Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 Social Science Solutions Term 3 Chapter 1 Democracy

Samacheer Kalvi 6th Social Science Democracy Text Book Back Questions and Answers

I. Choose the correct answer

Question 1. The early man settled near ........................ and practiced agriculture.
(a) plains
(b) bank of rivers
(c) mountains
(d) hills
Answer: (b) bank of rivers
In simple words: Early humans chose to live near river banks because it was easy to get water for farming and for their own use. Rivers also provided fertile land.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that rivers were crucial for early human settlements due to water availability for agriculture and daily needs.

Question 2. The birth place of democracy is _______
(a) China
(b) America
(c) Greece
(d) Rome
Answer: (c) Greece
In simple words: The idea of democracy, where people have a say in their government, first started in ancient Greece. It was a new way for citizens to be involved in ruling their city-states.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always associate ancient Greece with the origins of democratic principles and practices.

Question 3. ............. is celebrated as the International Democracy Day.
(a) September 15
(b) October 15
(c) November 15
(d) December 15
Answer: (a) September 15
In simple words: September 15th is a special day each year when people around the world think about and celebrate the importance of democracy. This day helps everyone remember their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize key dates related to important international observances like International Democracy Day.

Question 4. Who has the right to work in a direct Democracy?
(a) Men
(b) Women
(c) Representatives
(d) All eligible voters
Answer: (d) All eligible voters
In simple words: In a direct democracy, every citizen who is old enough to vote gets to participate directly in making decisions. This means they can vote on laws and policies themselves, not through chosen representatives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the key difference: in direct democracy, citizens *directly* participate, while in representative democracy, they elect *representatives* to make decisions.

II. Fill in the blanks

Question. Fill in the blanks.
1. Direct Democracy is practiced in ........................
2. The definition of democracy is defined by ........................
3. People choose their representatives by giving their ........................
4. In our country ........................ democracy is in practice.
Answer:
1. Switzerland
2. Abraham Lincoln
3. Votes
4. Parliamentary
In simple words: Direct democracy means citizens vote on issues directly, like in Switzerland. Abraham Lincoln gave a famous definition of democracy. People pick their leaders by casting their votes. India uses a parliamentary democracy, where elected representatives make decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember these key facts: Switzerland for direct democracy, Abraham Lincoln for the definition, votes as the method of choosing representatives, and parliamentary democracy for India.

III. Answer the following

Question 1. What is Democracy?
Answer: Democracy is a type of government where citizens choose their leaders through elections. These elected representatives then take part in governing the country directly. This system allows the people to have a say in how they are ruled. The word 'democracy' itself comes from Greek words meaning 'people' and 'power'.
In simple words: Democracy is when people vote for their leaders, and these leaders help run the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define democracy by mentioning citizen participation, elections, and representatives as core components.

Question 2. What are the types of democracy?
Answer: There are different kinds of democracy used around the world. The two main types are direct democracy and representative democracy. These forms determine how citizens participate in making government decisions. Both types aim to give power to the people, but in different ways.
In simple words: The two main types of democracy are direct democracy and representative democracy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the two primary types of democracy and be ready to explain each.

Question 3. Define: Direct Democracy
Answer: In a direct democracy, citizens themselves have the power to make laws. They directly approve all new rules and changes, rather than electing others to do it. Politicians in this system mainly manage how parliamentary procedures work, not making the laws themselves. Switzerland is a well-known example of a country that practices direct democracy, allowing its citizens to vote on many issues.
In simple words: Direct democracy means citizens make laws and approve changes themselves, like in Switzerland.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that direct citizen involvement in law-making is the defining feature of direct democracy, with Switzerland as the classic example.

Question 4. Define Representative Democracy
Answer: In a representative democracy, people choose a group of representatives to speak for them. Elections are held to pick these representatives. These chosen leaders then have the power to make decisions on behalf of the people in a democratic way. This system allows a large number of people to have their voices heard through elected individuals. India, USA, and England are examples of countries with representative democracies.
In simple words: Representative democracy is when people choose leaders to make decisions for them, through elections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that citizens elect others to represent them and make decisions in this form of democracy.

Question 5. What are the salient features of our constitution that you have understood?
Answer: Our Constitution guides all Indians on important matters and helps maintain law and order. It makes sure everyone has freedom, equality, and justice. The Constitution also lays out the political rules, the structure of the government, and the duties and powers of its parts. It sets the rights, duties, and guiding principles for citizens and is known as the longest written constitution in the world. This extensive document ensures a stable and just framework for the nation.
In simple words: The Indian Constitution guides the country, ensures rights like freedom and justice, sets up the government, and is the world's longest written constitution.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the features of the Constitution, mention its role in law and order, fundamental rights, government structure, and its unique length.

IV. HOTS

Question 1. Compare and contrast direct democracy and representative democracy.
Answer: In direct democracy (like in Switzerland), the people themselves vote directly on laws and rules. They are involved in every major decision. In contrast, a representative democracy (like in India, USA, or England) involves people electing chosen representatives. These representatives then make laws and decisions on behalf of the public. This system works better for large populations where direct voting on every issue would be difficult.
In simple words: Direct democracy means people vote on everything, while representative democracy means people elect leaders to vote for them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly outline the mechanism of participation (direct voting vs. elected representatives) for each type of democracy, and provide relevant country examples.

V. Activity

Question 1. Find out your area's representative's names and write down
1. MP
2. MLA
3. Local body member
Answer:
1. MP – KRPPrabakara
2. MLA – TPM Mohideenkhan
3. Local body member – A. Radhakrishnan
In simple words: Each area has different leaders: an MP for the Parliament, an MLA for the state assembly, and a local body member for the smaller community. These are examples of such leaders.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to list local representatives, ensure you identify the correct official for each level of government (Member of Parliament, Member of Legislative Assembly, and local council member).

Question 2. Discuss about the merits and demerits of democracy.
Answer:
The merits of democracy are:
1. A democratic government is considered better because it is more answerable to the people. Citizens can hold their leaders responsible.
2. Democracy helps to improve the quality of decisions made by the government. Many voices are heard and debated.
3. Democracy makes citizens feel more important and respected, enhancing their dignity. Every person has value.
4. In a democracy, both rich and poor, educated and uneducated, have equal status. Everyone's vote counts the same.
5. Democracy allows a country to correct its own mistakes over time. If a policy isn't working, it can be changed through new elections or public pressure.
Demerits:
1. Leaders often change in a democracy, which can lead to instability in government plans. It can be hard to keep long-term projects going.
2. Democracy is often about political competition and power struggles, sometimes leaving little room for moral considerations. Winning elections can become the main goal.
3. Because many people need to be consulted for decisions, democracy can sometimes lead to delays. Getting everyone to agree takes time.
4. Democracy can sometimes lead to corruption because it is based on electoral competition. Candidates might try unfair means to win votes.
5. Some argue that ordinary people might not always know what is best for them and therefore should not be deciding everything. They might lack full information or understanding of complex issues.
In simple words: Democracy has good points like making leaders responsible and treating everyone equally. But it also has downsides like frequent changes in leaders, competition, slow decisions, and sometimes corruption.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing merits and demerits, aim for a balanced argument, providing specific points for both the advantages and disadvantages of democracy.

Samacheer Kalvi 6th Social Science Democracy Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Fill in the blanks Answer

Question. Fill in the blanks.
1. The UNO General Assembly resolved to observe 15th September as the International Day of Democracy in ........................
2. ........................ constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.
3. The Drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly was headed by ........................
4. In India, all the people above ........................ years of age enjoy universal Adult Franchise.
5. The oldest and longest functioning parliament in the world is ........................
Answer:
1. 2007
2. Indian
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
4. 18
5. The Iceland Democracy
In simple words: The UN started International Democracy Day in 2007. India has the world's longest written constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led the group that wrote the Indian Constitution. In India, everyone over 18 can vote. Iceland has the world's oldest parliament.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on remembering the specific factual details for each blank, such as dates, names, and numerical values.

II. Choose the Correct answer

Question 1. The Chief Architect of our constitution is ........................
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Answer: (b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
In simple words: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played the most important role in creating the Indian Constitution. He led the drafting committee.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the key figure in drafting the Indian Constitution.

Question 2. USA follows ........................
(a) Direct democracy
(b) Representative democracy
(c) Monarchy
(d) Dictatorship
Answer: (b) Representative democracy
In simple words: The United States uses a representative democracy, where people elect others to make decisions for them. This system is also called a republic.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know that the USA, like India and England, operates under a representative democracy, not a direct one.

Question 3. Presidential Democracy is practised in ........................
(a) USA
(b) Canada
(c) (a) and (b)
Answer: (c) (a) and (b)
In simple words: Both the USA and Canada use a presidential form of democracy. This means the president is both the head of state and head of government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify countries that practice a presidential system, where the executive branch is separate from the legislature.

Question 4. Presidential democracy is followed in
(a) USA
(b) India
(c) England
(d) Switzerland
Answer: (a) USA
In simple words: The United States of America is an example of a country that follows a presidential democracy. This type of government has a powerful elected president.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between presidential and parliamentary systems and correctly identify countries associated with each.

Question 5. The Constitution of India guarantees ........... fundamental rights to its citizens.
(a) 6
(b) 9
(c) 8
Answer: (a) 6
In simple words: The Indian Constitution protects six basic rights for all its citizens. These rights are very important for a person's freedom and well-being.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the number of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, as this is a common factual question.

III. Match the following

Question. Match the following:
1. Monarchy
2. Decision
3. Directive principles
4. Magna Carta of 1215
5. Foundation of political Philosophy
Answer:
1. Monarchy - d) a system of having a king or queen.
2. Decision - c) to make up one's mind.
3. Directive principles - b) guidelines for framing of laws by the government
4. Magna Carta of 1215 - e) British democracy
5. Foundation of political Philosophy - a) Greek democracy
In simple words: Monarchy is ruled by a king or queen. A decision is when you choose something. Directive principles are like rules for making laws. Magna Carta was a big step for democracy in Britain. Greek democracy was important for starting political ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: When matching, ensure you understand the core definition or significance of each term to connect it correctly with its description.

IV. Answer the following questions

Question 1. What is a Government
Answer: A government is a group of people who have the authority to manage and control a country. Their main job is to make and enforce laws, provide services, and ensure order for everyone living there. The government acts on behalf of the people to run the nation effectively.
In simple words: A government is a group that runs a country, makes rules, and takes care of its people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining government, include both its composition (group of people) and its function (authority to govern, make laws, provide services).

Question 2. How did Abraham Lincoln define democracy?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln, a former President of the United States, famously described democracy as "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people." This short but powerful definition highlights that the power to govern comes from the citizens, is exercised by the citizens or their representatives, and aims to serve the citizens' best interests. His words beautifully capture the essence of a democratic system.
In simple words: Abraham Lincoln said democracy is a government that is "of the people, by the people, and for the people."

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately quote Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy, as it is a foundational statement often tested.

Question 3. What is meant by democratic decision making?
Answer: Democratic decision-making means that the power to make important choices does not rest with just one leader. Instead, all members of a group or community hold open discussions. Final decisions are only made when everyone involved is convinced and agrees, or when a majority vote is reached. This way of making decisions ensures that many different viewpoints are considered. This collective approach helps to build consensus and makes sure that decisions reflect the will of the people.
In simple words: Democratic decision-making means everyone talks, and decisions are made only when most people agree, not by just one leader.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize collective discussion, consensus (or majority vote), and the involvement of all members as core aspects of democratic decision-making.

IV. Answer the following in detail

Question 1. What are the Aims of Democracy?
Answer:
1. Democracy aims to protect and improve the self-worth and basic rights of every person. It ensures that individuals are treated with respect and have fundamental freedoms.
2. Its goal is to achieve fairness for everyone in society and to help the community grow socially. This includes reducing inequalities and providing equal opportunities.
3. Democracy works to establish and uphold the rule of law, meaning everyone, including those in power, must follow the law. This creates a stable and predictable society.
4. It aims to let people choose their own government through free and fair elections. This gives citizens power over who governs them.
5. Democracy strives to develop the country with the active involvement of its people. Citizen participation in all aspects of development is key to its success.
In simple words: Democracy wants to keep people's dignity and rights safe, create social justice, enforce the rule of law, let people choose their government, and help the country grow with everyone's help.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the aims of democracy clearly, focusing on individual rights, social welfare, rule of law, self-governance, and public participation.

V. Mind map

Question. Create a mind map on Democracy.
Answer: Democracy is a form of government where power is shared, aiming to treat people with dignity, promote national character, enhance public welfare, and is practiced in both direct and representative forms. This structure helps ensure that all citizens have a stake in their government and benefit from its actions.
In simple words: Democracy means a government where everyone has a share. It makes people feel important, builds good character, helps everyone, and can be direct or representative.

🎯 Exam Tip: When creating a mind map, ensure the central idea is clear and that all branches logically connect to it, representing key aspects or features.