CHAPTER 2

SOCIALISM IN EUROPE AND THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION CONCEPTS THE AGE OF SOCIAL CHANGE

CLASS-IX (HISTORY)

Q.1. Differentiate between the ideas of the liberals and radicals in Europe (take the time period as after the French Revolution).

Ans.1-The liberals did not believe in universal franchise. In contrast, radicals wanted a nation in which government was based on the majority of a country’s population.

2-Liberals felt men of prosperity mainly should have the vote. They did not want the vote for women. On the other hand the radicals supported women’s suffragette movements and opposed the privileges of great landowners and wealthy factory owners.

3-They were not against the existence of private property but disliked concentration of property in the hands of a few.

 Q2.Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?

The revolutionary movement in Russia had been growing when the 1905

Revolution broke out. On 9th January 1905, a mass of peaceful workers with

their wives and children was fired at in St. Petersburg while on its way to the

winter Palace to present a petition to the Czar. More than a thousand of them

were killed and thousands of others were wounded. This day is known as Bloody

Sunday. The news of the killings provoked unprecedented disturbance

throughout Russia. The 1905 Revolution proved to be a dress rehearsal of the

revolution that came in 1917. It aroused the people and prepared them for

revolution.

The Czar took Russia into the First World War. This proved fatal and

brought about the final breakdown of the Russia autocracy. By February 1917, 6,

00, 000 soldiers had been killed in the war. There was widespread discontent

throughout the empire as well as in the army. The condition was ripe for a

revolution.

Minor incidents usually set off revolutions. In the case of the Russian

Revolution, it was a demonstration by working class women trying to purchase

bread. A general strike of workers followed, in which soldiers and others soon

joined. On 12 March, 1917 the capital city of Petersburg fell into the hands of the

revolutionaries. Soon the revolutionaries took Moscow, the Czar gave up his

throne and the first Provisional Government was formed on 15th March 1917.

Q3. Why were socialists against private property and saw it as the root of all social ills?

Ans 1-. The people who propagated socialism said that individuals, who owned property, did provide employment to many people but they were concerned with personal gains only.

2- They did not bother about the welfare of the people.

3-They felt that if society controlled property, more attention would be paid to collective social interests.

Q4.What were the main charges brought about by the Bolsheviks

immediately after the October Revolution?

1. The congress of Soviets on 8th November 1917 issued a proclamation to all

peoples and belligerent state to open negotiations for a just peace without

annexation and indemnities. Russia withdrew from the war, through formal

peace was signed with Germany later, after ceding the territories that

Germany demanded as price for peace.

2. Following the decree on land, the estates of the landlords, the church and the

Tsar were confiscated and transferred to peasants’ societies to be allotted to

peasant families to be cultivated without hired lobour.

3. The control of industries was transferred to stop committees of workers.

4. By the middle of 1918, banks and insurance companies, large industries,

mines, water transport and railways were nationalised, foreign debts were

repudiated and foreign investments were confiscated.

5. A Declaration of the rights of Peoples was issued conferring the right of selfdetermination

upon all nationalities.

6. A new government called the council of People’s Commissors, headed by

Lenin was formed.

Q.5 Comment on the role of Vladimir Lenin in the revolution and his contribution to the economic policy.

Ans. 1.Vladimir Lenin played an important part in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

2. Lenin led the revolutionaries after the fall of the Tsar under Lenin’s leadership; the Bolshevik Party put forward clear policies to end the war.

3. Transfer land to the peasants and advance the slogan ‘All power to the Soviets’.

4. He was of the opinion that no genuine democracy could be established unless all the non-Russians were given equal rights.

5. These were the real objectives of the Russian Revolution and he fulfilled all these objectives. That is why Lenin’s name has become inseparable from the Russian Revolution.

Q.6 What were the immediate consequences of the Russian Revolution?

Ans.1. Most industries and banks were nationalised in November 1917.

2.       This meant the government took over the ownership and management. Land was declared social property.

3.       Peasants were allowed to seize the land of the nobility.

4.       In cities, Bolsheviks enforced the partition of large houses according to family requirements.

5.       They banned the use of old title of aristocracy.

Q.7 What conditions led to the Russian Civil War in 1918-1920? Write any three points.

Ans. (i) The Russian army began to break up after Bolsheviks ordered land redistribution. Soldiers who were mostly peasants wished to go home for the land redistribution.

(ii)Non Bolshevik Socialists, Liberals and supporters of autocracy condemned the Bolshevik uprising. Their leaders organised the troops to fight the Bolsheviks.

(iii) During 1918 and 1919, the ‘greens’ (Socialist Revolutionaries) and ‘whites’ (pro-Tsarists) controlled most of the Russian empire. They were backed by French, American, British and Japanese troops. As these troops and the Bolsheviks fought a civil war, looting, banditry and famine became common.

(iv)Supporters of private property among ‘whites’ took harsh steps against peasants who had seized land.

Q8. Explain Stalin’s collectivisation programme:

OR

 Discuss ‘Stalin’s Collectivisation Programme’.

 Ans. 1.Stalin felt that collectivisation would definitely solve the problem of shortage.

 2. From 1929 the Party forced the peasants to cultivate in collective farms (Kolkhoz).

3. The bulk of land and implements were transferred to the ownership of collective farms.

4. Peasants worked on the land and the Kolkhoz profit was shared.

 5. Enraged peasants resisted the authorities and destroyed their livestock. Between 1929 and 1931, the number of cattle decreased by 1/3.

Q.9 Why was the decision to collectivise farms taken?

Ans.1 It was thought that rich peasants and traders in the countryside were holding stocks in the hope of higher prices.

2. This created a shortage.

3. As shortage continued, the decision was taken to collectivise farms as Lenin felt that the small size of farms caused the shortage.                                  

4. They also felt that these small size farms could not be modernised.

5. They felt that the need of the hour was to develop modern farms and run them along industrial lines with machinery.

Q.10 What was the role of the Tsar in the peasant revolt of 1905? Discuss briefly.

Ans.1-During the 1905 Revolution, the Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative parliament or Duma. The Tsar dismissed it within 75 days and re-elected.

2-Second Duma: within 3 months. He did not want any questioning of his authority or any reduction in his power. He changed the voting laws and packed the third Duma with conservative politicians.

Q11. What is known as Bloody Sunday?

OR

Describe the incident known as ‘Bloody Sunday’.

Ans. 1. Over 110,000 workers in St. Petersburg went on strike in 1905, demanding a reduction in the working day to eight hours, an increase in wages and improvement in working conditions.

2. When this procession reached the Winter Palace it was attacked by the police and the Cossacks.

3. Over 100 workers were killed and about 300 wounded.

This incident, known as Bloody Sunday, started a series of events that became known as the 1905 Revolution.

Q12  What led to the divisions of Bolsheviks and Mensheviks?

1. Bolsheviks:

i. They were the major group of the workers of Russia, who under their

leader Lenin, believed in the revolutionary methods for bringing about

changes in the society and the state.

ii. They did not believe in the Party system Parliament and elections etc.

2. Mensheviks:

i. They believed in the Parliamentary system and participation in the

elections for running the state and society.

ii. They believed in party system like France and Germany which took parts

in the elections to the legislature of their country.

Q13.What effects did the war have on the industry of Russia?

Ans. Russian industries were very few in number and the country was cut off from other suppliers of industrial goods by German control of the Baltic Sea. Industrial equipment disintegrated more rapidly in Russia than elsewhere in Europe. By 1916 railway lines began to break down. Able bodied men were called up to the war. As a result, there were labour shortages and small workshops producing essential commodities were shut down.

Q14 What was the impact of the Russian Revolution over the globe?

The October of 1917 had a universal impact.

• The Russian Revolution was the first successful revolution in history which

proclaimed the building of a society-a society based on the principles of

equality-as its objective. The ideology gained its followers throughout the

globe.

• The Communist International was formed. It aimed to promote revolution on

an international scale.

• The International communist orgainisation was born under comintern which

decided on policies to be followed by all communist parties.

• The concept of democracy came to be redefined. It came to be increasingly

realized that for a democracy to be real, political rights without social and

economic rights were not enough.

• The idea of state playing an active role in regulation the economy and

planning the economy to improve the conditions of the people came to be

accepted universally. Universally, labour gained dignity.

• The popularity of socialism globally helped to check discriminations based on

race, colour and sex.

• The spread of socialistic ideas also helped in promoting internationalism.

• The Russian Revolution helped to end imperialism.

• The Russian revolution influenced the movements for independence in the

colonized words.

Q.15 What was the basic principle of the Marxist theory?

Ans. 1-Marx believed that the condition of workers could not improve as long as profit was accumulated by private capitalists.

2- Workers had to overthrow capitalism and the rule of private property.

3- Workers must construct a radically socialist society where all property was socially controlled. This would be a communist society and a Communist Party was the natural society of the future.

Q.16 Discuss briefly the Five Years Plans.

Ans. A process of centralised planning was introduced. Officials assessed how the economy could work and set targets for a five-year period, on this basis they made the five-year plans. The government fixed all prices to promote industrial growth during the first two plans (1927-32 and 1933-38) centralised planning led to economic growth.

Q.17 What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?

Ans. Social conditions: People of different social status, classes, religions and diverse nationalities were there. Imposition of Russian language was made to belittle the cultures of these people. Main groups of Russian population were farmers, workers, landowners, capitalists, industrialists and traders.

Economic conditions: 85 per cent of Russians were agriculturists. Agriculture provided employment to a vast population. Cultivators produced food for market as well as their own needs

Political conditions: Nobles got their power and position through their services to the Tsar, not through local popularity. This was unlike France where peasants respected nobles and fought for them. In Russia, peasants wanted the land of the nobles; they refused to pay rent and even murdered landlords.

Chapter-8

CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY

01. Name any two challenges to the working of democracy in India?

Ans. Social and Economic inequality and casteism are the two challenges being faced by Indian Democracy.

02. What is the challenge of expansion?

Ans. The challenge of expansion, which is present in an established democracy, means applying the principle of democracy across all the regions, different social groups and institutions in the country.

03. Define the term 'Democratic Reform'.

Ans. Any proposal or suggestion about overcoming various challenges of democracy are called democratic reforms.

04. What types of challenges are being faced by democracy?

Ans. Three types of challenges i.e., Foundational challenge, challenge of expansion and deepening of democracy.

05. Give examples of challenge of expansion to democracy.

Ans. To give more powers to local governments and expansion of federal principle to all the units of the federation.

06. How can democratic reforms be carried out?

Ans. Democratic reforms can be carried out by

(a) legally

(b) by good quality of people's participation

(c) Development of democratic movement and the media.

07. What are the legal ways of reforming politics?

Ans. It means changes in the existing laws which can help to discourage wrong practices and encourage good ones or to bring amendments in the constitution.

08. What is the most common form of democracy in today's world?

Ans. Indirect or representative democracy

09. What do you understand by regionalism?

Ans. When the people, living in a particular, region, awaken to their separate existence, due to social, economic or geographical causes, the leaning towards their region, is called regionalism.

10. Mention any two measures to remove poverty in India.

Ans. The ever-increasing population of India should be effectively checked and steps should be taken to increase agricultural production in the country.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)

Q.1. What do you understand by the term ‘foundational challenges’?

Ans. Many countries even now are not democratic. They have to make a transition from other forms of governments to democracy and then instituting democratic governments. Such countries face the foundational challenge

Q.2. Briefly explain how the challenge of deepening of democracy can be met? Ans. It means strengthening the existing institutions of democracy and practices of democracy. As different people, different countries have different people, different countries have different expectations from democracy means that a democracy has to encourage people’s participation and control on democratic institutions. It has to curb and cut down the role of money power, the influence of the rich on making governmental decisions.

Q.3. What are the forms of challenges faced by different countries in respect to democracy?

Ans. (i) Countries which are not yet democratic face a foundational challenge—making a transition to democracy and establishing democratic governments.

(ii) Many countries face the challenge of expansion. This means applying principles of democracy to all the state, local and regional levels. It means including all social and economic groups including women empowerment.

(iii)All the democracies face the challenge of deepening of democracy. They have to improve and strengthen all institutions of democracy and curb all anti-democratic activities.

Q.4. Why do most people want to reform politicians? Do you agree with their views?

Ans. General public tends to blame politicians for all the ills of our country. People think they are responsible for the corruption, defection, casteism, communal violence, criminality etc. But it is wrong to do so, because all politicians are not bad, there are both good, honest politicians as well as bad, corrupt ones. It is for the citizens to be more alert and make the right choice at the time of elections. People and politicians together can meet the various challenges like casteism and community, not any strict laws.

Q.5. Can we draw a list of political reforms applicable to all democracies? Why/Why not?

Ans. Since all the countries do not have the same challenges, it is understood that everyone cannot follow the same recipe of political reforms. So, we cannot draw a list of political reforms applicable to all the democracies.

Q.6. What is the lacuna in legal means of political reform?

Ans. Any legal change must carefully look at what result it will have on politics. Sometimes, the results may be counter-productive. Generally, laws that seek to ban something are not very successful in politics. The best laws are those which empower people to carry out democratic reforms.

Q.7. Examine the three challenges of democracy.

Ans. (i) Foundational challenge : It refers to making the transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government.

(ii) Challenge of Expansion : This involves applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions.

(iii)Deepening of Democracy : This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy.

Q.8. Analyse three challenges before the countries which do not have a democratic form of government.

Ans. (i) Bringing down the existing non-democratic regime.

(ii) Keeping military away from controlling government.

(iii)Establishing a sovereign and functional state. At least one-fourth of the globe is still not under democratic governance. The challenge for democracy in these parts of the world is very stark. These countries face the foundational challenge of making the transition to democracy and then instituting a democratic government.

Long Questions (5 Marks):-

Q.1. Explain the challenges faced by Indian democracy while holding free and fair elections.

Ans. (i) Casteism and communalism. Voters in India vote on the basis of caste and religion. They do note consider the ability of the candidate. In the same way, parties are affected by caste and community. They give tickets based on the above consideration and not the ability.

(ii) Money power : A lot of money is spent by parties and candidates to win the favour of the voters. They try to buy votes by wooing the poor, the illiterate and lower classes. The ordinary citizens cannot contest elections.

(iii)Unfair advantage lies with bigger parties. They have more resources as compared to smaller parties and independent candidates

(iv) Voters have no choice : There is sometimes no difference in the agenda of different parties. It is only a clash of personalities and voter has no choice.

(v) Politics have been criminalised in recent times. More and more people with criminal background are winning elections. They indulge in booth capturing, and rigging during elections. They use muscle power to intimidate the voters.

(vi) Politicians misuse government machinery during elections.

Q.2. What sustains democracy in India?

OR

How can the principles of democracy be applied to all spheres of life.

Ans. India has been a democracy since it won independence in 1947. Seventy  years have not shaken the roots of democracy in our country.

First of all, India has given equal rights and freedom to every citizen. Fundamental rights are given by the Constitution to all the people.

1.There is universal adult franchise which gives every citizen a right to vote in elections. This has made the political parties to reach out to millions of people located in urban, rural or slum areas.

2.The citizens are also now aware of the power they have to change governments and disapprove their policies.

3.Government has taken measures to protect the weaker section of society. They are given reservation of seats in the Parliament, State Assemblies and local bodies. Seats are reserved for women in the Panchyati Raj institutions.

4.There is full freedom of thought, speech and writing and people can form and express their opinions without fear.

5.There is Freedom of Press. The press can shape public opinion by giving unbiased news about issues facing the country. zIndia has a federal system where power is shared both horizontally and vertically. People have a say in decision-making right from the village panchayat to the top. All these factors have kept India a united democracy.

Q.3. What is the role of an ordinary citizen in a democracy?

Ans.1.A citizen has to be an active and participatory citizen. He has to be interested not only in his affairs, but of the affairs of the nation as well. He should be well informed about the politics of his country. zHe should have consideration and regard for other people — their needs, views and well being.

2.People must co-operate with the government to make democracy successful.

3.Besides their rights, they should be aware of their duties as citizens of the country.

4.He should get rid of intolerance, fanaticism and inhuman treatment of weaker sections of the society. He should be law abiding himself and teach others to be law abiding citizens too.

5.Acts of Parliament cannot create a healthy, successful, democracy. India needs well informed, concerned citizens, who take keen interest in public affairs, perform all their civic duties and co-operate with the government.

Q.4.. “Different countries face different kinds of challenges.” Support the statement with suitable examples.

OR Why do most of the established democracies face the challenge expansion? Give any three reasons.

OR

Explain various type of challenges being faced by the modern democracies of the world?

Ans. It is true that different countries face different kinds of challenges —

(i) Non-democratic countries face foundational challenges. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. Example : In Myanmar, military rule should be challenged. Suu Kyi should be freed and should be elected as the representative of the popular government.

(ii) Every democracy faces the challenge of deepening of democracy. This involves applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Example : In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to take part in public activities, and no freedom of religion is there for the minorities.

(iii)Every democracy face the challenge of expansion. This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy. It requires an attempt to bring down that control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making governmental decision. Example : In USA, Black or African-American people have won equal rights, but are still poor, less educated and marginalised.

Q.5. What is a ‘challenge’? Explain the three major challenges before the countries of the world regarding democracy.  

OR

How can the countries facing the foundational challenge of making a transition to democracy set up a democratic government? Suggest any three measures.

    OR

The challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another. Support the statement with three suitable arguments. How can democracy be reformed and deepened? Suggest any three guidelines.

Ans. A ‘challenge’ is a difficulty which carries within it an opportunity for progress. Three major challenge are :

(i) Foundational challenge is about making the transition to democracy and then instituting a democratic government. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling the government and establishing a sovereign and functional state. Example : Myanmar, Chile, Nepal

(ii) Challenge of Expansion is faced by most of the  established democracies. This involves applying the basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. Most countries including India and other democracies like the U.S. face this challenge.

(iii)Deepening of democracy : This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy, specially those that help people’s participation and control. This attempts to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people in making governmental decision.

Q.6. Explain four ways to reform democracy in India.

OR

Explain which four guidelines should be kept in mind while devising ways and means for political reforms in India.

Suggest any three ways in which political reforms can be made in India?

Ans. (i) Carefully devised changes in law can help to discourage wrong political practices and encourage good ones. At the same time, legal-constitutional changes by themselves cannot overcome challenges to democracy. They are to be carried out mainly by political activities, parties movements and politically conscious citizens.

(ii) Legal changes can sometimes be counter-productive. Generally, laws that seek to ban something are not very successful. Rather laws that give political actors incentives to do good things have more chances of working. For, example, the ‘Right to Information Act’ empowers people to act as watchdogs of democracy.

(iii) The main focus of political reforms should be on ways to strengthen democratic practice. The most important concern should be to increase and improve the quality of political participation by ordinary citizens.

(iv) Any proposal for political reforms should think not only about what is a good solution but also about who will implement it and how measures that rely or democratic movements, citizens’ organisations and the media are likely to succeed.

Chapter-7

Outcomes of Democracy

Q.1.Why is democracy considered a better form of govt.?

                                          OR

Why do people prefer democracy? Explain with four reasons

a)It promotes equality among students.

b)Democracy enhances the dignity of individuals.

c)Democracy allows us to correct our mistakes.

d)It improves the quality of decision making.

e)It provides a method to resolve conflict.

Q2.How does democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens in economic sphere? 
Ans. a) Democracy stands for equal economic status to all citizens.
b) In democracy every citizen has right to do any profession.
c) In democracy government undertakes extensive social welfare schemes and achieve universal economic growth rate.
d)Democracy government took so many welfare schemes to remove poverty. 

Q3.Is a non democratic government efficient?

Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about decisions, majority and public opinion. So they are able to have quick and efficient decision. However, democracy is based on idea of deliberation and negotiation and so some delay is bound to take place. A democratic govt. takes more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision. Its decisions are both more acceptable and more efficient to the people.

Q4.How do we assess democracy’s outcome? 

Ans.We assess democracy’s outcome on the basis of its comparative outlook and socio- economic and political achievements like:
a)Comparative analysis between democracy and dictator ship.
b)It provides accountable, responsible, representative and legitimate government.
c)It develops mechanism for the people’s participation in the decision making process.
d)It promotes economic development. At the same time democracy has the characteristics of economic inequality and disparities.
e)We can also assess its outcome on the basis of the way it accommodates the social diversities.
f)It also promotes dignity and freedom of the citizens. 

Q5.How does democracy accommodate social diversities?
Ans.a) It reduced the possibility of tension.
b)It evolves mechanism to negotiate the differences.
c)It expands democratic rights to minority and weaker section of society.
d)It ensures the dignity and equal rights to all its citizens. 

Q.6.How does democracy produce an accountable responsive and legitimate govt.?

Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government in the following ways:
(a) Democratic government is responsible to the people. It cares about the opinions, needs and expectations of the people.
(b) In a democratic government, people have the right to choose their leaders and have control over their leaders.
(c) In a democratic government, citizens are able to participate in decision making. In this way the basic outcome of democracy is that it produces a government accountable to the citizens.
(d) Democracy produces legitimate government because after every four or five years, the representatives of the people are elected by secret ballet. The majority party forms government which works according to constitution.
Read more at http://topperssocialscience.blogspot.com/2013/02/26-most-important-questions-of-outcomes-of-democracy.html#LebspiqUBL9RHfhy.99
Q7.How democracies are based on political and economic equalities? 
Ans a) All citizens have equal role in electing representatives.
b)Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into political arena, we find growing economic inequalities. 

c) Democracy does not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. 

d)The ultra rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income.
e)At the bottom of the society, the people have very little to depend on. It is very difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such a s food, clothing, house, education and health
Q.8.Have democracies promoted economic growth and development? .

If we consider all democracies and dictatorships in 50 years between 1950 and 2000,we find that dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic development.Moreover economic growth is dependent on several factors such as: -the country’s population size, global situation, co-operation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country etc. So we cannot say that democracy can guarantee economic development but democracy will not lag behind dictatorships in this respect.

Q9.Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Support this statement with suitable arguments. 
Ans.a)Democracy develops a harmonious social life. Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
b)Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
c) In democracies people learn to respect the differences and also evolve mechanism to negotiate the differences.
d)The majority always needs to work with the minority so that government functions to represent the general view.

e) Democracy has ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflict

Q10.How  democracy helps in reducing economic disparities?

Ans.a) A democracy believes in equitable distribution and makes efforts to serve the poor at the root level.
b)A democracy believes in providing equal opportunity to all. Democratic governments have been supporting poor people through various schemes to uplift their economic level.
c)Poor people are being provided food and shelter at a subsidized rate and also free medicines and treatment facilities.
d)They are being insured for any unhappenings, so that their families do not get crushed.
e)They are being provided free education, reservation in educational institution and government jobs, etc. 

Q11.“Transparency is the most important feature of democracy.” Analyze.
Ans.. a)Democracy ensures that decision-making will be base d on norms and procedures.
b)So, citizens who want to know if a decision was taken through correct procedures can find this out.
c)The people have the right and the means to examine the process of decision- making.

Q12.Why is a democratic government considered less-efficient? Give any three reasons. 
Ans.a)Deliberations and discussions in the legislature consume lot of time.

b)The fear of majority and public opinion is a big obstacle in the efficient working of the government.

c)Deliberations and negations cause delay in taking decisions or getting the plans executed. This also adversely affects efficiency.

Q13.Has democracy led to the development, security and dignity of the people?
Ans. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government. Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individuals. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies. We can take the case of dignity of women. Most societies across the world were historically male dominated societies. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today. On the other hand, in non-democracies, individual freedom would not have legal and moral support. Democracies in India have also strengthened the claims of the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunities. Perhaps i t is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens values their democratic rights.
Q14. Describe the features of dictatorship?

 Ans a) Monopoly of powers.

b)One party

c)Faith in force

d)Emphasis on duty and discipline

e) Belief in racial superiority
Q.15 What is the real performance of democracies?
Ans.The real performance of democracies shows a mixed record. Democracies have had greater success in setting up regular and free elections and in setting up conditions for open public debate. But most democracies fall short of elections that provide a chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to public debate. When it comes to sharing information with citizens, they do not have a very good record. All one can say in favour of democratic regimes is that they are much better than any non-democratic regime in these respects
Q.16.Why do people all over the world support the idea of democracy?
Ans.Democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean but a democratic government is people’s own government and in this respect it is certainly much better than its alternatives. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.
Q17. Name any four distinguishing elements of democratic politics all over the world.
Ans.Distinguishing elements of democratic politics all over the world:
(a) Democracies differ in social situations;
(b) They differ in economic achievements;
(c) They differ in their culture.

Q.18.Is having democracy enough? What are the conditions necessary for success of democracy?
Ans.Democracy means rule by the people. But only having a democratic government is not enough. There are certain conditions necessary for a democracy.
(a) Free and Fair Elections: Elections should be held regularly in the country. They should also be held in an impartial way. Role of money should not be there in the elections.
(b) Moral Soundness of the Citizens: The success of democracy depends on the moral soundness of the citizens. It means that individuals should have tolerance for different views, religions and languages. They should place national interests above the personal interests.
(c) Economic Equality: There should be sufficient economic security for the individual. There should not be large gap between the poor and the rich.
Q.19 What are the demerits of dictatorship?
Ans.Dictatorship means “rule by few”. All the powers in the government are with a single person or with a single party. The demerits of dictatorship are given below:
a) Suppression of Civil Liberties: In a dictatorship, people are not allowed to disagree with the policies and programs of the government. There is no liberty of thought, speech and writing.
b) Decisions Taken by the Dictator: All the decisions are taken by the dictator himself. Generally, he does not consult anybody before taking decisions.
c) Violence: Violence is very common in dictatorship.

Q.20.What are the merits of dictatorship?
Ans.The merits of dictatorship are:
a) In dictatorship, there are no competing political parties. This ensures stability in the government.
b) The orders are carried out as soon as they are passed in dictatorship. This brings speed and efficiency in the system.
c) The dictators take all the decisions themselves. This enables them to take quick and decisive decisions.