Competency Based Questions for Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Question.1. Why democracy is called better form of government than other forms of government?
Answer. Democracy is called better form of government than other forms of government as

1. It is more accountable and responsible government.
2. Democracy improve the quality of decision making
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflict.
4. Democracy enhance the dignity of citizen.
5. It allows to correct its own mistake.
   (explain the points)

Question.2. Democracy is based on discussion and consultation. Discuss.
Answer. Democracy go back to its basic sense of a method of taking decisions. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are not powerful. A democratic decisions always involves many persons, discussion and meeting. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision.This takes time. But there is abig advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decision.

Question.3. Discuss the challenges faced by democracy.
Answer. Democracy is considered as the best form of the government in comparison to the other government .But still many the challenges faced by democracy

1. Leader keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability.
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play .There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.
4. Elected leader do not know the best interest of the people.It leads to bad decisions.
5. Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.
6. Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them ;they should not decide anything.

Question.4. Why India choose democracy?
Answer. India’s choice of democracy was a culmination of several factors that shaped its history and the aspirations of its people:

Legacy of the Freedom Struggle

1. Democratic Ideals: The Indian National Congress, the primary force behind the independence movement, was deeply influenced by democratic principles. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the importance of swaraj (self-rule) and equality for all.
2. People’s Participation: The freedom struggle itself was a massive democratic exercise involving millions of Indians. This experience fostered a sense of ownership and belief in democratic governance.

Vision of the Founding Fathers

1. Inclusive Constitution: The framers of the Indian Constitution were committed to creating a nation based on equality, justice, and liberty. They envisioned a democratic system that would accommodate India’s diverse population.
2. Secularism: The decision to adopt secularism was crucial as it prevented religious divisions from undermining the newly formed democracy.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Colonial Rule

1. Representative Government: India had experienced British colonial rule, which lacked democratic representation. The leaders were determined to establish a system where power rested with the people.
2. Prevent Authoritarianism: Democracy was seen as a safeguard against the rise of authoritarian regimes, which had plagued other newly independent nations.

Diverse Society and Unity in Diversity

1. Accommodating Differences: India’s diverse population, with numerous languages, religions, and cultures, made democracy a suitable system to manage these differences peacefully.
2. National Integration: Democracy was seen as a way to foster a sense of national unity while respecting regional and cultural identities.

Global Trends and Aspirations

1. Democratic Wave: The post-World War II era saw a global trend towards democracy. India aligned itself with this democratic wave.
2. Aspirations of the People: The people of India, having experienced the oppressive colonial rule, aspired for a system that would give them control over their own destiny.

While challenges and setbacks have been encountered, India’s commitment to democracy has endured. It remains a beacon of hope for many developing nations, demonstrating that democracy is possible even in the face of immense diversity and complexities.

Question.5. Why democratic government is the better form of government?
Answer. Democracy is the best form of government due to the following reasons

1. The rulers of the nation are elected by the public.
2. It is a government which is accountable to the people
3. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
4. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
5. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
6. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own mistake

Question.6. Write a note on direct democracy?
Answer. Direct democracy, also called pure democracy, forms of direct participation of citizens in democratic decision making, in contrast to indirect or representative democracy.
Direct democracies may operate through an assembly of citizens or by means of referenda and initiatives in which citizens vote on issues instead of for candidates or parties. The term is also sometimes used for the practice of electing representatives in a direct vote rather than indirectly through an electing body, such as the electoral college, and for the recall of elected officeholders. Direct democracy may be understood as a full-scale system of political institutions, but in modern times it most often consists of specific decision-making institutions within a broader system of representative democracy.

Question.7. “Democracy is better than other forms of governments because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.” Do you agree it or not?
Answer.

1. The very essence of democracy is both the people who are ruled and the people who are elected.
2. South Africa made a peaceful transition to democracy because the people believed in Nelson Mandela’s words of forgiveness and there was hardly any violence against white settlers.
3. In contrast, in Zimbabwe, sectarian violence has ripped apart the society as well as driven out white farmers, endangering the agriculture and economy.
4. Democracies like South Korea rely on people power to tide over national crises (Korean War) and are successful because its people strongly believe in the national cause.
5. The behaviour of Japanese fans during the recent football match in Brazil where they cleaned up the portion of the stadium where they sat shows the devotion to nation building and democracy.

Question.8. “It is the citizen of country, who make good or bad democracies “. Justify the statement by giving three suitable reasons.
Answer. Citizens as the Architects of Democracy
The assertion that citizens are the architects of good or bad democracies is fundamentally accurate. Their active participation, awareness, and choices significantly influence the quality of a democratic system. Here are three reasons to support this claim:

1. Electoral Choices and Leadership Selection
   
   • Quality of Leadership: Citizens directly determine the quality of leadership by casting their votes. Informed and discerning voters are more likely to elect competent and ethical leaders.
   • Accountability: Regular elections ensure that leaders are accountable to the people. Active citizen participation in the electoral process reinforces this accountability.
2. Civic Engagement and Participation
   
   • Policy Influence: Citizens can shape public policy through various means, including voting, protests, petitions, and lobbying. A vibrant civil society is essential for a thriving democracy.
   • Democratic Culture: Active civic engagement fosters a democratic culture where citizens feel empowered to participate in public life and hold the government responsible.
3. Respect for Democratic Values
   
   • Tolerance and Diversity: Citizens who value tolerance, respect for diversity, and the rule of law contribute to a healthy democracy. A society that embraces these values is more likely to sustain democratic institutions.
   • Informed citizenry: A well-informed citizenry is crucial for making sound political decisions. Citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities are better equipped to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

In essence, citizens are the lifeblood of a democracy. Their actions, choices, and values collectively determine the success or failure of a democratic system. A strong democracy requires an active and engaged citizenry.

Question.9. “Despite being a better form of government, democracy doesn’t provide a magical solution for all problems.” Explain with any three arguments.
Answer. The Arguments in Favour of Democracy are 

1. A democratic government is a better form of government because it is more accountable.
2. It raises the standard of decision-making.
3. It improves citizens’ dignity.

Arguments Against Democracy:

1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy leading to instability.
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality.
3. Many people have to be consulted in a democracy that leads to delays.