Which statement gives the narrow but essential definition of democracy most correctly?
Correct answer: A
In the minimal definition of democracy, rulers must be elected by the people. In exams, separate essential condition from broader feature.
Civics
Definition of democracy
लोकतंत्र की परिभाषा
In this Class 9 Civics topic from “What is Democracy? Why Democracy?”, students learn the meaning and essential features of democracy. The topic explains how people participate in governing through elected representatives, why elections must be free and fair, and how the principles of one person, one vote, one value, accountability, and the rule of law support democratic government. It also helps students distinguish democracy from other forms of government and understand its importance in protecting citizens’ rights and dignity.
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Hard · Level 5
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- Government of rulers elected by the people
- Every decision taken directly by people
- Only declaration of rights
- Only making development plans
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- Regular voting
- Real decision power of elected rulers
- Voter identity card
- Election campaign
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- Number of government buildings
- Reducing voters' age
- Freedom and fair competition
- Supervision by the army
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- When voters choose among many options
- When results are decided by votes
- When voting is regular
- When opposition and free choice are suppressed
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- Popular sovereignty
- Royal privilege
- Military supremacy
- Hereditary right
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- Because vote counting does not happen
- Because voters do not have real choice
- Because representatives become more numerous
- Because voting is secret
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- Increasing state income
- Reducing administrative cost
- Accepting equal political status of every citizen
- Securing the king's power
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- Tax policy
- Geographical unity
- Administrative convenience
- Free electoral choice
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- Minimal definition stresses elections while broader understanding also adds rights and accountability
- Minimal definition accepts a king
- Broader understanding removes elections
- In both, people have no role
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- Whether ruler can remain for life
- Whether people can freely choose and change rulers
- Whether army campaigns in election
- Whether one family rules
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- So that people's elected will is reflected in rule
- So that courts close
- So that voters become inactive
- So that military rule becomes strong
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- People elect representatives
- There is an elected parliament but decisions are taken by a military council
- Vote counting is public
- Candidates campaign
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- Hereditary seat
- Special tax exemption
- One person one vote and equal vote value
- More wealth more votes
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- When majority forms government
- When majority takes people's support
- When majority contests regular elections
- When majority crushes rights and law
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- People's ability to remove government next time
- King changing ministers
- Army giving orders
- Foreign government giving warning
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- Only ruling party gets facilities
- All candidates get a chance for fair competition
- Voters get no choice
- Counting is kept secret
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- Predetermined result
- Only one candidate
- Voters having free and meaningful choice
- Complete ban on campaign
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- Democracy will become stronger
- Accountability will increase
- People will become more free
- Democratic accountability will weaken
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- Rights help citizens form free opinions and choices
- Rights make elections unnecessary
- Rights belong only to rulers
- Rights depend on army permission
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- Because in democracy citizens also express opinion monitor and question
- Because voting does not happen in democracy
- Because citizens are given no role
- Because elections are always closed
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- Are the rulers elected by the people?
- Does every adult citizen have an equal right to vote?
- Are elections conducted freely at fixed intervals?
- Does the government protect citizens’ fundamental rights?
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- Administrative efficiency
- Political equality
- Complete economic equality
- Military equality
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- Because it changes power through violence
- Because it respects people's decision
- Because it stops voting
- Because it increases dynastic rule
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- Fiscal balance
- Geographical boundary
- Civil liberty and accountability
- Number of voters
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- Protecting voter's free choice
- Security of the king
- Convenience of the army
- Tax collection
If a country has elections but real power is not with elected representatives, which democratic condition is incomplete?
Correct answer: B
In democracy, final decision-making power must rest with elected rulers. In exams, do not treat mere elections as sufficient.
In the definition of democracy, the quality of elections is most related to what?
Correct answer: C
Democratic elections are based on freedom and fair competition. In exams, connect quality of elections with fairness.
In which situation may a government appear elected but be weak in the democratic sense?
Correct answer: D
Without free choice and opposition, democratic meaning of elections becomes weak. In exams, write real choice as a necessary condition.
Which idea is hidden in calling democracy rule of the people?
Correct answer: A
Popular sovereignty means final power rests with the people. In exams, understand it as the core spirit of democracy.
Why is being chosen by people not enough if elections are one-sided in democracy?
Correct answer: B
In one-sided elections, voters' free choice becomes limited. In exams, remember real competition for democracy.
What is the main reason for giving voting rights to all adults in the definition of democracy?
Correct answer: C
Adult franchise accepts equal political status of citizens. In exams, connect equal vote value with democracy.
If voters have the right to vote but not the freedom to choose candidates, which element is weak?
Correct answer: D
Voting is meaningful only when voters have free and real choices. In exams, write both voting rights and choice.
What is the main difference between the minimal definition and broader understanding of democracy?
Correct answer: A
Minimal definition focuses on elected rule, but broader democracy also needs rights and accountability. In exams, write both levels separately.
On what basis can an electoral system be tested on the standard of democracy?
Correct answer: B
In democracy, people must have real power to choose and change rulers. In exams, remember the power of change.
Why must elected representatives have final power in democracy?
Correct answer: A
Power with elected representatives brings people's will into rule. In exams, connect real authority with elected rule.
Which example shows the most serious contradiction to the definition of democracy?
Correct answer: B
If real decisions are taken by the army, elected rule is incomplete. In exams, treat real decision power as a main test.
What is the practical form of equal political status of citizens in democracy?
Correct answer: C
One person one vote and equal vote value are practical forms of democratic equality. In exams, remember both terms together.
In which situation can majority rule go beyond democratic limits?
Correct answer: D
In democracy, even majority is bound by rights and law. In exams, do not treat majority as arbitrariness.
What is the strongest electoral expression of accountability in democracy?
Correct answer: A
The electoral power to remove government strengthens accountability. In exams, write elections as a tool of control.
What does equal opportunity mean in a democratic election?
Correct answer: B
Equal opportunity makes electoral competition fair. In exams, write it as part of free and fair elections.
According to the definition of democracy, what makes an election real?
Correct answer: C
In a real election, voters choose from free and meaningful options. In exams, connect reality of elections with choice.
If the path to power is election but the path to removal is closed, what will happen to democracy?
Correct answer: D
Possibility of removing government is a basis of accountability. In exams, write change of power as a necessary part of democracy.
Which statement best connects the definition of democracy with citizens' rights?
Correct answer: A
Rights help citizens think freely and participate in elections. In exams, treat rights as support for democratic elections.
Why is it incomplete to limit public participation in democracy only to voting?
Correct answer: A
In democracy, citizens participate through opinion and monitoring along with voting. In exams, write participation in a broad sense.
While testing a system as democratic, which question should be asked first?
Correct answer: A
The first question is whether the people have elected those who govern. If rulers do not come to power through an election by the people, the system cannot be considered democratic. Equal adult voting rights and free, regular elections are further tests that make elected rule genuinely democratic. Exam tip: In a definition of democracy, begin with elected rulers.
Due to which democratic principle are votes of rich and poor voters considered equal?
Correct answer: B
In political equality, each voter's vote has equal value. In exams, understand the difference between economic and political equality.
Why is accepting electoral defeat important in democracy?
Correct answer: B
Accepting electoral defeat respects people's decision. In exams, remember peaceful transfer of power.
If a government wins elections but criminalizes criticism, which broader condition of democracy becomes weak?
Correct answer: C
Freedom of criticism strengthens accountability and citizen participation. In exams, connect democracy with rights too.
The importance of secret ballot in democracy is linked with what?
Correct answer: A
Secret ballot protects voters from pressure and gives free choice. In exams, write it as a tool of free election.
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