Class 9 Political Science Chapter 2 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

NCERT Solutions for Political Science
Chapter 2 – What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Intext Questions

 

Question 1 I have heard a different version. Democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people. Why don’t we accept that?

 

Answer In some cases, the democracy is off the people far (from) the people and (where they) buy the people i.e., where the democracy does not belong to the people it is not for them but far away from them, where the democracy is not by the people but the candidates the votes with money which means that true democracy does not exist. But we should not see these examples and be hopeless. These cases are exceptions and not the rule, which will be removed with the passage of time.

 

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Question 2 Let us take Lyngdoh Madam seriously and try to write down the exact definition of some of the simple words that we use all the time : pen, rain and love. e.g., is there a way of defining a pen that distinguishes it clearly from a pencil, a brush, a chalk or crayon.

(i) What have you learnt from this attempt?

(ii) What does it teach no about understanding the meaning of democracy?

 

Answer

(i) From this conversation, I have learnt that there is no shortest to our thinking about the matter ourselves, We have to think about its meaning and evolve a definition. Each and every thing has some specific features on the basis of which we can define that thing.

 

(ii) We need a definition only when we come across a difficulty in the use of a word. We need a clear definition of democracy because there are different kinds of governments which are known as Democracy. Abraham Lincoln said that Democracy is a rule of the people, for the people and by the people.

 

We must not accept the definition, just because everyone accepts it. We do not know if this is the best way of defining democracy, unless we think about it ourselves. After thinking about it we can say that democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. This is a common basic feature of democracy.

 

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Question 1 Ribiang went back home and collected some more famous quotations on democracy. This time she did not mention the names of the people who said or wrote these. She wants you to read these and comment on how good or useful these thoughts are

(i) Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor. 

(ii) Democracy consists of choosing your dictators after they, have told you what you think it is you want to hear. 

(iii) Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. 

(iv) Democracy is a device that insures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. 

(v) All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

 

Answer 1 The first and second thoughts are about those forms of government in which the people have the right to elect their ruler without having options. It means they have to elect the candidate only from the ruling party.

 

In the third thought, it suggests that if man accepts justice, then democracy is possible. But when the man follows injustice, the democracy is necessary there to give justice to others.

 

In the fourth thought, it suggests that there must be a balance between the form of government and our need. The strongest argument for democracy is about what it does to the citizens. Democracy recognises our needs and enhances our dignity.

 

In the last thought, there is scope for changing the features and activities of democracy as per our need. There is no guarantee that mistakes cannot be made in democracy. The advantage is that there is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers can be changed. In this way, the ills of democracy can be cured.

 

 

Question 2 This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of US and other foreign powers.

 

(i) What do you think this cartoon is saying? 

(ii) Why is ‘democracy’ written the way it is?

 

Answer

 

(i) The cartoon is saying that democracy is being established in Iraq with the help of the US military power. 

(ii) Democracy is written in this particular way because it shows that it is not true democracy and it is mockery of democracy setup by the US for its own interest. Democracy is being ridiculed in this cartoon.

 

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Question 1 Syria is a small West Asian country. The ruling Ba’ath Party and some of its small allies are the only parties allowed in that country. 

(i) Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico?

(ii) What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?

 

Answer

 

(i) Yes, this cartoon could be applied to China, because there is one party rule in China. Before contesting elections, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese communist party. So China cannot be said of be a true democracy. Mexico has a multiparty system. Nationally there are three large political parties, viz, Institutional Revolutionary Party (IRP), National Action Party (NAP), and Party of the Democratic Revolution (PDR). But until 2000 every election was won by the PRI. The PRI was known to use many dirty tricks to to win elections. So the cartoon can be applied to Mexico until 2000 election. But in 2006, election the PRI fell to third place behind both the PAN and the PRD. Now Mexico has a coalition government.

 

(ii) Crown of leaves means a circle of leaves that is worn on somebody’s head as a sign of victory. The cartoon signifies that democracy has won in some of the countries of the world, but it is not accepted by all.

 

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Question 1 This cartoon was drawn in the context of Latin America.

(i) Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well?
(ii) Think of other countries where this could apply?
(iii) Does this happen sometimes in our country as well?

 Answer

 

(i) The cartoon suggests the scene of booth capturing with the gun. This can be applicable to the Pakistan. In Pakistan, General Musharraf with the help of army officials controlled the elected representatives.

 

(ii) This could be applied in Iraq, China, etc.

 

(iii) Booth capturing by the political hooligans happens sometimes in our country also.

 

Question 2 All this is so remote for me.

 

(i) Is democracy all about rulers and governments?

 

(ii) Can we talk about a democratic classroom?

 

(iii) Or a democratic family?

 

Answer 

 

(i) Democracy is not only about rulers and governments. Democracy is a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. In this sense, it can be applied to any organisation other than the government.

 

(ii) We can have democratic classrooms where the students can ask questions without hesitation. Where the teachers have a democratic temperament. Where the interaction is not a one-way traffic but a healthy two-way interaction.

 

(iii) Democracy can be seen in families also. We could have democratic families where the decisions are not taken by any one individual and imposed on rest of the family members. All the family members should sit down and arrive at a general concensus. My opinion should matter as much as my father’s. In this way, we can have, democracy in our family also.

 

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Question 1 This cartoon was titled ‘Building Democracy’ and was first published in a Latin American Publication.

(i) What do money bags signify here? 

(ii) Could this cartoon be applied to India?

 

Answer

 

(i) At the time of election, the political parties in the fray spend a lot of money to win the election. Not only political parties, the government also spends a lot of money to conduct free and fair election. The cartoon suggests that we establish democracy with the help of

money power.

 

(ii) Yes, this cartoon could be applied to India.

 

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Question 1 This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussein’s regime was overthrown. He is shown behind the bars.

(i) What is the cartoonist saying here? 

(ii) Compare the message of this cartoon with the first cartoon in this chapter.

 

Answer

(i) In one of the quotation of the cartoon, the cartoonist tells us about the equality of the right to vote and equal value of each man’s vote. In another quotation, he says that the dictator , mostly prefers the situation when he is the only man to decide any matter by his only vote.

 

(ii) The first cartoon shown in two chapter suggests that the US army personnel are elevating the process to form a democracy in Iraq. But in this cartoon the message is that the democracy is already established.

 

Question 2

 

(i) Why talk about Zimbabwe? 

(ii) I read similar reports from many parts of our own country. Why don’t we discuss that?

 

Answer

 

(i) The President of Zimbabwe is the head of the state of Zimbabwe. In 1987, Robert Mugabe becomes the president and he revise the Constitution to make himself Executive President. President Mugabe is popular but also uses unfair practices in elections. Opposition party workers are harassed, public protest and demonstration against the government are declared illegal, both print and electronic media are controlled by the government.

 

The government has pressurised judges to give verdict in favour of the government. The example of Zimbabwe shows that popular approval of the rulers is necessary in a democracy, but it is not sufficient. A democratic government cannot do whatever it likes, Simply because it has won the election. This is the reason for which Zimbabwe is discussed here.

 

(ii) Our country is democratic and elections are by and large free and fair.

 

• However, sometimes we hear reports about use of unfair means, Violence and money power in elections. 

• These tactics (methods) are adopted by some candidates with criminal connections or criminal background. However, such cases are decreasing day by day.

 

 

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Question 1 Chinese Government blocked free flow of information on the internet by placing restrictions on popular websites like ‘Google and ‘Yahoo’. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the reader of another major event in recent Chinese history. Find out about that event.

Answer  The cartoon reminds us of the Massacre in liananmen square in 1989.

In April 1989, triggered by the death of Hu Yaobang, a liberal reformer, mass gathering and protests took place in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It was largely a student run demonstration which called for economic reform, freedom of the press and political liberalisation. The Chinese Government brutally suppressed the movement for which it was internationally condemned.

 

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Question 1 Read these five examples of working or denial of democracy. Match each of these with the relevant feature of democracy discussed above.

 

Example	Features
King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives	Rule of law
Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given a right to vote in Sri Lanka	Respect for Right
This king of Nepal imposed a ban on political gatherings, demonstrations and rallies	One person one vote one value
The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of Bihar Assembly was unconstitutional	Free and fair electoral competition
Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral government should rule the country at the time of elections.	Major decision by elected leader

 

 

Examples	Features
King of Bhutan has declared that in future he will be guided by the advice given to him by elected representatives	Major decision by elected leader
Many Tamil workers who migrated from India were not given a right to vote in Sri Lanka	One person one vote one value
This king of Nepal imposed a ban on political gatherings, demonstrations and rallies	Respect for Right
The Indian Supreme Court held that the dissolution of Bihar Assembly was unconstitutional	Rule of law
Political parties in Bangladesh have agreed that a neutral government should rule the country at the time of elections.	Free and fair electoral competition

 

Questions 2 I want to be in Lynadoh Madam’s class! That sounds like a democratic classroom. doesn’t it?

 

Answer  Yes, Lyngdoh Madam’s classroom sounds like a democratic classroom. Here everybody can speak his own mind. The students are giving their own arguments passionately. The feel very bad if someone that the environment in the classroom is democratic.

 

 

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Question 1 This cartoon is from Brazil, a country that has long experience of dictatorship. It is entitled “The Hidden Side of Dictatorship’

(i) Which hidden sides does this cartoon depict?
(ii) Is it necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side?
(iii) Find this out the dictators discussed in the first chapter and, if possible, about Abacha in Nigeria and Macros in the Philippines.

 

Answer  (i) The hidden side depicted by the cartoon is the brutal side to the dictator. Dictator like Hitler ordered mass killings to eliminate “undesirable’ persons like Hitler many dictator killed the innocent people who were against their regime. This evil side of the dictator is shown in this cartoon.

 

(ii) No, it is not necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side. Because, if the dictator really wants to work for the betterment of  people, he does not need to have a hidden side.

 

(iii) (a) The revolt by the army took place in Chile on 11th September, 1973 under General Augusto Pinochet in which President Salvador Allende was killed. Pinochet became the president of the country and ruled it for the next 17 years.

 

(b) Wojciech Witold Jaruzelski was the last communist leader of Poland who was the head of the state from 1985 to 1990. He resigned from the power after the Polish Round table Agreement in 1989 that led to democratic elections in Poland.

(c) General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military dictator and politician. He was the dictator president of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998. His regime was tied to human rights violations and

allegations of corruption. He hanged the famous social activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. He did not allow democratic process like elections in Nigaria. He was listed as the world’s fourth most

corrupt leader in recent history.

 

(d) Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was the president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He implemented wide-ranging programmes of infrastructure development and economic reform. However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian, political repression and human rights violations. In the 2004, Global Transparency Report, Marcos appeared in the list of the world’s corrupt leader. He was said to have amassed between $ 5 billion to $ 10 billion in his 21 years as President of Philippines.

 

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Question 1 What would have happened if India was not a democracy? Could we have stayed together as a single nation?

 

Answer No, we would have not stayed together as a single nation if India was not a democracy. India has multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-linguistic population.

 

If there was no democracy then all the people could not have followed their religion and customs with freedom and there would have been conflicts between different religious and linguistic groups where the minorities would have lived in fear and insecurity. But democracy provides the peaceful solutions to every problem. It provides the best method of dealing with differences and conflicts.

 

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Question 1 This cartoon was published in Canada just before its Parliamentary elections of 2005. Everyone, including the cartoonist, expected the Liberal Party to win once again. When the result came, the Liberal Party lost the elections. In this cartoon an argument against democracy or for democracy?

Answer This cartoon is an argument for democracy. Because in democracy, the voters decide in favour of or against the ruling party. Although the cartoonist expended the Liberal Party to win, he criticised the Liberal Party which he could do only in a democracy.

 

Question 2 Rajesh and Muzaffar read an article. It showed that no democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy. Wars take place only when one of the two governments is non-democratic. The article said that this was great merit of democracy. After reading the essay, Rajesh and Muzaffar had different reactions. Rajesh said that this was not a good argument for democracy. It was just a matter of chance. It is possible that in future democracies may have wars. Muzaffar said that it could not be a matter of chance. Democracies take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war. Which of the two positions do you agree with and why?

 

Answer I some how agree with Muzaffar’s argument. In democracy, the decision is taken after discussion and keeping in view the welfare of the people. So, the chances of war are minimised in democracy, but we cannot say that it is not possible. Some wars were fought between two democracies like India and Pakistan, e.g., ‘Kargil War’ when both countries were democratic countries.

 

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Question 1 This famous cartoon by RK Laxman comments on the celebrations of the fifty years of independence.

 

(i) How many images on the wall do you recognise? 

(ii) Do you common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does?

 

Answer

 

(i) The images on the wall are the images of former Prime Ministers of India. They were Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Gulzari Lal Nandu, Morarji Desai, Choudhary Charan Singh, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh, Chandra Shekhar, Narasimhan Rao, Devegowda and A B Vajpayee.

 

(ii) Yes, the common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does. After 50 glorious years of Independence, the condition of the common man has changed very little. The claims and promises of the politicians became meaningless to the common man, so he fell asleep by hearing these again. It is a true picture of our democracy.

 

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Question 1 In my village, the Gram Sabha never meets. Is that democratic?

 

Answer The Gram Sabha should meet regularly to carry out its functions for the welfare of the people but if the Gram Sabha does not meet that would not be democratic, it would be undemocratic.

Question 2 (i) Find out the total number of eligible voters in your Assembly Constituency and your Parliamentary Constituency and your Parliamentary Constituency. 

(ii) Find out how may people can fit into the largest stadium in your area. 

(ii) Is it possible for all the voters in your Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency to sit together and have a meaningful discussion?

 

Answer

(iii) No, it is not possible. It is impossible for all the voters in my Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency to sit together and have a meaningful discussion. The large number of voters cannot sit together for taking a decision.

 

 

Exercises

 

Question 1 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.

 

Answer

(a) Undemocratic

(b) Not sure

(c) Democratic

(d) Undemocratic

 

Question 2 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.

 

Answer

(a) Undemocratic

(b) Democratic

(c) Undemocratic

(d) Undemocratic

 

Question 3 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

 

Answer (d) Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favour of democracy because countries of the middle East like UAE and Iran are economically strong but they have non-democratic governments whereas India is a developing country but is a democracy. The poor countries can be democratic while the rich ones may not be. A

good monarch can make his country more prosperous than some of the democracies.

 

Question 4 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. 

(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported.

(c) Women’s representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.

 

Answer 4 (a) Passing of laws by the Parliament is democratic, whereas passing in conformity to the regulations decided by World Trade Organisation in undemocratic. 

(b) To order redpoll in a constituency by the Election Commission is democratic, whereas large-scale rigging is undemocratic. 

(c) Women’s representation in the Parliament has never reached 10 per cent is undemocratic, whereas demand by women’s organisations to reserve one third seats for women is democratic.

 

Question 5 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.

 

Answer Option (d) is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country, because practising a religion is in no way related to prevent famines.

 

Question 6 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.

(a) Paying money to government officials to get water.

 

Answer (d)

 

Question 7 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.

 

Answer 7 (a) The army is for the defence of the country. Even if it is the most disciplined and corruption free organisation it should not be allowed to rule the country as its primary duty is defence and not governance. Military rule is nothing but dictatorship. Many army men are not disciplined and corrupt. 

(b) Rule of majority is democratic as it represents the views of all sections of people. Illiterate and poor people cannot be called ignorant. Atleast they can realize which representative is good for them. There is no guarantee that the educated people will make theright choices and   have their own interests to promote. Democracy mean equal opportunity to all without any discrimination. 

(c) The third statement is wrong. We should not mix religion and politics especially in a multi-racial multi-religious and multi-lingual country like India. Because it will lead to conflict between the different religious and linguistic groups, just as it had happened in Sri Lanka between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Besides, many religious leaders do not have any experience of administration.

 

Question 8 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.

 

Answer 8 (a) The first statement is undemocratic because girl is not allowed to give her opinion relating to her own marriage. Just as the people have the right to choose their representatives, the girls should also be allowed to have a say in the selection or choice of her husband.

 

(b) The second statement is undemocratic because the student is not being allowed to speak and ask questions. It is the duty of the teacher to teach and satisfy the queries of the students.

 

(c) The third statement is democratic because it calls for the reduction of working hours but according to the law. Employees should enjoy the right to work for fixed hours as fixed by law.

 

 

Question 9 Consider the following facts about a country and decide SE 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 per cent 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.

Answer

 

Criticism of Democracy

 

(a) A country where all the citizens have a right to vote and elections are held regularly can certainly be called democratic, because the basic conditions are being fulfilled. 

(b) Democratic countries are generally welfare states. If a country reduces expenses on education and health it will definitely harm the people. Since all the international agencies apply certain conditions while giving loans, the country does not become undemocratic. 

(c) In a multi-lingual country making any one language as the official language or national language is a complicated situation. In democracy, people should enjoy the freedom to have education in their own language. 

(d) The country is not democratic because the people are not allowed to hold peaceful demonstrations or oppose government policies. Their right to freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration is denied.

(e) A country which imposes censorship of both print and electronic media is undemocratic because freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right of the people in a democracy. In democracy, people are free to express their views about the policies of the

government.

 

Question 10 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 by using examples from India. Most newspapers have an editorial page. On that page, publishes its own opinions about current affairs. The paper also publishes the views of other writers and intellectuals and letters written by the readers. Follow any one newspaper for one month and a collect editorials, articles and letters on that page that have anything to do with democracy. Classify these into the following categories

 

• Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy

• Citizens’ rights

• Electoral and party politics

• Criticism of democracy

 

Answer  There is no denying the fact that poverty has a direct and deep impact an democracy. Modern democracy is a form of government run by the rich section of society. The rich control the media and use it for their own benefit. Influence of the rich over politics is clearly visible in the countries like  England, USA and India. In India, only rich can contest the election. The votes of poor people are bought and sold. The poor cannot fight elections against the rich and get elected.

 

As a result, the rich influence the government when it takes decisions about the policies. The government formed by the different politicians pay much attention to the interests of the business class and rich sections of the society. As poor people participate less in our Parliamentary democracy. their interests, viz, education, employment, healthcare, housing problems etc are neglected.

 

Our government has taken many Welfare Scheme like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), Indira Awaas Yajona (IAY) etc. But their implementation is far from satisfactory. Like USA and in India different political parties pay more attention to the concerns of the rich who contribute most of their funds.