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.
a. Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion are not allowed to vote.
b. Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last 20 years.
c. Country C: The ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
d. Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Ans:
a. Country A: Undemocratic
b. Country B: Not sure
c. Country C: Democratic
d. Country D: Undemocratic
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.
a. Country P: The parliament cannot pass laws about the army without the Chief of the Army’s consent.
b. Country Q: The parliament cannot pass laws that reduce the judiciary’s powers.
c. Country R: Leaders cannot sign treaties with other countries without permission from a neighboring country.
d. Country S: All major economic decisions are made by officials of the central bank, which ministers cannot overrule.
Ans:
a. Country P: Undemocratic
b. Country Q: Democratic
c. Country R: Undemocratic
d. Country S: Undemocratic
3. Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?
a. People feel free and equal in a democracy.
b. Democracies resolve conflicts better than other forms of government.
c. Democratic governments are more accountable to the people.
d. Democracies are more prosperous than other forms of government.
Ans:
d. Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a valid argument.
Democracy ensures participation and accountability but does not guarantee prosperity. Economic success depends on various factors like geography, natural resources, policies, and human development, which are not exclusive to democracies.
4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.
a. A minister said some laws must be passed by parliament to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.
b. The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.
c. Women’s representation in parliament is only 10%, prompting demands for one-third reservation for women.
Ans:
a.Democratic: Laws must be passed by parliament.
Undemocratic: Parliament is compelled to comply with WTO regulations.
b.Democratic: Election Commission ordered re-polling.
Undemocratic: Large-scale rigging occurred.
c.Democratic: Women are demanding one-third reservation in parliament.
Undemocratic: Women’s representation in parliament is only 10%.
5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?
a. Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.
b. A free press can report suffering from famine in different regions.
c. Governments fear defeat in elections due to public dissatisfaction.
d. People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
Ans:
d. People are free to believe in and practice any religion is not a valid reason.
Religious freedom does not directly affect the ability to address famine, unlike accountability, free press, and political pressure, which help draw attention to and address food crises.
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 needs. Which of these is not a democratic method?
a. Filing a case in court, claiming water as a right to life.
b. Boycotting elections to send a message to political parties.
c. Organizing public meetings to protest government policies.
d. Paying bribes to government officials to get water.
Ans:
d. Paying bribes to government officials is not a democratic method.
Democracy promotes lawful and transparent means like court cases, protests, and electoral participation, not corruption.
7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
a. The army is the most disciplined and corruption-free institution. Therefore, it should rule the country.
b. The rule of the majority is the rule of ignorant people. A wise minority should govern instead.
c. Religious leaders guide people spiritually, so they should guide political matters too.
Ans:
a. While the army may be disciplined, it is not chosen by the people. Allowing the army to rule would undermine democracy and public participation.
b. Majority rule does not mean ignorant rule. Democracies allow for the participation of diverse groups and expertise in governance. Wisdom is subjective and cannot be limited to a small group.
c. Religion and politics serve different purposes. Religious leaders may guide spirituality, but politics requires addressing diverse societal needs, which cannot be dictated by religious doctrines.
8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
a. A father tells hisa. daughter: “You cannot share your opinion about your marriage. In our family, children marry as parents decide.”
b. A teacher tells a student: “Stop asking questions in class; it disturbs my focus.”
c. An employee tells an officer: “Our working hours should be reduced as per the law.”
Ans:
a. This is not democratic, as the daughter’s right to express her opinion is denied.
b. This is not democratic, as the student is denied the right to question and learn.
c. This is democratic, as the employee is raising a lawful demand.
9. Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.
a. All citizens have voting rights, and elections are held regularly.
b. The government reduced spending on education and health to meet loan conditions from international agencies.
c. Education is available in only one language, spoken by 52% of the population.
d. Peaceful protestors have been arrested.
e. The government controls the media, and newspapers need approval to publish news about policies and protests.
Ans:
a. This indicates democracy as citizens can vote in regular elections.
b. This is undemocratic, as reducing essential services compromises public welfare.
c. This is undemocratic, as education should be accessible in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity.
d. This is undemocratic, as peaceful protests are a fundamental right.
e. This is undemocratic, as media control undermines free speech and accountability.
Thus, while the country has some democratic elements, the lack of free press, restricted education, and suppression of protests make it largely undemocratic.