Civics – 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

CLASSWORK

I. Very Short Answers:

1. How election in India are different then Mexico?
In India, election is conducted under supervision of Election Commission and the process
of election is largely free and fair compared to Mexico.
2. After how many years does Mexico hold elections for electing its President?
Six years.
3. Which of these is not a good argument in favor of democracy? Why?
a. People feel free and equal in a democracy.
b. Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.
c. Democratic government is more accountable to the people.
d. Democracies are more prosperous than others.
It is not necessary that a democratic country is more prosperous than others. Prosperity of
the people on the economic development and not on the form of government. We have
many examples where the government is democratic but people are not very prosperous.
India is such an example.
4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write
out the two separately for each statement?
The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale
rigging was reported.
To order re-poll in a constituency by the Election Commission is democratic whereas
rigging is undemocratic.
5. Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write
out the two separately for each statement?
Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10%. This led women’s
organizations to demand one-third for women.
Demand by Women’s organization to reserve one-third seats for women democratic
whereas less than 10% women’s representation in the Parliament is undemocratic.
6. Explain the concept of one person, one vote, one value.
The concept of one person, one vote, one value means that all citizen of a country
irrespectively of their background have right to vote. Each citizen has one vote and the
value of each vote remains same for everyone.
7. 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. Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.
 c. Government fears its defeat in the next elections.
d. People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
8. When does a citizen have an equal role in decision-making?
In democratic country, under Universal Adult Franchise, every citizen gets an
opportunity to have an equal role in decision making process.
9. 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?
a. Filling a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right of life.
b. Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
c. Organizing public meetings against government’s policies.
d. Paying money to government officials to get water.
Paying money to government officials to get water.
10.Define Dictatorship.
A system of Government where unelected people govern and manage a country. E.x:
Myanmar(before 2016).
11.What is the main feature of democracy?
The main feature of democracy is right to vote and free & fair election.
12.Under which form of government political equality is given importance?
Under democratic government political equality is given importance.
13.Who is General Pervez Musharraf? What did he do?
General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. In October 1999 he overthrew a democratically
elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country.
14.With whom does the final decision-making power rest in a democracy?
The final decision-making power rest with the elected leaders in a democracy.

II. Short Answers:

1. “Election in China do not represent people’s verdict”. Explain.

The system of electoral practice in China is non-democratic. The people don’t have real
choice in electing the candidates.
i. In China, the elections are regularly held after five years for electing the country’s
parliament, called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao (National People’s Congress).
ii. Before contesting election, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese
Communist Party.
iii. Only those who are members of the Chinese Communist Party or eight smaller
parties can contest in elections.
 iv. The government is always formed by the Communist Party.
2. Enlist some countries where citizens do not have equal voting rights.
There are many instances of denial of equal right to vote:
i. In Saudi Arabia women do not have voting rights.
ii. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to
Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote.
iii. In Fiji, the electoral system is such that vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value
than that of an Indian-Fijian.
3. Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this
report but using examples from India.
Modern democracy is in fact capitalistic; it is a government by the rich. Electioneering is
carried out with money. Rich people even purchase votes of the poor. It cares a fig for the
poor. The rich control the media and use it for their own benefit. They contribute liberally
to political parties who took after their interests. Influence of the rich over politics is
clearly visible in countries like USA, England and India. In India only rich can contest
the election. Votes of the poor are bought and sold. Poor cannot fight election and get
elected. As a result, their interest like getting jobs, health services and education remain
unfulfilled. Policies are formed by the government which favor the rich and safeguard
their interests.
4. Trade union is an association of workers who fights for the rights of workers and
ensure that are not harassed, exploited and get equal wages.
i. Banning trade union is not characteristic features of democracy.
ii. If trade union is banned then workers will have no legal rights to oppose factory or
industrial owners and will make them defenseless and at the mercy of owners.
iii. In a democratic country everybody is equal and have freedom of expression and to
form association to raise their issues.
5. Differentiate between democratic and non-democratic government?

Democratic government Non-democratic government

 People can elect their  People cannot elect their
government. government.
 People have basic rights in form  People do not have any basic
of Fundamental Rights. rights.
 There is free and fair election,  Government is illegally formed.
with government having fair
chance of losing election.

6. Mention three essential features of democracy?

i. The major decision in country is taken by elected representatives.
ii. Through elections people get ample of opportunity to change the government.
 iii. The choice of electing and removing the elected representative is available to all on
equal basis.
iv. The process of election and constitution puts a limit on government.
7. Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
i. Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the need
of the people.
ii. A democratic government can respond to the people needs, but it all depends on
the wishes of the people who rule.
iii. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the need of the people.
8. “Democracy is most popular form of government emerging in the modern times;
still the shortcoming cannot be ruled out”. Justify the statement by assessing any
four shortcomings of democracy.
These are some arguments against democracy:
i. The regular election and change in leaders makes system instable.
ii. Due to political competition, leaders use power and money to win election.
iii. The decision-making process is slow as large number of participant has to be
controlled.
iv. Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
9. “Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for
morality”. Justify the statement by giving arguments against democracy.
Democracy is all about getting maximum votes to win election:
i. In the process of winning election at any cost, the candidates uses all kind of routes
like rigging, bribing voters, making false promises, violating model code of
conduct, etc.
ii. This is unjustified ethically and morally incorrect.
iii. Politicians are more concerned about the authority which they will get by coming
into the power.
iv. This affects the spirit of democracy.
10.What is the main purpose of the ‘Legal Framework Order’ issued in Pakistan?
i. In August 2002 issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ under General Pervez
Musharraf that amended in the constitution of Pakistan.
ii. According to this order, the President can dismiss the national or provincial
assemblies.
iii. The work of the civilian cabinet was supervised by a National Security Council
which was dominated by military officers.
11.“Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes”. Suppose the given
statement with three points.
i. In a democracy bad policies or wrong leaders or any other mistakes cannot be
hidden for long.
 ii. There is a space for public discussion of these mistakes.
iii. People have right to protest for correction. Either the rulers have to change their
decision or the rulers can be changed.
iv. And there is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decision
or the rulers can be changed.
12.“Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts”.
Democracy provides the peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy no one is a
permanent winner. No one is permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another
peacefully. In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country together. There
are mechanism like judiciary, parliament and media to solve and deal with various
conflicts and differences.
13.How is democracy not a solution for the entire problem?
i. Democracy is not a solution for all the problems. It has not ended poverty in our
country and in other parts of the world.
ii. It is a form of government only ensures that people take their own decisions.
iii. This does not guarantee that their decisions will be good.
iv. It is also true that democracy leads to frequent changes in leadership, so these
arguments show that democracy is not a magical solution for all the problems.
14.“Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens”. Explain.
i. Democracy is the rule of people, where people shape their destiny.
ii. It is based on the principle of political equality and reorganizes that the poorest and
the last educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.
iii. People are not subjects of a ruler they are responsible for their conduct.
iv. Even when they make mistakes they are responsible for their conduct.
v. Anyone can contest in election and aspire to become CM or PM.
15.Which is the common form of democracy? Why is this form of democracy
necessary?
The most common form of democracy is representative democracy. Representative
democracy is necessary because:
 Modern democracies involve a large number of people which is physically impossible for
all to sit together and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part
in all the decisions.

III. Long Answers:

1. Write any five arguments in favor of democracy?

Five arguments in favor of democracy are:
 i. A democratic form of government is a better government because it is a more
accountable form of government. A democracy requires that the rulers have to
attend to the needs of the people.
ii. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. Although it takes time, this
process reduces the chances of rash and irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy
improves the quality of decision-making.
iii. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts in society. In
a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country together.
iv. As democracy is based on the principle of political equality, it enhances the dignity
of citizens.
v. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct
our own mistakes. In democracy, there is a scope for public discussion on these
mistakes.
2. ‘Popular approval of the rulers is necessary in a democracy, but it is not sufficient’.
Comment.
i. The above statement is correct. Popular governments can be undemocratic. Popular
leaders can be autocratic as in the case of Zimbabwe.
ii. It gained independence in 1980, since then it has been ruled by ZANU-PF under
Robert Mugabe. He is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections.
iii. Opposition party workers are harassed and their meeting distributed.
iv. Public protests and demonstrations against the government are declared illegal.
v. There is a law that limits the rights to criticize the President.
vi. Television and radio are controlled by government and give only the ruling party’s
versions.
3. Examine the conditions that make elections democratic.
The conditions that make election democratic are as follows:
i. There should be sufficient room for normal political activity, including political
opposition, in the period before elections.
ii. This requires that the state should respect some basic rights of the citizen.
iii. They should be free to think, to have opinions, to express these in public to form
association to protest and take other political actions.
iv. These rights must be protected by an independent judiciary whose orders are
obeyed by everyone.
v. The election should be conducted under independent Election Commission.
4. How can rule of law and respect of right be established?
Rule of law and respects of right can be established when government treats everyone
equal and as per law.
i. The state should respect some basic rights of the citizen.
 ii. They should be free to think, to have opinions, to express these in public, to form
association, to protest and take other political action.
iii. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of law.
iv. These rights must be protected by an independent judiciary whose orders are obey
by everyone.
v. Government has to respect some basic rules.
vi. In particular it has to respect some guarantees to the minorities.
5. What are the difficulties people face in non-democratic government?
The difference people faces in non-democratic countries are as follows:
i. People do not have the right to elect their rulers.
ii. Government rules by force.
iii. People do not have any right to criticize or oppose the government.
iv. Absence of any freedom.
v. Government controls all the aspects of society like religion, culture, etc.
vi. Decision is taken in an arbitrary manner favoring government and its related
member.
6. What should be done in a democracy if mistakes are committed?
It is human nature to make mistakes, even government make mistake:
i. However, in a democracy there are various provision and ways and means to
rectify, modify and improve errors and mistakes.
ii. If government does not change, people will not vote next time in the election.
iii. Therefore election keeps check on government.
iv. People also have other means of judiciary system to get it rectified.
v. At the same time, they can also go for a peaceful way of protest and demonstration.
7. Why are quality decision-making powers rests in democracy?
The quality of decision is better in a democracy because:
i. It is a system of government where decisions are taken by the elected
representative on the behalf of the people.
ii. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion.
iii. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
iv. When a number of people put their head together, they are able to point out
possible mistakes in any decision, this takes time.
v. This reduces the chance of bad and irresponsible decisions and paves way to
quality decision.
8. “Democracy is the only peaceful solution to the problems of a socially diverse
country like India”. Comment on the statement by suitable reasons.
Democracy provides the peaceful solution to all problems.
i. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
ii. In a diverse country like India, democracy keeps our country together.
 iii. It is a system of government where decisions are taken by the elected
representatives on the behalf of the people.
iv. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion.
v. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.
vi. When a number of people put their head together, they are able to point out
possible mistakes in any decision.
vii. There are mechanism like judiciary, parliament and media to solve and deal with
various conflicts and differences.
9. Why do we prefer democracy better than any other form of government?
We prefer democracy better than any other form of government because:
i. It is more accountable form of government.
ii. A democratic decision always involves many person, discussion and meetings.
Thus democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
iii. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
iv. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizen.
v. It is based on the principle of political equality on recognizing that the poorest and
the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated.
vi. Finally, democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to
correct its own mistake.

10.Describe the five features of non-democratic Pakistan under General Pervez

Musharraf.
The five features of non-democratic Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf are as
follows:
i. General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He overthrew a
democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of
the country.
ii. Later he changed his designation of President and in 2002 held a referendum in the
country that granted him a five year extension.
iii. Under a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan the
President can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
iv. The work of the civilian cabinet is supervised by a National Security Council
which is dominated by military officers.
v. Bu the final powers rest with military officers and the General Pervez Musharraf
himself.
11.Explain the relationship between free and fair election and democracy.
i. Democracy leads to formation of democratic government, which is based on
principle of election.
ii. The principle of free and fair election leads to formation of democratic
government.
iii. Free election ensures that everyone who is 18years and above have right to vote
without any discrimination and anyone can stand election as prescribed law of
land.
iv. Whereas fair election guarantees that every individual votes according to his/her
wish and will.
v. The voter is not undue influence and election is free from all kind of malpractice
and rigging, supervised by an independent election commission.