Chapter 6 – Democracy
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
(20 × 1 = 20 Marks)
Instructions: Choose the correct answer.
1. Democracy is a system of government in which:
A. A king makes all decisions.
B. The military controls the country.
C. The people participate in governing the country.
D. Religious leaders govern the country.
Answer: C
2. In a democracy, the ultimate source of power lies with:
A. The President
B. The Parliament
C. The Judiciary
D. The People
Answer: D
3. Which of the following is an essential feature of democracy?
A. Rule by one person
B. Popular sovereignty
C. Hereditary rule
D. Dictatorship
Answer: B
4. Universal Adult Franchise in India gives voting rights to:
A. Every citizen above 16 years
B. Every citizen above 21 years
C. Every citizen aged 18 years and above
D. Every educated citizen
Answer: C
5. Which principle ensures that everyone is equal before the law?
A. Federalism
B. Rule of Law
C. Separation of Powers
D. Majority Rule
Answer: B
6. India follows which form of democracy?
A. Direct Democracy
B. Presidential Democracy
C. Representative Parliamentary Democracy
D. Military Democracy
Answer: C
7. Which institution drafted the Constitution of India?
A. Parliament
B. Supreme Court
C. Constituent Assembly
D. Election Commission
Answer: C
8. Which of the following is an example of Direct Democracy?
A. India
B. Switzerland
C. Canada
D. Australia
Answer: B
9. Which democratic institution functions at the village level?
A. Parliament
B. Panchayati Raj Institution
C. Supreme Court
D. Rajya Sabha
Answer: B
10. Which branch of government interprets laws and protects the Constitution?
A. Legislature
B. Executive
C. Judiciary
D. Election Commission
Answer: C
11. Which of the following promotes accountability in a democracy?
A. Secret decision-making
B. Transparency
C. Dictatorship
D. Monarchy
Answer: B
12. Which right enables citizens to elect their representatives?
A. Right to Education
B. Right to Vote
C. Right to Equality
D. Right to Freedom of Religion
Answer: B
13. Which democratic value is reflected when people freely express their opinions?
A. Equality
B. Liberty
C. Justice
D. Authority
Answer: B
14. Which of the following can strengthen democracy?
A. Spreading misinformation
B. Active citizen participation
C. Ignoring laws
D. Damaging public property
Answer: B
15. Which of the following is a challenge to democracy mentioned in the chapter?
A. Illiteracy
B. Fake news
C. Poverty
D. All of the above
Answer: D
16. Which democratic principle is followed when decisions are taken after discussion and voting?
A. Military Rule
B. Majority Rule
C. Absolute Monarchy
D. Hereditary Rule
Answer: B
17. Assertion (A): Democracy requires responsible citizens.
Reason (R): Citizens should follow laws and fulfil their civic duties.
A. Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
Answer: A
18. Which of the following best represents popular sovereignty?
A. Judges appoint the government.
B. Citizens elect their representatives.
C. The army forms the government.
D. The monarch inherits power.
Answer: B
19. Democracy extends beyond government institutions through:
A. Public participation and community involvement
B. Military control
C. One-party rule
D. Hereditary succession
Answer: A
20. Which statement best describes a healthy democracy?
A. Only leaders make decisions.
B. Citizens participate, respect laws, and uphold democratic values.
C. Elections are unnecessary.
D. Laws apply only to some citizens.
Answer: B
Section B – Very Short Answer Questions
(8 × 1 = 8 Marks)
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 1–2 sentences.
1. What is democracy?
Answer:
Democracy is a system of government in which the people participate in decision-making either
directly or through their elected representatives.
2. What is meant by popular sovereignty?
Answer:
Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate power of the government rests with the people, who
exercise it through elections and democratic participation.
3. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Answer:
Universal Adult Franchise is the right of every Indian citizen aged 18 years and above to vote in
elections without discrimination.
4. Name the two main forms of democracy.
Answer:
The two main forms of democracy are Direct Democracy and Representative (Indirect) Democracy.
5. What is the Rule of Law?
Answer:
The Rule of Law means that everyone is equal before the law, and no individual or authority is
above the law.
6. Name any two democratic values discussed in the chapter.
Answer:
Two democratic values discussed in the chapter are equality and justice.
(Other acceptable answers: liberty, participation, accountability, transparency.)
7. Which democratic institution functions at the village level in India?
Answer:
The Panchayati Raj Institution (Gram Panchayat) functions as the local self-government institution at
the village level.
8. Mention any one challenge faced by Indian democracy.
Answer:
One challenge faced by Indian democracy is the spread of misinformation and fake news, especially
through digital media and social media platforms.
(Other acceptable answers: illiteracy, poverty, inequality, social discrimination.)
Section C – Short Answer Questions
(5 × 3 = 15 Marks)
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 60–80 words.
1. Explain the two main forms of democracy.
Answer:
The two main forms of democracy are Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy. In a direct
democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making. This form is suitable for countries with a
small population. In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to govern on their
behalf. India follows a Representative Parliamentary Democracy, where elected representatives
make decisions according to the Constitution.
2. What are the essential features of a democracy?
Answer:
A democracy is based on several essential features, including popular sovereignty, Universal Adult
Franchise, Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights, accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.
It also ensures equality before the law and provides opportunities for people to participate in
governance through elections and democratic institutions. These features help protect citizens' rights
and strengthen democratic governance.
3. Why is the Rule of Law important in a democracy?
Answer:
The Rule of Law ensures that every person is equal before the law and that no one is above it. It
protects the rights of citizens, prevents the misuse of power, and promotes justice. By ensuring that
laws apply equally to everyone, the Rule of Law strengthens public trust in democratic institutions
and supports fair governance.
4. How can citizens contribute to strengthening democracy?
Answer:
Citizens strengthen democracy by voting responsibly, obeying laws, respecting the rights of others,
protecting public property, and participating in community activities. They should also stay informed,
verify information before sharing it, and take part in public discussions. Responsible citizenship and
active participation help make democratic institutions more accountable and effective.
5. Discuss any three challenges faced by Indian democracy.
Answer:
Indian democracy faces several challenges. Illiteracy can limit citizens' awareness and participation in
democratic processes. Misinformation and fake news, especially on digital platforms, can mislead
public opinion. Poverty and inequality reduce equal opportunities for participation in social,
political, and economic life. Addressing these challenges requires responsible citizenship, awareness,
and respect for constitutional values.
Section D – Case-Based Questions
(1 × 3 = 3 Marks)
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Democracy is more than a system of elections. It is based on the principles of popular sovereignty,
the Rule of Law, equality, liberty, justice, accountability, and citizen participation. In a democracy,
people elect their representatives, but they also strengthen democracy by participating
responsibly in public life, respecting the Constitution, protecting public property, and fulfilling their
civic duties.
1. What does the principle of popular sovereignty mean?
Answer:
Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate power in a democracy belongs to the people.
2. Mention any one democratic value referred to in the passage.
Answer:
Equality.
(Other acceptable answers: liberty, justice, accountability, citizen participation, Rule of Law.)
3. State one responsibility of citizens in a democracy.
Answer:
Citizens should follow the laws and fulfil their civic duties.
(Other acceptable answers: protect public property, vote responsibly, respect the Constitution,
participate in public life.)