Short & Long Answer Questions: Understanding Democracy | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is democracy?
Ans: Democracy is a form of government where the people have the power to govern themselves directly or through elected representatives.

Q2: What are the two forms of democracy?
Ans: The two forms of democracy are direct democracy and indirect (or representative) democracy.

Q3: Which country is known for practicing direct democracy in ancient times?
Ans: Ancient Greece is known for practicing direct democracy.

Q4: What is indirect democracy?
Ans: Indirect democracy is a form of democracy where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Q5: Why is democracy considered the best form of government today?
Ans: Democracy is considered the best form of government because it allows for the participation of the people in governance, either directly or through elected representatives.

Q6: Where did the earliest form of democracy begin?
Ans: The earliest form of democracy began in Athens, Ancient Greece, in the 6th century BCE.

Q7: How did the Renaissance influence democracy?
Ans: The Renaissance led to the rebirth of Greek literature and culture, influencing the growth of democracy with the establishment of legislative bodies that included representatives from various social backgrounds.

Q8: What was the significance of the Glorious Revolution for democracy?
Ans: The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England made the ruler answerable to Parliament, strengthening the roots of democracy.

Q9: How did the American War of Independence contribute to democracy?
Ans: It led to the idea of a written constitution and a Bill of Rights, ensuring basic rights for citizens.

Q10: What ideals did the French Revolution introduce?
Ans: The French Revolution introduced the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, emphasizing the natural rights of humans.

Q11: What mechanism does a democracy use for decision-making?
Ans: Democracy uses a legislature, executive, and judiciary for decision-making.

Q12: What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?
Ans: The judiciary ensures justice, legality, and protects the freedom and rights of citizens.

Q13: What does democracy uphold in terms of human dignity?
Ans: Democracy upholds human dignity, equality, and prevents violations of fundamental rights.

Q14: Why are periodic elections important in a democracy?
Ans: Periodic elections are important because they ensure government accountability and allow citizens to change or remove the government.

Q15: How does democracy promote equality?
Ans: Democracy promotes equality by ensuring equal political, economic, and social rights for all citizens.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the difference between direct and indirect democracy with examples.
Ans: In direct democracy, people directly participate in governance, such as in Ancient Greece where citizens could vote, make laws, and conduct trials. In indirect democracy, or representative democracy, people elect representatives to make decisions for them, as seen in modern countries like India, the USA, and France.

Q2: Discuss the significance of democracy in today’s world.
Ans: Democracy is significant in today's world because it promotes equality, justice, freedom of speech, and the participation of citizens in government. It ensures that the government is accountable and that human dignity is upheld.

Q3: Describe the transition from feudalism to democracy in Europe.
Ans: With the decline of feudalism in the 14th century, power shifted from feudal lords to kings and common people. This transition laid the foundation for democracy by forming representative bodies of citizens, influenced by events like the Renaissance and the Glorious Revolution.

Q4: Explain how world events like the World Wars and the Russian Revolution influenced the spread of democracy.
Ans: The dissolution of European imperial powers after World War I and the end of autocracy with the Russian Revolution led to the adoption of democratic principles. The Second World War furthered this by leading to the independence of colonies, which then chose to become democracies.

Q5: Discuss the role of the executive in a democracy.
Ans: In a democracy, the executive, led by the President and Prime Minister, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the government, implementing laws, and decision-making.

Q6: Explain how democracy ensures justice and upholds human dignity.
Ans: Democracy ensures justice through a fair judiciary that protects the rights and freedoms of citizens. It upholds human dignity by treating all individuals with respect and ensuring their fundamental rights are protected and not violated.