Page 186 – LET’S EXPLORE
Q. The government also has many other roles. Try to list them.
Answer.
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Building roads, bridges and railways
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Running post-offices and banks
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Protecting forests, wildlife and rivers
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Making sure food in markets is safe
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Helping people in floods, droughts or earthquakes
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Giving pensions to old people and scholarships to children
Page 188 – LET’S EXPLORE
Q. Which of the three methods to form a Student Committee do you think is most effective? Why?
Answer.
The third method—students vote and pick one class representative—is best. Every class gets a voice, decisions are quicker than if the whole school tries to decide everything, and the Head Teacher does not choose favourites. That is fair and democratic.
Page 190 – THINK ABOUT IT
Q. What might happen if a king thinks he has divine powers? How would he rule the people?
Answer.
He may feel he is always right and can never be questioned. Such a king could make unfair laws, punish people harshly and ignore advice. The people would have little freedom or protection.
Page 194 – LET’S EXPLORE (Table 9.1 Extension)
Fill the blank columns under Country A and Country B by taking two different countries of your choice.
Below is one sample answer:
| Institution | Country A – Canada | Country B – France |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Prime Minister and Cabinet | President (directly elected) + Prime Minister |
| Legislature | Two houses: House of Commons (strong) & Senate (weaker) | Two houses: National Assembly (stronger) & Senate |
| Judiciary | Independent Supreme Court and lower courts | Independent Constitutional Council and courts |
Similarities: both have two-house parliaments and judges who work separately from the government.
Differences: Canada’s head of state is a king/queen with no real power, while France’s president leads the country.
Page 196 – LET’S EXPLORE (Core Principles & Committee Plan)
a) Q. After studying the above examples, list the core principles of a democratic government.
Answer.
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People choose the leaders.
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All adults can vote (universal franchise).
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Everyone is equal before the law.
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Citizens may speak and write freely.
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Courts are fair and work without pressure.
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Government can be changed peacefully through elections.
b) Q. Make a democratic plan for forming a Student Committee.
Answer.
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Step 1 – Write clear duties: keep timetable board, organise sports, check midday meal, collect ideas for “No-Bag Day”.
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Step 2 – Each class nominates two willing students.
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Step 3 – Classes hold a secret-ballot vote; top nominee becomes class representative.
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Step 4 – All representatives meet, choose a Chairperson and divide jobs.
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Step 5 – They give a short report in assembly every month.
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Step 6 – New elections take place every year so others also get a chance.
Page 202 – SHANE’S STORY – LET’S EXPLORE
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Q. Does Shane’s country look like a democracy?
Answer. No. One ruler decides haircuts, internet and army service. People have no free choice, so it is not democratic. -
Q. How do you think Shane’s everyday life would be?
Answer. Strict and controlled. He must follow many rules, cannot see outside news, and must report on friends. He may feel nervous and lack freedom. -
Q. Would you like to live in such a country? Explain why.
Answer. No. I like to choose my clothes, read any book, and speak openly. Living under tight control would make me unhappy.
Page 204 – LET’S EXPLORE (Fig 9.13 Cartoon)
Q. What do you observe in the cartoon? Who seems to make decisions? Can a democracy turn into an oligarchy? What can citizens do?
Answer.
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The cartoon shows a few large, rich men (labelled “Monopoly”) sitting above elected members and handing them papers. It means wealthy businessmen, not the voters, are directing the lawmakers.
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Yes, if only a small rich group starts controlling leaders, a democracy can slip into an oligarchy.
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Citizens must stay alert: vote wisely, ask questions, read reliable news, join peaceful groups, and demand fair rules for all.
Page 205 – LET’S EXPLORE (Role-Play)
Q. After acting out democracy, monarchy and dictatorship, which feels most suitable?
Answer.
Democracy felt best. Everyone had a say, rules were fair, and we could replace leaders if they ignored us. In monarchy and dictatorship only one person decided, so most students felt left out.
End-of-Chapter “Questions and Activities” (Page 207-208)
1. Write names of the various types of government that you have learnt in the chapter.
Answer. Democracy (direct, parliamentary, presidential), Monarchy (absolute, constitutional), Theocracy, Dictatorship, Oligarchy.
2. Which type of Government does India have? And why is that called that type?
Answer. India has a parliamentary democracy. People elect MPs to Parliament; the majority party forms a Council of Ministers led by the prime minister. The government stays only while it has support of the elected Lok Sabha.
3. You read that an independent judiciary is present in all types of democracies. State any three reasons why you think it is important for the judiciary to be independent.
Answer.
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Judges can protect citizens’ rights even if the government is powerful.
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Courts can punish any leader who breaks the law, keeping everyone equal.
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People trust justice more when judges are not pressured by politicians.
4. Do you think democratic government is better than other forms of government? Why?
Answer. Yes, because people choose leaders, can change them peacefully, speak freely, and all citizens share equal rights. Decisions aim for everyone’s welfare, not just one ruler or a small group.
5. Match the practice with the type of government.
| Practice | Type of Government |
|---|---|
| I. All citizens are treated equally before law | Democracy |
| II. The government refers to the religious leader for every decision | Theocracy |
| III. After the queen’s death, her son became the new king | Monarchy |
| IV. The ruler is not bound to follow any Constitution; he makes all decisions | Dictatorship |
6. Below is a list of countries. Find out the types of government these countries have.
| Country | Type of Government (2025) |
|---|---|
| Bhutan | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Nepal | Federal Parliamentary Democracy |
| Bangladesh | Parliamentary Democracy |
| South Africa | Parliamentary Democracy (Republic) |
| Brazil | Presidential Democracy (Republic) |
7. What are possible hurdles in a democracy in achieving its values and ideals? How can they be overcome?
Answer.
Hurdles: corruption, fake news, very rich people influencing leaders, low voter turnout, and slow courts.
Solutions: strict anti-corruption laws, media literacy in schools, spending limits in elections, making voting easy, and adding more judges to speed up cases.
8. Democracy is different from monarchy and dictatorship. Explain.
Answer.
In democracy people elect the government, enjoy equal laws, and change leaders through votes. In monarchy a king or queen inherits power, though sometimes limited by a constitution. In dictatorship one person or a small group grabs all power, citizens have little freedom, and there are no free elections. Thus democracy puts people first; monarchy and dictatorship put rulers first.