LET’S EXPLORE
Q1. Fill the blank columns under Country A and Country B in table 9.1 given on the previous page by taking two different countries of your choice.
Answer:
Possible answer: Country A: India — Head of State: President — Legislature: Two houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) — Judiciary: Independent (Separation of power). Country B: United Kingdom — Head of State: Monarch (King Charles III) — Legislature: Two houses (House of Commons and House of Lords) — Judiciary: Independent (Separation of power). The student can choose any two democratic countries and fill accordingly.
Q2. Analyse the table and discuss amongst yourselves the similarities and differences in all the examples.
Answer:
Similarities: All have an independent judiciary and a legislature; most have separation of powers. Differences: Some have a president as head of state, others a prime minister or monarch; some have a single house, others two houses; the degree of power of the head of state varies. Students should discuss these points based on the table.
Q3. After studying the above examples, list the core principles of a democratic government. Based on your understanding, do the activity given below:
Answer:
Core principles of a democratic government include: equality, freedom, universal adult franchise, rule of law, separation of powers, representative government, and protection of citizens' rights. Students should list these and then proceed to the activity.
Q4. You have to form a Student Committee in your school. Make a plan and execute it in a democratic manner, ensuring that: 1. Functions of the committee are well defined 2. The election process of the committee members is democratic
Answer:
Plan: 1. Define the committee's purpose (e.g., organizing school events). 2. Hold elections with secret ballots where all students can vote. 3. Ensure candidates can campaign freely. 4. Count votes fairly and announce winners. 5. The committee meets regularly and decisions are made by majority vote. This ensures democratic principles like participation, fairness, and representation.
Q1. Does Shane’s country look like a democracy?
Answer:
No, Shane’s country (North Korea) does not look like a democracy. There is no freedom of choice (haircuts, clothes), no access to information (internet), and the government controls every aspect of life, which are opposites of democratic principles.
Q2. How do you think Shane’s everyday life would be?
Answer:
Shane’s everyday life would be highly controlled and restrictive. He has little personal freedom, must follow strict rules, serves compulsory military service without choice, and is constantly monitored. He is unaware of the outside world and cannot express his own opinions.
Q3. Would you like to live in such a country? Explain why.
Answer:
No, I would not like to live in such a country because democracy allows freedom, choice, and participation in decision-making. In Shane’s country, there is no freedom of expression or access to information, which are essential for a fulfilling life.
Q1. Look carefully at the picture in Fig. 9.13 on the previous page. It depicts an elected body in the USA in the late 19th century. The people shown in the cartoon are all elected members. What do you observe? What do you see at the top left-hand corner of the cartoon? Who do you think is making decisions in this elected body?
Answer:
Observation: The cartoon shows elected members sitting in a chamber, but a large figure (representing a wealthy business interest or lobbyist) is seen looming over them, pulling strings or influencing them. At the top left-hand corner, there might be a symbol or caption indicating the influence of money or big business. The real decision-making power lies not with the elected members but with the unseen wealthy group (oligarchic influence).
Q2. Can a democracy turn into an oligarchy? What can people do to keep democracy strong?
Answer:
Yes, a democracy can turn into an oligarchy if a small group of wealthy or influential people gain excessive control over politics and decision-making. To keep democracy strong, people must: stay informed, vote responsibly, participate in civic activities, demand transparency, hold leaders accountable, and ensure laws prevent concentration of power.
THINK ABOUT IT
Q1. What might happen if the king considered himself to have divine powers? How would he rule over the people?
Answer:
If a king believed he had divine powers, he might rule without considering the welfare of the people, ignoring laws and advice. He could become absolute, making decisions arbitrarily, suppressing opposition, and using force to control people. History shows such rulers often become dictatorial, leading to injustice and suffering.