CHAPTER 6 – DEMOCRACY
Class: 9 Subject: Social Science
Chapter: Democracy
Time: 1 Hour Maximum Marks: 40
Instructions:
- Answer all questions.
- Read each question carefully.
- Write answers in clear and complete sentences.
- For MCQs, choose the most appropriate option.
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which statement best explains the basic principle of democracy?
(a) Power is inherited by a ruling family
(b) Political authority ultimately comes from the people
(c) Military institutions control the government
(d) Judges alone make political decisions
2. Which condition is essential for a meaningful democratic election?
(a) Only one candidate should contest
(b) Citizens should have a genuine choice
(c) Government should select all representatives
(d) Voting should be restricted to wealthy citizens
3. Why is the rule of law important in democracy?
(a) It gives unlimited power to rulers
(b) It ensures that everyone is subject to law
(c) It removes citizens' rights
(d) It prevents elections
4. Which is an example of representative democracy?
(a) Citizens directly decide every matter
(b) Citizens elect representatives to govern
(c) A king appoints representatives
(d) The army selects representatives
5. Which ancient Indian tradition is associated with collective decision-making?
(a) Gana-Sangha traditions
(b) Absolute monarchy
(c) Colonial bureaucracy
(d) Military dictatorship
6. Universal adult franchise means:
(a) Only educated people can vote
(b) Adult citizens have the right to vote
(c) Only government employees can vote
(d) Only wealthy citizens can vote
7. Which of the following can weaken democratic functioning?
(a) Free elections
(b) Citizen participation
(c) Concentration of power without accountability
(d) Rule of law
8. In a parliamentary system, the government is primarily accountable to:
(a) The military
(b) The legislature
(c) Foreign governments
(d) Private companies
9. Which country is an example of a presidential system?
(a) India
(b) United States of America
(c) Canada
(d) United Kingdom
10. Which combination is most important for a healthy democracy?
(a) Elections, accountability and rights
(b) Military power and censorship
(c) One-party rule and no opposition
(d) Hereditary rule and political inequality
Section B – Very Short Answer Questions
11. What is democracy?
12. What is meant by representative democracy?
13. What is universal adult franchise?
14. Name one ancient Indian republican tradition.
15. What is meant by accountability?
Section C – Short Answer Questions
16. Explain any three important features of democracy.
17. Distinguish between direct democracy and representative democracy.
18. Explain the importance of rule of law in a democracy.
19. Mention any three challenges faced by Indian democracy.
Section D – Long Answer Questions
20. Explain the roots of democratic traditions in ancient India and discuss their significance for understanding Indian democracy.
21. Compare the parliamentary system and the presidential system with suitable examples.
Section E – Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. India | A. Presidential System |
| 2. United States | B. Parliamentary System |
| 3. Direct Democracy | C. Direct participation |
| 4. Representative Democracy | D. Elected representatives |
Answers: