INTERNATIONAL DAILY RISING SCHOOL

(SESSION 2024-25)

Chapter -1

Short answer type questions :

1.Define the term Democracy.
It is defined as a form of government where rulers are elected by the choice of people.

2.Define Representative Democracy.

In a representative democracy, a majority of elected representatives have the authority

to make choices on behalf of all the people, rather than all the people ruling or making
decisions.

3.Which kind of democracy is more prevalent in the modern world?

The most prevalent type of democracy in today's world is a representative democracy.

4.When can we declare elections to be fair?

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To be deemed fair, elections must provide voters with a genuine selection of political
options.

5.Define referendum.

A referendum is a general vote in which all voters are asked to accept or reject a
proposition.

What are the Types of Democracy?

Democracy can be broadly classified into two types, namely direct and indirect democracy:

What is Direct Democracy?

Direct democracy is one in which the people themselves vote on a bill or amendment, thereby making
the final statement. It involves a huge number of people from the country. It was mainly practised in
ancient Greek cities.

What is Indirect Democracy?

Indirect democracy is the one which is currently being practised in India and a few other major
countries like the USA, UK, etc. Here, the representatives are chosen through elections. They make
important decisions on behalf of the people.

Expand the following terms :

•ZANU-PF- Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front

•PRI- Institutional Revolutionary Party
•CPC- Communist Party of China

Long answer type questions:

1.Write the examples of Non-Democratic Governments.

● In Myanmar, the army controller becomes the ruler and people over there have no role
to play in electing their representative.
● In Saudi Arabia, the representatives are from royal families, this is the base on which
they qualify to become kings. Here also, people have no role to play in making
decisions.
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2. Write the important features of Democracy .

Important features of a Democracy are as follows:

1. Major decisions were taken by the rulers elected by the people.

2. Fair choice of people in changing rulers.
3. Equal opportunity to all the citizens in choosing their representative.
4. Government’s power is limited by the basic rules of the constitution.

3 . What are the different arguments against Democracy ?

Different arguments Against Democracy are as follows:

a. Political competition and power-play can take the dominance over morality.
b. Delay in decision making because of multiple consultations.
c. Lack of knowledge in the public interest can result in wrong decision making.
d. Democracy is based on electoral competition, it brings corruption.
e. People electing their representative may be unaware of their wellbeing.

4 . What are the different arguments in favor of Democracy ?

● A democratic government is always a better government since it is an accountable

form of government.
● Democracy improves decision making quality.
● Democracy gives a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
● Democracy enhances citizens' dignity.
● Democracy is better compared to other forms of government since it allows us to
correct our mistakes.

5 . Discuss the broader meaning of Democracy .

● Under representative democracy, everyone does not rule. The elected representative
takes a decision on behalf of their people:
a. Modern democracies are characterized by huge populations; which makes it
impossible for them to make the right decision.
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 b. If they could make the right decision, citizens would not have a greater amount of
time, the skill to play a role in all the decisions.
● Understanding democracy can help people to identify the weakness of existing
democracy and can differentiate between minimal and good democracy.

6 . What are the merits of Democracy?

The merits of democracy are:

● In a democracy, the dignity of citizens is maintained.

● It improves the quality of decision making.
● Provides a path for resolving conflicts.
● The form of government is more accountable.
● The government abides by the constitution as it is answerable to the citizens.

7 . What are the Demerits of Democracy?

The demerits of democracy are:

● A democratic government might not be stable as the leaders keep on changing.

● Morality may not always prevail in the government.
● There might be corruption in relation to electoral competition.
● Ordinary people would not choose the best leader. They might not have a proper idea
about governance.

8 . Why is a democratic form of government most popular?

Ans: Some features of democracy make it most popular form of government:

● In democracy, the government is accountable for the public interests. Decision making
is not completely dependent on the ruler.
● This form of government takes all decisions pertaining to the best of their people.
● A passive resolution to every predicament is provided in democracy.
● Democracy gives the best method for dealing with conflicts in ideology.
● Countries like India have a vast diversity of religion, language, castes and creeds, one
solution leads to unity.
● Political equality is maintained in democracy by giving equal priority to the poor,
educated and uneducated.
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9 . What is direct democracy and why can it not be implemented in modern times?
Ans: Direct democracy is a form of democracy where citizens share an equal role in the
decision making process.

● Modern democracies consists of a large amount of people, which is not physically

possible for them to sit together and make a decision.
● All citizens do not have time or skill to take part in entire decision making.

10 . Why is the most common form of democratic government is representative

democracy?
Ans: Representative democracy is the form of democracy in which the majority of people rule
through their elected representative.

● This kind of democracy is realistic and huge democracies as all people do not have
desired qualifications to rule.
● So, direct rule is not possible.
● Hence, the majority through their elected representative is allowed to take decisions on
behalf of all the people.
● So, representative democracy is required where elected people can take collective
decisions.

11 . What are the basic differences between good and minimal democracy?
Ans: The differences between good and minimal democracy are:

S.
No Minimal democracy Good democracy
.

The rulers are elected by the People elect their rulers, and also
people. take part in all the decisions.

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 Regular elections are held in a Regular free and fair elections
minimal democracy. are held in good democracy.

Political as well as
Political equality is present in
socio-economic unity is also an
minimal democracy.
aspect of a good democracy.

12 . What are the common features of a non-democratic government?

Ans: Ideologies of a non-democratic government are:

● In non-democratic countries, criticizing the government may lead to oppressive action

such as harassment, imprisonment etc.
● No elections are held as it is ruled by the king or military.
● There is no place for the opposition party.
● Unions which abide by the government policies are welcome.
● Final words of the dictator or the military rulers are taken into consideration.
● Common people cannot think of high positions in government.

13 .Give a classic example of a better response of a democratic government over a

non-democratic one.
Ans: In China 1958-1961, word recorded famine. The casualties were around three crores of
China’s population.
●India was economically weaker compared to China, but it was not hit by famine as China.

● It was believed it was the government policies of the country that created such a
scenario.
● Indian democratic responded well to food scarcity.
● Existence of multi-party elections, an opposition party and a press free to criticize the
government might have saved China from huge famine casualties.

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