Regular practice with AP Inter 1st Year Civics Study Material Chapter 9 Democracy Questions and Answers helps students stay prepared for examinations.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics 9th Lesson Democracy Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Write any one definition of democracy.
Answer:
“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”. -Abraham Lincoln
“Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.-J.R.Seeley
Question 2.
What do you know about Direct Democracy?
Answer:
Direct Democracy: It is a democracy in which people directly participate in the administrative affairs of the Government. They assume all powers of legislation. They formulate laws in meetings attended by the people. People participate directly in the affairs of the state. Direct democracy is suitable to small states inhabited by a few thousand people.
Question 3.
What is the origin of the term Democracy?
Answer:
- The term ‘Democracy’ has originated from two Greek words ‘demos’ and ‘kratos’.
- They mean people and power. This democracy means ‘power vested in the people’.
Question 4.
Mention the different devices used in direct democracy.
Answer:
The four devices used in direct democracy:
- Referendum
- Initiative
- Recall
- Plebiscite
Question 5.
What are the features of Democracy?
Answer:
Features of Democracy:
- Popular government.
- Popular control
- Individual’s dignity
- Elections
- Public accountability
Question 6.
What is meant by Recall?
Answer:
Recall is an important direct democratic device which allows the voters to call back any elected officer or representative when he fails to carry out his obligations faithfully or properly. It prevails in some states of the United States like Arizona, Montana, Louisiana, Kansas, California, Nevada, Oregon etc.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain any four essential features of democracy.
Answer:
Essential features of Democracy:
1. Popular government: Democracy is basically a government by the people. In democracy people act as the rulers and the ruled. While voters assume ultimate sovereign authority, their representatives are considered as immediate masters over the rulers in government.
2. Popular control: In democracy, citizens will have control over political affairs. Citizens regulate the affairs of government by expressing their opinion on various policies and programmes. They support the wise, honest and welfare-oriented programmes.
3. Individual dignity: In democracy individual dignity is honoured by the government. Even the ordinary persons living in distant and remote places are given various opportunities to express their opinions.
4. Elections: Democracy and elections are closely related. Democracy gives scope for holding elections at regular intervals as per constitutional norms. Adult citizens participate in elections for choosing the members of various representative bodies.
Question 2.
Describe the various types of Democracy.
Answer:
Types of Democracy:
- Direct or Pure Democracy.
- Indirect or Representative Democracy.
1. Direct or Pure Democracy: Direct or pure democracy existed in ancient Greek and Roman city states. In ancient India, this system prevailed during the Buddhist period. Not it has become a thing of the past. In this system, people directly participate in the administrative affairs of the Government. They assume all powers of legislation. They formulate laws in the meetings attended by the people. People participate directly in the affairs of the state. Direct democracy is suitable to small states.
2. Indirect or Representative Democracy: Modern states are generally huge in size and population. Hence, direct democracy is inconceivable in these states. People living in these states govern indirectly through their elected representatives. The representatives, elected for a determinate period, are responsible to the people. Hence, representatives govern the people as their trustees. They respond to public opinion.
Indirect or Representative democracy is again classified into two types namely:
- Presidential
- Parliamentary
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain any two merits and two demerits of Democracy.
Answer:
“Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”. -Abraham Lincoln
“Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.-J.R.Seeley
Democracy received over whelming popularity in the contemporary world. Almost all the leading states have opted for democracy.
Merits of Democracy:
1. Efficient Government: Prof. Garner described democracy is an efficient and effective government. The Government in democracy carries ail its activities efficiently and effectively both in normal times and emergencies. It encourages self-government and self-discipline among the people.
2. Upholds individual liberties: Democracy is the only government which upholds individual liberties. It guarantees the rights of individuals by providing several constitutional safeguards. J.S.Mill stated that democracy assures its people certain civil rights like freedom of speech, expression, press and association.
3. Assures equality: Democracy assures equality of individuals in political and economic spheres. In the political sphere, it bestows several political rights like right to vote, right to contest as candidates in elections, right to hold public office etc. In economic sphere, it ensures several economic rights such as right to property, right to work, right to recreation, right to leisure etc.
4. Educates the masses: Elections to various representative bodies at different times and the corresponding campaigns make the citizens educated. These make the people enlightened in casting their votes.
Demerits of Democracy: The following are the demerits of democracy.
1. Rule by ignorants: Aristotle considered democracy as a perverted form of government. He viewed that it is a sort of mob rule. Plato, his teacher called it, a rule of ignorants. In this system, wise and honest persons are isolated thereby giving importance to ignorant and foolish persons.
2. Favours the rich: Most of the modern democracies are capitalist-oriented. The Governments in this system favour the propertied classes. Elections can become a farce. Voters, who are treated as God in democracy, are wooed by the contesting candidates on the pretext of caste, colour, community, creed and region etc.,
3. Majority Rule – A Myth: At one time during 1980s, democracy was treated as a rule by majority. But things have changed swiftly owing to the dramatic events that swept the domestic and global scenarial. Education, literacy, enlightenment, press, radio, news channels, face book, twitter and other social media revolutionised several states in the political sphere. Common Minimum Programme.
Ex: United Front (UF), National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Progressive Alliance (UPA)
4. Representative Principle – Doubtful: Democracy is based upon the principle of territorial representation. This presupposes every legislator to represent the views of everybody in his constituency.
Question 2.
Explain the devices used in direct democracy.
Answer:
Direct democratic devices prevailed and practiced in some ancient Greek city-states. At present they are not found. However, some states like Switzerland and the United States have adopted these devices.
Four devices used in direct democracy:
1. Referendum: The term ‘referendum’ literally means “refer to”. Referendum is a device hereby the opinion of the people is ascertained through a direct reference to the people. According to R.C. Brooks, “Referendum is a device whereby the electorate may veto an Act which a legislative body has already passed.”
Types of referendum:
- Compulsory or Obligatory referendum
- Optional or Facultative referendum
2. Initiative: The advocates of direct legislation were not satisfied with mere referendum.
So, they pleaded for Initiative for enabling the people to propose legislation.
For instance, in Switzerland, 50,000 citizens may sign a petition hinting out a measure which they desire to be enacted. Subsequently, the proposal will be submitted to the opinion of the people. If it is approved by the majority citizens, it becomes a duly enacted law.
Types of initiative:
- formulated
- unformulated.
3. Recall: Recall is an important direct democratic device which allows the voters to call back an elected officer or representative when he fails to carry out his obligations faithfully or properly. It prevails in some states of the United States.
4. Plebiscite: The term Plebiscite has French origin. It is derived from two Latin words namely ‘plebis’ and scitum’ which means people (plebis) and decree (scitum). It is a democratic method used for ascertaining the opinion of the people on an important public policy. It is not concerned with regular law-making activity.
Question 3.
Describe any four conditions for the success of Democracy.
Answer:
Essential conditions for the success of democracy:
- Sound System of Education
- Enlightened Citizenship
- Independent and Impartial Press
- Strong Opposition
- Decentralization of Powers
- Absence of Economic Disparities
- Social Equality
- Faith in Democracy
- Agreement on Fundamental Issues
- Sagacious Leadership
1. Sound system of Education: The success of democracy requires adequate education for the citizens. Ignorance, innocence and uneducation prevent them from adopting right attitudes and large-scale reforms. Education sharpens the intellect for individuals.
2. Enlightened Citizenship: Enlightened citizenship are an asset to the democratic state. They can exercise proper vigilance. They can actively participate in public affairs and help their fellow citizens in the exercise of their rights and discharge of their responsibilities.
3. Independent Press: An independent press is a perquisite of democracy. It enables the people to receive accurate and unbiased information regarding the activities of the government. It strives to promote harmonious relationship between the people and the government.
4. Strong Opposition: The success of parliamentary democracy depends to a great extent on the strong and effective opposition. Such an opposition will act as a check against the government by pointing out its lapses.
5. Decentralization of Powers: Decentralization of powers and establishment of democratic institutions at the grassroots level is indispensable for the healthy organisation of democratic institutions.
6. Absence of economic disparities: Democracy cannot function smoothly when there are economic disparities in a country. When a country comprises a large number of poor people and a few wealthy persons, democracy could not work successfully.
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Who considered democracy as a sort of ‘Mob rule?
1. Aristotle
2. Plato
3. A.V. Dicey
4. J.R. Seeley
Answer:
1. Aristotle
Question 2.
Who defined democracy as “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”?
1. Plato
2. Lord Bryce
3. Abraham Lincoln
4. J.S. Mill
Answer:
3. Abraham Lincoln
Question 3.
Which organ of the government acts as the ‘Watchdog of the people’s freedom’ ?
1. Legislature
2. Executive
3. Judiciary
4. Media
Answer:
3. Judiciary
Question 4.
Identify the condition that is not essential for the success of democracy.
1. Sound system of education
2. Enlightened citizenship
3. Independent press
4. Lack of ethical values
Answer:
4. Lack of ethical values
Question 5.
Who stated that democracy is an efficient and effective government?
1. A.V. Dicey
2. J.W. Garner
3. J.S. Mill
4. John Locke
Answer:
2. J.W. Garner
Question 6.
Among the following countries, identify the best example of a Presidential government.
1. India
2. England
3. Australia
4. USA
Answer:
4. USA
Question 7.
Who stated, “Referendum is a device whereby the electorate may veto an Act which a legislative body has already passed.”?
1. R.C. Brooks
2. Lord Bryce
3. Maclver
4. A.V. Dicey
Answer:
1. R.C. Brooks
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
The term ‘referendum’ literally means ‘______________’.
Answer:
Refer to
Question 2.
‘Recall’ is an important device of direct democracy. It means ______________’.
Answer:
call back
Question 3.
‘Plebiscite’ means ______________’.
Answer:
People decreee/ People’s decisions
Question 4.
The term ‘Democracy’ has originated from the two Greek words ‘demos’ and ‘kratos’ means people and Kratos means ______________’.
Answer:
Power/ Government
One Word Answers
Question 1.
What type of democracy prevailed during the Buddhist period in ancient India?
Answer:
Direct democracy.
Question 2.
Who is the teacher of Aristotle?
Answer:
Plato
Question 3.
Who believed that democracy is a ‘Rule of ignorant’?
Answer:
Plato