Democracy — Practice

Question 1

What is the literal meaning of the word 'democracy'?

Accepted Answer

It comes from the Greek words demos (people) and kratia (rule), meaning 'rule by the people'.

✦ Answer: rule by the people (demos + kratia).

Question 2

What does 'universal adult franchise' mean?

Accepted Answer

Every adult citizen has the right to one vote, of equal value, regardless of wealth, gender, caste or religion.

✦ Answer: every adult has one equal vote.

Question 3

Which type of democracy does India follow, and why?

Accepted Answer

Representative (indirect) democracy, because millions of people cannot all take decisions directly, so they elect representatives to decide for them.

✦ Answer: representative democracy — people elect representatives.

Question 4

State any two features of a democracy.

Accepted Answer

Any two of: rulers are elected by the people; elections are free and fair with a real choice; one person, one vote, one value; the government follows the rule of law and respects citizens' rights.

✦ Answer: any two valid features as above.

Question 5

Differentiate between direct and representative democracy.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — In direct democracy, the people themselves take decisions directly (e.g. ancient Greek city-states, a gram sabha).

Step 2 — In representative democracy, people elect representatives who take decisions on their behalf — suitable for large countries.

✦ Answer: direct = people decide themselves; representative = elected reps decide for them.

Question 6

Name any four core values on which democracy rests.

Accepted Answer

Any four of: equality, freedom, justice, participation, tolerance and respect for differences.

✦ Answer: any four valid democratic values as above.

Question 7

Give three reasons why democracy is considered the best form of government.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — It is accountable: rulers must answer to the people and can be voted out.

Step 2 — It improves decisions through discussion and consultation, and settles conflicts peacefully.

Step 3 — It upholds the equality and dignity of citizens and, crucially, allows mistakes to be corrected.

✦ Answer: accountability + better/peaceful decision-making + equality and self-correction (any three).

Question 8

What are some challenges faced by democracies?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Social and economic inequality and poverty limit real participation.

Step 2 — Discrimination (by caste, religion, gender) and corruption weaken fairness.

Step 3 — Low awareness or participation by citizens can undermine democracy.

✦ Answer: inequality/poverty, discrimination, corruption and low participation are key challenges.

Question 9

'Democracy is not perfect, yet it is the best form of government.' Explain.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Its flaws: decisions can be slow because many must be consulted, and leaders keep changing, which can seem unstable.

Step 2 — Yet it is accountable — rulers answer to the people and can be replaced peacefully.

Step 3 — It makes decisions through discussion, resolves conflicts peacefully, and treats citizens as equals with dignity.

Step 4 — Above all, it allows wrong decisions to be reviewed and corrected — which non-democracies do not — so, despite its flaws, it is the best available option.

✦ Answer: flawed (slow, changing leaders) but accountable, equal, peaceful and self-correcting — hence the best form.

Practice — Democracy

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