Definition of Democracy

Q.

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.

Q.

What are the difficulties people face in a non-democratic country? Give answers drawing from the examples given in this chapter.

Q.

"Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens " Explain

Q.

Justify that broader aspect of democracy is different from defination of democracy.

Q.

Here are three opinions heard in a television debate on the struggle for democracy in Nepal. Which of these do you agree with and why?

Guest 1: India is a democracy. Therefore, the Indian government must support the people of Nepal who are struggling against monarchy and for democracy.

Guest 2: That is a dangerous argument. We would be in the same position as the US was in Iraq. Remember, no outside force can promote democracy.

Guest 3: But why should we bother about the internal affairs of another country? We should be worried about our business interests there, not about democracy.

Q. Which of the following features are essential to democracy?

1. Presidential system of governance
2. Equality and inclusiveness
3. Active participation of citizens
4. Free and fair elections

Q. In a , people choose their own representatives to govern them.

1. dictatorship
2. monarchy
3. theocracy
4. democracy

Q. A responsible government is one which is held accountable by the people.

1. True
2. False

Q. In a democratic government, power ultimately belongs to the:

1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Chief Justice
4. People

Q. The opposition leaders have ordered to shut down all the schools. According to you, should this order be obeyed?

1. It is an order and should be obeyed.
2. The opposition has the power to make decisions all by themselves.
3. Only an elected government can make the decision, so this order will be ignored.
4. Order should not be obeyed because the opposition has no right to speak

Q. Despite the presence of elected assemblies, the control exerted by the Revolutionary Command Council violated democratic ideals in Libya.

1. True
2. False

Q. Despite the presence of elected assemblies, the control exerted by the Revolutionary Command Council violated democratic ideals in Libya.

1. True
2. False

Q. Mansur lives in country X. The ruling power of the country is vested in one person, and is hereditarily transferred from one generation to another. People do not have any say in who governs them.

Which form of government does country X have?

1. Republic
2. Monarchy
3. Democracy
4. Communist

Q. The idea of people choosing their own rulers is referred to as ___.

1. Monarchy
2. Democracy
3. Communism
4. Communalism

Q. A responsible government is one which is held accountable by the people.

1. True
2. False

Q. In a democratic government, power ultimately belongs to the:

1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Chief Justice
4. People