Democracy
Short Questions
1. Why is Indian democracy called the world’s largest democracy?
Answer: Because it has nearly a hundred crore voters who participate in elections.
2. What does participatory democracy encourage?
Answer: It encourages citizens to take part in policymaking and governance, not just elections.
3. What are the three levels of government in India?
Answer: Union Government, State Government, and Local Government.
4. What is the main purpose of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)?
Answer: They protect tribal customs by providing legislative and judicial powers in certain north-eastern regions.
5. What is the main role of the Gram Sabha under the PESA Act?
Answer: It is the primary decision-making body in Scheduled Areas.
6. Why was Jethipura Gram Panchayat awarded in 2019?
Answer: For effective Gram Sabhas, proper record keeping, and development through people’s participation.
7. Which groups actively participated in the Gram Sabhas of Jethipura?
Answer: Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and other villagers.
8. Why is South Manubankul Gram Panchayat called a women-friendly panchayat?
Answer: Because it promotes women’s participation and works for their welfare and development.
9. What is a quorum?
Answer: It is the minimum number of members required to make a meeting valid.
10. What are cooperatives?
Answer: Cooperatives are groups where people work together for a common benefit and share profits and responsibilities equally.
11. When did women in India receive the right to vote?
Answer: In 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force.
12. What does Article 243(d) provide?
Answer: It provides at least one-third reservation for women in every Panchayat.
13. What is the purpose of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005?
Answer: It allows citizens to obtain information from government departments and promotes accountability.
14. Name any one challenge to democracy mentioned in the chapter.
Answer: Fake news, illiteracy, inequality, poverty, regionalism, gender inequality, or social discrimination.
15. Name any one programme that develops civic responsibility among young citizens.
Answer: National Service Scheme (NSS) or National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Long Questions
1. Explain why Indian democracy is considered unique.
Answer: Indian democracy is unique because it has nearly a hundred crore voters from different linguistic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Regular elections, active public participation, and strong democratic institutions make it the world’s largest democracy.
2. Explain the idea of participatory democracy.
Answer: Participatory democracy means that citizens take part not only in elections but also in policymaking and governance. They participate through local councils, public consultations, and community initiatives, making democracy more active and inclusive.
3. Describe the constitutional system of government in India.
Answer: India has a three-tier system of government consisting of the Union, State, and Local governments. The Constitution also protects tribal communities through Autonomous District Councils in some north-eastern regions and the PESA Act in Scheduled Areas, where the Gram Sabha plays an important role.
4. Explain how Jethipura Gram Panchayat strengthened democracy.
Answer: Jethipura Gram Panchayat organised regular and special Gram Sabhas, maintained proper records, and worked on education, sanitation, and welfare. It encouraged active participation of women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other villagers, making local democracy more effective.
5. Describe the work of South Manubankul Gram Panchayat.
Answer: South Manubankul Gram Panchayat worked for women’s participation, health, sanitation, education, livelihoods, and social awareness. It supported self-help groups, implemented government schemes, and promoted inclusive village development. It was recognised nationally as a women-friendly panchayat.
6. Explain the voting rights of women in India.
Answer: Unlike many countries, Indian women received voting rights in 1950 when the Constitution came into force. The Constitution also provides reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, and many States have increased this reservation to 50% to improve women’s participation.
7. Explain the importance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Answer: The RTI Act was passed through democratic processes after discussions in Parliament and consultations with different groups. It allows citizens to obtain information from government departments, increases transparency, strengthens accountability, and improves democratic governance.
8. What challenges to democracy are mentioned in the chapter?
Answer: The chapter mentions challenges such as illiteracy, misinformation, fake news, poverty, regionalism, gender inequality, social discrimination, and weak implementation of laws. These problems can reduce equal participation and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
9. Explain the Emergency of 1975–77 and its impact on democracy.
Answer: During the Emergency (1975–77), many Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and political leaders were arrested. After the Emergency ended, elections were held in 1977, showing the strength of Indian democracy and the importance of constitutional safeguards, civil liberties, and active citizen participation.
10. How can young citizens strengthen democracy?
Answer: Young citizens can strengthen democracy by staying informed, reading newspapers, using the internet responsibly, respecting laws, participating in programmes like NSS and NCC, understanding the Constitution, following Fundamental Duties, and taking part in community service and leadership activities.
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