Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 9th Lesson Democracy to boost their exam preparation.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 9th Lesson Democracy
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain the merits and demerits of Democracy. [Mar. ’16; May ’16]
Answer:
Merits:
a) Efficient government: Prof. Garner described democracy as an efficient and effective government. The government in democracy carries all its activities efficiently and effectively both in normal times and emergencies.
b) Upholds individual liberties: Democracy is the only government that upholds individual liberties. It guarantees certain civil rights to the people thereby providing an .opportunity for them to become ideal and responsible citizens.
c) Assures equality: Democracy assures equality of individuals in political and economic spheres. The people living in democratic nation enjoy all the political, civil and economic rights and privileges equally without any discrimination.
d) Educates the masses: Democracy is described as a laboratory for a large scale experiments in public education. The masses in democracy are educated and enlightened through public meetings, election campaigns, distribution of pamphlets, etc.
e) Promotes patriotism: The people in a democracy think that the country is their own property. When the country is in difficulties, they come forward to protect the interests of the nation. Therefore democracy develops patriotic spirit in the people.
f) Develops sense of responsibility: J.S. Mill says that “democracy promotes a better and higher form of national character than any other policy whatever.” Since it is a rule by themselves, the people behave with a great sense of responsibility.
g) Training school for citizenship: De Tocqueville, a French writer said that democracy serves as a training school for citizenship. Democracy promotes intellectual and moral qualities among the people.
h) A rational government: Democracy is based on the principle that no man is infallible. It adopts a process of discussion and criticism which serves as necessary correctives to the abuse of power. Besides, they safeguard the rational nature of the political system.
Demerits:
a) Rule of ignorance: Plato criticised democracy as a rule of ignorance. Aristotle called it a perverted form of government. Anybody can become a ruler in this system and no special qualifications are prescribed for voters or rulers.
b) Favourable to rich: The ruling political party in democracy depends on the rich people for their financial support at the time of elections. Therefore it becomes an obligation to the party in power to make laws which are favourable to the rich.
c) Quality is ignored: The votes in democracy are counted not weighed. Everything is decided according to majority opinion. The quality of majority cannot always be correct. Thus quantity is given greater importance than quality.
d) Methods of representation is not correct: The present method of representation in democracy is known as territorial representation. It is not suitable to the requirements of the modern society.
e) Principle of equality abused: In the name of equality, everybody is treated as an equal to the other irrespective of his worth. For example, right to vote is given to all without knowing their political ability.
f) No moral values: In democracy, there is great scope for bribery and corruption. Red tapism, party defections and the role of money in elections are the best examples of its corrupt nature.
g) Expensive one: Democracy is an expensive government. In the name of elections, political parties and government spend chuge amounts of public money. Even in developing countries like India, crores and crores of rupees are wasted for elections.
Question 2.
Define Democracy and analyse the merits and demerits of democracy in contemporary politics.
Answer:
Definitions: The term ‘Democracy’ is taken from two Greek words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratos’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratos’ means rule or authority. Hence, democracy means the rule of the people or the authority of the people. Democracy is defined by different political scientists in different ways.
Those are –
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
- Seeley defines “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.
The merits of democracy in contemporary politics:
1. Efficient government:
The two World Wars and their repercussions proved well that only democracy is well suited to encourage self-government and self-discipline among the people and inculcate among the people the sense of responsibility.
2. Upholds individual liberties:
J.S. Mill defended democracy on the basis that it promotes individual liberties in the contemporary era.
3. Assures equality:
Democracy is the only government that assures equality of individuals in all the eras in the both economic and political spheres.
4. Educates the masses:
Elections to various representative bodies at different times and the corresponding campaigns make the citizens educated.
5. Instills patriotism:
People feel conscious and proud in participating in the working of democratic institutions in perfect manner. They show enthusiasm by extending their co-operation and support to the nation in times of crisis. This is evident in the case of Indians during the Chinese and Pakistani invasions at the borders on several occasions.
6. Makes the people responsible:
Democracy in the contemporary politics cultivates a sense of responsibility among the people. This cannot be found in any other government.
7. Training school for citizenship:
Democracy serves as the best training school for citizenship. The political rights granted to the people in democratic system make the citizens politically trained in citizenship and other matters.
Demerits of democracy in contemporary politics:
1. Rule by ignorants:
In democracy, many of the legislators elected by the people and minister? nominated by the executive head may tend to be incompetent, inexperienced and amateur.
2. Favours the rich:
Most of the modern democracies are capitalist oriented. Elections in this system will become a farce. Industrialists, retired senior administrative personnel and disgruntled politicians use all the malpractices to capture the power to meet their selfish ends.
3. Majority rule – a myth:
Nowadays, things have changed swiftly because of the drastic changes which include globalisation, education, enlightenment, press, radio, news channels, face- book, twitter and other social media. Consequently, coalition governments became the order of the present day. For e.g. United Front (UF), National Democratic Alliance (NDA), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), etc. in India.
4. Lacks ethical values:
Political parties in the contemporary era in almost all the countries create a bad environment by encouraging corrupt, dishonest and unethical notions and practices. Money power will have a profound influence in democracy on voters, legislators, administrative authorities and even’ on judges.
5. Expensive one:
In democracy, expenditure on electioneering and propaganda require huge funds. As a result only wealthy and affluent persons would contest and come out successful in elections. The poor, worthy and service oriented persons cannot bear the expenditure to contest in the elections. Hence the democratic government cannot accomodate these sections and the people have to lose the valuable services of such great service oriented, honest and efficient intellectuals.
Question 3.
Suggest the conditions required for the successful functioning of Democracy. [Mar. ’15-T.S & A.P]
Answer:
The conditions required for the successful functioning of democracy may be explained as follows.
- People must have a democratic ideal.
- They must develop fraternal/national ideas.
- They must be vigilant.
- They must have the qualities of good citizenship.
- The majority must respect the rights and welfare of the minority. In the same way, the minority must honour the opinion of the majority.
- There must be sufficient opportunities for the people to develop their personality by drawing put their hidden talents.
- There must be an efficient party system.
- There must be honest and impartial means of media like Press, Radio and TV, along with an efficient party system.
- Independent judiciary, democratic decentralisation and powerful local self-government are essential for the success of democracy.
- Without discrimination of caste, religion, group, language and region, all the people must try for national development and national integrity.
Question 4.
What do you mean by Democracy ? Write about the direct democratic devices. [May. 2022; Mar. ’20,’19,’18,’17,’16; May ’17]
Answer:
Meaning: The term ‘Democracy’ is taken from two Greek words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratos’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratos’ means rule or authority. Hence democracy means the rule of the people or the authority of the people. Democracy is defined by different political scientists in different ways.
Those are –
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
- Seeley defines “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.
Devices of Direct Democracy:
There are four devices prescribed in direct democracies to enable the people to participate directly in the administrative activities of the state. Those are –
- Referendum
- Initiative
- Recall and
- Plebiscite
These methods may be explained as follows –
1. Referendum:
This method is used to ascertain the public opinion on important legislation. In some regions, the public opinion is sought on the problems of constitutional law and ordinary law. This is called referendum. This method helps to know the acceptance or refusal of the views of the people on certain laws. People’s decision is final. It can be of two types: (i) Compulsory or Obligatory referendum and (ii) Optional or Facultative referendum.
Compulsory referendum aims at seeking public opinion compulsorily on certain laws passed by the legislature. They will be presented before the people for their opinion. Their implementation or otherwise will depend on people’s verdict. Those which are refused by the people will not be put into force.
Optional referendum involves the presentation of laws passed by the legislature for public opinion on the request of a given number of citizens. Their implementation or otherwise depends on people’s decision.
2. Initiative:
This is a request made by the people to the legislature in framing a law on certain national problem or policy as such. After making the law, the same shall be presented for referendum. In this aspect, people in a specified number present a petition in written form to the legislature proposing a legislation. If the legislature does not approve it, a referendum is to be held where the people at large decide its fate. If the people send the proposal in the form of a law, it is known as formulative petition. Otherwise it is called non-formulative petition. This helps to make the legislatures more responsible.
3. Recall:
Recall means to call back. The representatives will be called back by the people in case they are inefficient. Hence, this method helps the representatives in discharging their responsibilities properly for fear of being called back on the grounds of inefficiency.
4. Plebiscite:
Plebiscite means ascertaining public opinion on certain important issues. This is not applicable to the laws and the Constitution. People’s verdict is sought on certain public problems and policies of the government. This method was first used in 1804 by Napoleon in France.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What are the different aspects of democracy?
Answer:
The different aspects of democracy may be explained as follows. They are:
1. Liberty:
Liberty is the essence of democracy. The people enjoy different rights like Right to freedom, Right to equality, Freedom of association, Freedom of press, etc.
2. Equality:
Equality is one of the important aspects of democracy. People enjoy social, political and economic equalities irrespective of caste, colour, creed, religion, race, etc.
3. Political parties:
Political parties work very actively in a democracy. Without political parties representative democracy is impossible.
4. Rule of law:
Another important aspect of democracy is the rule of law. All the people are equal before law in the democratic state.
5. Decentralisation of powers:
This is the most important aspect of democracy. All the powers of the state will be decentralised among all the organs of the government and all the sections of the people in the state.
Question 2.
Describe the various types of Democracy.
Answer:
Democracy is mainly classified into two types, namely, i) Direct or Pure Democracy, ii) Indirect or Representative Democracy. They may be explained as follows:
i) Direct or Pure Democracy:
Direct democracy is a system of government in which people directly participate in the activities of the state and the government. The people directly express their views on the government policies. Direct democratic methods arfe four. They are Referendum, Plebiscite, Initiative and Recall.
ii) Indirect or Representative Democracy:
Indirect democracy is also known as representative democracy. In this type, the people exercise their governing power through their representatives who are periodically elected. The will of the state is expressed through representatives. Indirect democracy was established in Britain in the 17th century. Nowadays, it is existing in different countries.
Question 3.
Write briefly about Representative Democracy. [March. 2019,2018]
Answer:
Modern states are generally huge in size and population. Hence direct democracy is inconceivable in these states. People living in these states govern indirectly through their elected representatives. The will of state is formulated and expressed not by the people but indirectly through their representatives. Indirect democracy rests on the principle that sovereignty belongs to the people and it is their representatives who will exercise it. The representatives, elected for a determinate period, are responsible to the people. People can remove them (in times of elections) if they fail to act according to their expectations. Hence, representatives govern the people as their trustees. They respond to public opinion. Indirect or representative democracy is again classified into two types namely, 1. Presidential 2. Parliamentary. In Presidential system all executive powers are exercised by a single executive head. For e.g., in USA where there is Presidential system all executive powers are concentrated in the office of the President. On the other hand, in Parliamentary system executive powers are exercised by some ministers under Prime Minister’s leadership and in the name of the President. The ministers along with the Prime Minister are responsible for their acts to the Parliament, e.g. U.K., India, Australia, etc.
Question 4.
Explain about Direct Democratic Devices.
Answer:
Devices of Direct Democracy:
There are four devices prescribed in direct democracies to enable the people to participate directly in the administrative activities of the state. Those are:
- Referendum
- Initiative
- Recall and
- Plebiscite
These methods may be explained as follows –
1. Referendum:
This method is used to ascertain the public opinion on important legislation. In some regions, the public opinion is sought on the problems of constitutional law and ordinary law. This is called referendum. This method helps to know the acceptance or refusal of the views of the people on certain laws. People’s decision is final. It can be of two types: (i) Compulsory or Obligatory referendum and (ii) Optional or Facultative referendum.
Compulsory referendum aims at seeking public opinion compulsorily on certain laws passed by the legislature. They will be presented before the people for their opinion. Their implementation or otherwise will depend on people’s verdict. Those which are refused by the people will not be put into force.
Optional referendum involves the presentation of laws passed by the legislature for public opinion on the request of a given number of citizens. Their implementation or otherwise depends on people’s decision.
2. Initiative:
This is a request made by the people to the legislature in framing a law on certain national problem or policy as such. After making the law, the same shall be presented for referendum. In this aspect, people in a specified number present a petition in written form to the legislature proposing a legislation. If the legislature does not approve it, a referendum is to be held where the people at large decide its fate. If the people send the proposal in the form of a law, it is known as formulative petition. Otherwise it is called non-formulative petition. This helps to make the legislatures more responsible.
3. Recall:
Recall means to call back. The representatives will be called back by the people in case they are inefficient. Hence, this method helps the representatives in discharging their responsibilities properly for fear of being called back on the grounds of inefficiency.
4. Plebiscite:
Plebiscite means ascertaining public opinion on certain important issues. This is not applicable to the laws and the Constitution. People’s verdict is sought on certain public problems and policies of the government. This method was first used in 1804 by Napoleon in France.
Question 5.
Define Democracy and explain its significance.
Answer:
Definitions: The term ‘Democracy’ is taken from two Greek words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratos’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratos’ means rule or authority. Hence democracy means the rule of the people or the authority of the people. Democracy is defined by different political scientists in different ways.
Those are –
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
- Seeley defines “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.
Significance of Democracy:
Democracy is important from the following aspects. Democracy is the modern way of life. It is the only system of government where the personal dignity of individuals is ensured. Though democracy has been continuously adopted since the Greek city states, it became popular only after the occurrence of First and Second World Wars. At present, democracy is considered as an important device in the organisation and management of many institutions like state, government and society. Above all, many view democracy as a moral, ideal and a noble way of life. It is the only system where the rulers as well as the ruled play a key role. Its greatest significance lies in the fact that commonest of common men and poorest of the poor are adored by the supreme rulers and administrators. The political heads, administrative bosses and the legislators at various levels treat the average citizens with great respect and honour.
Question 6.
Explain any three merits and demerits of Democracy. [May. ’17; Mar.’17 – A.P ; Mar. ’15 – T.S]
Answer:
Merits:
a) Efficient government: Prof. Garner described democracy as an efficient and effective government. The government in democracy carries all its activities efficiently and effectively both in normal times and emergencies.
b) Upholds individual liberties: Democracy is the only government that upholds individual liberties. It guarantees certain civil rights to the people thereby providing an opportunity for them to become ideal and responsible citizens.
c) Assures equality: Democracy assures equality of individuals in political and economic spheres. The people living in democratic nation enjoy all the political, civil and economic rights and privileges equally without any discrimination.
Demerits:
a) Rule of ignorance: Plato criticised democracy as a rule of ignorance. Aristotle called it a perverted form of government. Anybody can become a ruler in this system and no special qualifications are prescribed for voters or rulers.
b) Favourable to rich: The ruling political party in democracy depends on the rich people for their financial support at the time of elections. Therefore it becomes an obligation to the party in power to make laws which are favourable to the rich.
c) Quality is ignored: The votes in democracy are counted not weighed. Everything is decided according to majority opinion. The quality of majority cannot always be correct. Thus quantity is given greater importance than quality.
Question 7.
Define Democracy and explain its merits.
Answer:
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
- Seeley defines “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.
Merits:
a) Efficient government: Prof. Garner described democracy as an efficient and effective government. The government in democracy carries all its activities efficiently and effectively both in normal times and emergencies.
b) Upholds individual liberties: Democracy is the only government that upholds individual liberties. It guarantees certain civil rights to the people thereby providing an opportunity for them to become ideal and responsible citizens.
c) Assures equality: Democracy assures equality of individuals in political and economic spheres. The people living in democratic nation enjoy all the political, civil and economic rights and privileges equally without any discrimination.
d) Educates the masses: Democracy is described as a laboratory for a large scale experiments in public education. The masses in democracy are educated and enlightened through public meetings, election campaigns, distribution of pamphlets, etc.
e) Promotes partriotism: The people.in a democracy think that the country is their own property. When the country is in difficulties, they come forward to protect the interests of the nation. Therefore democracy develops partriotic spirit in the people.
f) Develops sense of responsibility: J.S. Mill says that “democracy promotes a better and higher form of national character than any other policy whatever.” Since it is a rule by themselves, the people behave with a great sense of responsibility.
g) Training school for citizenship: De Tocqueville, a French writer said that democracy serves as a training school for citizenship. Democracy promotes intellectual and moral qualities among the people.
Question 8.
Examine the merits and demerits of Referendum.
Answer:
The term ‘Referendum’ implies the meaning ‘Refer to’, Referendum is an important device of direct democracy.
Merits:
- It is an excellent method to solve conflicts between the two chambers of the legislature over the approval of a bill.
- It safeguards the people and the Nation against the despotic rule of the majority party.
- It helps the people to express their opinion on any issue of the national importance without any fear.
- It promotes responsibility and stimulates patriotism among the people.
Demerits:
- It causes unnecessary delay in the preparation and execution of laws.
- It paralyses the progress of the Nation.
- It reduces the position and power of the legislature.
- It makes legislature a mere constitutional committee.
Question 9.
Examine the merits and demerits of Initiative.
Answer:
Initiative is another important device of Direct Democracy through which a requisite number of people request the legislature to make a law over an important public matter.
Merits:
- Initiative makes the legislature more responsible.
- Initiative removes unnecessary omissions and commissions made by the members of legislature in the formulation and approval of the laws.
- It assures the sovereignty of the people.
- It makes the people politically conscious and promotes patriotism among the people.
Demerits:
- It reduces the authority of the legislature.
- It makes the legislature a mere constitutional body without having any significance.
- It also leads to unsound legislation.
- It nullifies the advantages of a written and rigid constitution.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
What is meant by Democracy? Write two definitions. [Mar. 2018, ’16; Mar. ’17 – A.P : Mar. ’15 – T.S & A.P]
Answer:
Meaning: The term ‘Democracy’ is taken from two Greek words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratos’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratos’ means rule or authority. Hence democracy means the rule of the people or the authority of the people. Democracy is defined by different ‘ political scientists in different ways.
Those are:
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
- Seeley defines “Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share”.
Question 2.
What do you know about Direct Democracy? [May. 2022; Sep. 2021]
Answer:
Direct democracy is a system of government in which people directly participate in the activities of the state and the government. The people directly express their views on the government policies. Direct democratic methods are four. They are Referendum, Plebiscite, Initiative and Recall.
Question 3.
What do you understand by Representative Democracy? [May. 2022; Sep. 2021; March. 2020]
Answer:
Indirect democracy is also known as representative democracy. In this type, the people exercise their governing power through their representatives who are periodically elected. The will of the state is expressed through representatives. Indirect democracy was established in Britain in the 17th century. Nowadays, it is existing in different countries.
Question 4.
What are the features of Democracy?
Answer:
The features of democracy are
- Popular government,
- Significance to ordinary man
- Regular elections
- Popular responsibilty
- Fundamental rights
Question 5.
Write any four conditions that are essential for success of Democracy. [Mar. ’20, ’19, ’18, ’17, ’16; May ’17, ’16]
Answer:
- People must have a democratic ideal.
- They must develop fraternal/national ideas.
- They must be vigilant.
- They must have the qualities of good citizenship.
Question 6.
List out the devices of Direct Democracy.
Answer:
The devices of Direct democracy are:
- Referendum
- Initiative
- Plebiscite
- Recall
Question 7.
What do you know about Referendum?
Answer:
Referendum means ‘Refer to’. This method is used to ascertain the public opinion on important legislation. In some regions, the public opinion is sought on the problems of constitutional law and ordinary law. This is called referendum. Referendum is of two types. They are i) Compulsory referendum ii) Optional referendum.
Question 8.
What is meant by Initiative?
Answer:
Initiative is a request made by the people to the legislature in framing a law on certain national problem or policy as such. After making the law, the same shall be presented for referendum. In this aspect, people in a specified number present a petition in written form to the legislature proposing a legislation. It is also of two kinds. They are i) Formulative initiative ii) Non-formulative initiative.
Question 9.
What do you mean by Plebiscite?
Answer:
Plebiscite means ascertaining public opinion on certain important issues. This is not applicable to the laws and the Constitution. People’s verdict is sought on certain public problems and policies of the government. This method was first used in 1804 by Napoleon in France.
Question 10.
What is meant by Recall?
Answer:
Recall means to call back. The representatives will be called back by the people in case they are inefficient. Hence, this method helps the representatives in discharging their responsibilities properly for fear of being called back on the grounds of inefficiency.