📚 The 4 Golden Rules of Democracy
80 Mark Question Paper with Answer Key
Class X - Political Science | Time: 3 Hours
Subject: Civics / Political Science
Total Marks: 80
Time Duration: 3 Hours
📋 Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory
- Read all questions carefully before answering
- Use a separate answer sheet
- Marks are indicated against each question
- Write your answers in your own words
SECTION A: Very Short Answer (1×5=5 Marks)
Q1.
What is the Greek origin of the word "democracy"?
1 Mark
Q2.
Name any one country that is not a democracy.
1 Mark
Q3.
What does "one person, one vote" mean?
1 Mark
Q4.
Who led the military coup in Pakistan in 1999?
1 Mark
Q5.
Define the "Rule of Law" in simple terms.
1 Mark
SECTION B: Short Answer (2×6=12 Marks)
Q6.
Explain why a simple definition of democracy as "government of the people" is not adequate. Give one example.
2 Marks
Q7.
What is the difference between a "real democracy" and a "fake democracy"? Explain with examples.
2 Marks
Q8.
Describe the first golden rule of democracy with reference to Pakistan's example.
2 Marks
Q9.
What does "free and fair electoral competition" mean? Why is it important in a democracy?
2 Marks
Q10.
Compare the electoral systems of China and Mexico. Why are neither fully democratic?
2 Marks
Q11.
Explain how the rule of law and respect for rights strengthen a democracy.
2 Marks
SECTION C: Long Answer (4×9=36 Marks)
Q12.
"The four golden rules of democracy are like the four legs of a table." Explain this statement with reference to all four features of democracy.
4 Marks
Q13.
Analyze how Pakistan under General Musharraf's rule violated the first golden rule of democracy. What consequences did this have?
4 Marks
Q14.
Examine the case of Mexico's elections under the PRI party. Which golden rules were violated and how?
4 Marks
Q15.
Explain why equal voting rights (one person, one vote, one value) are crucial for a democracy. Give examples of countries where this rule was violated.
4 Marks
Q16.
Analyze the case of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. How did he violate the fourth golden rule despite winning elections regularly?
4 Marks
Q17.
Can a government be democratic if it holds regular elections but the elected representatives don't have real power? Justify your answer with examples.
4 Marks
Q18.
Discuss why democracy is considered better than other forms of government. Explain with reference to the China-India famine example.
4 Marks
Q19.
How does the rule of law ensure that a democratic government remains accountable to its people? Explain with relevant examples.
4 Marks
Q20.
Evaluate: "Democracy may have flaws, but it is still better than any other form of government." Do you agree? Support your answer with arguments.
4 Marks
SECTION D: Multiple Choice (1×8=8 Marks)
Q21.
Which Greek words combine to form "democracy"?
1 Mark
Q22.
In which year did General Musharraf lead a military coup in Pakistan?
1 Mark
Q23.
Which party won elections for 70 years in Mexico until 2000?
1 Mark
Q24.
In which country did women not have voting rights until 2015?
1 Mark
Q25.
Who was the long-time leader of Zimbabwe who violated democratic principles?
1 Mark
Q26.
Which famine is mentioned as an example of democracy's advantage?
1 Mark
Q27.
What does "Political Equality" in democracy mean?
1 Mark
Q28.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a true democracy?
1 Mark
SECTION E: Case Study (14 Marks)
📖 Case Study: Zimbabwe Under Robert Mugabe
Context: Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party ruled for decades. However, his government:
- Changed the constitution several times to increase the President's power
- Harassed opposition party workers and disrupted their meetings
- Made public protests and demonstrations illegal
- Created laws limiting the right to criticize the President
- Controlled television and radio to show only the ruling party's version
- Harassed independent journalists who opposed the government
- Ignored court judgments that went against the government
- Pressured judges to deliver favorable decisions
Q29.
According to the fourth golden rule of democracy, what should a democratic government NOT do? How did Mugabe violate this rule?
3 Marks
Q30.
Despite winning elections regularly, was Zimbabwe under Mugabe truly democratic? Justify your answer with reference to the four golden rules.
4 Marks
Q31.
Mugabe's government controlled media and suppressed dissent. How do these actions undermine the principles of a democratic society?
4 Marks
Q32.
What could the citizens of Zimbabwe have done to strengthen democratic values in their country? Suggest three measures.
3 Marks
SECTION F: Assertion-Reason (1.25×4=5 Marks)
Q33.
A: Pakistan under General Musharraf should not be called a democratic country even though elections were held.
R: The real power rested with military officers, not with elected representatives.
1.25 Marks
R: The real power rested with military officers, not with elected representatives.
Q34.
A: Democracy is better than other forms of government in responding to people's needs.
R: In a non-democratic country, rulers are accountable to the people.
1.25 Marks
R: In a non-democratic country, rulers are accountable to the people.
Q35.
A: Mexico had fake elections under the PRI party.
R: Although opposition parties existed, the PRI used dirty tricks and the ruling party could never lose.
1.25 Marks
R: Although opposition parties existed, the PRI used dirty tricks and the ruling party could never lose.
Q36.
A: The four golden rules of democracy are like four legs of a table.
R: If any one rule is broken, the entire structure of democracy collapses.
1.25 Marks
R: If any one rule is broken, the entire structure of democracy collapses.
📊 Complete Answer Key & Explanations
All 36 questions answered with detailed explanations
SECTION A: Very Short Answer (1 Mark each)
Q1.
What is the Greek origin of the word "democracy"?
✅ Answer:
The word "democracy" comes from two Greek words: Demos (People) + Kratia (Rule) = "Rule by the People"
Q2.
Name any one country that is not a democracy.
✅ Answer:
Any one valid answer: North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, China, Saudi Arabia, or Pakistan during military rule
Q3.
What does "one person, one vote" mean?
✅ Answer:
Every adult citizen gets exactly ONE vote and each vote has EQUAL value/worth. No one's vote counts more than another's, ensuring political equality among all citizens.
Q4.
Who led the military coup in Pakistan in 1999?
✅ Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf led the military coup in Pakistan in October 1999.
Q5.
Define the "Rule of Law" in simple terms.
✅ Answer:
Rule of Law means: Government must follow the constitution, respect citizens' rights, no one is above law (even the ruler), all are equal before law, and courts are independent.
SECTION B: Short Answer (2 Marks each)
Q6.
Explain why a simple definition of democracy as "government of the people" is not adequate. Give one example.
✅ Answer:
Why inadequate: Many non-democratic governments also claim to be "government of the people" by holding elections, but they are fake democracies.
Example: Pakistan under General Musharraf held elections, but elected leaders didn't have real power. Military officers made final decisions, so it was NOT true "government of the people."
Example: Pakistan under General Musharraf held elections, but elected leaders didn't have real power. Military officers made final decisions, so it was NOT true "government of the people."
💡 Key Learning: A simple definition doesn't distinguish between real and fake democracies. We need detailed features to properly define democracy.
Q7.
What is the difference between a "real democracy" and a "fake democracy"? Explain with examples.
✅ Answer:
Real Democracy: Elected leaders have real power, free and fair elections, all citizens vote equally, government respects rights and rule of law. Example: India
Fake Democracy: Elections held but power elsewhere, elections rigged, some denied voting rights, government ignores rights. Example: Mexico under PRI (70 years)
Fake Democracy: Elections held but power elsewhere, elections rigged, some denied voting rights, government ignores rights. Example: Mexico under PRI (70 years)
Q8.
Describe the first golden rule of democracy with reference to Pakistan's example.
✅ Answer:
First Golden Rule: Final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
Pakistan Example: General Musharraf held elections in 2002, but issued "Legal Framework Order" giving himself veto power. National Security Council (dominated by military) supervised civilian cabinet. Elected representatives couldn't make final decisions. Real power remained with military, NOT elected leaders. Therefore, Pakistan violated the first golden rule.
Pakistan Example: General Musharraf held elections in 2002, but issued "Legal Framework Order" giving himself veto power. National Security Council (dominated by military) supervised civilian cabinet. Elected representatives couldn't make final decisions. Real power remained with military, NOT elected leaders. Therefore, Pakistan violated the first golden rule.
Q9.
What does "free and fair electoral competition" mean? Why is it important in a democracy?
✅ Answer:
Meaning: Multiple parties can contest, voters have real choice, current rulers have fair chance of losing, no rigging or coercion.
Why Important: Ensures elected leaders are accountable to people, prevents one party from becoming permanent ruler, allows peaceful change of government, gives people real power to decide who rules.
Why Important: Ensures elected leaders are accountable to people, prevents one party from becoming permanent ruler, allows peaceful change of government, gives people real power to decide who rules.
Q10.
Compare the electoral systems of China and Mexico. Why are neither fully democratic?
✅ Answer:
China: Only Communist Party members can contest elections. No real choice!
Mexico (PRI): Opposition parties existed but PRI used dirty tricks - forced teachers to make parents vote, shifted polling booths at last minute, controlled media. PRI won for 70 years - no real chance to lose.
Why Not Democratic: Both violated second golden rule - elections must offer real choice and fair chance to change rulers.
Mexico (PRI): Opposition parties existed but PRI used dirty tricks - forced teachers to make parents vote, shifted polling booths at last minute, controlled media. PRI won for 70 years - no real chance to lose.
Why Not Democratic: Both violated second golden rule - elections must offer real choice and fair chance to change rulers.
Q11.
Explain how the rule of law and respect for rights strengthen a democracy.
✅ Answer:
How They Strengthen Democracy:
1. Limit Government Power - Elected leaders cannot do whatever they want
2. Protect Minorities - Even losing parties have rights protected
3. Enable Free Opposition - People can criticize government without fear
4. Ensure Accountability - Independent courts can check government
5. Allow Political Activity - Parties can organize, protest peacefully
6. Prevent Dictatorship - Even popular leaders must follow constitution
Example: Zimbabwe under Mugabe - He had popular support but violated rights (made protests illegal, ignored court orders), so democracy weakened.
1. Limit Government Power - Elected leaders cannot do whatever they want
2. Protect Minorities - Even losing parties have rights protected
3. Enable Free Opposition - People can criticize government without fear
4. Ensure Accountability - Independent courts can check government
5. Allow Political Activity - Parties can organize, protest peacefully
6. Prevent Dictatorship - Even popular leaders must follow constitution
Example: Zimbabwe under Mugabe - He had popular support but violated rights (made protests illegal, ignored court orders), so democracy weakened.
SECTION C: Long Answer (4 Marks each)
Q12.
"The four golden rules of democracy are like the four legs of a table." Explain this statement with reference to all four features of democracy.
✅ Answer:
The Table Analogy: Democracy is like a table with four legs. Each leg is essential:
Leg 1 - Elected Leaders Make Final Decisions: The table rests on this - people's power through elected representatives
Leg 2 - Free & Fair Elections: Without this leg, leaders cannot be changed peacefully
Leg 3 - Equal Votes for All Citizens: This ensures democracy isn't just for some
Leg 4 - Rule of Law & Respect for Rights: This provides structural stability and prevents dictatorship
Key Point: If ANY ONE LEG IS BROKEN, the entire table collapses! Democracy cannot function without all four rules. Each is equally important.
Leg 1 - Elected Leaders Make Final Decisions: The table rests on this - people's power through elected representatives
Leg 2 - Free & Fair Elections: Without this leg, leaders cannot be changed peacefully
Leg 3 - Equal Votes for All Citizens: This ensures democracy isn't just for some
Leg 4 - Rule of Law & Respect for Rights: This provides structural stability and prevents dictatorship
Key Point: If ANY ONE LEG IS BROKEN, the entire table collapses! Democracy cannot function without all four rules. Each is equally important.
Key Points to Remember:
- All 4 rules are equally important
- They support and strengthen each other
- Without any one, democracy collapses
Q13.
Analyze how Pakistan under General Musharraf's rule violated the first golden rule of democracy. What consequences did this have?
✅ Answer:
How First Rule Was Violated:
1. Military Coup (1999) - Musharraf overthrew democratically elected government
2. Legal Framework Order (2002) - Amended constitution to give himself veto power
3. Real Power with Military - National Security Council dominated by military supervised civilian cabinet
4. Elections Were Fake - Held elections but elected leaders had no real authority
Consequences:
• People's votes became meaningless - elected representatives had no real power
• Democracy was merely in name, not in practice
• Government wasn't accountable to people
• Military remained supreme authority
• Citizens couldn't peacefully change government
• Democratic institutions were weakened
1. Military Coup (1999) - Musharraf overthrew democratically elected government
2. Legal Framework Order (2002) - Amended constitution to give himself veto power
3. Real Power with Military - National Security Council dominated by military supervised civilian cabinet
4. Elections Were Fake - Held elections but elected leaders had no real authority
Consequences:
• People's votes became meaningless - elected representatives had no real power
• Democracy was merely in name, not in practice
• Government wasn't accountable to people
• Military remained supreme authority
• Citizens couldn't peacefully change government
• Democratic institutions were weakened
Q14.
Examine the case of Mexico's elections under the PRI party. Which golden rules were violated and how?
✅ Answer:
Golden Rule VIOLATED: Rule 2 - Free & Fair Elections
The Situation: PRI party won EVERY election for 70 years (until 2000)
How Fair Elections Were Violated:
1. Government School Teachers: Forced parents to vote for PRI
2. Last-Minute Changes: Shifted polling booths at last minute to confuse voters
3. Media Control: Largely ignored opposition parties or criticized them
4. Financial Advantage: PRI spent much more money than opposition on campaigns
5. No Real Choice: Although opposition existed, no real chance to win
Result: Elections were not FREE (coercion), not FAIR (unequal conditions), people didn't have real choice between alternatives, in practice the ruling party could never lose.
The Situation: PRI party won EVERY election for 70 years (until 2000)
How Fair Elections Were Violated:
1. Government School Teachers: Forced parents to vote for PRI
2. Last-Minute Changes: Shifted polling booths at last minute to confuse voters
3. Media Control: Largely ignored opposition parties or criticized them
4. Financial Advantage: PRI spent much more money than opposition on campaigns
5. No Real Choice: Although opposition existed, no real chance to win
Result: Elections were not FREE (coercion), not FAIR (unequal conditions), people didn't have real choice between alternatives, in practice the ruling party could never lose.
Q15.
Explain why equal voting rights (one person, one vote, one value) are crucial for a democracy. Give examples of countries where this rule was violated.
✅ Answer:
Why Equal Voting Rights Are Crucial:
1. Political Equality: In democracy, rich and poor are politically equal
2. Human Dignity: Everyone's voice matters equally
3. Prevents Discrimination: No group can be excluded
4. True Representation: Decisions reflect majority will
5. Foundation of Democracy: If votes aren't equal, it's not real democracy
Examples of Violations:
• Saudi Arabia: Women didn't have right to vote until 2015. This meant half the population couldn't participate in deciding government.
• Fiji: Electoral system designed so indigenous Fijian's vote is WORTH MORE than Indian-Fijian's vote. Some votes count more than others.
• Historical Examples: USA - Black people couldn't vote until 1965; South Africa - Black votes didn't count under apartheid
1. Political Equality: In democracy, rich and poor are politically equal
2. Human Dignity: Everyone's voice matters equally
3. Prevents Discrimination: No group can be excluded
4. True Representation: Decisions reflect majority will
5. Foundation of Democracy: If votes aren't equal, it's not real democracy
Examples of Violations:
• Saudi Arabia: Women didn't have right to vote until 2015. This meant half the population couldn't participate in deciding government.
• Fiji: Electoral system designed so indigenous Fijian's vote is WORTH MORE than Indian-Fijian's vote. Some votes count more than others.
• Historical Examples: USA - Black people couldn't vote until 1965; South Africa - Black votes didn't count under apartheid
Q16.
Analyze the case of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. How did he violate the fourth golden rule despite winning elections regularly?
✅ Answer:
Golden Rule Violated: Rule 4 - Rule of Law & Respect for Rights
The Situation: Mugabe was elected repeatedly but was autocratic
How He Violated Rule 4:
1. Changed Constitution: Multiple times to increase his power and reduce accountability
2. Harassed Opposition: Opposition workers harassed, meetings disrupted
3. Banned Protests: Made public protests and demonstrations illegal
4. Silenced Criticism: Created laws limiting right to criticize the President
5. Controlled Media: TV and radio gave only ruling party's version
6. Pressured Courts: Judges pressured, court orders ignored
7. Harassed Journalists: Those who opposed government threatened
Key Point: Despite being popular and winning elections, he ruled autocratically because he didn't respect rule of law and citizens' rights.
Lesson: Regular elections alone don't make democracy. Government must respect basic rights and follow constitution.
The Situation: Mugabe was elected repeatedly but was autocratic
How He Violated Rule 4:
1. Changed Constitution: Multiple times to increase his power and reduce accountability
2. Harassed Opposition: Opposition workers harassed, meetings disrupted
3. Banned Protests: Made public protests and demonstrations illegal
4. Silenced Criticism: Created laws limiting right to criticize the President
5. Controlled Media: TV and radio gave only ruling party's version
6. Pressured Courts: Judges pressured, court orders ignored
7. Harassed Journalists: Those who opposed government threatened
Key Point: Despite being popular and winning elections, he ruled autocratically because he didn't respect rule of law and citizens' rights.
Lesson: Regular elections alone don't make democracy. Government must respect basic rights and follow constitution.
Q17.
Can a government be democratic if it holds regular elections but the elected representatives don't have real power? Justify your answer with examples.
✅ Answer:
Answer: NO, it cannot be democratic
Justification: Democracy requires elected leaders to have REAL, FINAL decision-making power. If real power is elsewhere, elections become meaningless. People vote for representatives who can't make decisions - that's not democracy.
Example 1: Pakistan under Musharraf
• Elections held regularly (looks democratic)
• BUT military had real power through National Security Council
• Elected parliament's decisions could be overruled
• Result: NOT a democracy despite elections
Example 2: China
• Elections held for National People's Congress
• BUT Communist Party already decided everything
• Elected body just rubber-stamps decisions
• Result: NOT a democracy despite elections
Conclusion: Elections are necessary but NOT sufficient for democracy. Real power must rest with elected representatives.
Justification: Democracy requires elected leaders to have REAL, FINAL decision-making power. If real power is elsewhere, elections become meaningless. People vote for representatives who can't make decisions - that's not democracy.
Example 1: Pakistan under Musharraf
• Elections held regularly (looks democratic)
• BUT military had real power through National Security Council
• Elected parliament's decisions could be overruled
• Result: NOT a democracy despite elections
Example 2: China
• Elections held for National People's Congress
• BUT Communist Party already decided everything
• Elected body just rubber-stamps decisions
• Result: NOT a democracy despite elections
Conclusion: Elections are necessary but NOT sufficient for democracy. Real power must rest with elected representatives.
Q18.
Discuss why democracy is considered better than other forms of government. Explain with reference to the China-India famine example.
✅ Answer:
Why Democracy is Better:
1. Accountability to People: Rulers must respond to needs or lose elections
2. Better Decision-Making: Multiple people discussing = better decisions
3. Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts: Competition through elections, not violence
4. Protects Dignity: People treated as rulers, not subjects
5. Corrects Its Own Mistakes: Errors exposed and fixed
China-India Famine Example:
China (1958-1961) - Great Famine: Nearly 3 crore people died
• Dictatorship - government policies weren't questioned
• No free press - couldn't report the famine
• No opposition parties - couldn't challenge government
• No way to change government - people stuck with bad ruler
• Mistakes continued unchecked
India (Same Period) - No Large-Scale Famine: Economic condition similar to China
• Democracy - government accountable to people
• Free press - reported hunger and starvation
• Opposition parties - raised concerns in parliament
• Government responded - prevented famine
• Elections motivated government to act
Conclusion: Democratic government has incentive to respond to people's needs. Non-democratic ruler can ignore suffering without consequences.
1. Accountability to People: Rulers must respond to needs or lose elections
2. Better Decision-Making: Multiple people discussing = better decisions
3. Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts: Competition through elections, not violence
4. Protects Dignity: People treated as rulers, not subjects
5. Corrects Its Own Mistakes: Errors exposed and fixed
China-India Famine Example:
China (1958-1961) - Great Famine: Nearly 3 crore people died
• Dictatorship - government policies weren't questioned
• No free press - couldn't report the famine
• No opposition parties - couldn't challenge government
• No way to change government - people stuck with bad ruler
• Mistakes continued unchecked
India (Same Period) - No Large-Scale Famine: Economic condition similar to China
• Democracy - government accountable to people
• Free press - reported hunger and starvation
• Opposition parties - raised concerns in parliament
• Government responded - prevented famine
• Elections motivated government to act
Conclusion: Democratic government has incentive to respond to people's needs. Non-democratic ruler can ignore suffering without consequences.
Q19.
How does the rule of law ensure that a democratic government remains accountable to its people? Explain with relevant examples.
✅ Answer:
How Rule of Law Ensures Accountability:
1. Government Bound by Constitution: Can't do whatever it wants
2. Independent Judiciary: Courts can check government actions, declare decisions unconstitutional
3. Citizens' Rights Protected: People can challenge government in court
4. Transparency & Checks: Every official has power limits
5. Mistakes Can Be Corrected: Courts can reverse unjust decisions
Without Rule of Law:
Zimbabwe under Mugabe - ignored court decisions, changed constitution to increase power, government wasn't accountable, became autocratic despite elections.
Conclusion: Rule of law creates mechanism to keep government accountable even without immediate elections.
1. Government Bound by Constitution: Can't do whatever it wants
2. Independent Judiciary: Courts can check government actions, declare decisions unconstitutional
3. Citizens' Rights Protected: People can challenge government in court
4. Transparency & Checks: Every official has power limits
5. Mistakes Can Be Corrected: Courts can reverse unjust decisions
Without Rule of Law:
Zimbabwe under Mugabe - ignored court decisions, changed constitution to increase power, government wasn't accountable, became autocratic despite elections.
Conclusion: Rule of law creates mechanism to keep government accountable even without immediate elections.
Q20.
Evaluate: "Democracy may have flaws, but it is still better than any other form of government." Do you agree? Support your answer with arguments.
✅ Answer:
YES, I AGREE with this statement
Flaws of Democracy (Valid Criticisms):
• Leaders keep changing - may affect long-term plans
• Political competition and power play - morality sometimes ignored
• Consultation takes time - decisions delayed
• Common people don't always know what's best
• Corruption possible through electoral competition
Despite These Flaws, Democracy is Better Because:
1. Allows Self-Correction: Mistakes can't be hidden, opposition challenges wrong policies
2. Accountability Mechanism: Rulers MUST listen to people or lose elections
3. Respects Human Dignity: People treated as rulers, not subjects
4. Peaceful Power Transfer: No violence needed, losers accept election results
5. Diversity & Inclusion: Different groups can live together peacefully
Alternative Forms Are Worse:
• Dictatorship: No mechanism to remove bad ruler, no accountability, most corrupt
• Monarchy: Power by birth, not merit, no accountability
• Military Rule: Even more autocratic, martial law suppresses freedom
Real-World Example: India remained united despite diversity because of democracy
Conclusion: Democracy has flaws because it involves many people with different views. But these very flaws - debate, negotiation, transparency - make it better. The alternative is worse: all power with one person/group with no accountability.
Flaws of Democracy (Valid Criticisms):
• Leaders keep changing - may affect long-term plans
• Political competition and power play - morality sometimes ignored
• Consultation takes time - decisions delayed
• Common people don't always know what's best
• Corruption possible through electoral competition
Despite These Flaws, Democracy is Better Because:
1. Allows Self-Correction: Mistakes can't be hidden, opposition challenges wrong policies
2. Accountability Mechanism: Rulers MUST listen to people or lose elections
3. Respects Human Dignity: People treated as rulers, not subjects
4. Peaceful Power Transfer: No violence needed, losers accept election results
5. Diversity & Inclusion: Different groups can live together peacefully
Alternative Forms Are Worse:
• Dictatorship: No mechanism to remove bad ruler, no accountability, most corrupt
• Monarchy: Power by birth, not merit, no accountability
• Military Rule: Even more autocratic, martial law suppresses freedom
Real-World Example: India remained united despite diversity because of democracy
Conclusion: Democracy has flaws because it involves many people with different views. But these very flaws - debate, negotiation, transparency - make it better. The alternative is worse: all power with one person/group with no accountability.
Final Thought: No perfect government exists. The question is comparing real democracy with real alternatives, not democracy with an ideal dictatorship.
SECTION D: Multiple Choice (1 Mark each)
Q21.
Which Greek words combine to form "democracy"?
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
Demos = People + Kratia = Rule = "Rule by the People"
Q22.
In which year did General Musharraf lead a military coup in Pakistan?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) 1999
General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan in October 1999.
Q23.
Which party won elections for 70 years in Mexico until 2000?
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)
The PRI won every election in Mexico for 70 years until 2000, using dirty tricks.
Q24.
In which country did women not have voting rights until 2015?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) Saudi Arabia
Women in Saudi Arabia didn't have voting rights until 2015.
Q25.
Who was the long-time leader of Zimbabwe who violated democratic principles?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe and violated the fourth golden rule.
Q26.
Which famine is mentioned as an example of democracy's advantage?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) China's Famine of 1958-1961
China's famine killed 3 crore people. India didn't have such famine despite similar conditions.
Q27.
What does "Political Equality" in democracy mean?
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
Each adult citizen has one vote with equal value, regardless of wealth or status.
Q28.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a true democracy?
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Military control
Military control is characteristic of non-democratic governments. In democracy, elected civilian leaders have final decision-making power.
SECTION E: Case Study (14 Marks)
Q29.
According to the fourth golden rule of democracy, what should a democratic government NOT do? How did Mugabe violate this rule?
✅ Answer:
What Democratic Government Should NOT Do: NOT ignore constitutional limits, NOT violate citizens' rights, NOT suppress dissent, NOT ignore court orders, NOT control courts
How Mugabe Violated Rule 4:
1. Changed Constitution - increased his power instead of respecting it
2. Suppressed Rights - made protests illegal, restricted criticism
3. Ignored Courts - pressured judges, ignored their decisions
4. Controlled Information - state TV/radio, harassed journalists
Result: Even though elected and popular, he ruled autocratically.
How Mugabe Violated Rule 4:
1. Changed Constitution - increased his power instead of respecting it
2. Suppressed Rights - made protests illegal, restricted criticism
3. Ignored Courts - pressured judges, ignored their decisions
4. Controlled Information - state TV/radio, harassed journalists
Result: Even though elected and popular, he ruled autocratically.
Q30.
Despite winning elections regularly, was Zimbabwe under Mugabe truly democratic? Justify your answer with reference to the four golden rules.
✅ Answer:
Answer: NO, Zimbabwe was NOT truly democratic
Rule Analysis:
✓ Rule 1: Partially - Elected leaders but power concentrated
✗ Rule 2: VIOLATED - Opposition harassed, no real chance to win
✓ Rule 3: Partially - Universal voting but opposition votes didn't matter
✗ Rule 4: SEVERELY VIOLATED - Constitution changed, courts ignored, rights suppressed, press controlled, protests banned
Conclusion: Failed Rules 2 and 4. Since all four are essential (like table legs), breaking even one means structure collapses. Zimbabwe could NOT be called truly democratic.
Rule Analysis:
✓ Rule 1: Partially - Elected leaders but power concentrated
✗ Rule 2: VIOLATED - Opposition harassed, no real chance to win
✓ Rule 3: Partially - Universal voting but opposition votes didn't matter
✗ Rule 4: SEVERELY VIOLATED - Constitution changed, courts ignored, rights suppressed, press controlled, protests banned
Conclusion: Failed Rules 2 and 4. Since all four are essential (like table legs), breaking even one means structure collapses. Zimbabwe could NOT be called truly democratic.
Q31.
Mugabe's government controlled media and suppressed dissent. How do these actions undermine the principles of a democratic society?
✅ Answer:
How Media Control & Dissent Suppression Undermine Democracy:
1. Denies Freedom of Expression - Basic democratic right violated
2. Prevents Informed Decisions - People need accurate info to vote wisely
3. Stops Public Debate - Democracy needs discussion
4. Prevents Accountability - Media is government watchdog
5. Enables Dictatorship - Controlled info supports autocratic rule
6. Violates Citizens' Dignity - Treats people as subjects not citizens
Contrast with Healthy Democracy (India): Free press, multiple viewpoints, accountable government, informed citizens
1. Denies Freedom of Expression - Basic democratic right violated
2. Prevents Informed Decisions - People need accurate info to vote wisely
3. Stops Public Debate - Democracy needs discussion
4. Prevents Accountability - Media is government watchdog
5. Enables Dictatorship - Controlled info supports autocratic rule
6. Violates Citizens' Dignity - Treats people as subjects not citizens
Contrast with Healthy Democracy (India): Free press, multiple viewpoints, accountable government, informed citizens
Q32.
What could the citizens of Zimbabwe have done to strengthen democratic values in their country? Suggest three measures.
✅ Answer:
Three Measures:
1. Support Independent Media & Journalism
• Read independent newspapers
• Support journalists at risk
• Circulate information through networks
• Document government abuses
2. Peaceful Protests & Mass Movements
• Organize peaceful demonstrations
• Hold strikes and boycotts
• Marches to show opposition
• Civil disobedience movements
3. Support Opposition Parties & Candidates
• Vote for opposition despite harassment
• Help opposition organize
• Protect opposition workers
• Build united opposition
Note: Citizens eventually succeeded - Mugabe was forced out in 2017!
1. Support Independent Media & Journalism
• Read independent newspapers
• Support journalists at risk
• Circulate information through networks
• Document government abuses
2. Peaceful Protests & Mass Movements
• Organize peaceful demonstrations
• Hold strikes and boycotts
• Marches to show opposition
• Civil disobedience movements
3. Support Opposition Parties & Candidates
• Vote for opposition despite harassment
• Help opposition organize
• Protect opposition workers
• Build united opposition
Note: Citizens eventually succeeded - Mugabe was forced out in 2017!
SECTION F: Assertion-Reason (1.25 Marks each)
Q33.
A: Pakistan under General Musharraf should not be called a democratic country even though elections were held.
R: The real power rested with military officers, not with elected representatives.
R: The real power rested with military officers, not with elected representatives.
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• A is TRUE: Pakistan wasn't democratic
• R is TRUE: Military had real power
• R explains A: Military power IS WHY it wasn't democratic
This directly relates to the first golden rule.
• A is TRUE: Pakistan wasn't democratic
• R is TRUE: Military had real power
• R explains A: Military power IS WHY it wasn't democratic
This directly relates to the first golden rule.
Q34.
A: Democracy is better than other forms of government in responding to people's needs.
R: In a non-democratic country, rulers are accountable to the people.
R: In a non-democratic country, rulers are accountable to the people.
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
A is true but R is false
• A is TRUE: Democracy IS better at responding
• R is FALSE: In non-democratic countries, rulers are NOT accountable (that's why dictatorship is bad)
The reason A is true is exactly OPPOSITE of what R says!
• A is TRUE: Democracy IS better at responding
• R is FALSE: In non-democratic countries, rulers are NOT accountable (that's why dictatorship is bad)
The reason A is true is exactly OPPOSITE of what R says!
Q35.
A: Mexico had fake elections under the PRI party.
R: Although opposition parties existed, the PRI used dirty tricks and the ruling party could never lose.
R: Although opposition parties existed, the PRI used dirty tricks and the ruling party could never lose.
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• A is TRUE: Mexico's elections were fake
• R is TRUE: Opposition existed but dirty tricks and no real chance to lose
• R explains A: Fake elections happened BECAUSE of dirty tricks
This relates to the second golden rule.
• A is TRUE: Mexico's elections were fake
• R is TRUE: Opposition existed but dirty tricks and no real chance to lose
• R explains A: Fake elections happened BECAUSE of dirty tricks
This relates to the second golden rule.
Q36.
A: The four golden rules of democracy are like four legs of a table.
R: If any one rule is broken, the entire structure of democracy collapses.
R: If any one rule is broken, the entire structure of democracy collapses.
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• A is TRUE: Democracy's four rules function like table legs
• R is TRUE: Breaking any one causes collapse
• R explains A: They're like legs BECAUSE breaking any one causes collapse
This is the core concept!
• A is TRUE: Democracy's four rules function like table legs
• R is TRUE: Breaking any one causes collapse
• R explains A: They're like legs BECAUSE breaking any one causes collapse
This is the core concept!
