1


1) Democracy: - It is a form of
government in which the
ruling power lies in the hands
of the people. They can
choose their representatives
to form government and the
elected government is
answerable to the people.

2) Dictatorship: - It is a form of

government in which all the

powers lies in the hands of a

single individual or a small

group of individuals and the

dictator is not answerable to

anyone.

3) ZANU-PF: - The Zimbabwe

African National Union –
Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) is a
political party in Zimbabwe
that led the freedom struggle
against white minority. It has
been the ruling party of
Zimbabwe since
independence in 1980.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 2

1) Firstly term 'democracy' was developed in the Ancient Greek city of Athens many years ago. A group
of people called The Council suggested laws.
2) The Athenians established the first democracy in 508-507 BC. The word 'democracy' meant 'rule by
the people'.
3) The word democracy comes from the Greek word ‘Demos’, which means ‘People’ and ‘Kratia’ which
means ‘Rule’.
4) The word democracy does not appear anywhere in the text of the Constitution.

5) The first democratic forms of government are thought to have developed during the 6th century B.C.

6) There are two basic forms of democracy. One is direct democracy, in which all eligible citizens have
active participation in political decision making.
7) The other is called a representative democracy, in which voters remain the sovereign power but
political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives.
8) The country of Bhutan is the world's youngest democracy. The first democratic elections began in
2007; by 2011, all levels of government were democratically elected.
9) The top 25 richest countries in the world are democracies (as ranked by the World Bank).

10) The Republic of India is the world's largest democracy; one-sixth of the global population lives here.

11) While you have to be 18 years to vote in America, other countries' rules vary. 16 years is the
minimum voting age in Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, Argentina, Austria, Ecuador, Nicaragua and
Cuba.
12) The highest minimum voting age in the world is 21. Singapore, Kuwait and Lebanon have this rule in
place.
13) Belgium has the oldest existing compulsory voting system since 1892.

14) Compulsory voting was introduced in 1893 for men and in 1948 for women, following universal
female suffrage.
15) Some of the first countries that introduced mandatory voting laws were Argentina in 1914 and
Australia in 1924. There are also examples of countries such as Venezuela and the Netherlands which
at one time in their history practiced compulsory voting but have since abolished it.
16) A key element of democracy is that there is a separation of the institutions within, between
government, parliament, and the courts of law.
17) Most countries today are formal democracies. By the end of 2011, the only countries considered
autocracies were: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos,
North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland, Syria, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates,
Vietnam and Uzbekistan.
18) In the United States Constitution, the word “democracy” is never used. The government is called a
“republic.”
19) According to the Democracy Index, the United States is a “flawed democracy.”
 3

1) Full Democracies: - They are nations where civil liberties and fundamental political freedoms are not
only respected but also reinforced by a political culture conducive to the thriving of democratic
principles. These nations have a valid system of governmental checks and balances, an independent
judiciary whose decisions are enforced, governments that function adequately, and diverse and
independent media. These nations have only limited problems in democratic functioning.
2) Flawed Democracies: - They are nations where elections are fair and free and basic civil liberties are
honoured but may have issues (e.g. media freedom infringement and minor suppression of political
opposition and critics). These nations have significant faults in other democratic aspects, including
underdeveloped political culture, low levels of participation in politics, and issues in the functioning of
governance.
3) Hybrid Regimes: - They are nations with regular electoral frauds, preventing them from being fair
and free democracies. These nations commonly have governments that apply pressure on political
opposition, non-independent judiciaries, widespread corruption, harassment and pressure placed on
the media, anemic rule of law, and more pronounced faults than flawed democracies in the realms of
underdeveloped political culture, low levels of participation in politics, and issues in the functioning of
governance.
4) Authoritarian Regimes: - They are nations where political pluralism is nonexistent or severely
limited. These nations are often absolute monarchies or dictatorships, may have some conventional
institutions of democracy but with meagre (less) significance, infringements and abuses of civil
liberties are commonplace, elections (if they take place) are not fair and free, the media is often state-
owned or controlled by groups associated with the ruling regime, the judiciary is not independent,
and censorship and suppression of governmental criticism are commonplace.

Type of regime Score Countries Countries (%) World population (%)

Full democracies 8.01–10 23 13.8% 8.4%
Flawed democracies 6.01–8 52 31.1% 41.0%
Hybrid regimes 4.01–6 35 21.0% 15.0%
Authoritarian regimes 0–4 57 34.1% 35.6%

There will no longer be a deadline for the president's term in China. China's Parliament has abolished
the two term policy for the presidency by a two-thirds majority.
This two-thirds majority of the nearly 3,000 MPs of the Chinese Parliament National People's Congress
(NPC) voted in favor of ending the mandatory two-term term for the President and Vice President in
2019. With this, Xi-Jinping will remain the President of China till his life.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 4

Q.1. Give the main features of Democracy. (NCERT Page No. 4, 5, 6, & 8) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -

1) Elected Representative: - In

democracy representatives

elected by the people make

laws and policies of the

government.

2) Free and Fair Elections: - All

adult citizens have the right
to participate and cast their
vote in the elections.
Elections should be free and
fair and must be held at
regular intervals. Those who
are currently in power have a
fair chance of losing.

3) Equal Voting Rights: - In

democracy voting rights
should be given to all the
citizens on equal basis and
each vote must have equal
value. Citizens who have
reached a certain age are
allowed to contest elections.

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 5
4) Civil Liberties: - An
important characteristic of
democracy is that it gives
important civil liberties to its
citizens. They enjoy freedoms
of speech, expression, and
information. Citizens have a
right to form, join or quit an
association. It also includes
the right to form political
party.

5) Rule of Law: - Another

characteristic of democracy is

that it ensures rule of law.

Law is supreme authority and

all the citizens are equal in

the eyes of law. No one is

above law.

6) Independent Judiciary: -

Independence of Judiciary is

an essential characteristic of

democracy. Judiciary must be

free from any control of the

executive or the legislature.

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 6

7) Meaningful Choice: -

Elections must offer a

meaningful choice of

different political parties to

the citizens. In democracy an

organised opposition party or

parties should be available in

the state.

Q.2. Describe the main features of non-democratic government of Pakistan under General Musharraf?
(NCERT Page No. 4 & 5) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -
Because of Following reasons Pakistan under General Musharraf should not be called a democracy: -
1) Overthrowing of Democracy: - In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup and
overthrew a democratically
elected government and
declared himself the ‘Chief
Executive’ of the country.
2) False Referendum: - Later
he conducted a referendum
which was based on
malpractices and fraud. He
changed his designation as
President in 2002 and
granted himself 5 years
extension as the President.
3) Amendment of the
Constitution: - In August
2002 he issued a ‘Legal
Framework Order’ that amended the constitution of Pakistan. According to this Order, the President
can dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
4) Control Over NSC: - The work of the civilian cabinet is supervised by a NSC (National Security Council)
which is dominated by military officers.
5) Control Over Decision Making: - After passing this law, elected representatives have some powers
but the final power lies with military officers and General Musharraf himself.

Q.3. Elections in China do not represent people's verdict (decision). Explain. Or

In China elections are regularly held after 5 years for electing the country's parliament still it cannot be
called a democratic country why? Give reasons. (NCERT Page No. 5) (5)

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 7

 Answer Key Points: -

1) Democracy is a major concept introduced to China in the late 19th century and elections are
regularly held after every five years for electing the country's Parliament, called National People's
Congress.
2) It has nearly 3000
members elected from all
over China. Some
members are elected by
the army.
3) This National People's
Congress has the power to
appoint the President of
the country.
4) Before contesting
elections, a candidate
needs the approval of the
Chinese Communist Party.
Only the members of the
Chinese Communist Party or its eight smaller allied parties are allowed to contest elections in China.
5) The government is always formed by the Communist Party only.
6) The elections in China are not free and fair. It is always controlled by the Communist Party.

Q.4. In spite of regular elections, the Government of Mexico cannot be called a democratic government.
Give reasons. (NCERT Page No. 5 & 6) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Rule of One Party Only: - In Mexico until 2000 every election was won by the party called the PRI
(Institutional Revolutionary Party). Opposition parties did contest elections but never manage to
win.
2) Use of Dirty Tricks: - The
PRI was known to use
many dirty tricks to win
elections. All those who
were employed in
government offices had to
attend its party meetings.
3) Pressure on Govt.
Employees: - Teachers of
Government schools used
to force parents to vote for
the PRI.
4) Control Over Media: -
Media largely ignored the
activities of the opposition political parties except to criticize them.
5) Shifting of Polling Booths: - Sometime the polling booths were shifted from one place to another
in the last minute which made it difficult for people to cast their votes.
6) Over Use of Money During Election: - The PRI spent a large amount of money in the election
campaign for its candidates.
SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB
 8
Q.5. Give some examples how democratic rights are being denied in many countries of the world?
(NCERT Page No. 6) (3)
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia
women did not have the
right to vote.
2) 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.
3) In Fiji, the electoral system
is such that the vote of an
indigenous Fiji has more
value than that of an
Indian-Fijian.

Q.6. Why Zimbabwe is not considered a democratic country? Give reasons. (NCERT Page No. 7) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Use of Unfair Practices: - In Zimbabwe elections have been held regularly and always won by ZANU-
PF. The President Mugabe is popular but also used unfair practices to win elections.
2) Changes in Constitution: - Over the years his government has changed the constitution several times
to increase the powers of the
president and make him less
accountable.
3) Ban on Right to Speech: -
Public protest and
demonstrations against the
government are declared
illegal. There is a law that
limits the right to criticize the
president.
4) Suppression of Opposition:
- Opposition party workers
are often harassed and their
meeting disrupted by the
ruling party.
5) Control Over Media: - Television, radio and press etc. are controlled by the government and give
only the ruling party’s version. There are some independent newspapers but the government harasses
those journalists who go against it.
6) Control Over Judiciary: - Government has ignored some court judgments that went against it and
has pressurized judges to change their decisions.

Q.7. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. Analyse the
statement. (NCERT Page No. 8) (3)

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 9
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Democracy is a form of government in-which rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions.
2) In democracy elections
provides a choice and fair
opportunity to the people to
change the current rulers.
3) This choice and opportunity
is available to all the citizens
on an equal basis.
4) The use of this choice leads
to a government that is
limited by basic rules of the
constitution and citizen’s
rights.

Q.8. Give some arguments against Democracy. (NCERT Page No. 10) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -

1) Political instability: - Under

democnracy, leaders and

political parties keep on

changing, this leads to

political instability.

2) Low Morality: - Democracy

is all about the political

competition and power play;

there is no scope for morality

as most of the leaders often

make allegations each other.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 10

3) Slow in Decision Making: -

All the decisions and policies

are firstly approved and

discussed in the Parliament

which is time consuming

process and leads to delays in

decision making.

4) Bad Decisions: - As most of

the leaders do not know the

best interest of the people,

sometimes they make bad

decisions which go against

people’s interests.

5) Corruption: - As the

democracy is based on

electoral competition it leads

to corruption. Many political

parties use dirty tricks of

money and muscle power to

win the election.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 11

6) Lack of Political Awareness

Among Voters: - In most of

the developing countries

voters are illiterate or they

are not aware about political

parties and their ideologies

and sometimes they may

choose wrong candidates.

Q.9. Give some arguments in favour of democracy. Or

Why do we prefer democracy better than any other form of government? Or
Why is democracy considered to be the best option among all the political systems available in the
world? Explain. Or
Democracy leads to be better decisions than any other non-democratic government justify the above
statement with examples. (NCERT Page no. 11 & 12) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -

1) Responsive Government: -

Democracy is better than

any other form of

government in responding to

the needs of the people.

Non-democratic government

may or may not respond the

needs of the people as it

depends on the wishes of the ruler only.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 12

2) Accountable Government:

- Democracy is better

because it is more

accountable form of

government. The citizen can

check the process of

decision-making weather it

follows set of rules or not.

3) Consultation and

Discussion: - Democracy is

based on consultation and

discussion. All the decisions

are taken after long

discussion which leads to

improve the quality of

decision making.

4) Deal with Differences: -

Democracy provides a

peaceful solution to every

problem. It provides the

best method of dealing

with differences and

conflicts.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 13
5) Political Equality: -

Democracy is based on

political equality which

ensures equal rights, for

everyone i.e. the rich and

the poor, the educated and

the uneducated. Thus

democracy enhances the

dignity of every citizen.

6) Chance for Correction: -

Mistakes cannot be hidden
in democracy. Chances are
always there for leaders
and for the people to
correct their mistakes. Even
if the people are not
satisfied with their rulers,
so people can replace
them.

7) Active Participation of
the Citizens: - In
democracy the direct and
indirect active political
participation of the citizens
is always there as the
public opinion molds the
process of government and
policy making.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 14
8) Role of Opposition: - In
democracy opposition
political parties plays an
important role to criticize
the wrong policies of the
ruling party if the people
are not satisfied with the
policies of the ruling party
then they can remove their
leaders with the support of
opposition political parties.
Q.10. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. Explain. Or
Why democracy called a government by discussion. (NCERT Page No. 11) (3)
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Democracy provides all the
citizens some basic rights by
which they can give their
opinion.
2) It provides a chance to all the
citizens to choose their
representatives and replace
them if they do not work
according to their wishes.
3) In a parliament all the
members have the right to
give their opinions in a
particular matter.
4) Democracy provides the
religious freedom to its citizens by-which they can follow any religion or even not anyone.
Q.11. Which is the most common form of democracy why is it necessary? (NCERT Page No. 13) (3)
 Answer Key Points: -

1) In representative democracy
the majority government is
allowed to take decisions on
behalf of all the citizens of

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 15
the country. Even the majority does not rule directly but it rules through its elected representatives.
2) Modern democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically impossible for them to
sit together and take a collective decision.
3) Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to take part in all the
decisions.

Q.12. What is the significance of rule of law and respect for rights in a democratic country? Or
Keeping in mind the basic features and principles of democracy, can you say that India is a democratic
country. Explain by giving examples. (NCERT Page No. 15) (5)
 Answer Key Points: -

1) Government Making
Power Lies with The
People: - In India
government making power
lies with the people. If the
people are not satisfied with
the government they can
change it in the next
elections.

2) Decision-Making Power

with The People's

Representative: - This is the

basic principle of democracy.

In India, the final decision-

making power lies with the

Parliament whose members

are directly elected by the people.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 16

3) Free And Fair Elections: - A

democracy must be based on
free and fair elections where
those currently in power have
a fair chance of losing. In
India, we have Election
Commission- an independent
body for conducting free and
fair elections.

4) Equal Voting Rights: - In

India, all the adult citizens

have equal voting rights

according to which each

individual has one vote and

each vote has equal value.

5) Rule Of Law And Respect

For Rights: - Indian

government rules within

limits set up by the

constitutional law. All the

citizens have been given

some basic rights.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 17

Q.13. Democratic government is better than non-democratic government in the participation of citizens
how? (NCERT Page No. 15) (3)
 Answer Key Points: -
1) Other forms of non-
democratic government like
monarchy, dictatorship or
one-party rule do not require
all citizens to take part in
politics.
2) Democracy depends on
active political participation
by all the citizens.
3) Democratic government is
more accountable form of
government in which rulers
are responsible for their
actions and answerable to
the citizens.

Let us take Lyngdoh Madam seriously and try to write down the exact definition of some of the
simple words that we use all the time: pen, rain and love. e.g., is there a way of defining a pen that
distinguishes it clearly from a pencil, a brush, a chalk or crayon?
Q. 1. What have you learnt from this attempt?
 Answer: -
We have to think about its meaning and evolve a definition. Each and every thing has some specific
features on the basis of which we can define that thing.

Q. 2. What does it teach us about understanding the meaning of democracy?

 Answer: -
We need a definition only when we come across a difficulty in the use of a word. We need a clear
definition of democracy because there are different kinds of governments which are known as
Democracy.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 18

Q. 3. I have heard a different version. Democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they)
buy the people. Why don't we accept that?
 Answer: -
In some cases, the democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people
i.e., where the democracy does not belong to the people it is not for them but far away from them,
where the democracy is not by the people but the candidates buy it with money which means that true
democracy does not exist. These cases are exceptions and not the rule, which will be removed with the
passage of time.

Ribiang went back home and collected some more famous quotations on democracy. This time she
did not mention the names of the people who said or wrote these.
Q. 4. She wants you to read these and comment on how good or useful these thoughts are: -
 Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.
 Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they, have told you what you think it is you
want to hear.
 Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes
democracy necessary.
 Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
 All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
 Answer: -
1) The first and second thoughts are about those forms of government in which the people have the
right to elect their ruler without having options. It means they have to elect the candidate only from
the ruling party.

2) In the third thought, it suggests that if man accepts justice, then democracy is possible. But when the
man follows injustice, the democracy is necessary there to give justice to others.

3) In the fourth thought, it suggests that there must be a balance between the form of government and
our need. The strongest argument for democracy is about what it does to the citizens. Democracy
recognises our needs and enhances our dignity.

4) In the last thought, there is scope for changing the features and activities of democracy as per our
need. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in democracy. The advantage is that there
is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers can be changed.
In this way, the ills of democracy can be cured.

This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of US and other foreign
powers.
Q. 5. What do you think this cartoon is saying?
 Answer: -
The cartoon is saying that democracy is being established in Iraq with the help of the US military
power.
Q. 6. Why is 'democracy' written the way it is?
 Answer: -
Democracy is written in this particular way because it shows that it is not true democracy and it is
mockery of democracy setup by the US for its own interest. Democracy is being ridiculed in this
cartoon.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 19
Page No: 4 Read the Cartoon
Syria is a small West Asian country. The ruling Ba'ath Party and some of its small allies are the only
parties allowed in that country.
Q. 7. Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico?
 Answer: -
1) Yes, this cartoon could be applied to China, because there is one party rule in China. Before contesting
elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese communist party. So China cannot be said to
be a true democracy.
2) Mexico has a multiparty system. Nationally there are three large political parties, viz. Institutional
Revolutionary Party (PRI), National Action Party (NAP), and Party of the Democratic Revolution (PDR).
But until 2000 every election was won by the PRI.
3) The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to win elections. So the cartoon can be applied to Mexico
until 2000 election. But in 2006, election the PRI fell to third place behind both the PAN and the PRD.
Now Mexico has a coalition government.
Q. 8. What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?
 Answer: -
Crown of leaves means a circle of leaves that is worn on somebody's head as a sign of victory. The
cartoon signifies that democracy has won in some of the countries of the world, but it is not accepted
by all.

This cartoon was drawn in the context of Latin America.

Q. 9. Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well?
 Answer: -
The cartoon suggests the scene of booth capturing with the gun. This can be applicable to the
Pakistan. In Pakistan, General Musharraf with the help of army officials controlled the elected
representatives.

Q. 10. Think of other countries where this could apply?

 Answer: -
This could be applied in Iraq, China, etc.

Q. 11. Does this happen sometimes in our country as well?

 Answer: -
Booth capturing by the political hooligans happens sometimes in our country also.
All this is so remote for me.
Q. 12. Is democracy all about rulers and governments?
 Answer: -
Democracy is not only about rulers and governments. Democracy is a principle that can be applied to
any sphere of life. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are
affected by that decision.

Q. 13. Can we talk about a democratic classroom? or a democratic family?

 Answer: -
1) Yes we can have democratic classrooms where the students can ask questions without hesitation;
where the teachers have a democratic temperament and the interaction is not a one-way traffic but a
healthy two-way interaction.
2) Democracy can be seen in families also. We could have democratic families where the decisions are
not taken by any one individual and imposed on rest of the family members. All the family members
should sit down and arrive at a general consensus.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 20

This cartoon was titled 'Building Democracy’ and was first published in a Latin American Publication.
Q. 14. What do money bags signify here?
 Answer: -
1) At the time of election, the political parties spend a lot of money to win the election. Not only political
parties, the government also spend a lot of money to conduct free and fair election.
2) The cartoon suggests that we establish democracy with the help of money power.

Q. 15. Could this cartoon be applied to India?

 Answer: -
Yes, this cartoon could be applied to India.

This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussein's regime was overthrown. He is
shown behind the bars.
Q. 16. What is the cartoonist saying here?
 Answer: -
In one of the quotation of the cartoon, the cartoonist tells us about the equality of the right to vote
and equal value of each man's vote. In another quotation, he says that the dictator mostly prefers the
situation when he is the only man to decide any matter by his only vote.
Q. 17. Compare the message of this cartoon with the first cartoon in this chapter.
 Answer: -
The first cartoon shown in two chapters suggests that the US army personnel are elevating the
process to form a democracy in Iraq. But in this cartoon the message is that the democracy is already
established.

Q. 18. Why talk about Zimbabwe?

 Answer: -
The example of Zimbabwe shows that popular approval of the rulers is necessary in a democracy, but
it is not sufficient. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, simply because it has won
the election. This is the reason for which Zimbabwe is discussed here.

Q. 19. Why don't we discuss that?

 Answer: -
Our country is democratic and elections are by and large free and fair. However, sometimes we hear
reports about use of unfair means, violence and money power in elections. These methods are
adopted by some candidates with criminal connections or criminal background. However, such cases
are decreasing day by day.

Q. 20. Chinese Government blocked free flow of information on the internet by placing restrictions on
popular websites like 'Google' and ‘Yahoo'. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the
reader of another major event in recent Chinese history. Find out about that event.
 Answer: -
The cartoon reminds us of the Massacre in Tiananmen Square in 1989. In April 1989, triggered by the
death of Hu Yaobang, a liberal reformer, mass gathering and protests took place in and around
Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It was largely a student run demonstration which called for economic
reform, freedom of the press and political liberalization. The Chinese Government brutally suppressed
the movement for which it was internationally condemned.

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 21

Q. 21. Read these five examples of working or denial of democracy. Match each of these with the relevant
feature of democracy discussed above.

# EXAMPLE FEATURE
1 King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the Rule of law
advice given to him by elected representatives.
2 Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given a right Respect for rights
to vote in Sri Lanka.
3 This king of Nepal imposed a ban on political gatherings, One person one vote
demonstrations and rallies. one value
4 The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of Bihar Free and fair electoral
Assembly was unconstitutional competition
5 Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral Major decisions by
government should rule the country at the time of elections. elected leaders

 Answer: -
# EXAMPLE FEATURE
1 King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the Major decisions by
advice given to him by elected representatives. elected leaders
2 Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given a right One person one vote
to vote in Sri Lanka. one value
3 This king of Nepal imposed a ban on political gatherings, Respect for rights
demonstrations and rallies.
4 The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of Bihar Assembly Rule of law
was unconstitutional
5 Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral government Free and fair electoral
should rule the country at the time of elections. competition

Q. 22. I want to be in Lyngdoh Madam's class! That sounds like a democratic classroom, doesn't it?
 Answer: -
Yes, Lyngdoh Madam's classroom sounds like a democratic classroom. Here everybody can speak his
own mind. The students are giving their own arguments passionately.

This cartoon is from Brazil, a country that has long experience of dictatorship. It is entitled 'The
Hidden Side of Dictatorship’

Q. 23. Which hidden sides does this cartoon depict?

 Answer: -
The hidden side depicted by the cartoon is the brutal side to the dictator. Dictator like Hitler ordered
mass killings, to eliminate 'undesirable' persons like Hitler many dictator killed the innocent people
who were against their regime.

Q. 24. Is it necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side?

 Answer: -
No, it is not necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side because, if the dictator really wants
to work for the betterment of people, he does not need to have a hidden side.
SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB
 22

Q. 25. Find this out the dictators discussed if possible, about Abacha in Nigeria and Macros in the
Philippines.
 Answer: -
Examples: -
1) The revolt by the army took place in Chile on 11th September 1973 under General Augusto Pinochet in
which President Salvador Allende was killed. Pinochet became the president the country and ruled it
for the next 17 years.
2) Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski was the last communist leader Poland who was the head of the state from
1985 to 1990. He resigned from the power after the Polish Round table Agreement in 1989 that led to
democratic elections in Poland.
3) General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military dictator and politician. He was the dictator president of
Nigeria from 1993 to 1998. His regime was tied to human rights violations and allegations of
corruption. He hanged the famous social activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. He did not allow democratic process
like elections in Nigeria. He was listed as the world's fourth most corrupt leader in recent history.
4) Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was the president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He
implemented wide-ranging) programmes of infrastructure development and economic reform.
However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian, political repression and human
rights violations. In the 2004, Global Transparency Report, Marcos appeared in the list of the world's
corrupt leader. He was said to have amassed between $ 5 billion to $ 10 billion in his 21 years as
President of Philippines.

Q. 26. What would have happened if India was not a democracy? Could we have stayed together as a
single nation?
 Answer: -
No, we would have not stayed together as a single nation if India was not a democracy. India has
multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-linguistic population. If there was no democracy then all the
people could not have followed their religion and customs with freedom and there would have been
conflicts between different religious and linguistic groups where the minorities would have lived in
fear and insecurity.

This cartoon was published in Canada just before its Parliamentary elections of 2005. Everyone,
including the cartoonist, expected the Liberal Party to win once again. When the result came,
expected the Liberal Party lost the elections.
Q. 27. In this cartoon an argument against democracy or for democracy?
 Answer: -
This cartoon is an argument for democracy because in democracy, the voters decide in favour of or
against the ruling party. Although the cartoonist expended the Liberal Party to win, he criticized the
Liberal Party which he could do only in a democracy.

Rajesh and Muzaffar read an article. It showed that no democracy has ever gone to war with another
democracy. Wars take place only when one of the two governments is non-democratic. The article
said that this was great merit of democracy. After reading the essay, Rajesh and Muzaffar had
different reactions. Rajesh said that this was not a good argument for democracy. It was just a matter

SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB

 23
of Chance. It is possible that in future democracies may have wars. Muzaffar said that it could not be a
matter of chance. Democracies take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war.

Q. 28. Which of the two positions do you agree with and why?
 Answer: -
In democracy, the decision is taken after discussion and keeping in view the welfare of the people. So,
the chances of war are minimized in democracy, but we cannot say that it is not possible. Some wars
were fought between two democracies like India and Pakistan, e.g., 'Kargil War' when both countries
were democratic countries.

This famous cartoon by RK Laxman comments on the celebrations of the fifty years of independence.
Q. 29. How many images on the wall do you recognize?
 Answer: -
The images on the wall are the images of former Prime Ministers of India. They were Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Gulzari Lal Nandu, Morarji Desai, Choudhary Charan Singh,
Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh, Chandra Shekhar, Narasimhan Rao, Devegowda and A B
Vajpayee.

Q. 30. Do you common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does?
 Answer: -
Yes, the common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does. After 50 glorious years of
Independence, the condition of the common man has changed very little. The claims and promises of
the politicians became meaningless to the common man, so he fell asleep by hearing these again. It is
a true picture of our democracy.

Q. 31. In my village, the Gram Sabha never meets. Is that democratic?

 Answer: -
The Gram Sabha should meet regularly to carry out its functions for the welfare of the people but if
the Gram Sabha does not meet that would not be democratic, it would be non-democratic.

Q. 32. Find out the total number of eligible voters in your Assembly Constituency and your Parliamentary
Constituency and your Parliamentary Constituency.
 Answer: -
Q. 33. Find out how many people can fit into the largest stadium in your area.
 Answer: -
Q. 34. Is it possible for all the voters in your Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency to sit together and
have a meaningful discussion?
 Answer: -
No, it is not possible. It is impossible for all the voters in my Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency
to sit together and have a meaningful discussion. The large number of voters cannot sit together for
taking a decision.

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 24

1) 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 A People who do not accept the country's official religion do not have a right to vote.
b) Country B The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
c) Country C Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
d) Country D There is no independent election commission.
 Answer: -
a) Undemocratic
b) Not sure
c) Democratic
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 a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
b) Country Q the Parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
c) Country R The country's leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking
permission from its neighbouring country.
d) Country S All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the Central
Bank which the ministers cannot change.
 Answer: -
a) Undemocratic
b) Democratic
c) Undemocratic
d) 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 conflict in a better way than others
c) Democratic government is more accountable to the people
d) Democracies are more prosperous than others

 Answer: -
Option d) Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favour of
democracy: -
Because countries of the Middle East like UAE and Iran are economically strong but they have non-
democratic governments whereas India is a developing country but is a democracy the poor countries
can be democratic while the rich ones may not be. A good monarch can make his country more
prosperous than some of the democracies.

Page No: 16
4) Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two
separately for each statement.
a) 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 Organization.
b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.

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 25
c) Women's representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women's
organizations to demand 10 one-third seats for women.
 Answer: -
a) Passing of laws by the Parliament is democratic, whereas passing in conformity to the regulations
decided by World Trade Organization in undemocratic.
b) To order redpoll in a constituency by the Election Commission is democratic, whereas large-scale
rigging is undemocratic.
c) Women's representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent is undemocratic, whereas
demand by women's organizations to reserve one third seats for women is democratic.

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) 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.
 Answer: -
Option (d) is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic
country, because practicing a religion is not a way related to prevent famines.

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?
a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to 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,
Answer: -
7) Write a response to the following arguments against democracy.
a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization in the country. Therefore, army
should rule the country.
b) 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.
c) 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: -
a) The army is for the defense of the country. Even if it is the most disciplined and corruption free
organization it should not be allowed to rule the country as its primary duty is defense and men
governance. Military rule is nothing but dictatorship.
b) Rule of majority is democratic as it represents the views of all sections of people. Illiterate and poor
people cannot be called ignorant. At least they can realize which representative is good for them.
There is no guarantee that the educated people will make the right choices and not have their own
interests to promote; Democracy mean equal opportunity to all without any discrimination.
c) The third statement is wrong. We should not mix religion and politics especially in a multi-racial
multi-religious and multi-lingual country like India. Because it will lead to conflict between the
different religious and linguistic groups, just as it had happened in Sri Lanka between the Tamils and
the Sinhalese.

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 26
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: -
a) The first statement is undemocratic because girl is not allowed to give her opinion relating to her own
marriage. Just as the people have the right to choose their representatives, the girls should also be
allowed to have a say in the selection or choice of her husband.
b) The second statement is undemocratic because the student is not being allowed to speak and ask
questions. It is the duty of the teacher to teach and satisfy the queries of the students.
c) The third statement is democratic because it calls for the reduction of working hours but according to
the law. Employees should enjoy the right to work for fixed hours as fixed by law.

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 the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the
government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
c) 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.
d) Several organizations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the
country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
e) 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 government's policies and protests.
 Answer: -

a) A country where all the citizens have a right to vote and elections are held regularly can certainly be
called democratic, because the basic conditions are being fulfilled.
b) Democratic countries are generally welfare states. If a country reduces expenses on education and
health it will definitely harm the people. Since all the international agencies apply certain conditions
while giving loans, the country does not become undemocratic.
c) In a multi-lingual country making any one language as the official language or national language is a
complicated situation. In democracy, people should enjoy the freedom to have education in their
own language.
d) The country is not democratic because the people are not allowed to hold peaceful demonstrations or
oppose government policies. Their right to freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration is denied.
e) A country which imposes censorship of both print and electronic media is undemocratic because
freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right of the people in a democracy. In democracy,
people are free to express their views about the policies of the government.

10) In 2004, a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities
in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to
influence the decisions taken by the government. The report highlighted that: -
a) If an average Black family earns $ 100 then the income of average White family is $ 162. A White
family has twelve times more wealth than the average Black family.
b) In a President's election nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in families with income over $ 75.000 have
voted. These people are the top 20% of the population in terms of their income. On the other hand

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 27
only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $ 15,000 have voted. They are the bottom
20% of the population in terms of their income.
c) About 95% contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them opportunity to
express their opinions and concerns, which is not available to most citizens.
d) As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does not listen to their concerns - coming
out of poverty, getting job, education, health care and housing for them. Politicians hear most
regularly about the concerns of business persons and the rich.

Q. Write an essay on 'Democracy and Poverty' using the information given in this report by using
examples from India.
 Answer: -
There is no denying the act that poverty has a direct and deep impact a democracy. Modern democracy
is a form of government run by the rich section of society. The rich control the media and use it for their
own benefit. Influence of the rich over politics is clearly visible in the countries like England, USA and
India. In India, only rich can contest the election. The poor people are bought and sold. The poor cannot
fight elections against the rich and get elected. As a result, the rich influence the government when it
takes decisions about the policies. The government formed by the different politicians pays much
attention to the interests of the business class and rich sections of the society. As poor people
participate less in our Parliamentary democracy, their interests of education, employment, healthcare,
housing problems etc. are neglected. Our government has taken many welfare schemes like Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
Indira Awaas Yajona (IAY) etc.
But their implementation is far from satisfactory. Like USA and in India different political parties pay
more attention to the concerns of the rich who contribute most of their funds.

Most newspapers have an editorial page. On that page, the newspaper publishes its own opinions about
current affairs. The paper also publishes the views of other writers and intellectuals and letters written
by the readers. Follow any one newspaper for one month and collect editorials, articles and letters on
that page that have anything to do with democracy.
Classify these into the following categories
a) Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy
b) Citizens' rights
c) Electoral and party politics
d) Criticism of democracy

 Answer: -

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SAJEENDRAN NAIR- ISB