NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Chapter 1 Democracy in the Contemporary World

Q1.    Which of the following does  not lead to the spread of democracy?

a. Struggle by the people

b. Invasion by foreign countries c. End of colonialism

d. People's desire for freedom

Answer.

b. Invasion by foreign countries

Q2.    Which of the following statements is true about today's world?

a. Monarchy as a form of government has vanished.

b. The relationship between different countries has become more democratic than ever before.

c. In more and more countries rulers are being  elected by the people.

d. There are no more military dictators in the world.

Answer.

c. In more and more countries rulers are being elected by the people.

Q3.  Use one of the following statements to complete the sentence: Democracy in the international organizations requires that ...

a. The rich countries should have a greater say.

b. Countries should have a say according to their  military power. c. Countries should be treated with respect in proportion to their population.

d. All countries in the world should be treated equally.

Answer.

d. All countries in the world should be treated equally.

Q4.    Based on the information given in this chapter, match  the following countries and the path democracy has taken in that country.

Ans.

(a)- ii; (b)- iv; (c)- iii; (d)- i;

Q5.  What are the difficulties people face in a non-democratic country? Give answers drawing from  the examples given in this chapter.

Ans.

In a non-democratic country, people face the following difficulties-

•   People cannot elect their representatives to the legislature. In Chile and Myanmar, people could not elect a government of their choice due to military rule.

•   People do not have the freedom to express their views. In Poland, whoever spoke against the leaders of the communist party were put behind the bars.

•   People cannot form associations or organize protests. The workers' strike at Lenin Shipyard was declared illegal as trade unions independent of the ruling party were not allowed in Poland.

Q6.    Which freedoms are usually taken away when  a democracy is overthrown by the military?

Ans.

The following freedoms are taken away when a democracy is overthrown by the military-

•   Political freedom: people lose the freedom to choose their leaders. In Myanmar and Chile, the people could not elect their leaders because of the military rule.

•   Civil freedom: people lose the freedom to express their views. They also lose the right to form associations and organize protests and political action.

•   Democratic and Constitutional rights: Any person can be put into prison without any genuine reason.

Q7.  Which of the following positions can contribute to democracy at the global level?  Give reasons for your answer in each case.

•   My country gives more money to international institutions. Therefore, I want to be treated with  more respect and exercise more power.

•   My country may be small or poor. But my voice must  be heard with  equal respect, because these decisions will affect  my country.

•   Wealthy  nations will  have a greater  say in international affairs. They cannot let their  interests suffer just  because they are outnumbered by poor  nations.

•   Big countries like India must have a greater  say in international organizations.

Ans.

•   The first position does not promote democracy; it is promoting global hegemony.

•   No, this position is against the spirit of democracy. Democracy ensures equal opportunities for both poor and rich. Rich countries alone cannot dictate international policies.

•   No, this position is also against the spirit of democracy. Being populous or geographically  large does not give any special privilege in the international arena. However, India's opinions must be heard and valued.

Q8.   Here are three opinions heard in a television debate on the struggle for democracy in Nepal. Which of these do you agree with and why?

Guest 1: India is a democracy. Therefore, the Indian government must support the people of Nepal who are struggling against monarchy and for democracy.

Guest 2: That is a dangerous argument. We would be in the same position as the US was in Iraq. Remember, no outside force can promote democracy.

Guest 3: But why should we bother about the internal affairs of another country? We should be worried about our business interests there, not about democracy.

Ans.

I agree with the opinion of Guest 1. India itself became a democratic country after a long struggle. India values democratic principles and promotes peace and non-violence. Therefore, India should support the people's struggle in neighbouring Nepal without the use of force.

Q9.     In an imaginary country called Happyland, the people overthrew the foreign ruler and brought back the old royal family. They said: "After all their ancestors were our kings before foreigners started ruling us. It is good that we have one strong ruler, who can help us become rich and powet1ul". When someone talked about democracy the wise men said it is a foreign idea. Their struggle was to throw the foreigners and their ideas out of the country. When someone demanded freedom for the media, the elders thought that too much criticism of the ruler would not help them improve their living standards. "After all, the king is so kind and interested in the welfare of all the subjects. Why create problems for him. Don't we all want to be happy?"