What is Democracy – Why Democracy – Best 100 MCQs

Correct Answer: A. There is need for a clear definition because the term ‘democracy’ is used for different purposes and various governments claim to be democratic, even if they aren’t.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter starts with this basic definition and then builds upon it to explore its nuances.

Correct Answer: C. Many non-democratic governments hold elections, so a more nuanced understanding is needed.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter uses the example of “computers” to illustrate how the meaning of words can evolve, making etymology an unreliable sole basis for definition.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter encourages readers to engage in thoughtful consideration rather than blindly accepting prevailing ideas.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter acknowledges the beauty and helpfulness of this definition but also suggests it might not be comprehensive enough.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter highlights the lack of a single, definitive definition and the need to analyze various perspectives.

Correct Answer: D. The chapter emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and dialogue in understanding democracy.

Correct Answer: A. This is presented as the simplest common factor among democracies.

Correct Answer: C. Myanmar’s army rulers are used to exemplify a non-democratic government where people have no say in choosing their leaders.

Correct Answer: D. While oligarchy is a non-democratic form of government, it is not explicitly mentioned in this chapter.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter argues that simply holding elections doesn’t guarantee a democratic government, as many non-democratic regimes also conduct elections.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter stresses the importance of distinguishing between genuine democracies and those that merely appear democratic to ensure accurate understanding and analysis.

Correct Answer: D. This is highlighted as the first crucial feature of a democracy.

Correct Answer: C. Pakistan under Musharraf is used to show how a country can have elections and elected representatives but still not be a true democracy if the final power doesn’t rest with them.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter emphasizes that in a democracy, the ultimate power must lie with those chosen by the people.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter points out that in China, elections don’t offer a genuine choice as candidates need approval from the ruling party and only certain parties can contest.

Correct Answer: A. Although Mexico held regular elections, the ruling party used various tactics to ensure its victory, making it practically impossible for the opposition to win.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter concludes that elections must offer a genuine choice and a fair chance for the opposition to win.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter mentions that Saudi Arabia only granted women the right to vote in 2015.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter states that each adult citizen should have one vote, and each vote should carry equal weight.

Correct Answer: C. Zimbabwe’s case is used to show how a popularly elected leader can become autocratic and undermine democratic principles.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter concludes that a democratic government must be bound by rules and procedures established in the constitution.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter emphasizes that the final decision-making power in a democracy must reside with the elected representatives of the people.

Correct Answer: C. A democratic election should provide a fair chance for the opposition to win, and the ruling party should not be guaranteed victory.

Correct Answer: A. This principle underscores that in a democracy, every adult citizen’s vote should carry equal weight, regardless of their background.

Correct Answer: B. This scenario directly contradicts the principle of equal voting power for all citizens.

Correct Answer: C. Zimbabwe’s case demonstrates how even a popularly elected leader can manipulate the system and become autocratic.

Correct Answer: D. In Zimbabwe, the government undermined the judiciary’s independence, making it unable to effectively check the government’s actions.

Correct Answer: A. This feature emphasizes that even a democratically elected government must operate within the boundaries set by the constitution and respect the rights of its citizens.

Correct Answer: D. A democracy thrives on political competition and the presence of multiple parties offering different choices to the electorate.

Correct Answer: C. An independent judiciary is crucial in a democracy to safeguard citizens’ rights and ensure that the government acts within the bounds of the law.

Correct Answer: B. Respecting minority rights is essential for creating a truly inclusive society where all citizens feel valued and represented.

Correct Answer: D. A democratic government’s power is limited by the constitution and citizens’ rights, ensuring it doesn’t become tyrannical.

Correct Answer: C. Democracy relies on the active involvement of citizens in the political process, making their participation crucial for its success.

Correct Answer: B. Unlike non-democratic governments that often discourage or restrict political participation, democracy depends on the active involvement of all its citizens.

Correct Answer: C. Since democracy relies on active citizen participation, the study of democracy must center on the dynamics of democratic politics.

Correct Answer: C. A “good democracy” goes beyond the minimum conditions and actively works towards achieving the ideals of democratic governance.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter emphasizes that creating and maintaining a “good democracy” is an ongoing process that demands continuous effort from both citizens and the government.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter highlights the crucial role citizens play in determining the success and quality of democracy in their nation.

Correct Answer: A. The cartoon depicts a contrast between the official celebrations and the common man’s sense of alienation from the progress.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter expands the concept of democracy to include any decision-making process that involves consultation and equal participation of all stakeholders.

Correct Answer: B. This statement exemplifies the broader application of democracy, where decisions are made through consultation and equal participation.

Correct Answer: C. Viewing democracy as an ideal allows us to assess the shortcomings of existing democracies and work towards improving them.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter argues that while elections are important, they are not the sole defining feature of democracy. Other factors like citizen participation and government accountability are also crucial.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter states that representative democracy, where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, is the most prevalent form of democracy today.

Correct Answer: D. Representative democracy aims to ensure that decisions are made by elected representatives who are accountable to the people, not just the educated or elite.

Correct Answer: B. A minimal democracy fulfills the essential requirements for being called a democracy, but a good democracy goes beyond that by actively working towards fulfilling the ideals of democratic governance.

Correct Answer: C. The Gram Sabha, where all members of the village community participate in decision-making, is cited as an example of direct democracy in a small setting.

Correct Answer: D. This activity aims to show that with large populations, it’s impractical for everyone to gather and discuss matters directly, necessitating representative democracy.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter acknowledges that no country perfectly embodies all the ideals of democracy, and there’s always room for improvement.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter highlights that the success of democracy rests not just on the actions of the government but also on the active participation and vigilance of its citizens.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter mentions Saudi Arabia as an example of a country that denied women the right to vote until recently.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter uses Fiji as an example of how electoral systems can be manipulated to give unequal voting power to different groups.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter actually mentions that democracy can lead to delays in decision-making due to the need for consultation and discussion.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter argues that while frequent changes in leadership can sometimes slow down decision-making, they also ensure that leaders remain responsive to the people’s needs and can be replaced if they fail to perform.

Correct Answer: C. Democracy is seen as a mechanism for managing conflicts and differences through dialogue and negotiation, rather than through force or suppression.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter argues that the most compelling reason to support democracy is its ability to empower citizens and recognize their inherent worth and equality.

Correct Answer: B. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, where every citizen’s vote carries the same weight, regardless of their social or economic status.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter highlights that while democracies are not immune to errors, they offer a space for open debate and the possibility of rectifying mistakes through elections or policy changes.

Correct Answer: D. While democracy can contribute to economic development, it doesn’t guarantee prosperity for everyone. The chapter focuses on its political and social benefits.

Correct Answer: A. The cartoon, where the Liberal Party unexpectedly loses despite predictions of victory, underscores the inherent unpredictability of democratic elections.

Correct Answer: B. This statement suggests that democracies are less likely to engage in wars with each other, implying a potential for democracy to foster peace.

Correct Answer: C. The debate started after Madam Lyngdoh posed the question about the merits of democracy.

Correct Answer: A. Yolanda argues that democracy’s popularity and positive endorsements from great people make it obviously the best.

Correct Answer: B. Jeni points out the continued existence of poverty in India despite decades of democracy.

Correct Answer: A. Ribiang questions whether poverty is a direct consequence of democracy or exists in spite of it.

Correct Answer: C. Rose believes that a powerful leader who doesn’t have to worry about elections can solve the country’s problems.

Correct Answer: A. Hoi points out the potential for abuse of power by an unelected leader.

Correct Answer: B. Madam Lyngdoh highlights the value of open dialogue and the freedom to express opinions, which are characteristic of a democratic environment.

Correct Answer: D. While democracy can contribute to reducing economic disparities, it doesn’t guarantee complete economic equality. This is not listed as a criticism in the chapter.

Correct Answer: B. While corruption and poor decisions can occur in any form of government, the slowness of decision-making due to consultations is a specific critique of democracy.

Correct Answer: B. The comparison between India and China during the famine suggests that democracies are more likely to address the needs of their citizens due to accountability mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C. The process of consultation and deliberation in a democracy is seen as a way to improve the quality of decisions by considering multiple perspectives and minimizing errors.

Correct Answer: C. Democracy is presented as a way to manage diversity and conflicts by ensuring that all groups have a voice and can participate in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: B. Democracy is seen as valuable because it empowers citizens and recognizes their inherent worth and equality.

Correct Answer: C. By allowing citizens to participate in the political process and holding them accountable for their decisions, democracy fosters a sense of agency and self-respect.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter argues that the openness and accountability inherent in democracy create opportunities to identify and rectify errors through public discourse and electoral mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter concludes that while democracy has its limitations, it’s superior to other forms of government due to its potential for good governance, respect for individual wishes, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Correct Answer: A. This statement suggests that democratic systems tend to foster peaceful relations with each other, contributing to a more stable international environment.

Correct Answer: B. “Democratic politics” emphasizes the active engagement of citizens in shaping and influencing the political landscape of their country.

Correct Answer: C. Dictatorships and monarchies are typically characterized by a lack of respect for citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Correct Answer: D. In a democracy, the government is ultimately responsible to the citizens and must address their concerns to stay in power.

Correct Answer: C. Democracy’s emphasis on political equality and citizen participation fosters a sense of dignity and self-worth among individuals.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter explores the broader meaning of democracy, emphasizing that it can be applied to any sphere of life where decision-making involves consultation and consent of all those affected.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter highlights that a democratic decision is characterized by inclusivity, ensuring that everyone impacted by the decision has a say in its making.

Correct Answer: B. This statement demonstrates the application of democratic principles in a school setting, where student voices are included in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: C. The chapter portrays “true democracy” as an ideal where citizens have not only equal voting rights but also equal access to resources and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making.

Correct Answer: C. Understanding democracy as an ideal helps us identify the shortcomings of existing democracies and strive towards making them more inclusive and just.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter clarifies that the book primarily focuses on the key institutional aspects of democracy as a system of governance.

Correct Answer: C. Rule by a dictator, even if perceived as benevolent, contradicts the core principles of democracy, which emphasize citizen participation and consent.

Correct Answer: C. The Gram Sabha is mentioned as an example of direct democracy at the village level, where all members can gather and make decisions collectively.

Correct Answer: C. The activity highlights the practical difficulties of gathering all voters in a large constituency for direct decision-making, thus justifying the need for representative democracy.

Correct Answer: A. The chapter acknowledges the existence of various forms of government, with democracy being one of them.

Correct Answer: B. The chapter emphasizes that the core of democratic decision-making is the involvement and equal participation of all those affected by the decision.

Correct Answer: D. A minimal democracy fulfills the basic conditions of democracy but may not actively strive to achieve its higher ideals. That is characteristic of a “good democracy.”

Correct Answer: A. The report emphasized the link between economic disparities and unequal participation in the democratic process, raising concerns about the influence of wealth on political decision-making.

Correct Answer: B. This exercise encourages students to explore various viewpoints on democracy as presented in the media, fostering a deeper understanding of the concept and its complexities.

Correct Answer: D. While the economic aspects of democracy might be touched upon in the collected content, it’s not listed as a separate category for classification in the exercise.