Here is a brief overview of the class 9 civics chapter 1, “What is Democracy?”. The chapter deals with democracy, its principles, the challenges it faces, and the mechanisms within it for reform and correction. The brief points will act as a refresher for the students and help them prepare for exams.
- Democracy Defined: System where power lies with the people.
- Democratic Features: Elections, rights, liberties, and constitutional governance.
- Election Importance: Core to democracy, ensures representative government.
- Rule of Law: Legal equality, key for democratic accountability.
- Political Equality: Equal voting rights for all citizens.
- Freedom of Expression: Allows open debate, criticism of government.
- Protection of Minorities: Essential for a fair, inclusive society.
- Government Accountability: Must answer to citizens’ demands, needs.
- Legal Framework Order in Pakistan: Shows limits on democracy through legal means.
- Chinese Electoral System: Limited political competition, controlled by one party.
- Media’s Role: Crucial for transparency, public awareness.
- Right to Protest: Indicates freedom, participation in democracy.
- Transparency vs. Corruption: Key challenges undermining democratic integrity.
- Correcting Democratic Failures: Possibility within the system, through reforms.
- Broader Meaning of Democracy: Extends to societal norms, not just politics.
These MCQ Questions for Class 9 Social Science with Answers follow the updated exam format for solid preparation.
MCQ Questions and Answers for Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy?
Question 1. What is the basic definition of democracy?
a) Rule by a monarch
b) Rule by the people
c) Rule by elected representatives
d) Rule by the military
Answer:
b) Rule by the people — Democracy is fundamentally defined as rule by the people.
Question 2. Which of these is a key feature of democracy?
a) Hereditary rule
b) Military control
c) Elected rulers
d) Single-party rule
Answer:
c) Elected rulers — A key feature of democracy is having rulers who are elected by the people.
Question 3. What is necessary for an election to be considered democratic?
a) Appointment by a higher authority
b) A single candidate running unopposed
c) Real choice between political alternatives
d) Elections held every five years
Answer:
c) Real choice between political alternatives — For an election to be democratic, there must be a real choice between political alternatives.
Question 4. What does ‘one person, one vote, one value’ signify in a democracy?
a) Economic equality
b) Political equality
c) Social equality
d) Educational equality
Answer:
b) Political equality — ‘One person, one vote, one value’ signifies the principle of political equality in a democracy.
Question 5. What is a major decision-making criterion in a democracy?
a) Decisions by a single leader
b) Majority rule
c) Unanimous decisions
d) Arbitrary decision-making
Answer:
b) Majority rule — In a democracy, major decisions are typically made based on majority rule.
Question 6. Why are regular elections important in a democracy?
a) To maintain a single-party rule
b) To ensure continuous military control
c) To allow people to change current rulers
d) To keep the same leaders in power
Answer:
c) To allow people to change current rulers — Regular elections are important in a democracy to allow people the opportunity to change their rulers.
Question 7. What is a necessary condition for a government to be democratic?
a) The rulers must be from a royal family
b) The rulers must be wealthy and influential
c) The rulers must be elected by the people
d) The rulers must have military backing
Answer:
c) The rulers must be elected by the people — A necessary condition for a government to be democratic is that the rulers must be elected by the people.
Question 8. What does democracy provide in terms of decision-making?
a) Autocratic decisions
b) Consultation and discussion
c) Decisions based on religious texts
d) Decisions made by external powers
Answer:
b) Consultation and discussion — Democracy provides a platform for consultation and discussion in decision-making.
Question 9. In a democracy, how is the final decision-making power exercised?
a) By a single ruler
b) By foreign advisors
c) By elected representatives of the people
d) By hereditary monarchs
Answer:
c) By elected representatives of the people — In a democracy, the final decision-making power is exercised by elected representatives of the people.
Question 10. What does democracy allow in terms of mistakes by the government?
a) Ignoring mistakes
b) Space for public discussion and correction
c) Permanent mistakes
d) Mistakes without accountability
Answer:
b) Space for public discussion and correction — Democracy allows space for public discussion on government mistakes and their correction.
Question 11. What is a common characteristic of a democratic government?
a) Hereditary leadership
b) Dictatorship
c) Regular, free, and fair elections
d) Rule by a single party
Answer:
c) Regular, free, and fair elections — A common characteristic of a democratic government is the holding of regular, free, and fair elections.
Question 12. How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?
a) By giving them the right to vote
b) By ensuring a monarchial system
c) By limiting freedom of speech
d) By enforcing strict laws
Answer:
a) By giving them the right to vote — Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by giving them the right to vote.
Question 13. What is an advantage of democracy over other forms of government?
a) Faster decision-making
b) More stability
c) Better quality of decision-making
d) Reduced corruption
Answer:
c) Better quality of decision-making — An advantage of democracy is the better quality of decision-making.
Question 14. In a democracy, who has the right to question the government’s decisions?
a) Only elected officials
b) Only the judiciary
c) All citizens
d) International organizations
Answer:
c) All citizens — In a democracy, all citizens have the right to question the government’s decisions.
Question 15. How does a democracy accommodate various social groups?
a) By suppressing minority groups
b) Through equal representation
c) By ignoring group differences
d) By prioritizing majority groups
Answer:
b) Through equal representation — A democracy accommodates various social groups through equal representation.
Question 16. What role do political parties play in a democracy?
a) They have no significant role
b) Forming and running governments
c) Only contesting elections
d) Supporting the dictator
Answer:
b) Forming and running governments — In a democracy, political parties play a role in forming and running governments.
Question 17. How are decisions made in a democracy?
a) By a single leader
b) Based on religious laws
c) Through a process of discussion and negotiation
d) By external powers
Answer:
c) Through a process of discussion and negotiation — Decisions in a democracy are made through a process of discussion and negotiation.
Question 18. What is a significant challenge in a democracy?
a) Limited public participation
b) Fast decision-making
c) Delay in implementing decisions
d) Uniformity in opinions
Answer:
c) Delay in implementing decisions — A significant challenge in a democracy is the delay in implementing decisions.
Question 19. What does democracy ensure in terms of laws and policies?
a) They favor a specific group
b) They are changed frequently
c) They are based on majority rule
d) They are imposed by the ruler
Answer:
c) They are based on majority rule — Democracy ensures that laws and policies are based on majority rule.
Question 20. What is essential for the success of democracy?
a) Strong military
b) Wealthy nation
c) Active participation of the people
d) Powerful leader
Answer:
c) Active participation of the people — For the success of democracy, active participation of the people is essential.