Class 9 Civics
Chapter: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Maximum Marks: 40
Time Allowed: 2 hours
Section A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)
(Answer all 8 questions)
1. What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Democracy’?
2. Name the two forms of democracy mentioned in the chapter.
3. Which country was ruled by General Pervez Musharraf following a military coup?
4. What is the principle of ‘one person, one vote, one value’?
5. Name one non-democratic country mentioned in the chapter.
6. What kind of election system does China have according to the chapter?
7. Who said “Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people"?
8. What is the main role of elected representatives in a democracy?
Section B: Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
(Answer any 6 questions)
1. Explain why it is said that simply holding elections does not make a government a
democracy.
2. Mention two features that distinguish a democratic election from any other elections.
3. Why is it important to respect minority rights in a democracy?
4. Describe the role of the judiciary in democracy.
5. What are the four features of democracy mentioned in the chapter?
6. How does democracy help in correcting its own mistakes?
7. State one argument against democracy and explain the counter-argument presented in
the chapter.
8. Why is democracy considered better at resolving social conflicts?
Section C: Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)
(Answer any 4 questions)
1. Discuss in detail the meaning and key features of democracy.
2. Analyze the reasons why democracy is considered the best form of government despite
its weaknesses.
3. Explain the difference between a democratic government and a non-democratic
government using examples from the chapter.
4. How can democracy be practiced beyond government? Give examples to illustrate.
5. Describe the importance of free and fair elections in a democracy.
6. Explain the concept of ‘rule of law’ and its significance in democracy.
Answers
Section A: Very Short Answer Questions
1. Literal meaning of Democracy: Democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos’
meaning people and ‘kratia’ meaning rule, hence democracy means ‘rule by the people’.
2. Forms of Democracy: Direct democracy and Representative democracy.
3. Country ruled by General Musharraf: Pakistan.
4. One person, one vote, one value: Every adult citizen has the right to one vote, and all
votes have equal value in an election.
5. Non-democratic country example: Saudi Arabia.
6. Election system in China: Elections are held but candidates need approval from the
Communist Party; there is no real competition.
7. Quote by Abraham Lincoln: “Democracy is government of the people, by the people
and for the people.”
8. Role of elected representatives: To make major decisions on behalf of the people who
elected them.
Section B: Short Answer Questions
1. Elections alone don’t make democracy: Elections must be free and fair, provide real
choice to the people, and the elected representatives must hold the real power. Merely
holding elections without these conditions (like in military or single-party states) is not
democracy.
2. Two features of democratic elections: (a) Free and fair competition allowing genuine
choice among candidates or parties. (b) The possibility to remove current rulers through
regular elections.
3. Importance of minority rights: Democracy respects the rights of all citizens including
minorities so that majority rule does not become tyranny. It ensures inclusion and social
harmony.
4. Role of Judiciary: An independent judiciary protects citizens’ rights, ensures laws are
followed, and holds the government accountable.
5. Four features of democracy:
Rulers elected by the people take major decisions.
Elections offer a real choice and can remove rulers.
Equal voting rights for all citizens.
Government operates within constitutional limits respecting citizens’ rights.
6. Correction of mistakes in democracy: Through public debate, criticism, and elections,
democracy allows people to question and change leadership or policies.
7. Argument against democracy: "Leaders keep changing leading to instability."
Counter-argument: Though democracy causes change, it allows people to hold rulers
accountable and ensures better decision making through consultation.
8. Resolving social conflicts: Democracy allows different groups with diverse opinions to
coexist peacefully by accepting majority decisions while protecting minority rights.
Section C: Long Answer Questions
1. Meaning and Key features of Democracy:
Democracy is a form of government where the rulers are elected by the people. Key
features include:
Decision-making power rests with elected representatives.
Elections are free, fair, and provide a genuine choice.
Every citizen has equal voting rights.
Government functions within constitutional laws and protects citizens' rights.
This ensures government accountability, political equality, and rule of law.
2. Why democracy is the best form of government:
Democracy is better than other systems because it ensures accountability of rulers to
the people. It respects political equality, protects individual freedoms, and allows
peaceful resolution of conflicts. Democracy provides a mechanism to correct mistakes
and adapt through elections and public debate. Even with its flaws, no system
guarantees better governance or respect for rights.
3. Differences between democratic and non-democratic governments:
In a democracy, power is held by elected representatives, elections are genuinely
competitive, voting is universal, and constitutional laws restrict government power. In
non-democratic regimes like military dictatorships or monarchies, rulers come to power
unilaterally without elections, power is centralized, and citizens have limited political
rights. For example, Pakistan under General Musharraf had elections, but real power
stayed with the military.
4. Democracy beyond government:
Democracy is not only about government but also a principle of decision-making where
everyone affected has equal say. Families, schools, and organizations can practice
democracy by consulting and including everyone in decisions (e.g., a democratic family
respects children’s opinions, or a school encourages student participation).
5. Importance of free and fair elections:
Free and fair elections ensure the government reflects the will of the people, allow
citizens to choose their leaders, and enable removal of unpopular rulers. They provide
legitimacy to the government and encourage accountability and transparency. Without
such elections, governments can become oppressive or unrepresentative.
6. Concept of Rule of Law:
Rule of law means that everyone, including rulers, is equal before the law. It ensures that
government powers are exercised within legal limits and protects individual rights. Rule
of law maintains order, prevents abuse of power, and is essential for protecting
democracy and citizens’ freedoms.
