Ch-1 What is democracy? Why democracy?

Important Questions

Q- Explain the main features of democracy.

Or

Q- State some of the important characteristics of a democracy.

Ans- Features of Democracy :

a) Major decisions by Elected Leaders :

In a democratic government the major decisions are taken by the leaders who are elected by the people of
that country. These elected leaders represent the whole country so in this way the need of all people are
satisfied and the final decision remains of people.

b) Free and Fair Electoral Competition :

A democracy is based on a free and fair election where the person, currently in power have a fair chance of
losing.

c) One Person, One Vote , One Value :

In a democratic country each and every adult is provided a single vote which has equal value. It means each
vote must count and every person must have the right to vote.

d) Rule of Law and Respect of Rights :

) In a democracy, a country must be ruled by the government, only within the limits set by constitutional laws
and citizen’s rights.

Q- State any two features of a democracy with the help of a suitable example.

Ans 1- a) In a democratic country each and every adult is provided a single vote which has equal value. It
means each vote must count and every person must have the right to vote. As in many countries, people had
to fight for voting rights like in Saudi Arabia, women got the right to vote in 2015.

b) In a democracy, a country must be ruled by the government, only within the limits set by constitutional law
and citizen’s rights. For example, In Zimbabwe, since it’s independence, ZANU-PF political leader Robert
Mugabe has been ruling the country because of his unfair practices and over the time his government has
changed the constitution several times to increase his powers.

Q- State some arguments against democracy.

Or
Q- What are some of the drawbacks of democracy?

Ans- 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.

Q- What are some of the arguments in favor of democracy?

or

Q- Why is democracy better than any other form of government?

Ans- A) A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of

government: China suffered from one of the worst famines in 1958–1961. Nearly three crore people died in
the famine. No major famine occurred in India at this time. Democracy in India made the Government
respond to food scarcity in a way in which the Chinese Government did not.

B) Democracy improves the quality of Decision Making:  Democracy is based on consultations and

discussions. People collectively discuss and take decisions. This reduces the possibility of taking any
irresponsible decision.

 C) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: Democracy provides peaceful
solution to conflicts because decisions which are taken by mutual consent are followed and respected by all.

D) Democracy allows people to correct their own mistakes: There are possibilities of taking wrong decisions
in a democracy. However, as there is a space for public discussions, such mistakes cannot remain hidden from
the people for long.If the representatives of the people do not change their incorrect decisions, they may not
get elected by the people in the next elections.

E) Democracy is based on the principles of political equality and here the least educated also has the same
status as rich and educated. Thus, it enhances the dignity of the citizens.