This comprehensive guide provides detailed, text-backed solutions for all the Questions and activities for Class 9 Social Science Chapter 6 Democracy (Civics) NCERT textbook. These answers are compiled directly from the lines of the textbook to help you write precise answers and prepare for your school examinations.
Questions and activities
1. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
A school cabinet was responsible for planning a Republic Day celebration, and members had different opinions on which activities to include. After a discussion, they decided to vote, and the activities supported by the majority were selected.
a. Which democratic values are reflected in this situation?
Answer:
The situation reflects the following democratic values:
1. Deliberation and Discussion: The cabinet members discussed the program and listened to different viewpoints instead of making a one-sided decision.
2. Equality: Every member of the cabinet had an equal opportunity to express their opinion and cast their vote.
3. Consensus and Majority Rule: The final program was chosen based on the majority vote, showing respect for the collective will.
4. Peaceful Resolution: Differences of opinion were resolved peacefully and systematically through voting.
b. How does voting help resolve differences of opinion?
Answer:
Voting provides a fair, peaceful, and transparent mechanism to resolve differences. Instead of letting disagreements lead to conflict or stalling decisions, voting gives every individual an equal voice. It converts diverse opinions into a clear quantitative outcome (the majority will) that everyone accepts as legitimate.
c. Why is the majority decision important in a democracy?
Answer:
A majority decision is important because in a large group, absolute unanimity is rarely possible. Selecting the option that has the support of more than 50% of the members ensures that the decision reflects the largest share of the population, thereby lending democratic legitimacy and authority to the final action while allowing administration to function effectively.
d. Mention responsibilities of elected representatives after a decision is made.
Answer:
Once a decision is made, the responsibilities of elected representatives include:
1. Upholding the Decision: Implementing the decision with dedication, even if they personally voted against it.
2. Accountability: Being transparent about how the decision is executed and managing resources responsibly.
3. Protecting Minority Interests: Ensuring that the implementation does not harm or discriminate against those who held minority views.
4. Maintaining Harmony: Keeping the community united and listening to feedback during the implementation process.
2. How would democracy be affected if citizens stopped following laws and civic responsibilities? Explain with an example.
Answer:
According to the textbook: “The real strength of democracy lies in its citizens—their participation, awareness of duties and rights, and commitment to honesty and fairness. Without these, no democratic process or institution can function effectively or deliver meaningful outcomes.”
If citizens stopped following laws and fulfilling their civic responsibilities:
1. Collapse of the Rule of Law: The society would descend into chaos, where disputes are settled by force or influence rather than courts of law.
2. Loss of Rights: When citizens ignore laws, they violate the rights of others, leading to the destruction of personal safety and equality.
3. Erosion of Trust: Public trust in democratic institutions would weaken, forcing governments to use authoritarian methods to maintain order.
Example: If citizens stop paying taxes (a core civic responsibility) or start damaging public property (like trains and buses) during protests, the government will lose the financial resources needed to run public services, schools, and hospitals. This directly disrupts public life, halts national development, and forces the state to redirect funds to repair damage rather than building new public facilities.
3. Which situation best reflects the idea of popular sovereignty and why?
a. A law is passed without public discussion
b. Citizens vote to choose their representatives
c. A court gives a final judgment
d. A minister takes an independent decision
Answer:
Situation (b) Citizens vote to choose their representatives best reflects the idea of popular sovereignty.
Why: According to the textbook: “In a democracy, the ultimate source of power lies with the people. Thus, the idea of popular sovereignty means that the state derives its authority from the people.” Voting through Universal Adult Franchise is the direct expression of this sovereignty, as it allows citizens to actively choose who will exercise political authority on their behalf, showing that governance is dependent on the consent of the governed.
4. The Rule of Law is violated when:
a. Laws are applied equally to all
b. Courts review government actions
c. Powerful individuals are treated above the law
d. Citizens challenge laws through legal means
Answer:
Option (c) Powerful individuals are treated above the law violates the Rule of Law.
5. Why is the Rule of Law essential for protecting democracy?
Answer:
The Rule of Law is essential for protecting democracy because:
1. Upholds Equality: It ensures that “every individual irrespective of status, identity, or rank is treated equally by the law” and has equal protection under the law.
2. Prevents Arbitrary Power: It establishes that no one is above the law. Rulers and government officers must act within the boundaries of constitutional rules, preventing the misuse of power.
3. Ensures Peaceful Justice: It requires that “disputes are resolved in a court of law through procedures established by law, not by force or personal influence.”
4. Protects Individual Freedom: It guarantees that no citizen can be punished without due process, and everyone gets a fair chance to defend their rights against arbitrary actions by the state.
6. Is voting alone enough to make a country democratic? Support your answer with examples from the chapter.
Answer:
No, voting alone is not enough to make a country democratic. According to the textbook: “Democracy is a system of self-governance that involves institutions, rules, and practices enabling people to participate in decision-making at the local, state, and national levels; it is not limited to elections alone.”
Support and Examples from the Chapter (Class 9 Social Science Chapter 6 Democracy):
1. The Emergency (1975–77): In India, during the Emergency, despite the existence of an elected government, the press was censored, Fundamental Rights were suspended, and opposition leaders were jailed. This proves that a country cannot be called democratic if civil liberties, rule of law, and institutional accountability are destroyed, even if elections technically exist.
2. Team D School Model (Page 11): In this scenario, elections are held, but only selected candidates are allowed to contest, opposition voices are discouraged, and the school president holds all real power. This represents a non-democratic or partially democratic system where the form of elections exists, but the substance of democracy (freedom of choice, debate, and fair competition) is missing.
3. Need for Ongoing Institutions: A democracy requires everyday accountability mechanisms (like the RTI Act, 2005, and Public Interest Litigations), active civil society, and independent organs of government (Separation of Powers) that function between elections.
7. Social media allows people to express opinions freely.
a. How can this strengthen democracy?
Answer:
Social media can strengthen democracy by:
1. Upholding Freedom of Expression: Giving a platform to ordinary citizens to raise their voice, share concerns, and debate national issues.
2. Increasing Transparency: Allowing rapid sharing of information and making it easier to hold public figures and institutions accountable.
3. Grassroots Mobilisation: Enabling citizens and civil society to organize community welfare projects, campaigns, and express solidarity on public issues.
b. How can it weaken democracy if used irresponsibly?
Answer:
If used irresponsibly, social media can weaken democracy because:
1. Spread of Misinformation: The spread of fake news and manipulated facts can influence public opinion dishonestly and manipulate voting behavior.
2. Promoting Social Division: Irresponsible posts can spread hate speech, create confusion, and lead to communal or regional conflicts.
3. Erosion of Public Trust: Continuous spread of unverified rumors about public systems can reduce citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and the judiciary.
8. Write a paragraph on what democracy means to you as a young citizen.
Answer:
As a young citizen, democracy to me is not just a form of government that I will vote for when I turn eighteen, but an everyday way of life based on mutual respect, equality, and civic responsibility. It means having the freedom to express my thoughts, question authority, and access authentic information, while also carrying the responsibility to respect others’ rights and viewpoints. It inspires me to actively participate in school councils, community service, and nation-building programs like the NCC or NSS. Ultimately, democracy means having the power to contribute to my society’s development, knowing that the strength of my nation depends on the informed and responsible actions of young citizens like myself.
9. Conduct a model parliament session or Gram Sabha in class on local issues—cleanliness, responsibilities towards public property, or school safety.
Answer:
(Guidance for Student Activity):
To conduct a successful Model Gram Sabha in your class, follow these guidelines based on the textbook’s case studies:
1. Assign Roles: Choose students to play the Sarpanch (Panchayat Head), Gram Panchayat members (Ward Commissioners), Gram Sevak (Secretary), and Gram Sabha members (the villagers/students).
2. Establish Quorum: The session must start with the Gram Sevak confirming the minimum attendance required (quorum) to validate the assembly.
3. Sanitation & Cleanliness Agenda: The Sarpanch opens the meeting to discuss clean drinking water, dustbins in the corridors, and maintenance of the playground.
4. Deliberation and Ward Reports: Gram Sabha members raise complaints about littering near the canteen, and ward members propose solutions, such as implementing a student cleanliness patrol and fine systems.
5. Voting and Resolution: The Sarpanch puts the proposal to a vote. If the majority votes in favor, the Secretary records it. Reflect on how this shows grassroots democracy in action, similar to the Jethipura Gram Panchayat NDRGGSP award study.
10. Choose any one democratic institution in India (such as Parliament, Election Commission, Judiciary, or Panchayat). Prepare a short note explaining:
a. Its role in democracy
Answer:
Institution Selected: The Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional, independent body responsible for conducting free, fair, and periodic elections to the Parliament of India, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. It plays a critical role in protecting popular sovereignty by ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in who governs the nation.
b. How it ensures accountability and participation.
Answer:
1. Ensuring Participation: The ECI implements the Universal Adult Franchise, registering every citizen aged 18 and above. It sets up more than one million polling stations across the country, ensuring that even remote citizens in mountains or deserts can vote. It uses election symbols and prints materials in 22 scheduled languages to ensure inclusive, independent voting.
2. Ensuring Accountability: The ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct, which prevents the ruling government from using official machinery to influence voters during elections. It monitors political party campaigns, registers political groups (over 2,800 parties), and reviews candidates’ election expenses to ensure a fair playing field and prevent corruption.
11. What role does the Constitution play in strengthening democracy in India?
Answer:
The Constitution of India strengthens democracy through the following key functions:
1. Guarantees Popular Sovereignty: Establishes that the ultimate authority of the state derives from the people, who elect their government through Universal Adult Franchise.
2. Enshrines Fundamental Rights: Protects citizens’ liberties, equality, and dignity under Articles 14–32. Any violation can be challenged in court, making these rights legally enforceable.
3. Enforces the Rule of Law: Ensures that all citizens, regardless of rank or status, are equal before the law, preventing arbitrary government action.
4. Separation of Powers: Distributes responsibilities among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, creating a system of checks and balances that prevents any one organ from concentrating absolute power.
5. Ensures Grassroots Decentralisation: Incorporates local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) and reserves at least one-third of seats for women (Article 243d and 243t) to make institutions inclusive.
6. Constitutional Flexibility: Under Article 368, it provides a lawful method for amendments, making it a dynamic document that can adapt to changing societal needs without compromising its basic structure.
12. What challenges do you think democracy in India faces today?
Answer:
According to the textbook, Indian democracy faces several ongoing challenges:
1. Illiteracy and Lack of Awareness: A significant portion of the population struggles to access authentic information, making it difficult to form fully informed opinions on complex public issues.
2. Spread of Misinformation and Fake News: The rise of digital platforms and social media has enabled the rapid spread of false information, which can manipulate public opinions and trigger social tensions.
3. Socio-Economic Inequalities: Poverty, regional development disparities, and unequal access to opportunities limit the equal participation of marginalized sections in public life.
4. Social Discrimination and Prejudices: Prejudices related to caste, gender, and religion continue to act as barriers, preventing adequate representation of women and other weaker sections in political decision-making bodies.
5. Implementation Gaps: Delays and gaps in executing welfare policies and laws can weaken citizens’ trust in government institutions.