In a democratic system, citizens have the right to choose their representatives through free and fair elections. The chapter What is Democracy? Why Democracy? covers all topics related to democracy. Ncert Solution for Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 provides students with the easiest answers to the exercises given in the chapter. By studying the answers to this chapter, students will be able to score good marks in the exams.
Ncert Solution | Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1
Exercises
1. Here is some information about the 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: The Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
d. Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Answer.
a. Country A: Undemocratic
b. Country B: Not sure
c. Country C: Democratic
d. Country D: Undemocratic
2. Here is some information about the 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 the 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 neighboring 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. Country P: Undemocratic
b. Country Q: Democratic
c. Country R: Undemocratic
d. Country S: Undemocratic
3. Which of these is not a good argument in favor 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. Option d. Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favor of democracy.
For example-India is democratic but not prosperous. It means that the citizens of the country are involved in the decision-making process and electing the leaders whether they are rich or poor. Other factors such as historical context, natural resources, cultural values, and external influences can also contribute to a country’s level of prosperity.
whereas non-democratic countries like China and Mexico are more prosperous.
4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and 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 parliament has barely reached 10 percent. This led women’s organizations to demand one-third of seats for women.
Answer.
Democratic element | Undemocratic element |
a. A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament. | a. In order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). |
b. The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency. | a. Where large-scale rigging was reported. |
c. Women’s organizations demand one-third of seats for women. | c. Women’s representation in parliament has barely reached 10%. |
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. A free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.
c. The government fears its defeat in the next elections.
d. People are free to believe in and practice any religion.
Answer. Option d.‘People are free to believe in and practice any religion, which is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country.
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 needs. Which of these is not a democratic method?
a. Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of the right to life.
b. Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
c. Organising public meetings against the government’s policies.
d. Paying money to government officials to get water.
Answer: Option d. Paying money to government officials to get water.
7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
a. The army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization in the country. Therefore, the army should rule the country.
b. The 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. a. Rule of the army is against the principles of democracy. In a democracy, elected representatives of the people should govern the nation. Army rule stands for dictatorship.
b. The rule of the majority is the basic principle of democracy. Democracy allows for the rule of the majority, but it does not guarantee that the majority will always be knowledgeable or wise.
c. Separation of religion and politics allows for diverse perspectives and protects individual freedoms in a pluralistic society. whereas Only elected representatives should be the administrator of the country.
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:
a. The statement is not in accordance with democratic principles. As per democratic principles, all have the right to express his/her opinion. The daughter can give her opinion & father can not impose his will on her daughter.
b. The statement by the teacher to the student goes against democratic values. As Democracy promotes open dialogue, participation, and the exchange of ideas.
c. The statement by the employee to the officer goes with democratic values by advocating the labor laws and the protection of workers’ rights.
9. 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 the right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
b.The country took loans from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loans 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 of people in that country.
d.Several organizations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. The 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 the government’s policies and protests.
Answer
a. Where citizens have the right to vote & elections are held regularly. It is a democracy but elections should be free & fair in India.
b. The condition imposed by international agencies to reduce spending on education and health raises concerns about the government’s commitment to social welfare and the well-being of its citizens. It is the basic duty of the democratic government to provide education and health to all the citizens
c. Every individual has the fundamental right to education, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that education is provided in a language understood by the people.
d. Arresting leaders and suppressing peaceful demonstrations and strikes are undemocratic. In a democracy, all citizens have the fundamental rights of free speech, assembly, and peaceful protest. A democratic government should respect and protect these rights.
e. Democratic societies promote media freedom and transparency, allowing for diverse opinions and the scrutiny of government actions.
10. In 2004 a report published in the USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income are 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 the 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 in 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 in the bottom 20% of the population in terms of their income.
– About 95% of the contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them the 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 jobs, education, health care, and housing 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.
Answer: In the context of India, democracy, and poverty are interlinked issues that have significant implications for social and economic development. Income inequalities and their impact on democratic participation highlight the challenges faced by marginalized and economically disadvantaged populations and influence government decisions.
India, as a diverse and populous country, faces economic disparities that contribute to different levels of political participation and influence. For example, the average income of an urban household is higher than a marginalized rural family. This income disparity can lead to unequal opportunities for participation in democracy.
The impact of income disparities on political participation can be seen in election outcomes and voter turnout. This difference in voter participation based on income levels can limit the representation and voice of economically disadvantaged communities in shaping government decisions.
A large proportion of political contributions come from individuals and business entities. The challenge for Indian democracy lies in addressing these inequalities to ensure meaningful and inclusive participation for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Efforts such as implementing progressive social welfare programs, promoting financial transparency in campaign financing, enhancing civic education, and empowering grassroots movements can contribute to a more inclusive democratic process in India.
Conclusion
The Ncert Solution Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Democracy & its features. By studying and practicing this NCERT solution, students can enhance their knowledge, improve their problem-solving skills, and perform better in their exams. You can access them by visiting the website. If you have any other queries about What is democracy? Why is Democracy? Ncert Solution Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 feels free to reach us so that we can revert back to us at the earliest possible.
FAQ
1. What is the name of chapter 1 in class 9 Political?
The name of chapter 1 in class 9 Political is What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
2. What is democracy Class 9?
Democracy is a form of government where power is in the hands of the people. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making through voting and ensures individual rights, equality, and freedom of expression.
3. Why do we need democracy 10 points?
we need democracy because
It protects rights and freedoms.
It encourages citizen participation in decision-making.
It promotes equality and social justice.
It Safeguards against abuse of power and corruption.
Its facilitation of peaceful conflict resolution.
It Enhancement of accountability and transparency in governance.
It Fostering of economic prosperity and development.
It promotes diversity and tolerance.
It preserves the rule of law.
It provides a platform for peaceful political change and stability.