Worksheet: Social Science
Chapter 6 – Understanding Democracy
Section A – Very Short Answer (1 mark each)
(Answer in one or two sentences)
- What is democracy?
- From which language is the word “democracy” derived?
- What is meant by “Demos”?
- What is “Kratos”?
- Who gave the definition “government of the people, by the people, for the people”?
- What is meant by universal adult franchise?
- Name one feature of democracy.
- What is meant by rule of law?
- What is a Panchayat?
- What is a republic?
Section B – Short Answer (2–3 marks each)
- Explain any three features of democracy.
- Who are included in “the people” in a democracy?
- What were Sabha and Samiti?
- Write a short note on Panchayati system.
- What is direct democracy?
- What is representative democracy?
- Give any two differences between direct and representative democracy.
- What is a parliamentary system?
- What is a presidential system?
- What is monarchy?
Section C – Long Answer (4–5 marks each)
- Explain the roots of democracy in ancient India.
- Describe the development of democracy during the modern period in India.
- Compare direct democracy and representative democracy.
- Explain the features, advantages, and disadvantages of parliamentary government.
- Explain the features, advantages, and disadvantages of presidential democracy.
- Describe alternatives to democracy with examples.
- Why has democracy spread across the world?
- Explain the challenges faced by democracy.
Section D – Case Study / Source-Based Questions
Read the passage and answer the questions:
Case Study 1: Democracy in a Village
Ramesh lives in a small village where decisions are taken through the Panchayat system. Every five years, villagers vote to elect their representatives. Recently, the village faced a water shortage problem. The elected members called a meeting where villagers shared their opinions and suggested solutions. After discussion, the Panchayat decided to build a new water tank using government funds. Everyone in the village, including women and people from different communities, participated in the decision-making process. The Panchayat also ensured that the work was done fairly and without corruption. This shows how democracy works at the local level, where people actively participate in governance and decisions are made collectively.
Questions:
Which democratic institution is mentioned in the case?
How do people participate in decision-making?
What problem did the village face?
Give one feature of democracy shown in this case.
Case Study 2: Parliamentary System in Action
India follows a parliamentary system of democracy. After elections, the political party with the majority forms the government. The Prime Minister becomes the real head of the government, while the President is the nominal head. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Parliament. If the government fails to perform well, it can be removed by a no-confidence motion. In one instance, the government had to answer questions in Parliament regarding rising prices. The opposition parties criticized the government and demanded accountability. This system ensures that the government remains answerable to the people through their elected representatives.
Questions:
Which system of government is described here?
Who is the real executive head?
What is a no-confidence motion?
How is the government held accountable?
Case Study 3: Life Under Dictatorship
In a certain country, all power is controlled by one leader who came to power through military force. People are not allowed to vote freely or choose their leaders. The government does not allow freedom of speech, and anyone who criticizes the leader may be punished. There are strict rules, and citizens have very limited rights. Although decisions are taken quickly, people feel unhappy because they are not involved in governance. There is no equality, and laws are often unfair. This type of government is known as dictatorship, where power is concentrated in one person and democracy does not exist.
Questions:
What type of government is described?
Give one feature of this system.
Why are people unhappy in this system?
How is it different from democracy?
Section E – Assertion and Reasoning
Choose the correct option:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
(C) A is true but R is false
(D) A is false but R is true
Assertion: Democracy ensures equality.
Reason: All citizens are treated equally before law.
Assertion: Presidential system has fixed tenure.
Reason: President can be removed anytime by Parliament.
Assertion: Direct democracy is suitable for large countries.
Reason: It allows every citizen to participate directly.
Section F – Match the Following
Column A Column B
1. Sabha a. Military rule
2. Panchayat b. Council of elders
3. Dictatorship c. Village governance
4. Theocracy d. Rule by religion
Section G – Creative Thinking
- Why do you think democracy is better than dictatorship?
- Can democracy function effectively without educated citizens? Explain.
- Do you think democracy always ensures quick decisions? Why or why not?
- Suggest ways to reduce corruption in democracy.
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