Class 9 Social Science Democracy in the Contemporary World Exam Notes

Class 9 Social Science Democracy in the Contemporary World Exam Notes. Please refer to the examination notes which you can use for preparing and revising for exams. These notes will help you to revise the concepts quickly and get good marks.

Democracy is the form of government in which rulers are elected by the people. This Class 9 Social Science exam notes page on Democracy in the Contemporary World covers the meaning and characteristics of democracy, difficulties in non-democratic countries, case studies of Chile, Poland, Portugal and Myanmar, the phases and causes of the expansion of democracy, democracy at the global level, the glossary and an exercise with answers.

DEMOCRACY

Definition: Democracy has been defined differently by different scholars. In fact, democracy comes from a Greek word, ‘Demokratia’. In Greek, ‘Demo’ means people and ‘Krati’ means rule. Thus democracy means the rule of the people. As all the people cannot be engaged in this work of rule so this job is entrusted to their representatives who rule on behalf of the people. So, in simple words, we can say that democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. Abraham Lincoln, a US President, has defined democracy as “ the government of the people, by the people and for the people.” This definition is perhaps the most popular definition to this day.

Chief Characteristics of Democracy: Democracy may be defined in any way, but these definitions do have some common features regarding democracy which may be narrated below :
1. In a democracy rulers elected by the people take all the main decisions and there is none above them to direct or guide.
2. In a democracy, elections are held regularly on the basis of universal adult franchise. These elections offer a fair opportunity to the people to change their present rulers.
3. In a democracy, all the people, without any distinction of caste, creed, colour or sex, are given this choice and opportunity on a equal basis.
4. In a democracy, the exercise of their choice of electing their rulers leads to a government limited by the rules of the Constitution and citizens’ rights.

Difficulties which People Face in Non-Democratic Countries :

People face various difficulties in nondemocratic countries like Chile, Myanmar, Pakistan, many kingdoms and Sheikhdoms etc.

1. In nondemocratic countries, the people are not allowed to criticise the government. Doing so means imprisonment, harassment and troubles one after the other.
2. In non-democratic countries, the rule of the king or the so called military rule prevails and the question of elections does not arise.
3. In non-democratic countries, no opposition is tolerated so the question of political parties, especially of the opposition parties, does not arise. Only those political parties can survive which toe to the line of the government.
4. In non-democratic countries, the workers are not allowed to form their independent Trade Unions. Only such Trade Unions can survive which, rightly or wrongly, support the policies of the government.
5. In non-democratic countries, all the people are at the mercy of the dictator or the military rulers. Anybody can be detained, arrested or even put to death without any trial.
6. In non-democratic countries, nobody can even aspire for an big post. If he is ready to be a tool in the hands of the ruler/dictator/military leaders, he can hope to get some good post. But he will have to kill his concscience and become dumb and deaf.

Distinction between Democratic and Non-Democratic Countries :

EFFECTS OF DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Now it is an admitted fact that democracy is the best form of government. Some of its good effects on contemporary world can be analysed below :

1. Democracy has ensured the safety of all the citizens under its umbrella.
2. Democracy has ensured the freedom of speech to all its adherent who can criticise the government if it is going astray.
3. Democracy has ensured free elections which enables the people to change their government after a specific period.
4. Democracy has ensured the existence of the different political parties which can always try to capture power and form the government.
5. Democracy has ensured the freedom of the press which can act as a lever to warn the government whenever it tries to go astray.
6. Democracy has ensured freedom to the workers to form their own trade unions.
7. Democracy has enabled all its citizens to aspire for any post, even if they belong to ordinary families like Sh. Lal Bahadur Shastri and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, our former President.

CHILE

Chile: Why democracy is the best form of government can be best understood when we see the people rising against military dictatorships and they did not sit ideal till they had established democratic governments in their country. One such country is Chile, situated in the south part of South America. There Salvador Allende was ruling on democratic lines as President from 1970 to 1973. But his government was toppled by a military coup on 11 September, 1973. The President died in the military attack and a government duly elected by the people was overthrown by the military through conspiracy and violence. The General Augusto Pinochet ruled the country for the next 17 years with the help of his armed forces. Thus was military dictatorship established in Chile. Many people who refused to join the coup were imprisoned and tortured. All this resulted in the unpopularity of Pinochet government. Under strong opposition by the people, he was forced to hold a referendum in 1988. He was of the opinion that people would support him but the people of Chile had not forgotten their democratic traditions. They voted against Pinochet and his military rule. Slowly and slowly under the next four President, the army’s role in the country’s government was eliminated. Pinochet’s military rule was openly condemned by the people. In January 2006, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet, whose family had been tortured during the military rule, was got elected as the President of Chile. Thus democracy was once again restored in Chile.

POLAND

In Poland, in Europe, there was dictatorship of one political party i.e., the Polish United Workers Party. No other party was allowed to contest the elections. In 1980, a communist government backed by USSR (or Russia) was ruling there. All the big factories and properties in Poland were owned by the government and as such no body had the right to strike. But forced by circumstances, sometimes the workers were forced to resort to strike. Such an incident happened in Gdansk, when on the question of unjustly dismissing a woman crane operator, the workers went on strike on 14th August, 1980. Soon Lech Walesa, another dismissed worker (an electrician) led this strike. The workers demanded the release of all political prisoners, taking back the dismissed workers, end of censorship and the right to form independent Trade Unions. The strike was so successful that the Government had to give in and almost all the demand of the workers were accepted.

As a result of the Gdansk agreement, the workers formed a new Trade Union called ‘Solidarity’. The government, however, was not ready to allow people the freedom to organise, protest and express opinion quit freely so Martial Law was imposed in the country. Another wave of strikes began and ultimately upto 1988, the new Trade Union Solidarity became very powerful and successful in establishing true democracy in Poland. The reasons for the success and popularity of Solidarity are not too far to seek :

1. The first reason for the popularity of this Trade Union was this that it was the first independent Union which was formed in any of the communist countries.
2. This Trade Union fought against the widespread corruption and mismanagement within the Polish government.
3. The members of this Trade Union made many sacrifices. At last this Union proved successful and when the right to free election was given to the people, this union won 99 out of 100 seats and its leader Lech Walesa became the first popularly elected President of Poland in 1989.

PORTUGAL

In the 20th century, many previously undemocratic countries made successful advances towards democracy. But it is a pity that even in some big countries, people could not express their opinion freely for a long time. One such country is Portugal in Europe. Following are some features that make Portugal under Salazar (1926-1934) a case of non-democracy.

1. After overthrowing the democratic government in Portugal in 1926, he ordered the killing of all opposition leaders.
2. His government started a ‘Concentration Camp’ on a barren island to punish those who were involved in working class protests.
3. Spies of the secret police were placed at public places - cafes, railway stations, offices, universities, hospitals, post offices etc.
4. Because of the fear of arrest, the citizens could not dare to discuss politics freely.
5. Even, when after 1945, he allowed the opposition to contest elections, only they were given one month to campaign which was not enough to mobilise the public opinion in their favour.
6. No opposition was allowed after elections.
7. The elections were held irregularly every four or seven years. Because of the above repressive measures, the opposition could not ever win even a single seat.

MYANMAR

Myanmar, formerly Burma, got its independence in 1948. It started its journey as a democratic country but soon in 1962, the democratic rule ended there when there was a military coup in that country. The following examples/facts clearly prove that the army rule in Myanmar is undemocratic :

1. An elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was toppled by the military rulers.
2. The elected pro-democracy leaders along with Aung San Suu Kyi were put under house arrest.
3. Political activities were jailed for seven to fifteen years on very trivial offences.
4. Anyone caught expressing views against the military regime can be sentenced to prison upto twenty years.
5. As a result of the above coercive policies of the military regime of Myanmar between 6 to 10 lakh people were forced to leave their country and seek shelter elsewhere.

Nepal: In the 1990s, the king there gave up many of his powers and agreed to be guided by the elected representatives of the people. In 2005, the new king of Nepal dismissed the elected government and tried to take back all the freedoms that were given to the people by the old ruler in the previous decade. But since then, Nepal is under turmoil and the Maoists have turned against the new ruler. The king is thus under pressure to restore democracy in that country and act as a Constitutional monarch.

PHASES IN THE EXPANSION OF DEMOCRACY

(A) The Beginning :
(i) French Revolution of 1789 did not establish a secure and stable democracy in France. Throughout the nineteenth century, democracy in France was overthrown and restored several times. Yet the French Revolution inspired many struggles for democracy allover Europe.
(ii) In Britain, the progress towards democracy started much before the French Revolution. But the progress was very slow. Through the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries, series of political events reduced the monarchy and feudal lords. The right to vote was granted to more and more people.
(iii) The British colonies of North America declared themselves independent in 1776. In the next few years these colonies came together to form the United States of America. They adopted a democratic constitution in 1787.
(iv) In the nineteenth century struggles for democracy often centered round political equality, freedom and justice. One major demand was the right for every adult citizen to vote. Many European countries that were becoming more democratic did not initially allow all people to vote. In some countries only people owning property had the right to vote. Often women did not have the right to vote. In the United States of America, the blacks all over the country could not exercise the right to vote until 1965.
(v) By 1900, New Zealand was the only country where every adult had voting right. Early democracies were established in Europe, North America and Latin America.

(B) End of Colonialism :

For a very long time most countries in Asia and Africa were colonies under the control of the European nations. People of the colonised countries had to wage struggles to achieve independence. They not only wanted to get rid of their colonial masters, but also wished to choose their future leaders. Many of these countries became democracies immediately after the end of the Second World War in 1945.

(C) Recent phase :

The big push towards democracy came after 1980. The period after 1980 witnessed to fast emergence of democracies in different parts of the world.

(i) Democracy was revived in several countries of Latin America
(ii) Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991. As a result, Soviet influence over the former east European countries vanished' they changed themselves into democracies. The former 15 republics of the USSR got independent and opted for democracy.
(iii) In India's neighborhood, countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal made a transition to democracy. Besides the aspiration of the local people in all these countries, a major reason for expansion of democracy was the open support extended by the USA to such demands.

Causes for the Expansion of Democracy: Now when we have studied about the expansion of democracy in the modern world, let us analyse what were the causes for the expansion of democracy in the 20th century.

The different reasons for the adoption of democracy are the following :
1. It is the Best Form of Government : Of all the different forms of governments like dictatorship, military rule and one party rule. Democracy is the best form of government. The people all over the world love it and whenever they get a chance, they replace other forms of government. The idea of democracy has a power of its own and once the people become accustomed to democracy, they never leave it.
2. Freedom of Speech : In democracy, the people are free to express their feelings without any fear of arrest as is the case in Myanmar, Chile, Portugal, Ghana or any other country under dictatorship or military rule.
3. People are Free to Elect their Government : In democratic country, people are free to elect their government. If they find any government not to their benefit and well being, they can change it in the next elections.
4. People are Free to be Elected : In a democracy any citizen can aspire for any post. People belonging to ordinary families like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sh. Manmohan Singh can rise to any position like that of the Prime Ministership or Presidentship.
5. Democracy ensures Socio-Economic Equality : Those people who have suffered from the deep rooted inequality in the social and economic field see a ray of hope in democracy.
6. External Changes also play a Vital Role in the Establishment of Democracy : Not only internal developments but also many external developments like the Second World War, decolonisation and collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, also helped democracy.

DEMOCRACY AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL

There is no denying the fact that democracy is the best form of government and more and more countries are becoming democratic. Now a question generally arises, does an increase in the number of democratic countries all over the world automatically lead to greater democracy at the global level. Some may agree to this view. They even advocate that in order to establish democracy in the non-democratic countries, they i.e., the other democractic countries, should issue sanctions against them. In their view, in certain cases, some powerful countries should combine together and launch an attack on undemocratic countries as was done by USA in Iraq on 14 th March, 2003. Such a thing can be done by the world body i.e., U.N.O. But most of the authors do not agree with either of the above views due to various reasons :

Should Democracy be Established by External Forces ?

Most of the people lay emphasis on the point that democracy should evolve through long struggle of its own people rather than it should be promoted by some external forces. They give the following reasons to support their views :

1. Firstly, It is said that democracy that is evolved through the long struggle of its people is closer to the idea of democracy because it creates no bad taste. The people have made sacrifices to achieve democracy so they know its value and they would do anything to guard it from all dangers.
2. Secondly, it is said that external help to promote democracy has not proved quite useful. It has proved dangerous both for the interests of the people and for the interest of their country.
3. Thirdly, it is pointed out that in the garb of promoting democracy in another country, the powerful countries begin to grind their own axe. They are usually found in promoting their own economic and military interests.
4. Fourthly, it is said that external help if at all proves helpful is only a nightmare. It leads to temporary improvement and does not prove durable.
5. Fifthly, those who try to maintain democracy with external help lose the trust and confidence of their own people.
6. Lastly, propping up democracy with the help of any external force goes against the spirit of democracy. The gift of democracy in a begging bowl adversely affects the self-respect of a country.

How far is it True that if Every Country becomes Democratic the World would itself become Democratic ?

Most of the authors do not agree with this view. They hold the opinion that expansion of democracy within nations has not led to greater democracy at the international level. They give the following arguments in support of their view

1. Whereas democracy has given solace to the people in the national level, but in the international level, it has failed to do so because the democratic spirit is not there.
2. The United Nations represents almost all the countries (now 193) of the world, but everything roams about the five permanent members of the Security Council i.e., USA, Russia, U.K., France and China. Any one of them can reject or stall any decision of the Security Council. It means the rest of the countries (193-5=188) are more or less like pawns in the hands of these five countries.
3. Take another example of the International Monetary Fund. Here too, the string is held by the G-8 countries (U.S.A., Russia, U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan) because they contribute most and they are weighted by how much they contribute to the International Monetary Fund.
4. Not only this, the President of the World Bank is always a citizen of U.S.A. nominated by the Treasury Secretary (or Finance Minister) of the U.S. Government. What more mockery of the international justice can be there ?
5. Take the case of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) which is a global institution where all decisions on their relations between different nations of the world have to be taken by consensus. But in actual practice, all decisions are taken in informal meetings which are kept secret and only few powerful countries are invited.

It is clear from the above discussion that whereas more and more nations are becoming democractic, the international organisations are becoming less democractic. But if the world has to become more democratic, equal participation of all the member nations should be ensured.

GLOSSARY

1. Democracy : A form of government which is chosen by the people to work for their welfare and can be voted out by them.
2. Dictatorship : It is form of government in which a person or group of persons possess absolute power without effective constitutional limitations.
3. Solidarity : A trade union movement founded by Lech Walesa which helped to end communist rule in Poland.
4. Decolonisation : The process of transfer of power from the colonial powers to independent nations governments in Asia and Africa.
5. United Nations Organisation : An organisation founded in 1945 that includes most countries in the world and serves as a international forum to settle international disputes.
6. Veto : The special right to override the decision of the Security Council enjoyed by the five permanent members of the Security Council of United Nations.
7. Constitutional Monarchy : A government headed by a king or queen whose powers are limited by a constitution.
8. Revolution : The term means a recognised momentous change in the situation. A revolution can result in the sudden overthrow of an established government or system by force and bloodshot e.g., the French Revolution.
9. Glorious Revolution : In 1688 William III of Orange, the son-in-law of James II and ruler of Holland, became King of England without any bloodshed. The unpopularity of James II prompted a group of politicians to invite William III to England. Ultimately due to evens following this revolution, England more or less became a constitutional monarchy.
10. World Trade Organisation : It was set up in 1995 by members of the United Nations to promote trade between countries.
11. Trade Union : An association of workers for the purpose of maintaining or improving their working conditions.
12. Strike : Mass refusal by workers or employees to perform work due to certain grievances or because demands are not being met.
13. Referendum : A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to accept or reject a particular proposal. This is also called as Plebiscite.
14. Political Prisoners : Persons imprisoned or detained or kept under house arrest, because the government considers their ideas and activities a threat to its authority.
15. Coup : The sudden overthrow of a government which may or may not be violent in nature.
16. Coalition : An alliance of people, associations parties or nations which may be temporary or a matter of convenience.
17. Censorship : A condition under which the freedom of expression is taken away. Anything that the government finds objectionable cannot be published.

Reason Out Why ?

(i) Why is it necessary for people to discuss politics without fear ?

Answer: As a result of the presence of secret police in public places, the people could not discuss politics without fear. Without freedom of speech people could not possibly discuss anything and form their opinion about anything.

Teacher's Note:
a) Free discussion is the base on which citizens form opinions and vote.
b) Fear of arrest, as in Salazar's Portugal, kills this freedom.

(ii) Elections were held in Salazar’s Portugal. Why should it not be called a democracy ?

Answer: Elections, without the freedom of speech, were a mere farce. They were like a body without the soul. How could a dead body be expected to work, act or react.

Teacher's Note:
a) Elections alone do not make a democracy.
b) In Portugal the opposition got only one month to campaign and could not win a single seat.

(iii) Why do countries and cities change their names given by their colonial rulers ? Can you think of examples of similar change of name from India ?

Answer: Countries change their name, after independence, because no one likes the names given to them by their colonial rulers, who ruled them arbitrarily and unjustly. In India, Madras has been changed to Chennai, Calcutta to Kolkata and Bombay to Mumbai. Likewise, the province of Madras has been changed to Tamil Nadu and Bombay to Maharashtra.

Teacher's Note:
a) A change of name is a symbol of freedom from colonial rule.
b) Give at least two Indian examples.

(iv) Can you think of reasons why people like to have change in their undemocratic government ?

Answer:
1. Freedoms are denied to the people when a democracy is overthrown by the military. In 1973 a military rule was established in Chile, while in Poland there was a non-democratic government before 1989.
2. The people had no Right to Freedom of Speech, as was the case with the women of Calama in Chile.
3. The people had no Right to form Associations or Trade Unions, as was the case with the workers (crane operators and electricians) in Poland.
4. The people had no Right to have Free Elections, as was the case in Poland before the dawn of democracy there.
5. It was because of the above reasons that the people liked to have a change in their dictatorial government.

Teacher's Note:
a) The three denied freedoms are speech, association and free elections.
b) Back each point with the Chile or Poland example.

(v) Why was an independent trade union so important for Poland ?

Answer: Because only it could save the interest of the workers.

Teacher's Note:
a) The government owned all factories, so workers had no other way to protect their interests.

EXERCISE

A. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Who was General Augusto Pinochet ? Who did he over throw and with whose help ?

Answer: General Augusto Pinochet was the military general of Chile. On 11 September 1973 he overthrew the elected democratic government of President Salvador Allende with the help of his armed forces, and then ruled Chile as a military dictator for the next 17 years.

Teacher's Note:
a) He ruled from 1973 until the referendum of 1988 went against him.
b) Mention both the person overthrown and the armed forces.

Q.2 State two feature of the system of government that existed in Poland in 1980.

Answer:
1. There was a dictatorship of one political party, the Polish United Workers Party, and no other party was allowed to contest elections.
2. A communist government backed by the USSR ruled, all big factories and properties were owned by the government and workers had no right to strike or to form independent trade unions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the ruling party and the Soviet backing.
b) Link the lack of trade union rights to the Gdansk strike.

Q.3 State two features of democracy.

Answer:
1. Rulers elected by the people take all the main decisions.
2. Elections are held regularly on the basis of universal adult franchise, giving people a fair chance to change their rulers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other features are equal choice without discrimination and a government limited by the Constitution and citizens' rights.
b) Write exactly two points.

Q.4 State two features of dictatorship.

Answer:
1. The ruler (dictator) or the military holds absolute power without effective constitutional limitations and is not elected by the people.
2. There is no freedom of speech, no free press and no opposition parties, and people can be arrested or killed without trial.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dictatorship is the opposite of democracy.
b) Use Pinochet's Chile or Salazar's Portugal as an example.

Q.5 State two difference between a democracy & dictatorship.

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Differences should be written in a two-column format.
b) Keep both points about the same feature in each row.

Q.6 Why the collapse of the U.S.S.R had a negative impact on democracy ?

Answer:
1. The collapse of the USSR in 1991 did not weaken democracy; the textbook treats it as a major boost to democracy, so the premise of the question is not correct.
2. Soviet influence over the former east European countries vanished and they changed themselves into democracies.
3. The former 15 republics of the USSR became independent and opted for democracy.

Teacher's Note:
a) The question says "negative", but the notes treat the collapse as a positive step for democracy.
b) If a negative effect is wanted, one can add that the Cold War balance ended and the world became dominated by a single power.

Q.7 What is wrong in someone being elected President for life ?

Answer:
1. It takes away the right of the people to change their ruler through regular elections.
2. It leads to dictatorship and misuse of power, as happened when Kwame Nkrumah made himself President for life in Ghana.

Teacher's Note:
a) Regular elections are the core of democracy.
b) A person can be elected, but the lifelong term makes the rule undemocratic.

Q.8 Mention any two steps which were taken by the President of Chile which led to military coup ?

Answer:
1. President Salvador Allende started land reforms and took over the copper mines and other big industries (nationalisation).
2. He raised the wages of workers and took steps like free milk for poor children, which angered landlords, rich businessmen and the army, and led to the coup of 11 September 1973.

Teacher's Note:
a) These steps were meant to help the poor but angered powerful groups.
b) The notes say only that his elected government was toppled by a military coup.

Q.9 Explain universal adult franchise.

Answer: Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen of a country has the right to vote, without any distinction of caste, creed, colour, sex or wealth. It gives all adults one vote each and equal value.

Teacher's Note:
a) One person, one vote is the basic principle.
b) Mention that no property or gender condition applies.

Q.10 Who is Aung San Suu Kyi ?

Answer: Aung San Suu Kyi is the pro-democracy leader of Myanmar. Her elected government was toppled by the military rulers, and she and other elected leaders were put under house arrest. She led a non-violent struggle for democracy in Myanmar.

Teacher's Note:
a) The notes give the name as Aung Sang Suk Kyi, a spelling error; the correct spelling is Aung San Suu Kyi.
b) Link her to the 1962 military coup and later house arrest.

Q.11 What is Veto Power ? Do you think it promotes world democracy ?

Answer:
1. Veto is the special right of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (USA, Russia, UK, France and China) to override a decision of the Security Council.
2. It does not promote world democracy because even one of the five members can stop a decision supported by all the other members, so power rests with a few countries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Veto means "I forbid" in Latin.
b) India does not have veto power.

Q.12 Mention any two indicators which showed that after military coup of 11 sep, 1973, Chile became a non democratic country.

Answer:
1. The elected government was overthrown, the President died in the military attack, and General Pinochet ruled with the help of the armed forces.
2. People who refused to join the coup were imprisoned and tortured, and freedom of speech was taken away.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pick any two clear signs such as no elections, no free speech or torture.
b) State the date of the coup.

Q.13 Give two arguments why Pakistan is not a democratic country ?

Answer:
1. The military has repeatedly taken over power through coups, and military rulers such as Musharraf have ruled the country for long periods.
2. Even when elections are held, the army and the military-controlled bodies limit the powers of elected representatives and civilian governments have often been dismissed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain with reference to the military's role in government.
b) The notes list Pakistan among the non-democratic countries under military rule.

Q.14 Name any four non democratic countries of the world.

Answer: Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Brunei (the notes also name Chile under Pinochet and Pakistan under military rule as examples of non-democratic rule).

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish between present and past examples when you answer.
b) Kingdoms and sheikhdoms are usually non-democratic.

Q.15 Who was elected as President of Chile in 1970? What steps did he take to help the poor ?

Answer:
1. Salvador Allende was elected President of Chile in 1970.
2. To help the poor he carried out land reforms, increased wages, took over the copper mines and big industries and introduced free milk for poor children.

Teacher's Note:
a) Allende ruled on democratic lines from 1970 to 1973.
b) His government was toppled by a military coup on 11 September 1973.

B. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1 How did Poland become a democracy ?

Answer:
1. In August 1980 workers at Gdansk went on strike over the unjust dismissal of a woman crane operator, and Lech Walesa, a dismissed electrician, led the strike.
2. The government accepted most of their demands in the Gdansk agreement, and the workers formed the independent trade union Solidarity.
3. Martial law was imposed, but strikes continued till 1988 and Solidarity became powerful.
4. When free elections were allowed, Solidarity won 99 out of 100 seats and Lech Walesa became the first popularly elected President of Poland in 1989.

Teacher's Note:
a) Follow the chain: strike, agreement, Solidarity, martial law, free elections.
b) Walesa was an electrician by profession.
c) Mention the figure 99 out of 100 seats.

Q.2 How did French Revolution pave the way for democracy in Europe ?

Answer:
1. The French Revolution of 1789 ended the rule of the monarchy and inspired the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity.
2. Although democracy in France was overthrown and restored several times in the nineteenth century, the Revolution inspired many struggles for democracy all over Europe.

Teacher's Note:
a) Do not say that France became a stable democracy at once.
b) Link it to the rise of demand for political equality.

Q.3 Identify four features that made Myanmar a non democratic country.

Answer:
1. An elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was toppled by the military rulers.
2. The elected pro-democracy leaders along with Aung San Suu Kyi were put under house arrest.
3. Political activists were jailed for seven to fifteen years on trivial offences, and anyone expressing views against the military regime could be sentenced up to twenty years.
4. Due to the coercive policies, 6 to 10 lakh people were forced to leave the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Myanmar became independent in 1948 and the military coup was in 1962.
b) Quote four separate facts.
c) Correct spelling: Aung San Suu Kyi.

Q.4 Who was Kwame Nkrumah ? State two of his achievements. How did he deviate from the path of democracy ?

Answer:
1. Kwame Nkrumah was the leader of the freedom struggle of Ghana and its first Prime Minister and then President.
2. His achievements: he led Ghana to independence from British rule in 1957, the first country of Sub-Saharan Africa to become independent, and he gave the people a voice in choosing their leaders.
3. He deviated from democracy when he got himself declared President for life and banned all opposition parties.
4. This ended free elections and made his rule a dictatorship.

Teacher's Note:
a) This is a mixed theory question; use textbook facts for Ghana.
b) Ghana appears in the notes as an example of a country under dictatorship.

Q.5 How was democracy restored in Chile ?

Answer:
1. Under strong opposition by the people, Pinochet was forced to hold a referendum in 1988.
2. The people voted against Pinochet and his military rule.
3. Slowly, under the next four Presidents, the army's role in the government was eliminated.
4. In January 2006 Michelle Bachelet, whose family had been tortured during the military rule, was elected President, and democracy was fully restored.

Teacher's Note:
a) Referendum 1988 is the turning point.
b) Mention the year 2006 and the name Michelle Bachelet.

Q.6 What do you know about solidarity ? Why was it popular in 1990 ?

Answer:
1. Solidarity was the independent trade union of Poland formed after the Gdansk agreement of 1980 under the leadership of Lech Walesa.
2. It was popular because it was the first independent union formed in any communist country, it fought corruption and mismanagement in the Polish government, and its members made many sacrifices.
3. It won 99 out of 100 seats when free elections were held, and Walesa became the first popularly elected President of Poland.

Teacher's Note:
a) The notes give the three reasons for its popularity.
b) Do not confuse the formation in 1980 with the election win.

Q.7 What was the impact of the end of colonialism on the new independent countries.

Answer:
1. After the Second World War in 1945, many colonies of Asia and Africa became independent and wished to choose their own leaders.
2. Many of them became democracies immediately, but some later slipped into dictatorships, like Ghana under Nkrumah.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link colonial freedom to the wish to choose leaders.
b) Give one example of a success and one of a failure.

Q.8 Give four suggestion to promote democracy in the world.

Answer:
1. Democracy should grow from the people's own struggle and not be imposed by external force.
2. International organisations such as the UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO should be made more democratic and equal for all nations.
3. People should be educated about their rights and the value of free speech, elections and the press.
4. Powerful countries should support democratic movements peacefully and not support dictators for their own interests.

Teacher's Note:
a) These are reasoned suggestions based on the section Democracy at the Global Level.
b) Write four clear, separate points.

Q.9 Do you think UNO works democratically ? Give reason for your answer.

Answer:
1. No, the UNO does not work fully democratically although it represents almost all countries (193).
2. The real power lies with the five permanent members of the Security Council (USA, Russia, UK, France and China), who have the veto and can stop any decision.

Teacher's Note:
a) The General Assembly follows one country, one vote, but it has little power.
b) Cite the veto as the main reason.

Q.10 Explain Aung San Suu Kyi's struggle for democracy.

Answer:
1. Aung San Suu Kyi led the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, which had been under military rule since the 1962 coup.
2. Her elected government was toppled by the military and she, with other elected leaders, was put under house arrest.
3. She continued her peaceful struggle for freedom of speech, free elections and civil rights despite long detention.
4. Her struggle drew the attention of the world to the lack of democracy in Myanmar.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the non-violent nature of her struggle.
b) Use the facts in the Myanmar case study.

Q.11 Why do we prefer democracy than any other form of the government ?

Answer:
1. It is the best form of government, as the people are free to elect and to remove their rulers.
2. It guarantees freedom of speech, a free press and the right to form associations.
3. Any citizen can be elected to any post, even if from an ordinary family.
4. It gives hope of socio-economic equality to those who suffered inequality.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pick four reasons from the notes.
b) Contrast with dictatorship wherever possible.

Q.12 Mention any two limitations on the people in a non-democratic country.

Answer:
1. People are not allowed to criticise the government; doing so means imprisonment and harassment.
2. Workers cannot form independent trade unions, and nobody can contest freely or aspire for a high post unless he supports the ruler.

Teacher's Note:
a) Other limits are no free elections and no free press.
b) Write exactly two points.

Q.13 What was Gdansk agreement ?

Answer: The Gdansk agreement was the agreement between the Polish government and the striking workers of Gdansk in 1980. The government accepted most of their demands, including the release of political prisoners, the taking back of dismissed workers, the end of censorship and the right to form independent trade unions, after which Solidarity was formed.

Teacher's Note:
a) The strike began on 14 August 1980.
b) It was led by Lech Walesa.

Q.14 Name any three events which contributed to the establishment of democracy in the world.

Answer:
1. The American independence in 1776 and the adoption of a democratic constitution in 1787.
2. The French Revolution of 1789.
3. The end of colonialism after the Second World War in 1945 and the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Teacher's Note:
a) Events from the three phases of expansion are acceptable.
b) Give the year with each event.

C. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTION QUESTIONS

Q.1 Why had democracy spread throughout the world in the last hundred years or so ?

Answer:
1. Democracy is the best form of government, because the people can choose and remove their rulers.
2. In democracy people have freedom of speech and can express themselves without fear of arrest.
3. People are free to elect their government and any citizen can be elected to any post.
4. Democracy gives hope of socio-economic equality to those suffering from deep-rooted inequality.
5. External changes such as the Second World War, the end of colonialism, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the support of the USA also helped democracy to spread.

Teacher's Note:
a) The notes give six reasons; use at least five.
b) Support each reason with a short example.
c) Group the reasons into internal and external causes.
d) Close with the idea that a popular movement drives democracy.

Q.2 Do International organisations functions in a democratic manner ? Give reason for your answer.

Answer:
1. No, international organisations do not function in a fully democratic manner.
2. The United Nations represents 193 countries, but the real power is with the five permanent members of the Security Council (USA, Russia, UK, France and China), who hold the veto.
3. In the International Monetary Fund the string is held by the G-8 countries, because they contribute the most money, and votes are weighted by contribution.
4. The President of the World Bank is always a citizen of the USA nominated by the US Treasury Secretary.
5. In the World Trade Organisation, decisions are taken by consensus, but powerful countries dominate the process.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cover the UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO in your answer.
b) Use the veto as the strongest example.
c) Democracy at the national level has not led to democracy at the international level.
d) Do not confuse the 15 members of the Security Council with the five who hold veto power.

Q.3 Distinguish between democratic & non democratic conditions.

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Present the answer in a table of seven points.
b) Add the examples of Chile and Calama to score higher.
c) Use the key words freedom of speech, press, trade union and elections.
d) Check that each row compares the same feature.

Q.4 Explain the different phases of the spread of democracy in the world.

Answer:
1. The Beginning: The French Revolution of 1789 inspired struggles for democracy in Europe; Britain moved slowly towards democracy; the American colonies declared independence in 1776 and adopted a democratic constitution in 1787. By 1900 New Zealand was the only country where every adult could vote.
2. End of Colonialism: Many countries of Asia and Africa became independent after the Second World War in 1945 and became democracies.
3. Recent phase: After 1980 democracy was revived in several countries of Latin America.
4. The Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, and the former east European countries and the 15 republics of the USSR became democracies.
5. In India's neighbourhood, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal made a transition to democracy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Write the phases under three headings, in time order.
b) Give at least one year or example in each phase.
c) Do not mix the Beginning with the colonial phase.
d) Add a closing remark that democracy has spread but not fully.

Q.5 Explain the role of USA in Iraq.

Answer:
1. In 2003 the USA and its allies invaded Iraq, claiming that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and to bring democracy to the country.
2. The US-led forces removed the dictator Saddam Hussein from power.
3. No weapons of mass destruction were found, and the invasion was criticised as being against the UN and international opinion.
4. The war led to long violence, loss of life and instability in Iraq, which shows that democracy cannot be imposed by external force.

Teacher's Note:
a) This question is not covered in the notes; the answer uses standard textbook facts.
b) Link the answer to the argument that democracy should not be established by external forces.
c) Do not defend or attack the war; state the facts.
d) Mention the year 2003 and the name Saddam Hussein.

D. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Which state in India has a similar shape to Chile ?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Kerala
(D) West Bengal

Answer: (C) Kerala

1. Chile is a long and narrow country, and Kerala is the long, narrow coastal state of India.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.2 Which of the following is not reason for the spread of democracy in the first decade after 1945 -
(A) Demand by the people
(B) In position by foreign countries
(C) Collapse of the foreign ruler
(D) All of them

Answer: (B) In position by foreign countries

1. Democracy spread after 1945 because of the people's demand and the collapse of colonial rulers, not because of imposition by foreigners.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.3 Which of the following would you consider as sure effect of democracy -
(A) People making choice for food items
(B) People making choice of their rulers
(C) People making choice of their army men
(D) None of these

Answer: (B) People making choice of their rulers

1. In a democracy the people choose their rulers through elections.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.4 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

1. Invasion by foreign countries is an external imposition and does not lead to a lasting democracy.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.5 Identify two countries in Latin America that become democratic after 1975 -
(A) Brazil, Argentina
(B) U.S.A., U.K.
(C) Japan, Italy
(D) Norway, Ghana

Answer: (A) Brazil, Argentina

1. Brazil and Argentina are Latin American countries, and democracy returned there after the military rulers.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.6 Which political party did Allende belong to -
(A) Solidarity
(B) Labour
(C) Congress
(D) Popular unity

Answer: (D) Popular unity

1. Allende belonged to the Popular Unity party; Solidarity was the trade union of Poland.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.7 Which of the following Asian country became democratic between 1900 and 1950 -
(A) China
(B) Japan
(C) Pakistan
(D) Turkey

Answer: (D) Turkey

1. The printed key gives Turkey, which became a republic in 1923 and moved to multi-party democracy by 1950.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.8 Which of the following European country that was not democratic in 2000 -
(A) Bosnia
(B) Malta
(C) Ukraine
(D) Chile

Answer: (C) Ukraine

1. Chile is not a European country, and the key chooses Ukraine as the country that was not fully democratic in 2000.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.9 Which of the following country was democratic in 19th century -
(A) U.K.
(B) USA
(C) Japan
(D) New Zealand

Answer: (D) New Zealand

1. By 1900 New Zealand was the only country where every adult had the right to vote.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.10 Who is the President of the World Bank -
(A) Finance Minister of U.S.A.
(B) Finance Minister of U.K.
(C) Prime Minister of Canada
(D) Defence Minister of USA

Answer: (A) Finance Minister of U.S.A.

1. The notes say the President of the World Bank is always a citizen of the USA nominated by the US Treasury Secretary (Finance Minister); option (A) is the closest to this and matches the key.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.11 What is a coup ?
(A) The right of a person, party or nation to stop a certain decision or law
(B) A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal
(C) A system of rules that takes effect when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of justice
(D) It is the sudden overthrow of government illegally.

Answer: (D) It is the sudden overthrow of government illegally.

1. (A) describes veto, (B) a referendum and (C) martial law.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.12 To which organisation a government will approach for a loan ?
(A) The security Council
(B) IMF
(C) UNO
(D) UNESCO

Answer: (B) IMF

1. The International Monetary Fund lends money to governments.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.13 How many members are there in the Security Council ?
(A) 11
(B) 12
(C) 15
(D) 14

Answer: (C) 15

1. The Security Council has 15 members, 5 of them permanent.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.14 Which out of the given statement is not true for Veto power ?
(A) The 15 members of the Security Council have the veto power
(B) The 5 permanent members of the Security Counsil have the veto power
(C) Veto means 'I forbrid'.
(D) India does not have veto power

Answer: (A) The 15 members of the Security Council have the veto power

1. Only the five permanent members have veto power.
2. Hence, the correct option is (A).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.15 Which of the following statements is not true regarding IMF ?
(A) It is one of the biggest moneylenders for any country in the world
(B) The voto of each country is weighed by how much money it has contributed to the IMF
(C) It is a democratic institution
(D) USA, Japan and France are its members

Answer: (C) It is a democratic institution

1. In the IMF votes are weighted by contribution, so it is not a democratic institution.
2. Hence, the correct option is (C).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.16 A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal is termed as-
(A) Coalition
(B) Referendum
(C) Veto
(D) Election

Answer: (B) Referendum

1. A referendum is a direct vote on a proposal; Pinochet had to hold one in 1988.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.17 A condition under which the freedom of expression is taken away is called.
(A) Coalitionship
(B) Cancelship
(C) Comradeship
(D) Censorship

Answer: (D) Censorship

1. Censorship means the government stops anything it finds objectionable from being published.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.

Q.18 A system of rules that takes place when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of Justice. This is
(A) Administration
(B) Justice law
(C) Common law
(D) Martial law

Answer: (D) Martial law

1. Martial law was imposed in Poland when Solidarity grew powerful.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Eliminate the clearly wrong options first.
b) Remember the facts in the case studies.

Q.19 Which of these countries is not a permanent member of Security Council ?
(A) Russia
(B) China
(C) France
(D) Germany

Answer: (D) Germany

1. The five permanent members are the USA, Russia, UK, France and China.
2. Hence, the correct option is (D).

Teacher's Note:
a) Learn the key terms of the glossary.
b) Read all four options before choosing.

Q.20 What is coalition ?
(A) An association of workers for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment
(B) An alliance of people, associations, parties or nations
(C) Territory under the immediate political control of another state
(D) A condition under which the freedom of expression is taken away

Answer: (B) An alliance of people, associations, parties or nations

1. (A) is a trade union, (C) is a colony and (D) is censorship.
2. Hence, the correct option is (B).

Teacher's Note:
a) Match each option with the exact meaning in the glossary.