NCERT MCQs on Class 9 Social Science (DEMOCRATIC POLITICS- 1) Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?



NCERT MCQs on Class 9 Social Science (DEMOCRATIC POLITICS- 1) Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?


  1. 1) Which of the following is a defining feature of democracy?

    • (a) Rule of the people

    • (b) Rule by the monarch

    • (c) Rule by the military

    • (d) Rule by religious leaders
      Answer: (a) Rule of the people
      Explanation: Democracy means governance by the people, where citizens participate directly or through elected representatives.


2) What is the key characteristic of a democratic government?

    • (a) Citizens elect their leaders

    • (b) Leaders are chosen by inheritance

    • (c) Decisions are made by a single ruler

    • (d) Military controls the government
      Answer: (a) Citizens elect their leaders
      Explanation: In a democracy, representatives are elected by the people to make decisions on their behalf.


3) Which country is an example of a democracy?

    • (a) Saudi Arabia

    • (b) United States

    • (c) North Korea

    • (d) China
      Answer: (b) United States
      Explanation: The United States practices representative democracy where citizens elect leaders.


4) In a democracy, the final decision-making power rests with:

    • (a) The military

    • (b) The elected representatives

    • (c) Religious leaders

    • (d) Wealthy individuals
      Answer: (b) The elected representatives
      Explanation: In a democracy, elected representatives act on behalf of the people to make decisions.


5) Which of the following is not a feature of democracy?

    • (a) Free and fair elections

    • (b) One-party rule

    • (c) Rule of law

    • (d) Fundamental rights
      Answer: (b) One-party rule
      Explanation: Democracy requires a multi-party system and competitive elections.


6) Which principle ensures that democracy functions effectively?

    • (a) Equality

    • (b) Rule of law

    • (c) Accountability

    • (d) All of the above
      Answer: (d) All of the above
      Explanation: Democracy is based on equality, rule of law, and accountability of the government to the people.


7) Which of the following countries is an example of a monarchy?

    • (a) Nepal

    • (b) Saudi Arabia

    • (c) India

    • (d) Pakistan
      Answer: (b) Saudi Arabia
      Explanation: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy where the king has centralized power.


8) What ensures that no single person or group dominates in a democracy?

    • (a) Rule of law

    • (b) Free media

    • (c) Division of powers

    • (d) All of the above
      Answer: (d) All of the above
      Explanation: In a democracy, power is distributed, media remains free, and laws ensure equality.


9) Why is Pakistan not considered a full democracy under military rule?

    • (a) No elections were held

    • (b) Military rulers took key decisions

    • (c) The judiciary was not independent

    • (d) All of the above
      Answer: (d) All of the above
      Explanation: Pakistan under military rule lacked key democratic features such as free elections and judicial independence.


10) Which of the following reflects the principle of universal adult franchise?

    • (a) Only educated citizens can vote

    • (b) All citizens above 18 can vote

    • (c) Only property owners can vote

    • (d) Voting rights are reserved for men
      Answer: (b) All citizens above 18 can vote
      Explanation: Universal adult franchise ensures every citizen has the right to vote, irrespective of gender, education, or wealth.


11) What does the term 'demos' in democracy mean?

    • (a) Leader

    • (b) People

    • (c) Law

    • (d) Wealth
      Answer: (b) People
      Explanation: The term 'demos' comes from Greek and means "people," forming the basis of democracy.


12) Why is China not considered a democratic country?

    • (a) It is ruled by a military junta

    • (b) Only one political party is allowed

    • (c) Elections are not held

    • (d) Leaders are chosen by inheritance
      Answer: (b) Only one political party is allowed
      Explanation: China operates under a one-party system controlled by the Communist Party, limiting democratic participation.


13) Which of these rights is essential in a democracy?

    • (a) Right to property

    • (b) Right to vote

    • (c) Right to free education

    • (d) Right to inheritance
      Answer: (b) Right to vote
      Explanation: The right to vote ensures citizens' participation in electing their leaders in a democracy.


14) In a democracy, the government is accountable to:

    • (a) The military

    • (b) Wealthy citizens

    • (c) The people

    • (d) Religious institutions
      Answer: (c) The people
      Explanation: Democracy ensures that the government is accountable to the people who elect it.


15) Which of the following statements is true for a democratic government?

    • (a) Elections are held periodically.

    • (b) Elections are only for show.

    • (c) Power is inherited by rulers.

    • (d) There is no constitution.
      Answer: (a) Elections are held periodically.
      Explanation: Regular elections are a key feature of democratic governance.


16) The Magna Carta is associated with which concept?

    • (a) Absolute monarchy

    • (b) Rule of law

    • (c) Military dictatorship

    • (d) Theocracy
      Answer: (b) Rule of law
      Explanation: The Magna Carta established the principle of rule of law, limiting the power of the monarchy.


17) What type of democracy exists in India?

    • (a) Direct democracy

    • (b) Monarchy

    • (c) Representative democracy

    • (d) Dictatorship
      Answer: (c) Representative democracy
      Explanation: India practices representative democracy, where citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.


18) Which of the following countries was ruled by apartheid until the 1990s?

    • (a) United States

    • (b) South Africa

    • (c) Germany

    • (d) Australia
      Answer: (b) South Africa
      Explanation: South Africa was under apartheid, a system of racial segregation, until 1994.


19) The concept of democracy originated in which country?

    • (a) India

    • (b) France

    • (c) Greece

    • (d) England
      Answer: (c) Greece
      Explanation: Democracy originated in ancient Greece, where people directly participated in decision-making.


20) What does the word 'kratos' in democracy mean?

    • (a) Rule

    • (b) Wealth

    • (c) Freedom

    • (d) Power
      Answer: (d) Power
      Explanation: 'Kratos' is a Greek word meaning "power," forming part of the term democracy, which means "power of the people."

  1. 21) Which of the following is not a feature of democracy?

  • (a) Regular elections

  • (b) Rule of law

  • (c) Censorship of media

  • (d) Equality before law
    Answer: (c) Censorship of media
    Explanation: Democracy promotes free speech and freedom of the press, not censorship.

  1. 22) In which year did South Africa achieve democracy?

  • (a) 1990

  • (b) 1994

  • (c) 1996

  • (d) 2000
    Answer: (b) 1994
    Explanation: South Africa held its first democratic elections in 1994, ending apartheid.

  1. 23) In a direct democracy, who makes the decisions?

  • (a) The representatives

  • (b) The judiciary

  • (c) The people directly

  • (d) The monarch
    Answer: (c) The people directly
    Explanation: In a direct democracy, citizens themselves make decisions on public policies.

  1. 24) What is the key difference between democracy and dictatorship?

  • (a) Freedom of speech

  • (b) Government accountability

  • (c) Elections

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Democracy ensures freedom of speech, accountability, and regular elections, unlike dictatorship.

  1. 25) Who is considered the "father of democracy"?

  • (a) Abraham Lincoln

  • (b) Pericles

  • (c) Winston Churchill

  • (d) Plato
    Answer: (b) Pericles
    Explanation: Pericles of ancient Greece is known as the "father of democracy" for promoting direct participation of citizens.

  1. 26) What does 'rule of law' mean in a democracy?

  • (a) The king is above the law

  • (b) Laws apply equally to all citizens

  • (c) Only elected officials follow the law

  • (d) Military enforces the law
    Answer: (b) Laws apply equally to all citizens
    Explanation: Rule of law ensures equality before the law for all individuals.

  1. 27) Which of the following countries has a parliamentary democracy?

  • (a) United States

  • (b) India

  • (c) North Korea

  • (d) China
    Answer: (b) India
    Explanation: India follows a parliamentary system where the government is accountable to the parliament.

  1. 28) What was the apartheid policy in South Africa?

  • (a) Equal rights for all races

  • (b) Racial segregation and discrimination

  • (c) Universal adult franchise

  • (d) Rule of indigenous people
    Answer: (b) Racial segregation and discrimination
    Explanation: Apartheid was a system that segregated and discriminated against non-white people in South Africa.

  1. 29) What is an example of a non-democratic form of government?

  • (a) Parliamentary system

  • (b) Monarchy

  • (c) Presidential system

  • (d) Representative system
    Answer: (b) Monarchy
    Explanation: In a monarchy, rulers inherit their positions, which contrasts with democratic systems.

  1. 30) Which statement best describes democracy?

  • (a) A government of elected representatives

  • (b) A system controlled by the army

  • (c) A form of government run by religious leaders

  • (d) A system based on dictatorship
    Answer: (a) A government of elected representatives
    Explanation: Democracy involves governance through representatives chosen by citizens.

  1. 31) Which of these is not required for a democracy to function properly?

  • (a) Free and fair elections

  • (b) Military control

  • (c) Independent judiciary

  • (d) Freedom of speech
    Answer: (b) Military control
    Explanation: Military control undermines democratic principles of civilian governance.

  1. 32) What does universal adult franchise ensure?

  • (a) Wealthy individuals vote

  • (b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote

  • (c) Only men can vote

  • (d) Citizens vote based on education
    Answer: (b) Every adult citizen has the right to vote
    Explanation: Universal adult franchise provides equal voting rights to all adults.

  1. 33) What type of democracy was practiced in ancient Greece?

  • (a) Representative democracy

  • (b) Direct democracy

  • (c) Military rule

  • (d) Federal democracy
    Answer: (b) Direct democracy
    Explanation: Ancient Greece practiced direct democracy where citizens voted on laws directly.

  1. 34) Which of the following is a feature of a democratic election?

  • (a) Free and fair process

  • (b) Multiple candidates

  • (c) Secret ballot

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Free elections with secret ballots and multiple candidates are key to democracy.

  1. 35) Which country provides an example of military dictatorship?

  • (a) India

  • (b) Myanmar

  • (c) Australia

  • (d) Canada
    Answer: (b) Myanmar
    Explanation: Myanmar has experienced military dictatorship, where power rests with the military.

  1. 36) What does the term ‘sovereignty’ mean in democracy?

  • (a) Supreme power resides with the people

  • (b) Military holds the ultimate power

  • (c) Religious leaders govern

  • (d) Power rests with the judiciary
    Answer: (a) Supreme power resides with the people
    Explanation: Sovereignty in democracy signifies that the people have ultimate authority.

  1. 37) What ensures that the government is responsive to the needs of the people?

  • (a) Rule of law

  • (b) Accountability

  • (c) Regular elections

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Democracy functions through rule of law, accountability, and regular elections.

  1. 38) Which principle guides the conduct of elections in a democracy?

  • (a) Equality of opportunity

  • (b) Hereditary rule

  • (c) One-party dominance

  • (d) Election by consensus
    Answer: (a) Equality of opportunity
    Explanation: Elections in a democracy are guided by equality, where all citizens can contest and vote.

  1. 39) What is the significance of the Preamble in a democracy?

  • (a) Describes the Constitution's aims and objectives

  • (b) Lists the fundamental rights

  • (c) Defines the government structure

  • (d) Describes election processes
    Answer: (a) Describes the Constitution's aims and objectives
    Explanation: The Preamble outlines the guiding principles of democracy.

  1. 40) Which institution in India ensures free and fair elections?

  • (a) Supreme Court

  • (b) Election Commission

  • (c) Parliament

  • (d) Central Bureau of Investigation
    Answer: (b) Election Commission
    Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

  1. 41) Which of the following is essential for a democracy to function effectively?

  • (a) Freedom of speech

  • (b) Free and fair elections

  • (c) Independent judiciary

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Democracy thrives on freedom of speech, transparent elections, and an independent judiciary to uphold the rule of law.


42) Which form of democracy allows citizens to directly vote on laws and policies?

  • (a) Indirect democracy

  • (b) Direct democracy

  • (c) Parliamentary democracy

  • (d) Presidential democracy
    Answer: (b) Direct democracy
    Explanation: In direct democracy, citizens themselves vote on laws and policies without intermediaries.


43) Who was the President of South Africa when it transitioned to democracy in 1994?

  • (a) Nelson Mandela

  • (b) F.W. de Klerk

  • (c) Desmond Tutu

  • (d) Thabo Mbeki
    Answer: (a) Nelson Mandela
    Explanation: Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994.


44) What does political equality mean in a democracy?

  • (a) Equal distribution of wealth

  • (b) Equal voting rights for all citizens

  • (c) Equal access to education

  • (d) Equal representation in the judiciary
    Answer: (b) Equal voting rights for all citizens
    Explanation: Political equality ensures every citizen has the right to vote, irrespective of gender, wealth, or status.


45) Which of the following is an example of an undemocratic practice?

  • (a) Regular elections

  • (b) Freedom of the press

  • (c) Censorship of dissenting voices

  • (d) Accountability of the government
    Answer: (c) Censorship of dissenting voices
    Explanation: Censorship goes against democratic values of freedom of expression and open dialogue.


46) What is the main function of an opposition party in a democracy?

  • (a) Support the government

  • (b) Criticize and keep the government accountable

  • (c) Pass laws

  • (d) Control the judiciary
    Answer: (b) Criticize and keep the government accountable
    Explanation: Opposition parties play a vital role in questioning and monitoring the government to ensure transparency.


47) In which form of democracy does the head of state and head of government often differ?

  • (a) Parliamentary democracy

  • (b) Presidential democracy

  • (c) Direct democracy

  • (d) Dictatorship
    Answer: (a) Parliamentary democracy
    Explanation: In a parliamentary system, the head of state (President or Monarch) differs from the head of government (Prime Minister).


48) What does the term "free and fair elections" mean in a democracy?

  • (a) Everyone can participate in elections without discrimination

  • (b) Elections are conducted under strict rules to prevent fraud

  • (c) Candidates from multiple parties can contest

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Free and fair elections ensure transparency, equality, and the choice of multiple candidates or parties.


49) Which country transitioned from a military dictatorship to democracy in the late 20th century?

  • (a) Pakistan

  • (b) Brazil

  • (c) Saudi Arabia

  • (d) North Korea
    Answer: (b) Brazil
    Explanation: Brazil transitioned from military dictatorship to a democratic system in 1985.


50) Why is democracy considered better than other forms of government?

  • (a) It allows freedom of expression

  • (b) It promotes equality

  • (c) It ensures accountability of the government

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Democracy is better because it provides freedoms, promotes equality, and ensures government accountability.


51) Which document is the ultimate authority in a democracy?

  • (a) The President's orders

  • (b) The Constitution

  • (c) The Prime Minister’s decisions

  • (d) The Judiciary's verdicts
    Answer: (b) The Constitution
    Explanation: In a democracy, the Constitution is the supreme authority that guides governance and protects citizens' rights.


52) What does transparency in governance mean in a democracy?

  • (a) Decisions are taken secretly

  • (b) Citizens have the right to know how decisions are made

  • (c) Media is censored

  • (d) Only selected groups are informed
    Answer: (b) Citizens have the right to know how decisions are made
    Explanation: Transparency ensures that government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny.


53) Which of these countries is an example of a federal democracy?

  • (a) United States

  • (b) China

  • (c) Saudi Arabia

  • (d) North Korea
    Answer: (a) United States
    Explanation: The United States is a federal democracy where powers are divided between the central and state governments.


54) What does secularism in a democracy imply?

  • (a) No interference of religion in government affairs

  • (b) Favoritism to a particular religion

  • (c) Theocracy

  • (d) Religion controls governance
    Answer: (a) No interference of religion in government affairs
    Explanation: Secularism ensures equal treatment of all religions without state interference in religious matters.


55) In a democracy, who forms the government?

  • (a) Citizens

  • (b) Elected representatives

  • (c) Judiciary

  • (d) Military
    Answer: (b) Elected representatives
    Explanation: Citizens elect representatives to form the government in a democracy.


56) What does liberty mean in a democratic setup?

  • (a) Freedom to act within the limits of law

  • (b) Unlimited freedom

  • (c) Freedom to harm others

  • (d) No laws or rules
    Answer: (a) Freedom to act within the limits of law
    Explanation: Liberty in democracy allows individuals to enjoy freedoms without infringing on others' rights.


57) What was the major step taken in India in 1950 for democracy?

  • (a) Universal adult franchise was adopted

  • (b) Parliamentary system was abolished

  • (c) Dictatorship was introduced

  • (d) Military took over
    Answer: (a) Universal adult franchise was adopted
    Explanation: In 1950, India adopted universal adult franchise, ensuring voting rights for all adult citizens.


58) What does the term “accountability” signify in a democracy?

  • (a) Leaders are answerable to the citizens

  • (b) Judiciary controls governance

  • (c) Elections are abolished

  • (d) Media is restricted
    Answer: (a) Leaders are answerable to the citizens
    Explanation: Accountability means leaders must justify their actions and decisions to the people.


59) Which of the following is an example of an institution that protects democracy?

  • (a) Parliament

  • (b) Judiciary

  • (c) Election Commission

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Democratic institutions like Parliament, Judiciary, and Election Commission ensure the smooth functioning of democracy.


60) Which country is the world’s largest democracy?

  • (a) China

  • (b) India

  • (c) United States

  • (d) Brazil
    Answer: (b) India
    Explanation: India, with its massive population and democratic governance, is the largest democracy in the world.

  1. 61) What is the primary role of the judiciary in a democracy?

  • (a) To make laws

  • (b) To interpret the Constitution and protect citizens' rights

  • (c) To conduct elections

  • (d) To create policies
    Answer: (b) To interpret the Constitution and protect citizens' rights
    Explanation: In a democracy, the judiciary ensures that the government functions within the constitutional framework and protects citizens' fundamental rights.


62) What does the term "universal adult franchise" imply?

  • (a) Only educated people can vote

  • (b) Voting rights are restricted to certain classes

  • (c) All adults, regardless of gender, caste, or wealth, can vote

  • (d) Only property owners can vote
    Answer: (c) All adults, regardless of gender, caste, or wealth, can vote
    Explanation: Universal adult franchise ensures equal voting rights for all adult citizens.


63) Which of the following systems limits the powers of the government in a democracy?

  • (a) Rule of law

  • (b) Freedom of press

  • (c) Independent judiciary

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: A democratic system ensures government accountability through the rule of law, free press, and independent judiciary.


64) Which principle is violated in a non-democratic government?

  • (a) Equality of all citizens

  • (b) Right to free speech

  • (c) Regular elections

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Non-democratic governments often restrict equality, free speech, and regular elections.


65) Which term is associated with the system where citizens directly vote on public policies?

  • (a) Indirect democracy

  • (b) Referendum

  • (c) Representative government

  • (d) Parliamentary democracy
    Answer: (b) Referendum
    Explanation: A referendum is a direct vote in which citizens decide on specific public policies or issues.


66) Which factor can undermine democracy?

  • (a) Corruption

  • (b) Lack of accountability

  • (c) Limited political participation

  • (d) All of the above
    Answer: (d) All of the above
    Explanation: Corruption, lack of accountability, and restricted participation weaken democratic governance.


67) What is the primary advantage of democracy over other forms of government?

  • (a) It is more efficient

  • (b) It ensures equality and freedom

  • (c) It has faster decision-making

  • (d) It depends on military power
    Answer: (b) It ensures equality and freedom
    Explanation: Democracy prioritizes citizens' equality and freedom, making it more inclusive than other systems.


68) What is the meaning of the phrase “government of the people”?

  • (a) Government formed by the wealthiest

  • (b) Government elected by citizens

  • (c) Government run by religious authorities

  • (d) Government controlled by a single party
    Answer: (b) Government elected by citizens
    Explanation: Democracy involves the participation of citizens in electing their representatives, making it a government of the people.


69) Which of the following is a limitation of democracy?

  • (a) It is slow in decision-making

  • (b) It requires public participation

  • (c) It ensures accountability

  • (d) It upholds fundamental rights
    Answer: (a) It is slow in decision-making
    Explanation: Democratic processes, such as deliberation and debate, can delay decision-making.


70) Which institution plays a crucial role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens in a democracy?

  • (a) Military

  • (b) Judiciary

  • (c) Executive

  • (d) Election Commission
    Answer: (b) Judiciary
    Explanation: The judiciary safeguards citizens' fundamental rights by ensuring that laws and government actions adhere to the Constitution.

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