Q1. What is the origin of the word ‘democracy’?
a) Latin ‘demos’ meaning ‘state’ and ‘kratos’ meaning ‘power’
b) Greek ‘demos’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘kratia’ meaning ‘power’
c) French ‘democratie’ meaning ‘people’s rule’
d) English ‘demo’ meaning ‘simple’ and ‘cracy’ meaning ‘government’
Answer: b) Greek ‘demos’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘kratia’ meaning ‘power’
Explanation: The word democracy originates from the Greek word ‘Demokratia’, where ‘demos’ means ‘people’ and ‘kratia’ means ‘rule’, thus translating to ‘rule by the people’.
Q2. According to the chapter, why is defining democracy considered important?
a) Because the term is too complex to understand
b) To differentiate between democracies and non-democracies based on elections
c) Because the meaning of democracy can vary and needs clear distinction
d) Only to follow academic protocols
Answer: c) Because the meaning of democracy can vary and needs clear distinction
Explanation: A clear definition of democracy is important to distinguish between governments that are truly democratic and those that only claim to be, as different kinds of governments call themselves democracy for various purposes.
Q3. What common feature is found in all democracies?
a) The government is chosen by military officials
b) The rulers inherit their power
c) The government is elected by the people
d) The government is self-appointed
Answer: c) The government is elected by the people
Explanation: A fundamental feature common to all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people, making it distinct from non-democratic forms of government.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a correct representation of a democratic election?
a) Elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives
b) It is possible for people to use elections to remove the existing rulers
c) Elections are held to give a façade of legitimacy to autocratic rulers
d) Elections should be free and fair
Answer: c) Elections are held to give a façade of legitimacy to autocratic rulers
Explanation: A democratic election is characterized by offering a real choice, being free and fair, and allowing the possibility of changing rulers through elections, not merely serving as a façade for autocracy.
Q5. What principle does democracy base its value of political equality on?
a) One person, multiple votes
b) One person, one vote, one value
c) Only certain people can vote
d) Votes are based on social status
Answer: b) One person, one vote, one value
Explanation: Democracy is grounded in the principle of political equality, which means each adult citizen has one vote, and each vote must have equal value.
Q6. Which feature of democracy ensures that a democratic government cannot do whatever it likes after winning an election?
a) Unlimited power of elected officials
b) Rule within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights
c) The ability to change laws without consultation
d) The government’s power to suppress opposition
Answer: b) Rule within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights
Explanation: A democratic government is limited by basic rules of the constitution and must respect citizens’ rights, ensuring it cannot act with absolute power even after winning an election.
Q7. What does the failure of democracy in Pakistan under General Musharraf highlight about the rulers in a democracy?
a) The rulers should be elected by the military
b) The rulers must hold absolute power
c) The final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people
d) The rulers should be able to change the constitution at will
Answer: c) The final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people
Explanation: The example of Pakistan under General Musharraf emphasizes that in a democracy, the ultimate authority to make decisions should reside with officials who have been elected by the populace, ensuring people’s rule.
Q8. What essential condition does the Chinese electoral system violate in terms of democratic elections?
a) Holding elections every five years
b) Allowing only one political party to participate
c) Ensuring that the army has representation in the parliament
d) Requiring candidates to get approval from a specific political party
Answer: d) Requiring candidates to get approval from a specific political party
Explanation: The Chinese electoral system’s requirement for candidates to get approval from the Communist Party contradicts the democratic principle that elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives.
Q9. Which example shows a violation of the principle of “one person, one vote, one value”?
a) In Estonia, where citizenship rules disadvantage a minority’s voting rights
b) In China, where the Communist Party approves all candidates
c) In Mexico, where one party ruled for several decades
d) In the United States, where elections are held every four years
Answer: a) In Estonia, where citizenship rules disadvantage a minority’s voting rights
Explanation: Estonia’s citizenship rules, which make it difficult for the Russian minority to vote, violate the democratic principle that each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
Q10. What does the example of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe illustrate about democracy?
a) A popular government cannot be undemocratic
b) Elections are sufficient for a government to be considered democratic
c) Popular leaders cannot be autocratic
d) Popular approval alone is not enough for a government to be democratic
Answer: d) Popular approval alone is not enough for a government to be democratic
Explanation: Zimbabwe’s situation under Mugabe shows that while a government may be popular, it can still engage in undemocratic practices, such as manipulating elections and violating citizens’ rights, indicating that democracy requires more than just popularity.
Q11. According to the chapter, what is a key feature that distinguishes a democratic government after elections?
a) The ability to rule without limits
b) The requirement to follow constitutional law and respect citizens’ rights
c) The option to ignore judiciary decisions
d) The freedom to modify election laws at will
Answer: b) The requirement to follow constitutional law and respect citizens’ rights
Explanation: A democratic government is characterized by its operation within the confines of constitutional law and its respect for the rights of citizens, ensuring accountability and the protection of freedoms.
Q12. Which feature of democracy ensures that elections lead to a government limited by basic rules and rights?
a) Unrestricted power of the ruling party
b) The role of military in governance
c) Government limited by constitutional law and citizens’ rights
d) The ability of the president to amend the constitution single-handedly
Answer: c) Government limited by constitutional law and citizens’ rights
Explanation: Democracy entails that the exercise of choice by the people through elections results in a government that is constrained by the fundamental principles of the constitution and the rights of its citizens, ensuring a balanced and fair governance.
Q13. What is implied by the term “free and fair election” in a democracy?
a) Elections where the military has significant influence
b) Elections where only one party is allowed to win
c) Elections that provide a genuine choice between various political alternatives
d) Elections held without international observation
Answer: c) Elections that provide a genuine choice between various political alternatives
Explanation: In a democracy, “free and fair election” implies that the electoral process offers voters a real and meaningful choice between various political parties and candidates, ensuring competitiveness and fairness.
Q14. Which of the following conditions does NOT qualify as a feature of a democratic election?
a) The current ruling party has a fair chance of losing
b) All adults have the right to vote, without discrimination
c) The winning party has the right to rule indefinitely
d) Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to change the rulers
Answer: c) The winning party has the right to rule indefinitely
Explanation: A democratic election is characterized by the possibility of changing the current rulers through a fair electoral process, not by granting the winning party the right to rule indefinitely.
Q15. How does the principle of “one person, one vote, one value” manifest in a democracy?
a) By allowing only certain classes of people to vote
b) By giving multiple votes to wealthier citizens
c) By ensuring every adult’s vote has equal importance
d) By limiting voting rights to native-born citizens only
Answer: c) By ensuring every adult’s vote has equal importance
Explanation: The principle of “one person, one vote, one value” in a democracy ensures that every adult citizen has the right to vote, and each vote is counted equally, without discrimination or bias.
Q16. What fundamental principle is violated in a democracy when certain citizens are denied the right to vote?
a) The principle of autocratic governance
b) The principle of political equality
c) The principle of monarchial rule
d) The principle of selective suffrage
Answer: b) The principle of political equality
Explanation: Denying certain citizens the right to vote violates the fundamental principle of political equality in a democracy, which holds that all adult citizens should have equal voting rights.
Q17. What is a key aspect to evaluate in a democracy besides the conduct of elections?
a) The absolute power of the ruler
b) The restrictions on political opposition and media
c) The unlimited tenure of elected officials
d) The role of hereditary succession in leadership
Answer: b) The restrictions on political opposition and media
Explanation: Evaluating a democracy involves assessing not just the elections but also the extent of freedom allowed for political opposition and media, ensuring there’s room for normal political activity and free expression.
Q18. Which of the following best illustrates a government’s adherence to democratic principles after elections?
a) Ignoring court judgments that go against it
b) Ruling without regard to constitutional limits
c) Respecting the rights of citizens and following the rule of law
d) Concentrating power without accountability
Answer: c) Respecting the rights of citizens and following the rule of law
Explanation: A government that respects the rights of its citizens and follows the rule of law, adhering to constitutional limits and ensuring accountability, best illustrates adherence to democratic principles after elections.
Q19. What does the cartoon with “democracy” written in a specific way, referring to elections held in Iraq under foreign powers, suggest?
a) Democracy is strongly established in Iraq
b) Democracy as imposed by external forces may not be genuine
c) Elections in Iraq were free from foreign influence
d) Iraqi democracy operates independently of external political pressures
Answer: b) Democracy as imposed by external forces may not be genuine
Explanation: The cartoon suggests skepticism towards the genuineness of democracy when it is imposed or heavily influenced by external powers, indicating it may not reflect the true will of the people.
Q20. In the context of the chapter, what is the significance of allowing political opposition in a democracy?
a) It ensures that only one political party dominates
b) It is irrelevant to the democratic process
c) It allows for a change in government through elections
d) It prevents the public from voicing their opinions
Answer: c) It allows for a change in government through elections
Explanation: Allowing political opposition is crucial in a democracy as it ensures that there is a possibility for change in government through a competitive electoral process, reflecting the will of the people.
Q21. How is “rule of law and respect for rights” demonstrated in a democratic government?
a) By ensuring that the military has the ultimate authority
b) Through the unrestricted power of the government
c) By protecting basic rights and adhering to legal constraints
d) By ignoring court judgments unfavorable to the government
Answer: c) By protecting basic rights and adhering to legal constraints
Explanation: “Rule of law and respect for rights” in a democratic government is demonstrated by protecting citizens’ basic rights and ensuring that the government operates within the legal constraints set by the constitution and judiciary.
Q22. What can the presence of independent media and freedom of expression indicate about a country’s government?
a) It is moving towards authoritarianism
b) It lacks transparency and accountability
c) It respects democratic principles
d) It controls all aspects of citizens’ lives
Answer: c) It respects democratic principles
Explanation: The presence of independent media and freedom of expression are indicators that a government respects democratic principles, allowing for transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas.
Q23. What is the role of an independent judiciary in a democracy?
a) To support the government unconditionally
b) To ensure laws are applied equally to all, including the government
c) To restrict the rights of the opposition
d) To oversee the electoral process exclusively
Answer: b) To ensure laws are applied equally to all, including the government
Explanation: An independent judiciary plays a crucial role in a democracy by ensuring that laws and rights are applied equally to all citizens, including holding the government accountable to the law.
Q24. Based on the chapter, which of the following statements best summarizes democracy?
a) Democracy is solely about conducting elections
b) Democracy involves rulers elected by the people, offering a choice through free and fair elections, ensuring political equality, and governing within the limits of law and rights
c) Democracy ensures the permanent rule of a single party or leader
d) Democracy is characterized by the absence of political and civil freedoms
Answer: b) Democracy involves rulers elected by the people, offering a choice through free and fair elections, ensuring political equality, and governing within the limits of law and rights
Explanation: This statement best summarizes the chapter’s depiction of democracy, highlighting its key features such as elected rulers, genuine electoral choice, political equality, and governance within constitutional and rights-based constraints.
Q25. What is the consensus among political parties in Bangladesh regarding elections?
a) A neutral government should oversee the elections.
b) Elections should be held without any government.
c) A military government should supervise the elections.
d) Foreign observers should directly control the electoral process.
Answer: a) A neutral government should oversee the elections.
Explanation: Political parties in Bangladesh agree on the need for a neutral government to ensure fair elections.
Q26. What argument does Yolanda make in favor of democracy?
a) Democracy is universally accepted as the best form of government.
b) Democracy has failed to address poverty and corruption.
c) A strong leader who does not need elections is better for the country.
d) Dictatorships are more efficient in decision-making.
Answer: a) Democracy is universally accepted as the best form of government.
Explanation: Yolanda supports democracy by pointing out its global acceptance and the positive views held about it by influential figures.
Q27. Which of the following is an argument against democracy mentioned in the chapter?
a) Democracy ensures political stability.
b) Democracy leads to delays because it involves multiple consultations.
c) Elected leaders always know what is best for the people.
d) Democracy prevents corruption.
Answer: b) Democracy leads to delays because it involves multiple consultations.
Explanation: One criticism of democracy is that the need to consult many people can lead to delays in decision-making.
Q28. What does the example of China’s famine highlight about democracy?
a) Democracies are prone to worse famines than non-democracies.
b) Democracies are less likely to have large-scale famines due to government responsiveness.
c) Non-democratic countries are always better at handling famines.
d) The economic policies of democracies are the main cause of famines.
Answer: b) Democracies are less likely to have large-scale famines due to government responsiveness.
Explanation: The absence of a large-scale famine in democratic India, as compared to China, is attributed to democratic policies that are more responsive to the people’s needs.
Q29. How does democracy contribute to decision-making according to the chapter?
a) By limiting the consultation process to a few individuals.
b) Through a process that involves consultation and discussion, improving decision quality.
c) By making rash and irresponsible decisions more likely.
d) By ensuring decisions are made quickly without any discussion.
Answer: b) Through a process that involves consultation and discussion, improving decision quality.
Explanation: Democracy is valued for its consultative and discussion-based approach, which enhances the quality of decision-making by involving multiple perspectives.
Q30. Which of the following best describes the benefit of democracy mentioned in the content?
a) Democracy guarantees perfect decisions and efficient government.
b) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens and allows for the correction of mistakes.
c) Democracies are incapable of making mistakes or poor decisions.
d) Democracy is only suitable for countries with a high level of education among citizens.
Answer: b) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens and allows for the correction of mistakes.
Explanation: One of the key benefits of democracy is its ability to treat citizens with dignity while offering mechanisms for correcting mistakes and improving governance.
Q31. What is the relationship between democracy and war, as discussed in the text?
a) Democracies frequently engage in wars with other democracies.
b) No democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy.
c) Democracies are more likely to start wars than non-democracies.
d) The form of government has no impact on the likelihood of going to war.
Answer: b) No democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy.
Explanation: The text highlights that historically, democracies have not gone to war with each other, suggesting a merit of democratic governance.
Q32. Which of the following statements reflects a broader meaning of democracy beyond government?
a) Democracy is limited to electoral processes and government decision-making.
b) Democracy can only be applied within the context of national governments.
c) Democracy can be applied to any sphere of life, involving consultation and equal decision-making.
d) The principles of democracy are not relevant to family or organizational decisions.
Answer: c) Democracy can be applied to any sphere of life, involving consultation and equal decision-making.
Explanation: The text expands the concept of democracy to include any decision-making process that involves consultation and consent among all affected parties.
Q33. What does the text suggest is necessary for a democracy beyond the right to vote?
a) A decrease in public participation in decision-making processes.
b) Only the wealthy and educated should make decisions.
c) Equal access to information, education, resources, and a commitment to democratic principles.
d) Ignoring the basic needs and rights of citizens.
Answer: c) Equal access to information, education, resources, and a commitment to democratic principles.
Explanation: The text emphasizes that for true democracy, citizens need more than just the right to vote; they also require equal access to information, basic education, and resources.
Q34. How does democracy address conflicts and differences within a society, according to the chapter?
a) By allowing the most powerful group to dominate and make decisions.
b) Through a peaceful solution where no one is a permanent winner or loser, fostering coexistence.
c) By ignoring social diversity and enforcing a uniform set of preferences.
d) Through the use of brutal power to settle differences.
Answer: b) Through a peaceful solution where no one is a permanent winner or loser, fostering coexistence.
Explanation: Democracy is praised for providing a mechanism to deal with conflicts and differences in a peaceful manner, ensuring that various groups can coexist by not having permanent winners or losers.
Q35. What is a key aspect of democracy that enhances the quality of decision-making?
a) Excluding citizens from the decision-making process.
b) Quick decisions without thorough discussion or consultation.
c) Involving many people in discussions and meetings to point out possible mistakes.
d) Relying solely on the decisions made by a single leader or a small group of leaders.
Answer: c) Involving many people in discussions and meetings to point out possible mistakes.
Explanation: The chapter highlights the role of discussion and consultation in democracy, which involves multiple perspectives and reduces the likelihood of making rash decisions.
Q36. What does democracy provide that is crucial for the dignity of citizens?
a) A system where only the elite have a say in governance.
b) Recognition of political equality and the notion that all citizens are the rulers themselves.
c) A guarantee that mistakes will never be made in governance.
d) A promise of perfect decisions at all times.
Answer: b) Recognition of political equality and the notion that all citizens are the rulers themselves.
Explanation: The text underscores that democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by basing governance on the principle of political equality, where every individual has an equal say in the decision-making process.
Q37. Why is democracy valued beyond just its function as a form of government, according to the content?
a) Because it guarantees economic prosperity and the absence of poverty.
b) Because it enhances the dignity of citizens and is based on the principle of political equality.
c) Because it eliminates the need for elections and political competition.
d) Because it ensures that all decisions are made quickly and without any dissent.
Answer: b) Because it enhances the dignity of citizens and is based on the principle of political equality.
Explanation: The content underscores democracy’s role in enhancing the dignity of every citizen, emphasizing political equality and the notion that everyone has a say in the governance process, which elevates its value beyond a mere governmental system.
Q38. What unique advantage does democracy offer when mistakes are made in governance?
a) Mistakes are not possible in a democracy due to its superior decision-making process.
b) In a democracy, mistakes can be hidden indefinitely from the public.
c) Democracies allow for public discussion, critique, and the correction of mistakes.
d) Democratic leaders are immune to making mistakes due to the nature of the system.
Answer: c) Democracies allow for public discussion, critique, and the correction of mistakes.
Explanation: The content highlights democracy’s ability to self-correct as one of its strengths. It provides mechanisms for mistakes to be openly discussed, criticized, and rectified, whether through changing decisions or changing leaders.
Q39. Which statement best reflects the content’s view on comparing real democracies to ideal forms of government?
a) Real democracies should always strive to match their ideal counterparts in every aspect.
b) Comparing real democracies to ideals helps identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
c) Ideal forms of government are unattainable, and therefore real democracies should not be critiqued.
d) Real democracies are inherently flawed and can never be improved.
Answer: b) Comparing real democracies to ideals helps identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Explanation: The text suggests that while no real-world democracy perfectly matches the ideal, using ideals as benchmarks can help identify and address the shortcomings of existing democracies, making this comparison a valuable tool for improvement.
Q40. What broader meaning of democracy is discussed in terms of its application to spheres beyond government?
a) Democracy is only applicable and meaningful within the context of governmental structures.
b) Democracy, as a principle of decision-making and equality, can be applied to various aspects of life, including families and organizations.
c) Democracy is an outdated concept that has no place in modern society outside of politics.
d) The only valid form of democracy is representative democracy within government institutions.
Answer: b) Democracy, as a principle of decision-making and equality, can be applied to various aspects of life, including families and organizations.
Explanation: The content expands the definition of democracy beyond the confines of government to include its application as a principle of equality and participatory decision-making in other areas of life, such as families and organizations.
Q41. How does the content describe the relationship between democracy and the possibility of famine, based on historical examples?
a) Democracies are just as likely to experience famines as non-democracies due to their inherent inefficiencies.
b) The structure of democratic governments inherently prevents famines from ever occurring.
c) The responsiveness and accountability mechanisms in democracies reduce the likelihood of large-scale famines.
d) Famine is unrelated to the form of government, and democracies have no advantages over non-democracies in this regard.
Answer: c) The responsiveness and accountability mechanisms in democracies reduce the likelihood of large-scale famines.
Explanation: By referencing the famine in China and contrasting it with India’s experience, the content argues that democratic structures, through mechanisms like multiparty elections, free press, and public critique, make governments more responsive to crises, thereby reducing the likelihood of famine.
Q42. What is a significant insight about democracy and war, as discussed in the chapter?
a) Democracies are more prone to initiating wars than non-democratic regimes.
b) No democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy, suggesting a correlation between democratic governance and peace.
c) Democracies and non-democracies are equally likely to go to war with each other.
d) The form of government has no impact on a country’s propensity to engage in war.
Answer: b) No democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy, suggesting a correlation between democratic governance and peace.
Explanation: The chapter discusses the observation that democracies do not go to war with each other, indicating that democratic governance might encourage more peaceful international relations, a point debated by Rajesh and Muzaffar in their reactions to the concept.
Q43. What does the discussion about democracy and dictatorship in Madam Lyngdoh’s class primarily highlight?
a) The efficiency of dictatorships in eliminating corruption and poverty.
b) The preference for a strong, undemocratic leader in all situations.
c) The importance of comparing real examples of democracy and dictatorship rather than ideal types.
d) That dictatorship is a more popular form of government among students.
Answer: c) The importance of comparing real examples of democracy and dictatorship rather than ideal types.
Explanation: The discussion emphasizes the need to compare actual instances of democracy and dictatorship, highlighting the flaws in idealizing one form of government over the other without considering real-life outcomes.
Q44. What argument FOR democracy is indirectly made through the concern of being able to speak one’s mind?
a) Democracies are less stable due to frequent changes in leadership.
b) Democracies do not guarantee better decision-making.
c) Democracies allow for freedom of expression and dissent, which may not be possible in non-democratic regimes.
d) Democracies are always faster in making decisions because of political competition.
Answer: c) Democracies allow for freedom of expression and dissent, which may not be possible in non-democratic regimes.
Explanation: The ability to freely express oneself and engage in open discussion, as highlighted in Madam Lyngdoh’s class, serves as an argument for democracy, underscoring its respect for individual rights and freedoms.
Q45. Which of the following is NOT presented as an argument against democracy in the content?
a) Democracy causes political instability due to frequent leadership changes.
b) Democracy inherently promotes moral political competition.
c) Consulting many people leads to delays in decision-making.
d) Democracies base their existence on electoral competition, leading to corruption.
Answer: b) Democracy inherently promotes moral political competition.
Explanation: The content actually argues that democracy is criticized for being about political competition and power play without scope for morality, not that it promotes moral political competition.
Q46. According to the content, why might a famine like the one in China not occur in a democratic country?
a) Democracies have better agricultural policies by default.
b) Democratic governments are more responsive to food shortages due to public and media scrutiny.
c) Democracies have a higher economic growth rate, preventing famines.
d) Non-democratic countries inherently lack the resources to deal with famines.
Answer: b) Democratic governments are more responsive to food shortages due to public and media scrutiny.
Explanation: The content suggests that the responsiveness of democratic governments, influenced by multiparty elections, opposition, and a free press, prevents large-scale famines.
Q47. What is a key reason why democracy is considered a preferable form of government regarding decision-making?
a) Decisions are made by a single powerful leader for efficiency.
b) Democracy involves consultation and discussion, which can reduce the chances of rash decisions.
c) Democracy allows for quick and unilateral decision-making.
d) All decisions in a democracy are made directly by the people, without representatives.
Answer: b) Democracy involves consultation and discussion, which can reduce the chances of rash decisions.
Explanation: The chapter emphasizes the value of democracy’s consultative process in improving the quality of decision-making by involving diverse perspectives and reducing impulsiveness.
Q48. What aspect of democracy does the chapter highlight as crucial for managing societal diversity and conflicts?
a) The imposition of a single, powerful ruler’s decisions.
b) The ability of democracy to offer a peaceful solution to conflicts through inclusion and compromise.
c) The necessity for a democratic government to enforce uniform decisions.
d) The role of a democratic society in eliminating differences and opinions.
Answer: b) The ability of democracy to offer a peaceful solution to conflicts through inclusion and compromise.
Explanation: The chapter points out that democracy, by providing mechanisms for negotiation, compromise, and inclusion, allows diverse groups to coexist peacefully and manage conflicts.