DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL R.N.

EXTENSION
Democracy Assignment-2
Political Science
Grade-9

I Short Questions
Q1
Explain Absolute Monarchy.
Answer:
Absolute monarchy is a system in which the king is the government and his authority
is unlimited. Most monarchies are hereditary, and the ruler may claim authority based
on the Divine Right Theory

Example: Saudi Arabia

Q2
What is meant by Constitutional Monarchy?

Answer:
In a constitutional monarchy, the king or queen is the Head of the State but does not
exercise real authority. The monarch performs ceremonial functions and acts on the
advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Example: United Kingdom

Q3
Explain Theocracy.

Answer:
Theocracy is a system in which the government is based on religion, and civil laws
are made according to religious teachings. The highest authority is usually a religious
leader.

Example: Iran
Q4 Explain Autocracy .

An autocracy is a system of government where one person has complete control

over the country and makes decisions without consulting the people.

Example 1: Louis XVI (France)

Example 2: Kim Jong Un (North Korea)

Q5
State any three features of dictatorship with example.

Answer:
 1. Concentration of Power
Power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group.

2. Lack of Accountability
The government is not accountable to the people and may disregard public opinion.

3. Suppression of Opposition
Political opposition is often suppressed, and there is limited freedom of speech,
reducing public criticism.

 Example: Adolf Hitler (Germany)

II
Long Questions
Q6
Difference between Absolute Monarchy and Constitutional Monarchy
Basis of
Absolute Monarchy Constitutional Monarchy
Difference
The monarch has unlimited and The monarch is the nominal
complete power. He/she can head of the state. Real power is
1. Power of
make laws, take decisions, and limited by the constitution, and
the Monarch
control all aspects of governance the monarch does not exercise
without any restriction. actual authority.
All powers—legislative, The government is run by elected
executive, and judicial—are in representatives (Prime Minister
2. Role of
the hands of the monarch. There and Parliament). The monarch
Government
is no independent elected performs mostly ceremonial
government. functions.
The monarchy is also hereditary,
Authority is usually hereditary
but it follows democratic
3. Nature of and based on the right of birth.
principles. The monarch acts
Authority The ruler is not accountable to
according to the constitution and
the people.
laws.
Saudi Arabia, Oman, Brunei, United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden,
Qatar — where rulers have Norway — where monarchs are
4. Examples
complete control over symbolic heads, and real power
governance. lies with elected bodies.

Q7
Difference between Parliamentary and Presidential Democracy (with Examples)
Basis Parliamentary Democracy Presidential Democracy
The executive is formed from the The executive is
1. Relation legislature and depends on it for independent of the
between its survival. It must maintain the legislature and does not rely
Executive & confidence of the legislature to on it for continuation in
Legislature continue in power. (Example: office. (Example: United
India, United Kingdom) States, Brazil)
 The Prime Minister is the real The President is both the
executive, while the President or head of state and
2. Head of monarch is a nominal head. The government, exercising real
Government PM manages day-to-day executive powers.
governance. (Example: India, (Example: United States,
Japan) Brazil)
The executive is accountable to The executive is not
the legislature and can be directly accountable to the
removed through a vote of no legislature and serves a
3. Accountability
confidence, ensuring fixed tenure, making
responsibility. (Example: India, removal difficult.
Germany) (Example: United States)
There is a fusion of powers, as
There is a strict separation
executive and legislature are
of powers among the three
4. Separation of closely linked. Ministers are also
organs, each functioning
Powers members of the legislature.
independently. (Example:
(Example: United Kingdom,
United States)
India)
The government may be less The government is more
stable as it can fall if it loses stable due to the fixed
5. Stability of
majority support in the legislature. tenure of the President, who
Government
(Example: India – coalition cannot be easily removed.
governments) (Example: United States)
Q8 Why is direct democracy not practical in modern countries like India? Explain
with reasons.

Answer:

Direct democracy, though ideal in theory, is not practical in modern large countries
due to the following reasons:

1. Large Population
Countries like India have a huge population (over 140 crore people). It is impossible
for all citizens to gather at one place to discuss and take decisions.

2. Diverse Occupations and Time Constraints

People are engaged in different professions and cannot leave their work to
participate in discussions at the same time. This makes direct participation difficult.

3. Practical Difficulties in Decision-Making

If thousands or millions of people try to speak and express their views, it would lead
to confusion and chaos. Decision-making would become extremely slow and
ineffective.

4. Need for Efficient Governance

Modern governance requires quick and effective decisions, which is not possible
through direct democracy in large nations.
Q9 Explain why representative democracy is considered democratic despite
criticism.

Answer:

Representative democracy is still considered democratic due to the following

reasons:

1. People as the Supreme Authority

In representative democracy, people hold the ultimate power as they elect their
representatives through free and fair elections.

2. Participation through Elections

Citizens actively participate by voting and choosing leaders who represent their
interests in government.

3. Accountability of Representatives
Elected representatives remain accountable to the people and can be removed
through periodic elections if they fail to perform.

4. Practical and Effective System

Even in direct democracy, only a few people actually speak and influence decisions.
Representative democracy formalises this process, making governance more
organised and efficient.
Q10
“Democracy is superior to other forms of government.” Justify the statement.

1. Built-in Mechanism of Elections

In a democracy, people choose their leaders through regular elections. If leaders do
not work properly, they can be removed in the next election. This allows peaceful
change of government.

2. Accountability
The government is answerable to the people for its actions. Leaders must explain
their decisions and work for public welfare. If they fail, people can question and
vote them out.

3. Representation of People
People elect representatives who speak and act on their behalf. These representatives
take decisions based on the needs of the people. This ensures that people have a
voice in governance.

4. Prevention of Misuse of Power

Democracy has checks and balances like elections, opposition, and courts. These
prevent leaders from misusing power. Leaders remain careful as they can be
removed.

5. Inclusive Governance
Democracy gives equal opportunity to all sections of society to participate. It
 includes weaker and underrepresented groups. This promotes equality and fairness
in society.
Q11
Why is democracy considered a better form of government?
1. Based on the Will of the People

Democracy is a government chosen by the people through free and fair elections.
Citizens have the power to select their leaders and can change them if they are not
satisfied. This ensures that the government reflects the wishes of the people. It
makes governance more legitimate and acceptable.

2. Ensures Accountability

In a democratic system, the government is answerable to the people for its actions
and decisions. Leaders must justify their policies and performance. If they fail to
meet public expectations, they can be removed in elections. This keeps the
government responsible and responsive.

3. Protects Rights and Freedom

Democracy guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and

equality before law. People can express their opinions without fear. It ensures
dignity and respect for all individuals. These rights are protected by an independent
judiciary.

4. Reduces Chances of Misuse of Power

Democracy has systems like elections, opposition parties, and separation of powers
to prevent concentration of authority. These checks and balances ensure that no
single person or group becomes too powerful. Leaders remain cautious as they are
accountable to the people.

5. Promotes Equality and Participation

Democracy provides equal political rights to all citizens, regardless of caste,

religion, gender, or wealth. Everyone has the right to vote and contest elections. It
encourages participation of all sections of society. This leads to inclusive and fair
governance.
Q12
Explain the major challenges faced by democracy in modern times.

Answer:

Democracy is considered the best form of government, but it faces several serious
challenges:

1. Economic Inequality
There is a wide gap between the rich and the poor. The wealthy often dominate
politics, which leads to the neglect and exploitation of weaker sections.
 2. Influence of Money in Elections
Elections have become expensive. Rich candidates can spend more on campaigning
and publicity, increasing their chances of winning. This makes it difficult for
ordinary citizens to contest elections.

3. Neglect of Poor and Marginalised Groups

Policy-makers sometimes favour influential economic groups. As a result, the
problems of the poor are not addressed properly, leading to dissatisfaction.

4. Corruption and Malpractices

Corruption, inefficiency, and negligence weaken democracy. In some cases, voters
face coercion or intimidation, which affects free and fair elections.

5. Declining Public Trust

Due to these issues, people start losing faith in political parties and government
institutions. This reduces active participation in democracy.
Q13
What steps can be taken to strengthen democracy? Explain.

Answer: To overcome the challenges and strengthen democracy, the following steps

are necessary:

1. Promoting Democratic Values

Democratic values such as equality, tolerance, and respect should be taught at the
grassroots level—within families, schools, and communities.

2. Reducing Corruption
Strict measures should be taken to eliminate corruption from public life.
Transparency and accountability must be ensured in governance.

3. Ensuring Fair Elections

Efforts should be made to reduce the role of money and muscle power in elections
so that every citizen gets an equal opportunity.

4. Responsive Government
The government should be sensitive to the needs of all sections of society, especially
the poor and marginalised, and address their grievances effectively.

5. Active Participation of Citizens

Citizens must exercise their right to vote responsibly. By choosing honest and
capable representatives, they can strengthen democracy.