Question 1

How is democracy better than other forms of government? Explain giving at least five arguments in the favour of democracy.

Accepted Answer

Democracy is undoubtedly better than other forms of government. We can give the following arguments in its favour:(i) Democracy improves the quality of decision making. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put their head together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time but there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.(ii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours which has an amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practice different religions and have different castes. They look at the world differently and have different preferences. The preference of one group can clash with those of other groups. This conflict can be solved peacefully in a democratic set-up. In democracy no one is a permanent winner, no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.(iii) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.(iv) Democracy allows us to correct its own mistakes. Another advantage in a democracy is that if mistake are made, they cannot be hidden for long. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rules can be changed This cannot happen in a non-democratic government.(v) Democracy is more accountable form of government. Democracy responds to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government may and can respond to the people's needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.

Question 2

Distinguish between the democratic government and non-democratic government.

Accepted Answer

Democratic government Non-democratic government Democracy is the best form of government as the rulers are accountable to the people and have to fulfill their needs. The rulers are not accountable to the people and their needs. In a democratic government, people elect their rulers and have right in decision making. In non-democratic governments, people do not elect their rulers and have no right in decision making. There is freedom of expression and people enjoy political rights. There is no freedom of expression and people do not enjoy fundamental rights. Example: India, USA. Example: Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe.

Question 3

Explain any three essential features of democracy.

Accepted Answer

The three essential features of democracy can be listed as follows(i) Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people on the principle of one person, one vote.(ii)  Democracy must be based on  free and fair elections, where those who are currently in power have a fair chance of losing. Voters should have a choice of candidates.(iii)In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

Question 4

How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyze.

Accepted Answer

Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens because: 1) In a democracy people have the right to choose their representatives and the people will have control over them. 2) Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making that affects them all. This ensures that the working of the government is transparent. 3) Everybody expect the government to be attentive to the needs and expectations of the people. 4) It is expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable. 5) The opposition parties can also question and criticize the government policies. They keep a check on the ruling party and make sure that it does not misuse the power.

Question 5

Describe any five characteristics of democracy.

Accepted Answer

The Characteristics of democracy are:1) Elected representative : The people among themselves elect representatives who would govern them.2) Civil liberties : Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, expression, etc are provided to the people.3) Independent judiciary : The judiciary is free from the control of the executive and hence results in a more democratic resolution of disputes.4) Organised opposition party : An organised opposition party is an essential part of the democracy as it keeps a check on the government.5) Rule of law : Rule of law prevails in a democracy and no one is above the law. The law is supreme and all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.

Question 6

Why is democracy considered as the best form of government?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is considered the best form of government for these reasons.(i) It is a more accountable form of government as it has to respond to the needs of the people.(ii) Democracy improves the quality of decision- making as it is based on consultation and discussion.(iii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts as differences are bound to occur.(iv) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens as it is based on the principle of political equality.

Question 7

Give arguments against democracy.

Accepted Answer

We can give the following arguments against democracy:(i) Leaders keep changing in a democracy which leads to instability.(ii) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.(iii) Delays are often made because many people have to be consulted in a democracy.(iv) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions.(v) Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.

Question 8

How does democracy improve the quality of decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meeting. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. Even though this takes time but taking time over important decisions is a must. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy improves the quality of decision making.

Question 9

What does 'One person, one vote, one value mean? Name the countries where citizens do not enjoy the right to vote.

Accepted Answer

Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value. But there are many instances of denial of equal right to vote:(i) In Saudi Arabia women do not have the right to vote.(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 the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.

Question 10

Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?

Accepted Answer

Option D Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favour of democracy as there are many countries such as Sri Lanka, India which opted for democracy but not prosperous where other countries such as China or Saudi Arabia which have communist and monarchy rule respectively are more prosperous. The prosperity of any country depends on the correct policies of government. It also depends on the availability of natural resources not with the form of government. Democracy cannot guarantee prosperity.