NCERT 9th Class (CBSE) Social Science: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Question: Explain any three differences between democratic country and non-democratic country?

Answer: In a Democratic country:

1. Each adult citizen has a vote;
2. Each vote has one value; and
3. Free and fair elections are held.

In a non-democratic country:

1. Election do not offer a choice and fair opportunity;
2. Rulers are not elected by the people; and
3. The rulers have unlimited power.

Question: Is China a democratic country or not? Give two arguments in favor of your answer.

Answer: China is not a democratic country.

1. Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller parties allied to it are allowed to contest elections;
2. Before contesting elections a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.

Question: Explain any three features of democracy.

Answer: According to a Democracy:

1. Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.
2. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers; and
3. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis.

Question: Why is Zimbabwe not considered a democratic country?

Answer: It is ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe has been ruling the country since independence. Elections are held regularly but always won by the ZANU-PF. President Mugabe uses unfair means in the elections. He has changed the constitution several times to increase the power of the president. Radio and TV are controlled by the government.

Question: How does democracy in a country enhance the dignity of an individual? State three points.

Answer:

1. Democracy is based on the principal of political equality on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated.
2. People are not subjects of a ruler they are the rulers themselves.
3. Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.

Question: “Elections in China do not represent people verdict.” Explain.

Answer: In China the elections do not offer the people any serious choice. They have to choose the ruling party and the candidates approved by it. Can it be called a choice? There is only are political party and people have to vote for its candidates.

Question: “Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes”. Support the given statement with three points.

Answer: The advantage in a democracy is that mistakes made by a government cannot be hidden for long. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes and there is room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or they can be changed.

Question: Explain any three major political changes that took place recently in India’s neighborhood?

Answer:

1. Pakistan: General Musharraf led a military coup.
2. Nepal: In 2005 the new king dismissed the elected government.
3. Iraq: Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown.