NCERT Solutions For Class 9 Social Science Chapter 6 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

DEMOCRACY AND POVERTY

It is an established fact that the rich and influential form the bulk of voters in democracies around the world. However, India’s case is unique. India is the only country where the majority of voters are from the poorer sections of the society. But even as the poverty stricken masses form the majority of the electorate in India, the irony is that poverty continues to be an issue in the country.

In USA, it can be easily understood why the Blacks continue to be marginalized. The income of an average Black family is quite low as compared to an average White family. Studies have shown that an average White family earns 12 times more than an average Black family. Since voters in USA are mostly from the rich class, it can be understood that most voters are White. The governments that come to power tend to address the problems of their potential voters and work for their benefit. This may be a reason why Blacks continue to live in poverty in the USA.

Now the question arises, why do poorer sections of the society in India don’t experience any improvement in their condition even though they form the majority of voters? To answer this question, I would like to draw your attention towards a similarity between Indian and American politics. Both in India and the USA, political parties receive most of their funds from the rich business class and the industrialists. It is quite obvious that any political party that comes to power will be influenced by these business groups. Therefore, governments tend to make policies that are beneficial for the rich business class. As a result, in a country like India, where the poor people enthusiastically queue up at the polling booths hardly see any change in their condition.

So, we can conclude that the fruits of democracy are yet to be truly realized. It is only the rich minority that is reaping most of the benefits from democracy. In an ideal democracy, the benefits should reach to the rich and poor alike. The issues of the citizens should be addressed and their conditions should improve.

Though every citizen has the right to vote, but this country cannot be called a democracy for the following reasons –

• The government is not concerned about the basic needs of the people like education and health. It accepted a loan on the condition of reducing expenses on such basic needs.
• Education is available only in the language of the majority. Though other languages are also spoken, but they do not get recognition. This means other linguistic groups face marginalization and discrimination.
• People are not allowed to hold peaceful demonstrations or oppose government policies. Leaders who dare to oppose the government are arrested.
• There is no freedom of speech or expression. The radio and television are controlled by the government. Even the newspapers are required to take permission from the government before publishing any article regarding government policies.

The father’s behaviour is against democratic values. Every adult has the right to choose his/her life partner. Here, the father has no right to impose his choice on his daughter.

b. The teacher’s behaviour is against democratic norms. It is the right of the student to ask questions. Here, the student is being denied his/her democratic right.

c. The demand of the employee is democratic. Here, the employee wants the law of country to be followed. Following this law will benefit all the employees.

a. Under military rule, people will lose basic freedoms like freedom of speech, freedom to form associations or organize protests.

b. It’s true that wise people should rule, but at the same time views and aspirations of the majority cannot be suppressed. Therefore, people from every section of the society should be represented in the government.

c. If religious leaders are invited to rule, there would be serious conflicts. People will lose their freedom of religion. Therefore, religion must be separated from politics.

d. Paying money to government officials to get water.

Paying money to officials is not a democratic method.

d. People are free to believe and practice any religion

Reason: Freedom of religion is not connected to the issue of famine in any way.

a. Democratic element – A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament

Undemocratic element – In order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organization.

b. Democratic element – The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency

Undemocratic element – Where large scale rigging was reported.

c. Undemocratic element – Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 per cent.

Democratic element – This led women’s organizations to demand one-third seats for women.

d. Democracies are more prosperous than others

Reason: Democracies are not necessarily more prosperous than others. Non-democratic countries like China (single-party system) and Saudi Arabia (monarchy) are more prosperous than democratic countries like Bangladesh and India.

a. Undemocratic

b. Democratic

c. Undemocratic

d. Undemocratic

1. Undemocratic
2. Not sure
3. Democratic
4. Undemocratic