CH-1 CIVICS

What is representative democracy?

Answer:
Under representative democracy all the people do not rule or take decisions but a
majority or elected representatives are allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the
people.

Question 2.
Which is the most common form of democracy in today’s world?
Answer:
Representative Democracy.

Question 3.
Name any two characteristics of democracy.
Answer:

 People choose their rulers.

 People have freedom to express their views.

Question 4.
Why are quality decisions a possibility in a democracy?
Answer:
A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings.

Question 5.
Whose rule is democracy considered to be?
Answer:
People’s rule e.g., Salvador Allende’s rule in Chile.

Question 6.
With whom does the final decision-making power rest in a democracy?
Answer:
Elected representatives of the people.

Question 7.
Under which form of government political equality given importance?
Answer:
Democratic.

Question 8.
In spite of having a vast social diversity, what keeps the people of India together?
Answer:
Democracy.
Question 9.
What should be done in a democracy if mistakes are committed?
Answer:
There should be public discussion on these mistakes.

Question 10.
When do we say that elections are fair?
Answer:
The elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.

Question 11.
‘In a democracy, the majority of the people rule through their elected
representatives.’ Give reasons. HOTS
Answer:

 Modem democracies involve such a large number of people that it is physically

impossible for them to sit together, and take a collective decision.
 Even if they could, the citizen does not have the time, the desire or the skills to
take part in all the decisions.

Question 12.
How does democracy in a country enhance the dignity of an individual? State three
points.
Answer:

 Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. So all the citizens

whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated have the same status.
 People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.
 The ruler has to rule or work according to the wishes and the needs of the
people. If the people do not like the ruler they can change him through election.

Question 13.
When does a citizen have an equal role in decision-making?
Answer:
If a decision involves many persons, discussions and meetings.

Question 14.
What is Referendum?
Answer:
A direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to either accpet or reject a
proposal.

Question 15.
When did the World Trade Organization set up?
Answer:
1955.
Question 16.
Which form of government is considered nbn-democratic?
Answer:
Military rule or monarchy.

Question 17.
By whom was the ‘Legal Framework Order’ issued in Pakistan?
Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf.

Question 18.
After how many yeafcs does Mexico hold elections for electing its president? ‘
Answer:
After every six years.

Question 19.
During which period did China record its worst famine in the I world’s history?
Answer:
During 1958-1961.

Question 20.
Before contesting elections in China, whose approval does a candidate need to
have?
Answer:
The Chinese Communist Party.

Question 21.
Which country does not give voting rights to minorities?
Answer:
Estonia.

Question 22.
By whom is the President of China appointed?
Answer:
Members of the National People’s Congress.

Question 23.
Name any two countries where free and fair elections are not held.
Answer:
China and Mexico.
 Ch-5 civics
Question 1.
Write any four features of the Right to Equality as a Fundamental Right.
Answer:

 According to this law, the government shall not deny to any person in India
equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.
 The government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of
religion, caste, ethnicity, sex or place of birth.
 All citizens shall have equality of opportunity in matters relating to any position
in the government.
 The principle of non-discrimination extends to social life as well.

Question 2.
Write a short note on the following fundamental rights:
(а) Right to Freedom of Religion.
(b) Cultural and Educational Rights.
Answer:
(a) Right to Freedom of Religion: Right to freedom of religion provides religious
freedom to all the citizens of India. All religions are equal before the state and no
religion will be given preference over the other. Citizens are free to practise their
respective religions. Foremost objective of this right is to sustain the principle of
secularism in the country. No state-run institution can give religious education.
Religious communities can set up charitable institutions of their own.

(b) Cultural and Educational Rights: India is multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-

cultural, each having its own identity and characteristics. To preserve these
diversities, it is natural to grant the following Cultural and Educational Rights to the
minorities and other communities.

 Right to Conserve the Language, Script and Culture Under this Right minorities
have the right to conserve their distinct language, script or culture and to join
state-owned or state-aided institutions without discriminations.
 Right to Establish Educational Institutions: Under this each minority group has
a right to establish and administer educational institutions of its choice. The
State shall not discriminate between minorities, while granting aid to their
educational institutions.

Question 3.
“Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right”. What is so special about
this right?
Or
Dr Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, “the heart and soul of our
constitution”. Give reason.
Answer:
  It is through this Right that all other Fundamental Rights are safeguarded and
arbitrary action of the state is checked.
 Under this Right, a citizen is entitled to move the Supreme Court or any High
Court or any other courts so authorised, if his/ her Fundamental Right (or
Rights) is encroached upon, abridged or snatched away by the State, an
individual or a body of persons. The courts are empowered to issue orders,
directions and writs to the concerned to protect the rights of the complainant.

Question 4.
Mention three major Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and
children in India.
Or
Write three Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in
India. [CBSE March 2011]
Answer:

 The Right to Equality: Under this the State can make special provisions for
women and children.
 Right Against Exploitation: Under this traffic in human beings, especially
women and children, shall be an offence punishable in accordance with the
law.
 Right Against Exploita-tion: Under this no child below the age of 14 years shall
be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous
employment.