What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Q20. Why the kings of Nepal and Saudi Arabia rules even when they are undemocratic? 

Or

The kings of Nepal and Saudi Arabia are ruling even than they are undemocratic. Why?

Ans. The kings of Nepal and Saudi Arabia rule not because the people have chosen them to do so but because they happen to be born into the royal family.

Q21. Give one reason for delay in decision making in democracy.

Or

What is the main cause of delay in decision making in a democracy?

Or

Why in democracy there is delay in decision making?

Ans. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. This is the main cause of delay in decision making in a democracy.

Q22. Mention the advantage of involving many persons in decision making.

Or

What are the advantages of involving others in the decision making?

Ans. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.

Q23. What is the basic sense behind a method of taking decisions in democracy?

Ans. A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. Those who are not powerful have the same say in taking the decision as those who are powerful.

Q24. What do you derive from the democratic government of Zimbabwe?

Ans. The example of Zimbabwe shows that popular approval of the rulers is necessary in a democracy, but it is not sufficient. Popular governments can be undemocratic. Popular leaders can be autocratic.

Q25. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?

(a) Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.

(b) Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.

(c) Government fears its defeat in the next elections.

(d) People are free to believe in and practise any religion. 

Ans. (d) “People are free to believe in and practise any religion” is not a valid reason because practicing any religion has no relation with preventing famine.

Q26. What basic rights were given by state to citizens to ensure democracy before elections?

Ans. The state should respect some basic rights of the citizen. They should be free to think, to have opinions, to express these in public, to form associations, to protest and take other political actions.

Q27. What is Representative Democracy?

Ans. Representative Democracy also known as indirect democracy or representative government is a type of democracy where majority of people rule through their elected representatives.

Q28. How can you say that media is not independent in Zimbabwe?

Ans. Television and radio are controlled by the government and give only the ruling party’s version. There are independent newspapers but the government harasses those journalists who go against it. 

Q29. What was ‘Legal Framework Order’? 

Or

What was the Legal Framework Order passed by Pervez Musharraf in August 2002?

Or

By whom was the Legal Framework Order issued in Pakistan?

Or

Who passed the Legal Framework Order?

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Mention the features of Legal Framework Order.

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List the various provisions of the Legal Framework Order of year 2002

Ans. In August 2002 Pervez Musharraf issued a ‘Legal Framework Order’ that amended the Constitution of Pakistan. According to this Order, the President can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies.

Q30. What is a referendum?

Ans. A referendum is a direct and universal vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal of key importance. This may result in the adoption of a new policy or specific law. 

Q31. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these. 

(a) Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.

(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.

(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.

(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.

Ans. (a) Undemocratic

(b) Not sure

(c) Democratic

(d) Undemocratic

Q32. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.

(a) Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.

(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.

(c) Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.

(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.

Ans. (a) Undemocratic

(b) Democratic

(c) Undemocratic

(d) Undemocratic

Q33. Give examples where real powers were not exercised by the people's elected representatives.

Ans. Examples: The role of the USSR in communist Poland and that of the US in contemporary Iraq. Here the real power was with some external powers and not with locally elected representatives. This cannot be called people’s rule.

Q34. How did Pervez Musharraf declare himself the chief executive of the country?

Or

Who declared himself the chief executive of the country in Pakistan in 1999?

Or

How did General Pervez Musharraf become the president of Pakistan?

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What designation did Pervez Musharraf give himself after the military coup in Pakistan?

Or

Who led a military coup in Pakistan in 1999?

Or

Which Pakistani General led a military coup in October 1999?

Or

How did Pervez Musharraf establish his rule in Pakistan?

Ans. In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999. He overthrew a democratically elected government and declared himself the ‘Chief Executive’ of the country. Later he changed his designation to President.