy are always possible due to several key factors:

• Time for Reflection: Democracies allow time for careful consideration of decisions, reducing the likelihood of rash choices.
• Public Discussion: There is space for open dialogue about decisions, enabling corrections and adjustments when mistakes occur.
• Conflict Resolution: Democracies provide methods to address differences and conflicts among diverse groups, fostering cooperation.
• Accountability: Leaders in a democracy are accountable to the public, ensuring that their decisions reflect the people's wishes.
• Inclusivity: Different perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and balanced decision-making.

While democracy may not solve every problem, it is generally more effective than other forms of government in producing quality decisions and respecting citizens' dignity.

Q.4. Name a country which has multi-party system.

India is a country that has a multi-party system. This means that multiple political parties can compete for power and influence in the government.

Q.5. Democracy comes from which Greek word?

The term democracy originates from the Greek word demokratia.

• demos means "people".
• kratia means "rule".

Therefore, democracy can be understood as the rule by the people.

Q.6. Name the country where women are not allowed to take part in the election.

Saudi Arabia is the country where women were not allowed to participate in elections until 2015.

Q.7. What dirty practices were used by IRP to win the elections in Mexico?

The PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) employed various unethical tactics to secure election victories in Mexico:

• Government employees were required to attend party meetings.
• Teachers in government schools pressured parents to vote for the PRI.
• The media largely ignored opposition parties, focusing instead on criticising them.
• Polling booths were sometimes moved at the last minute, complicating the voting process.
• The PRI invested heavily in campaign financing for its candidates.

Q.8. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?

Democracy is often regarded as the best form of government for several reasons:

• Conflict Resolution: It provides a peaceful way to handle differences among people.
• Self-Correction: Democracy allows for the correction of mistakes made by leaders.
• Better Decision-Making: Involvement of many voices leads to improved decisions.
• Dignity of Citizens: It respects the worth of every individual, ensuring equality.

Q.9. Who was Robert Mugabe?

Robert Mugabe was the leader of ZANU-PF and ruled Zimbabwe from its independence in 1980. Key points about his leadership include:

• Regular elections were held, but they were consistently won by ZANU-PF.
• Mugabe was popular yet employed unfair practices in elections.
• His government frequently changed the constitution to enhance presidential powers and reduce accountability.
• Opposition party members faced harassment, and their meetings were often disrupted.

Public protests were declared illegal, and media was heavily controlled, limiting criticism of the President. Mugabe was eventually forced out of office in 2017.

Q.10. Assess any three conditions that applied to the way a democratic government is run after the elections.

Conditions for a Democratic Government:

• Citizens must have the freedom to express their views.
• They should be able to form associations and protest.
• The country must be governed by constitutional law.
• Everyone should be treated equally under the law.
• People's rights must be respected and protected by law.

Q.11. How far is it correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Pakistan. Explain.

Yes, it is correct to say that respect for citizen’s rights were not followed in Pakistan. In August 2002, a Legal Framework Order was issued, amending the Constitution of Pakistan. Key points include:

• The President has the power to dismiss both national and provincial assemblies.
• The civilian cabinet's work is overseen by the National Security Council, which is largely controlled by military officers.
• While elections were held, the ultimate authority rested with military leaders and General Musharraf, not the elected representatives.

This situation indicates a significant lack of adherence to democratic principles and citizens' rights.

Q.12. What are the features of a good democracy?

Features of a Good Democracy:

• Every citizen should have an equal role in decision-making.
• Equal voting rights are essential, but access to information, basic education, and resources are also necessary.
• A good democracy ensures that no one goes to bed hungry.
• It provides employment and access to basic needs for all individuals.

Q.13. What is responsible government?

Responsible government refers to a democratic system where:

• The representatives are elected by the people.
• These representatives are accountable to the public.
• If they fail to act responsibly, they can be replaced in the next election.

This ensures that the government remains answerable to the citizens.

Q.14. What do you understand by room for correction?

Room for correction refers to the ability within a democracy to acknowledge and rectify mistakes. Key points include:

• In a democracy, mistakes are openly admitted.
• There is a commitment to correcting these errors.
• This process ensures accountability among rulers.
• Unlike non-democratic systems, democracies allow for changes in leadership or decisions.

Thus, democracy provides a space for correction and public discussion on issues.

Q.15. Write any five features of Non Democratic government.

(i) People do not enjoy political rights or they have every limited right.

(ii) Elections are not held in a free and fair manner. People face many restrictions.

(iii) People are not allowed to participate in the functioning of decision making.

(iv) Government is not accountable and responsive to the needs of people.

(v) People are never considered rulers or dignified citizens. They are treated as subjects.

Q.16. How far it is correct to say that the government of PRI in Mexico was a non democratic government? Give arguments.

The government of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Mexico was not a democratic government. It operated against the principles of democracy. Key points include:

• The PRI employed manipulative tactics to secure election victories.
• All government employees were required to attend party meetings.
• Teachers in government schools pressured parents to vote for the PRI.
• Opposition parties participated in elections but rarely won.
• The media largely ignored opposition activities, focusing instead on criticism.
• Polling booths were often relocated at the last minute, complicating voting for citizens.
• The PRI spent significant funds on campaigning for its candidates.

These practices indicate that the elections held during this period did not provide a genuine choice for the electorate, undermining the essence of a democratic system.

Q.17. “Elections in china do not offer people a real choice.” Explain.

In China, elections occur every five years to elect the country's parliament, known as Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People's Congress). This body has the authority to appoint the country's President. Key points about the electoral process include:

• The National People's Congress comprises nearly 3,000 members elected from across China, including some from the army.
• Candidates must receive approval from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before they can contest elections.
• Only members of the CCP or eight smaller parties allied with it were permitted to run in elections held between 2002 and 2003.
• The government is consistently formed by the Communist Party, limiting genuine electoral choice.

As a result, the elections do not provide the people with a real choice, as they can only select candidates approved by the ruling party. This situation raises questions about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process.

Q.18. “Democracy improves the quality of decision making” .Explain.

Democracy enhances the quality of decision-making through several key mechanisms:

• Consultation and Discussion: Decisions are made collectively, involving many people.
• Identification of Mistakes: Diverse perspectives help to identify potential errors in decisions.
• Time for Reflection: Taking time to deliberate reduces the risk of hasty or irresponsible choices.
• Accountability: Democratic systems allow for corrections and adjustments, ensuring decisions can be improved over time.

Overall, these factors contribute to a more thoughtful and responsible approach to governance.

Q.19. Is it good to elect a President for life or is it better to hold regular elections after every five years? Give reasons.

No, it is not good to elect a President for life. It is better to hold regular elections every five years for the following reasons:

• People's Choice: Elected rulers can make important decisions on major issues.
• Opportunity for Change: Regular elections give citizens the chance to change their leaders.
• Equal Participation: Everyone has an equal opportunity to vote and influence the government.
• Constitutional Limits: Elections ensure that the government operates within the basic rules of the constitution and respects citizens' rights.