CBSE Class 9 Social Science Chapter 18: What is Democracy? Why Democracy? NCERT Solutions

Let's analyze each country based on the principles of democracy:

1. Country A: Undemocratic Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, where all adult citizens have the right to vote. Denying voting rights based on religious affiliation is a violation of this fundamental democratic principle.
2. Country B: Not sure While it is unusual for the same party to win consistently for twenty years, this situation alone does not definitively classify the country as democratic or undemocratic. It could be that the party is genuinely popular, or there might be other factors at play. More information about the fairness of elections and the presence of opposition is needed for a conclusive classification.
3. Country C: Democratic In a democracy, ruling parties can lose elections, and it is a sign of a healthy democratic process when power transfers peacefully based on the will of the people expressed through elections. The fact that the ruling party lost indicates that voters had a choice and exercised it.
4. Country D: Undemocratic An independent election commission is a cornerstone of a fair electoral process in a democracy. Its absence suggests that elections might not be conducted impartially, potentially allowing the ruling party to manipulate outcomes, which is undemocratic.

Let's evaluate each country based on democratic principles:

1. Country P: Undemocratic In a democracy, the elected parliament holds the supreme legislative authority. If the parliament requires the consent of the Chief of Army to pass laws related to the army, it implies that the military leadership has undue influence or veto power over the civilian government, which is undemocratic.
2. Country Q: Democratic While the parliament is supreme, in a well-functioning democracy, there are often checks and balances. The judiciary's independence is crucial. If the parliament cannot pass a law that reduces the judiciary's powers, it suggests a system that respects the separation of powers and judicial independence, which is a democratic feature. However, it could also be interpreted as a limitation on parliamentary power. Given the options, this is more aligned with democratic ideals of checks and balances.
3. Country R: Undemocratic A sovereign nation in a democracy has the right to conduct its foreign policy independently. If the country's leaders need permission from a neighboring country to sign treaties, it indicates a lack of sovereignty and external control, making it undemocratic.
4. Country S: Undemocratic In a democracy, elected ministers are responsible for the country's policies, including economic decisions. If major economic decisions are made by unelected central bank officials without the ministers' ability to change them, it means that the government is not fully accountable to the people, which is undemocratic.

The argument that is not a good reason in favour of democracy is: (d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.

Reasoning:

While democracy aims to create conditions for prosperity, it does not guarantee it. The economic prosperity of a country depends on many factors, including its natural resources, government policies, global economic conditions, and historical development. There are many examples of countries with democratic systems that are not as prosperous as some countries with non-democratic systems (like monarchies or authoritarian states). Conversely, some democracies are very prosperous. Therefore, claiming that democracies are inherently more prosperous than other forms of government is not a universally valid or strong argument. The other options represent core advantages often associated with democratic systems: freedom and equality, better conflict resolution, and government accountability.

Let's identify the democratic and undemocratic elements in each statement:

1. Democratic element: A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament. This highlights the role of the parliament in law-making, a fundamental aspect of democratic governance.

   Undemocratic element: ...in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This suggests that the parliament's law-making power might be subservient to external international regulations, potentially limiting the sovereign decision-making power of the elected body.

2. Democratic element: The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency. This action by an independent body to ensure fair elections is a democratic practice, upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

   Undemocratic element: ...where large-scale rigging was reported. Rigging (fraudulent practices during elections) is inherently undemocratic as it undermines the principle of free and fair elections.

3. Democratic element: This led women's organisations to demand one-third seats for women. The right of citizens and organizations to voice demands and advocate for political representation is a democratic freedom.

   Undemocratic element: Women's representation in the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This low representation indicates a potential systemic issue or inequality within the political system, which is not ideal in a democracy striving for equal representation.

The option that is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country is: (d) People are free to believe in and practise any religion.

Reasoning:

While freedom of religion is a fundamental right in a democracy, it has no direct bearing on the prevention or mitigation of famine. Famines are caused by factors like food shortages, poverty, and inadequate distribution systems. The other options, however, are valid reasons:

• (a) Opposition parties: In a democracy, opposition parties act as a check on the government. They can highlight issues like hunger and starvation to gain political advantage, thus pressuring the government to address the crisis.
• (b) Free press: A free press plays a vital role in informing the public and the government about suffering caused by famine, which can lead to timely intervention and aid.
• (c) Fear of defeat: Democratic governments are accountable to the people through elections. The fear of losing the next election can motivate the government to respond effectively to crises like famine to maintain public support.