Class 9 Social Science Understanding Society India and Beyond Chapter 6 Democracy Excercise Questions and Answers 

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?

b. How does voting help resolve differences of opinion?

c. Why is the majority decision important in a democracy?

d. Mention responsibilities of elected representatives after a decision is made.

2. How would democracy be affected if citizens stopped following laws and civic responsibilities? Explain with an example.

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

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

5. Why is the Rule of Law essential for protecting democracy?

6. Is voting alone enough to make a country democratic? Support your answer with examples from the chapter.

7. Social media allows people to express opinions freely.

a. How can this strengthen democracy?

b. How can it weaken democracy if used irresponsibly?

8. Write a paragraph on what democracy means to you as a young citizen.

9. Conduct a model parliament session or Gram Sabha in class on local issues-cleanliness, responsibilities towards public property, or school safety.

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

b. How it ensures accountability and participation.

11. What role does the Constitution in India? in strengthening deman

12. What challenges do you think democracy in India faces today?

Answers

1. Read the passage and answer the questions:

a. Which democratic values are reflected in this situation?

Answer: Participation, equality, majority rule, and respect for others' opinions.

b. How does voting help resolve differences of opinion?

Answer: Voting allows everyone to express their choice fairly, and the option supported by the majority is accepted by all.

c. Why is the majority decision important in a democracy?

Answer: It reflects the choice of most people and helps make decisions peacefully and fairly.

d. Mention responsibilities of elected representatives after a decision is made.

Answer: Elected representatives should:

Implement the decision honestly.

Work for the welfare of all citizens.

Follow the Constitution and laws.

Remain accountable to the people.

2. How would democracy be affected if citizens stopped following laws and civic responsibilities? Explain with an example.

Answer:

If citizens do not follow laws and civic responsibilities, democracy cannot function properly. It may lead to disorder, conflicts, and disrespect for others' rights. For example, if people refuse to obey traffic rules, accidents and chaos will increase, affecting public safety.

3. Which situation best reflects the idea of popular sovereignty and why?

Correct Answer: (b) Citizens vote to choose their representatives.

Reason: Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate power belongs to the people, who exercise it by electing their representatives through voting.

4. The Rule of Law is violated when:

Correct Answer: (c) Powerful individuals are treated above the law.

5. Why is the Rule of Law essential for protecting democracy?

Answer: The Rule of Law ensures that everyone is equal before the law. It protects citizens' rights, prevents misuse of power, and ensures justice without discrimination.

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6. Is voting alone enough to make a country democratic? Support your answer with examples from the chapter.

Answer: No. Voting is important, but democracy also requires the Rule of Law, protection of fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and active citizen participation. For example, citizens must obey laws, respect others' rights, and hold the government accountable.

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7. Social media allows people to express opinions freely.

a. How can this strengthen democracy?

Answer: It helps people share ideas, discuss public issues, spread awareness, and encourage participation in democratic processes.

b. How can it weaken democracy if used irresponsibly?

Answer: It can spread fake news, rumours, hate speech, and misinformation, which may create conflict and mislead people.

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8. Write a paragraph on what democracy means to you as a young citizen.

Answer:

Democracy means having the freedom to express my opinions, respect others' views, and participate in making my country better. As a young citizen, I believe in following laws, respecting diversity, protecting public property, and being responsible. Democracy gives every person equal rights and opportunities, and it is my duty to contribute positively to society.

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9. Conduct a model Parliament session or Gram Sabha in class on local issues.

Sample Activity:

Topic: School Cleanliness

Speaker: Conducts the meeting.

Members: Discuss problems like littering and dirty classrooms.

Suggestions: Install more dustbins, organise weekly cleanliness drives, and spread awareness.

Resolution: All students will help keep the school clean and protect public property.

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10. Choose any one democratic institution in India.

Institution: Parliament

a. Its role in democracy:

Parliament makes laws, discusses national issues, approves the budget, and represents the people.

b. How it ensures accountability and participation:

It questions the government, debates policies, and represents citizens through elected representatives, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.

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11. What is the role of the Constitution in India in strengthening democracy?

Answer: The Constitution is the supreme law of India. It guarantees Fundamental Rights, defines the powers of the government, protects equality and justice, and ensures that democracy functions according to the Rule of Law.

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12. What challenges do you think democracy in India faces today?

Answer: Some major challenges are:

Corruption

Misinformation and fake news

Poverty and inequality

Low political awareness

Communal and social divisions

Misuse of power

Low voter participation in some areas

Overcoming these challenges requires responsible citizens, transparent governance, and strong democratic institutions.