Ncert solutions for Civics  Ch-1 – What is Democracy? Why is Democracy?







Question 1.

Here is some information about the four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.


Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.

Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.

Country C: The Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.

Country D: There is no independent election commission.

Answer: Country A: Undemocratic

Country B: Not certain

Country C: Democratic

Country D: Undemocratic


Question 2.

Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.


Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.

Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.

Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.

Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.


Answer:Country P: Undemocratic

Country Q: Democratic

Country R: Undemocratic

Country S: Undemocratic


Question 3.

Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?


People feel free and equal in a democracy.

Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.

Democratic government is more accountable to the people.

Democracies are more prosperous than others.

Answer: D. Popular governments are more prosperous than others is certainly not a decent contention for a majority rules system. Instances of nations are being vote based yet not however prosperous as different nations which may be not majority rule. A majority rules government implies that the ordinary resident of the nation is engaged with the dynamic cycle and choosing the pioneers. It doesn't really certification success as there are different variables like - geology, monetary limit, government arrangements, HR, mineral assets and so forth.


Question 4.

Each of these statements contains a democratic and undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.


A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.

Women’s representation in parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.

Answer:Majority rule component - A pastor said that a few regulations must be passed by the parliament. Undemocratic component - adjust to the guidelines chose by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Majority rule component - The Election Commission requested re-surveying in a voting demographic. Undemocratic component - enormous scope fixing was accounted for.

Majority rule component - ladies' associations to request 33% seats for ladies. Undemocratic component - Women's portrayal in parliament has scarcely arrived at 10%.


Question 5.

Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?


Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.

Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.

Government fears its defeat in the next elections.

People are free to believe in and practise any religion.

Answer:D. The assertion, 'Individuals are allowed to put stock in and practice any religion,' is definitely not a substantial justification for contending that there is a lesser chance of starvation in a popularity based country.


Question 6.

There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need. Which of these is not a democratic method?


Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of the right to life.

Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.

Organising public meetings against the government’s policies.

Paying money to government officials to get water.

Answer:D. Paying cash to government authorities to get water is certainly not a vote based strategy.


Question 7.

Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:


The army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore the army should rule the country.

Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.

If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.

Answer: The military is a focused association. Nonetheless, it is uncalled for in the event that a military guidelines, as the military was not picked by the residents and consequently it will be an undemocratic practice.

Rule of the greater part isn't the standard of oblivious individuals. Astuteness is emotional, and the public authority is controlled by individuals who know the rule of law.

Religion and governmental issues are two unique things. While religion can direct somebody towards strict undertakings, it can't be an aide anybody for governmental issues, which is a significant fragment of a country.


Question 8.

Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?


Father to daughter: I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.

Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.

Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.

Answer:The assertion doesn't keep with a majority rules government as a worth, as the girl isn't permitted to offer her viewpoint.

The assertion doesn't keep with a majority rules government as a worth, as understudies are not permitted to pose inquiries which is their right.

The assertion keeps with a majority rules government as regulation, as worker voices his viewpoint for his right under the law.


Question 9.

Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.


All the citizens of the country have the right to vote. Elections are held regularly.

The country took loans from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.

People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 per cent people of that country.

Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.

The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about the government’s policies and protests.

Answer:From this assertion, we can comprehend that it is a majority rule country where residents are permitted to cast a ballot and pick their administration.

While taking a credit from worldwide organizations, the nation is thinking twice about the government assistance of individuals by lessening their consumption on instruction and wellbeing which is absolutely undemocratic.

The arrangement of making training available in only one language is undemocratic. It is the central ideal for individuals to have schooling and it is the public authority's obligations to give them in the language they know.

Right to gather and calmly exhibit is an essential right of a person. Subsequently, capturing the protestors is undemocratic.

At the point when the public authority claims the radio and TV, it is suspending individuals from profiting their entitlement to free press. It is undemocratic.