NCERT Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answer What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Solution. NCERT Class 9 Political Question Answer and Important Question Answer, Textual Question answer also Available for Various Board Students like HBSE, CBSE, UP board, Mp Board, RBSE and some other State Boards.
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NCERT Solution for Class 9 Civics / Political Science Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? textual Question Answer.
NCERT Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answer
Q1. 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.
Ans.
Country A : Undemocratic
Country B : Not Sure
Country C : Democratic
Country D : Undemocratic
Q2. 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.
Ans.
Country P : Undemocratic
Country Q : Democratic
Country R : Not sure
Country S : Undemocratic
Q3. 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
Ans. (d) Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favour of democracy because Prosperity of a country depends upon the economic policy. A country which may not be democratic can be more prosperous than a democratic country if it is rich is resources and have better economic policies. eg – China. Also a democratic country cann’t be more prosperous if it is not rich in resources and not having better economic policies. eg – Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Q4. 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 Organisation (WTO).
(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.
(c) Women’s representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
Ans. (a) Democratic : A minister said that some laws have to be passed the parliament.
Undemocratic : In order to confirm the regulations decided by the Work Trade Organization.
(b) Democratic : The Election Commission ordered repolling in constituency.
Undemocratic : Large scale rigging was reported.
(c) Democratic : Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 percent.
Undemocratic : Women’s organisation demand one-third seats for women.
Q5. 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 practise any religion.
Ans. (d) People are free to believe in and practise any religion.
Q6. 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) Organising public meetings against government’s policies.
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
Ans. (d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
Q7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation 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.
Ans. (a) Response : As army is not selected by people. Therefore, it cann’t rule in a democratic country.
(b) Response : Rule of majority doesn’t mean the rule of ignorant people. We don’t need the rule of wise in democracy. As democracy represent the majority of population.
(c) Response : If we invite religious leaders to guide us in politics, democracy will be end. A religion of majority will rule the country and minority will be suppressed.
Q8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?
(a) 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.
(b) Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.
(c) Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.
Ans. (a) No. In democracy everyone has right to freedom. In this case it is a case of dictatorship of father over children marriage.
(b) No. In a broader sense the students have right to ask questions to the teacher in the classroom.
(c) Yes, because working hours are decided by the law.
Q9. 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 percent people of that country.
(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide 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.
Ans. (a) Yes, it is a democratic because in democracy citizens have right to vote and election also held regularly.
(b) This is undemocratic because no other country or organization can force government to reduce expenses from particular sector.
(c) The country is democratic, because democracy represents majority.
(d) A call for peaceful demonstrations is democratic but arresting of these leaders by government is undemocratic because in democracy a peaceful demonstration is allowed.
(e) This in undemocratic because it is violation of freedom of speech. In this case government will not allow any news that is against government which is totally dictatorship.
Q10. 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 : .. 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.
Ans. The report you mentioned from 2004 underscores the significant income inequalities in the United States and how these disparities have far-reaching effects on the participation of people in democracy and their ability to influence government decisions. Here are some key points from the report :
- Income Inequality: A 2004 report highlighted substantial income inequality in the United States. Black families earned significantly less than White families, and wealth disparities were stark, with White families having twelve times more wealth than Black families.
- Voter Participation Gap: The report emphasized a direct link between income and voter participation. Nearly 90% of individuals from families with incomes over $75,000 voted in presidential elections, while only 50% from families earning less than $15,000 cast their votes. This discrepancy in voter turnout reflected income-based disparities.
- Political Contribution Dominance: Wealthy individuals and businesses wielded immense political influence, contributing about 95% of political contributions to parties. This financial power allowed them to voice their concerns effectively, potentially overshadowing the concerns of ordinary citizens.
- Government Responsiveness: The report argued that the low political participation of lower-income individuals resulted in a government that may not adequately address their needs. Issues such as poverty, employment, education, healthcare, and housing might not receive the attention they deserve, as politicians may prioritize the interests of the affluent who are more politically engaged and financially influential.
- Democracy’s Challenge: Income inequality, voter turnout disparities, and the dominance of wealthy contributors raise concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of American democracy. Addressing income inequality is crucial to achieving a more equitable and responsive political system, where all citizens have a meaningful say in shaping policies and government decisions.