Class X - Agriculture

Class X - Agriculture

NCERT EXERCISE

1. Multiple choice questions.
(i) Which one of the following describes a system of agriculture where a single
crop is grown on a large area?
(a) Shifting Agriculture
(b) Plantation Agriculture
(c) Horticulture
(d) Intensive Agriculture

Ans. (b) Plantation Agriculture

(ii) Which one of the following is a rabi crop?
(a) Rice (c) Millets
(b) Gram (d) Cotton

Ans. (b) Gram

(iii) Which one of the following is a leguminous crop?
(a) Pulses (c) Millets
(b) Jawar (d) Sesamum

Ans. (a) Pulses

(iv) Which one of the following is announced by the government in support of a crop?
(a) Maximum support price
(b) Minimum support price
(c) Moderate support price
(d) Influential support price

Ans. (b) Minimum Support Price

Q.2 Answer the following questions in 30 words. 

(i) Name one important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.

Ans: Tea; The tea plant grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates endowed with deep and fertile well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter. Tea bushes require warm and moist frost-free climate all through the year. Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves.

(ii) Name one staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced

Ans: Rice; Rice is grown in the plains of north and north-eastern India, coastal areas and the deltaic regions.

(iii) Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the government in the interest of farmers.

Ans: Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari, etc. were given priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after Independence. ‘Land reform’ was the main focus of our First Five Year Plan. The right of inheritance had already lead to fragmentation of land holdings necessitating consolidation of holdings. The Government of India embarked upon introducing agricultural reforms to improve Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s. The Green Revolution based on the use of package technology and the White Revolution (Operation Flood) were some of the strategies initiated to improve the lot of Indian agriculture.Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease, establishment of Grameen banks, cooperative societies and banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest were some important steps in this direction. Kissan Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some other schemes introduced by the Government of India for the benefit of the farmers.

(iv) The land under cultivation has got reduced day by day. Can you imagine its consequences?

Ans: There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil-seeds and industrial crops. This has led to the reduction in net sown area under cereals and pulses. With the growing population of India, the declining food production puts a big question mark over the country’s future food security. The competition for land between non-agricultural uses such as housing etc. and agriculture has resulted in reduction in the net sown area. The productivity of land has started showing a declining trend. Fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides, which once showed dramatic results, are now being held responsible for degrading the soils. Periodic scarcity of water has led to reduction in area under irrigation. Inefficient water management has led to water logging and salinity.

Q.3 Answer the following questions in 120 words. 

(i) Suggest the initiative taken by the government to ensure the increase in agricultural production.

Ans: Use of higher doses of modern inputs, e.g. high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity. Kissan Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some other schemes introduced by the Government of India for the benefit of the farmers.

(ii) How did the partition of the country in 1947 affect the jute industry?

Ans: Jute grows in high temperature and humid region. With the partition of India in 1947 the humid region of Bangladesh got separated resulting in a decline of jute industry.

(iii) Describe the impact of globalisation on Indian agriculture.

Ans: Under globalisation, particularly after 1990, the farmers in India have been exposed

to new challenges. Despite being an important producer of rice, cotton, rubber, tea, coffee, jute and spices our agricultural products are not able to compete with the developed countries because of the highly subsidised agriculture in those countries.During the British period cotton belts of India attracted the British and ultimately

cotton was exported to Britain as a raw material for their textile industries. Cotton textile

industry in Manchester and Liverpool flourished due to the availability of good quality cotton from India.

(iv) Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.

Ans: It is a kharif crop which requires high temperature, (above 25°C) and high humidity

with annual rainfall above 100 cm. In the areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation. Rice is grown in the plains of north and north-eastern India, coastal areas and the deltaic regions.

Class X - Water Resources

Class X - Water Resources

NCERT EXERCISE 

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Based on the information given below classify each of the situations as ‘suffering from water scarcity’ or ‘not suffering from water scarcity’.
(a) Region with high annual rainfall. (not suffering from water scarcity)
(b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population. (not suffering from water scarcity)
(c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted. (suffering from water scarcity)
(d) Region having low rainfall and low population.(not suffering from water scarcity)

(ii) Which one of the following statements is not an argument in favour of multipurpose river projects?
(a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity.
(b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow helps to control floods.
(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
(d) Multi-purpose projects generate electricity for our industries and our homes.

Ans. (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.

(iii) Here are some false statements. Identify the mistakes and rewrite them correctly.
(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.
(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.
(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were not agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.
(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Rajasthan Canal.

Ans. : (a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have restricted proper utilisation of water resources.

(b) Regulating and damming of rivers affects the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.

(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were agitatedwhen higher  prioity was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.

(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has declined due to high water availability due to the RajasthanCanal.

Q.2. Answer the following Questions in about 30 words.

(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.

 

Ans: Three-fourth of the earth’s surface is covered with water, but only a small proportion of it accounts for freshwater that can be put to use. This freshwater is mainly obtained from surface run off and ground water that is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable resource.

 

(ii) What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?

 

Ans: Unavailability of adequate freshwater results in water scarcity. Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over- exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups. water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water, and unequal access to it. A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas and dry-season agriculture.

 

(iii) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.

 

Ans: Advantages:

1. irrigation
2. electricity generation
3. water supply for domestic and industrial uses
4. flood control
5. recreation
6. inland navigation
7. fish breeding.

Disadvantages

1. The dams that were constructed to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir.
2. the big dams have mostly been unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive rainfall.
3. The multi-purpose projects induced earthquakes, caused waterborne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water.
4. Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
5. Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockeir stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers' aquatic life.
6. Resistance to these projects has primarily been due to the large-scale displacement of local communities.
7. Has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops, has great ecological consequences like salinisation of soil, has increased the social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor.
8. Inter-state water disputes are also becoming common with regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the multi-purpose project.

Q.3. Answer the following Questions in about 120 words.

(i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.

 

Ans: ‘Rooftop rain water harvesting’ was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan -

             

In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan almost all the houses traditionally had

underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water. The tanks could be as large as

a big room; one household in Phalodi had a tank that was 6.1 metres deep, 4.27 metres long and 2.44 metres wide. The tankas were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground ‘tankas’. The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected. The rainwater can be stored in the tankas till the next rainfall making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.

 

 

(ii) Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.

 

Ans:     • Roof top rain water is collected using a PVC pipe

            • Filtered using sand and bricks

            • Underground pipe takes water to sump forimmediate usage

            • Excess water from the sump is taken to the well

            • Water from the well recharges the underground

            • Take water from the well (later)

Class X - Forest and Wildlife Resources

Class X - Forest and Wildlife Resources

NCERT EXERCISE

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna?
(a) Agricultural expansion.
(b) Large scale developmental projects.
(c) Grazing and fuel wood collection.
(d) Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.

Ans. (c) Grazing and fuel wood collection

(ii) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint forest management (c) Chipko Movement
(b) Beej Bachao Andolan (d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

Ans. (d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries

2. Match the following animals with their category of existence.

Animals/Plants                                             Category of existence
Black buck                                                                Extinct
Asiatic elephant                                                       Rare
Andaman wild pig                                                   Endangered
Himalayan brown bear                                          Vulnerable
Pink head duck                                                       Endemic

Answer: 

---

Animals/Plants Category of existence

Black buck - Endangered

Asiatic elephant - Vulnerable

Andaman wild pig - Endemic

Himalayan brown bear - Rare

Pink head duck - Extinct

3. Match the following.

Reserved forests                         other forests and wastelands belonging to bo government and private individuals and communities
Protected forests                          forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources
Unclassed forests                       forest lands are protected from any further depletion

Answer: 

---

Reserved forests - forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources

Protected forests - forest lands are protected from any further depletion

Unclassed forests - other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities

Q.4 Answer the following questions in about 30 words

(i) What is biodiversity? Why is biodiversity important for human lives?

 Ans: Biodiversity - We humans along with all living organisms form a complex web of ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our own existence. For example, the plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive.

 

 (ii) How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.

 Ans: If you look around, you will be able to find out how we have transformed nature into a resource obtaining directly and indirectly from the forests and wildlife – wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel, fodder, manure, etc. So it is we ourselves who havedepleted our forests and wildlife. The greatest damage inflicted on Indian forests was during the colonial period due to the expansion of the railways, agriculture, commercial and scientific forestry and mining activities. Even after Independence, agricultural expansion continues to be one of the major causes of depletion of forest resources.

5. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

(i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?

 Ans: Conservation strategies are not new in our country. We often ignore that in India, forests are also home to some of the traditional communities. In some areas of India, local communities are struggling to conserve these habitats along with government officials,recognising that only this will secure their own long-term livelihood. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats and explicitly rejecting government involvement. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, declaring their own set of rules and regulations which do not allow hunting, and are protecting the wildlife against any outside encroachments.The famous Chipkomovement in the Himalayas has not only successfully resisted deforestation in several areas but has also shown that community afforestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful.Farmers and citizen’s groups like the Beej Bachao Andolanin Tehri and Navdanya have shown that adequate levels of diversified crop production without the use of synthetic chemicals are possible and economically viable.In India joint forest management (JFM) programme furnishes a good example for involving local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests.

 

(ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.

 

Ans: The clear lesson from the dynamics of both environmental destruction and reconstruction in India is that local communities everywhere have to be involved in some kind of natural resource management. But there is still a long way to go before local communities are at the centre-stage in decision-making. Accept only those economic or developmental activities, that are people centric, environment-friendly and economically rewarding.

Class IX - Constitutional Design

Class IX - Constitutional Design

Questions in the  Exercise

Q.1. Here are some false statements. Identify the mistake in each case and rewrite these correctly based on what you have read in this chapter.

(a) Leaders of the freedom movement had an open mind about whether the country should be democratic or not after independence.

(b) Members of the Constituent Assembly of India held the same views on all provisions of the Constitution.

(c) A country that has a constitution must be a democracy.

(d) Constitution cannot be amended because it is the supreme law of a country.

Ans. (a) Leaders of the freedom movement were decided on certain basic values and wanted India to be a democratic republic.

(b) No. There were sharp differences on many issues. They were solved after long discussions and debates and a consensus was reached.

(c) Not necessarily. Every country has a Constitution but all are not democracies — some are dictatorships, theocracies or monarchies.

(d) A Constitution is not inflexible. It has to change according to the changes in society and reflect people’s aspirations.

Q.2. Which of these was the most salient underlying conflict in the making of a democratic constitution in South Africa?

(a) Between South Africa and its neighbours.

(b) Between men and women

(c) Between the white minority and the black majority

(d) Between the coloured minority minority and the black majority.

Ans. (c) between the white minority and black majority.

Q.3. Which of these is a provision that a democratic Constitution does not have?

(a) Powers of the head of the state (b) Name of the head of the state

(c) Powers of the legislature (d) Name of the country

Ans. Name of the head of the state.

Q.4. Match the following leaders with their roles in the making of the Constitution:

(a) Motilal Nehru (i) President of the Constituent Assembly

(b) B.R. Ambedkar (ii) Member of the Constituent Assembly

(c) Rajendra Prasad (iii) Chairman of the Drafting Committee

(d) Sarojini Naidu (iv) Prepared a Constitution for India in 1928

Ans. (a) — (iv);  (b) — (iii);   (c) — (i);  (d) — (ii).

Q.5. Read again the extracts from Nehru’s speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’ and answer the following:

(a) Why did Nehru use the expression “not wholly or in full measure” in the first sentence?

(b) What pledge did he want the makers of the Indian Constitution to take?

(c) “The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from

every eye.” Who was he referring to?

Ans. (a) He says this because India was partitioned into India and Pakistan.

(b) The pledge of service of the millions who suffer.

(c) Mahatma Gandhi.

Q.6. Here are some of the guiding values of the Constitution and their meaning. Rewrite them by matching them correctly.

(a) Sovereign (i) Government will not favour any religion

(b) Republic (ii) People have the supreme right to make decisions

(c) Fraternity (iii) Head of the state is an elected person

(d) Secular (iv) People should live like brothers and sisters

Ans. (a) Sovereign — People have the supreme right to make decisions.

(b) Republic — Head of the state is an elected person.

(c) Fraternity — People should live like brothers and sisters.

(d) Secular — Government will not favour any religion.

Q.7. Here are different opinions about what made India a democracy. How much importance

would you give to each of these factors? [Important]

Democracy in India is a gift of the British rulers. We received training to work with representative legislative institutions under the British rule.

Freedom struggle challenged the colonial exploitation and denial of different freedoms to Indians. Free India could not be anything but democratic.

We were lucky to have leaders who had democratic convictions. The denial of democracy in several other newly independent countries shows the important role to these leaders.

Ans. I would give the maximum importance to the second opinion. Freedom struggle was the biggest factor in teaching us the values of freedom of thought, expression and belief. It taught us that we had to be united, live as brothers and sisters to fight the common enemy. It taught us the democratic value of equality, how social equality was as important as political one. It taught people that inspite of differences, some basic values are accepted by all.

Second important factor was the quality of leadership. Gandhiji, Nehru, Bose, Azad, to name a few, were great democrats who believed in equality, liberty and fraternity. They believed that the suffering of the people had to be alleviated.

The British gave the Indians training to work with legislative institutions, but they were certainly not believers of democracy. They did not allow every one to vote, they  had all the power in their hands, they created divisions among Hindus and Muslims, did not treat

Indians as equal to them. In fact it was the freedom struggle which taught Indians to value democracy.

Q.8. Read the following extract from a conduct book for ‘married women’, published in 1912.

‘God had made the female species delicate and fragile both physically and emotionally, pitiably incapable of self-defence. They are destined thus by God to remain in made protection – of father, husband and son — all their lives. Women should, therefore, not despair, but feel obliged that they can dedicate themselves to the service of men.’

Do you think the values expressed in this para reflected the values underlying our Constitution? Or does this go against the constitutional values?

Ans. They certainly go against our constitutional values. The Constitution makes no gender differences. Equal rights are given to women. They can vote, take up any job, have property rights and are paid (according to the constitution) equal wages for equal work. The statement of 1912 makes women inferior to men and does not give them equal status.

Q.9. Read the following statements about a Constitution. Give reasons why each of these is

true or not true.

(a) The authority of the rules of the constitution is the same as that of any other law.

(b) Constitution lays down how different organs of the government will be formed.

(c) Rights of citizens and limits on the power of the government are laid down in the Constitution.

(d) A Constitution is about institutions, not about values.

Ans. (a) Not true. Constitution is the supreme law. Its authority cannot be challenged even by the government. It is not like an ordinary law.

(b) Yes, it is true. It defines the role of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary and how they should be formed and by whom.

(c) Yes, true. The Fundamental Rights state clearly the rights of the citizens. They also state the power of the executive, lay down the rules of how the legislature and the judiciary can control the government.

(d) Not true. The Constitution contains all the values which the institutions have to promote.

The Preamble to the Constitution is a shining example of this and states clearly that justice, liberty, equality and fraternity have to be promoted. Secularism has to be followed and socialism and democracy should be the basis of the government.

Class IX - Constitutional Design

Class IX - Constitutional Design

Questions within the Lesson

Page No. 42

Q.1. What would have happened in South Africa if the black majority had decided to take revenge on the whites for all their oppression and exploitation?

Ans. Chaos and war. The white nations would have attacked S. Africa and perhaps she could have lost her independence once again!

Page No. 43

Q.2. This image captures the spirit of South Africa today. South Africans call themselves a ‘rainbow nation’. Can you guess why?

Ans. It is called a ‘rainbow nation’ because this nation comprises many races — Whites, Blacks, Coloured and Indians.

Page No. 44

Q.3. This is not fair! What was the point in having a Constituent Assembly in India if all the basics were already decided?

Ans. It is fair. The basics were decided by the Congress Party which did not at that time represent the whole country, and it was not an elected representative of the people. The Constituent Assembly was the people’s representative body and took every one’s views and opinions into consideration.

Page No. 52

Q.4. Compare the Preambles to the Constitutions of the United States of America, India and South Africa.

„ Make a list of ideas that are common to all these three.

„ Note down at least one of the major differences among these.

„ Which of the three makes a reference to the past?

„ Which of these does not invoke God?

Ans. 1. Common Features :

„ All three begin with “We the people”.

„ All three want to establish liberty, justice and fraternity.

„ All three want to promote general welfare of the people.

2. Difference :  USA does not mention the word Republic or the word Democratic like India

and South Africa.

3.  South Africa

4. India.

Class IX - What is Democracy ? Why Democracy ?

Class IX - What is Democracy ? Why Democracy ?

Questions in the Exercise

Q.1. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries. Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.

(a) Country A : People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right

to vote.

(b) Country B : The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.

(c) Country C : Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.

(d) Country D : There is no independent election commission.

Ans. (a) Undemocratic

(b) Undemocratic

(c) Democratic

(d) Not sure

Q.2. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries? Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.

(a) Country P : The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.

(b) Country Q : The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.

(c) Country R : The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.

(d) Country S : All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.

Ans. (a) Democratic

(b) Democratic

(c) Not Sure

(d) Undemocratic

Q.3. Which of these is not a good argument in favour of democracy? Why?

(a) People feel free and equal in a democracy.

(b) Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.

(c) Democratic government is more accountable to the people.

(d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.

Ans. (d) Prosperity is not a sign of democracy. Democracy does not affect the financial status of a country. India is a democracy, yet it is fighting a long battle against poverty. India is poor for various other reasons.

Q.4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and an undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.

(a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation.

(b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large scale rigging was reported.

(c) Women’s representation in the parliament has never reached 10 per cent. This led women’ organisations to demand one-third seats for women.

Ans. (a) The reference of the laws to the parliament show that democracy is practiced. The minister has not taken the decision himself. But the decision to conform to the regulations decided by World Trade Organisation is undemocratic. Why should a free country make laws to suit a foreign organisation!

(b) Democratic :  Repolling is necessary whenever rigging takes place in a constituency during elections.

Undemocratic :  Rigging itself is an undemocratic element. It should not happen in a democracy.

(c) One should have more women representatives in parliament — democratic.

To demand reservation is undemocratic. Women should come forward themselves and fight elections.

Q.5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?

(a) Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.

(b) Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.

(c) Government fears its defeat in the next elections.

(d) People are free to believe in and practice any religion.

Ans. (d) It has nothing to do with famines.

Q.6. There are 40 villages in a district where the  government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their need. Which of these is not a democratic method?

(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to life.

(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.

(c) Organising public meetings against the government’s policies.

(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.

Ans. (d) Paying money to government officials to get water.

Q7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy :

(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore, army should rule the country.

(b) Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.

(c) If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders.

Ans. (a) Army rule is not a rule of the people through their representatives. They may be disciplined but they become dictatorial and cut down the freedom of the people. We have seen this in the case of Pinochet’s rule in Chile, President’s Musharraf’s rule in Pakistan and the military rule in Myanmar.

(b) Wise men are not necessarily good administrators. It will become the rule of the minority, not of the majority of the people. People’s liberties are bound to be cut down.

(c) Religious leaders follow the letter of the religion they preach. They deny freedom of thought, expression and speech. We have seen this in the case of Afghanistan. Religious leaders deny freedom of religion to minorities and impose their ideas on them. It is only democracy which gives maximum freedom to people, allows them to choose their own leaders and does not all dictators of any kind of seize power.

Q.8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?

(a) Father to daughter : I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.

(b) Teacher to student : Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.

(c) Employee to the officer : Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.

Ans. (a) No, the right of freedom to choose and express her opinion is denied by the father. He is behaving like a dictator.

(b) No, again the teacher is being autocratic. A student has the right to ask questions to clear his/her doubts.

(c) Yes, in this example the employee is making the right demand. He cannot be forced to work for extra hours.

Q.9. Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.

(a) All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.

(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.

(c) People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 per cent people of that country.

(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.

(e) The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about government’s policies and protests.

Ans. No, the country is not a democratic country.

(a) It has allowed a foreign agency to interfere in its internal policies. It has denied to its own citizens better education and health.

(b) The minorities are denied equal status in matter of language. Their cultural rights are ignored.

(c) The total control of media shows that there is no freedom of speech and expression and right to speak against the government.

Q.10. In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to influence the decisions taken by the  government. The report highlighted that :

If an average Black family earns $ 100, then the income of an average White family is $162. A White family has twelve times more wealth than an average Black family.

In a President’s election nearly nine out of 10 individuals in families with income over $ 75,000 have voted. These people are the top 20% of the population in terms of their income. On the other hand, only 5 people out of 10 from families with income less than $ 15,000 have voted. They are the bottom 20% of the population in terms of their income.

About 95% contribution to the political parties comes from the rich. This gives them an opportunity to express their opinions and concerns, which is not available to most citizens.

As poor sections participate less in politics, the government does not listen to their concerns — coming out of poverty, getting job, eduction, health care and housing from them. Politicians hear most regularly about the concerns of business and the most rich.

Write an easy on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.

Ans. Democracy and Poverty

Most of the Asian and African countries which won independence from colonial rule have been fighting a battle against poverty. In India, poverty has been a major challenge before the Indian economy. According to a census (1999-2000), 27.09% of population in rural areas live below the poverty line. In urban areas the situation is a little better — 23.62% people live below poverty line. The overall average is 26.10%. It means that a quarter of the population in India is living below the poverty line. States like Orissa, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have the highest percentage of people living below the poverty line.

Since independence, the Indian democracy has worked tirelessly to remove poverty in India. All our economic planning is geared to alleviate poverty. The government has passed many laws and reforms. Abolition of Zamindari system, security of tenant farmers is one of them. It has tried to reduce the gap between the rich and poor by income redistribution measures. The rich have to pay more taxes than the poor. There have been many rural and urban ‘yojnas’ which provide employment to the poor. They are known as PAPs — Poverty Alleviation Programmes. So in India we cannot blame the government for not being concerned about the poor. The Government has done a lot for education, health care, housing and employment of the poor. All our ten five-programmes have been based on helping the poor.

In India the poor are conscious of their voting rights and only the rich have not won all elections. To stop the rich from capturing all the seats, ceiling has been put on expenditure during elections, for candidates appearing for Parliamentary and Assembly elections, for example : Rs 2,50,000 for Parliamentary and Rs 10,00,000 for Assembly in most of the constituencies. Of course, rich industrialists and businessmen contribute to party funds but now law has been made, which asks the parties to declare their assets. Every person standing for election has to do so too.

It is true that the rich are more and powerful but in a democracy the ordinary citizen has been given equal status. We see this in India where the poor now know their rights and are exercising them.

Class IX - What is Democracy ? Why Democracy ?

Class IX - What is Democracy ? Why Democracy ?

Questions within the Lesson

Page No. 23

Q.1. News items like this appear very often in newspapers. Do they all use the word democracy in the same sense?

Ans. No. The headlines are being sarcastic, e.g., “Nepal king invents ‘democracy’” or “Why wait for a revolution”. The headlines about Afghanistan clearly suggest that democracy is not accepted by the people.

Page No. 25

Q.2. This cartoon was drawn when elections were held in Iraq with the presence of US and other  foreign powers. What do you think this cartoon is saying? Why is ‘democracy’ written the way it is?

Ans. Democracy — where fear and fair elections must be held — is being forced on Iraq by the US and its allies. There are no “free” and “fair” elections. On the other hand American Forces, on the name of promotion of Democracy are trying to make way for American Multinational Companies in countries who are not allowing them.  Here the symbol M stands for McDonald's (With the expansion of McDonald's into many international markets, the company has become a symbol of globalization and the spread of the American way of life. Its prominence has also made it a frequent topic of public debates about obesity, corporate ethics and consumer responsibility.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's), with the arrival of American forces in Iraq, they have cleared the way for McDonald's and other MNCs also.

Page No. 26

Q.3. Syria is a small west Asian country. The ruling Baath Party and some of its small allies are the only parties allowed in that country. Do you think this cartoon could apply to China or Mexico? What does the crown of leaves on democracy signify?

Ans. Again the cartoon suggests that there is no true democracy in Syria. Yes, it would suit China and Mexico also where no opposition parties are allowed to contest election. Crown of leaves — It is a symbol of victory. In Greece the reward to the winner was this crown. Here the crown suggests that ‘democracy’ has won and demands justice, but the one party rule is denying this right to the people of Syria.

Page No. 27

Q.4. This cartoon was drawn in the context of Latin America. Do you think it applies to the Pakistani situation as well? Think of other countries where this could apply. Does this happen sometimes in our country as well?

Ans. Yes, it applies to Pakistan. Other countries are Myanmar, Iraq where people are forced to vote

by the army. No, it has not happened in our country.

Page No. 28

Q.5. This cartoon was titled ‘Building democracy’ and was first published in a Latin American publication. What do moneybags signify here? Could this cartoon be applied to India?

Ans. This cartoon suggests that ‘democracy’ is in the hand of the rich. They control the country. If there is lack of awareness among the people, they can be easily influenced by the use of money, as well as their votes can be Thus, affecting the Election results as well as Government Policies with the help of Money.
Though in Our country laws restrict the free use of money in elections, but overall we can say that Money plays an important role in deciding the outcomes of elections, even in our country.

Page No. 29

Q.6. This cartoon is about the Iraqi election held after Saddam Hussain’s regime was overthrown. He is shown behind the bars. What is the cartoonist saying here? Compare the message of this cartoon with the first cartoon in this chapter.

Ans. The cartoon shows the end of dictatorship in Iraq where Saddam ruled unchecked. People rejoice at elections being held. But the first cartoon shows that people do not have a real choice. They are forced to vote, by the powerful US and its allies.

Page No. 30

Q.7. Chinese government blocked free flow of information on the Internet by placing restrictions on popular websites like ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo’. The image of tanks and an unarmed student reminds the reader of another major event in recent Chinese history. Find out about that event.

Ans. Refers to the massacre that took place at Tianmen Square where hundreds of students were

ruthlessly killed.

Page No. 32

Q.8. This cartoon is from Brazil, a country that has long experience of dictatorship. It is entitled “The Hidden Side of Dictatorship”. Which hidden sides does this cartoon depict? Is it necessary for every dictatorship to have a hidden side? Find this out about the dictators discussed in the first chapter and if possible, about Abacha in Nigeria and Marcos in Philippines.

Ans. The hidden side of dictatorship is massacre or killing of innocent people. Anybody who opposes the policies of a dictator is killed. Since the dictators control the media, the  public never comes to know the number of people killed.

Page No. 33

Q.9. What would have happened if India was not a democracy? Could we have stayed together as a single nation?

Ans. We definitely would not have remained united. Differences of caste, language and religion would have raised their ugly head and divided our country. History would repeat itself and some foreign power would have enslaved us again, destroyed our pride, dignity and economy.

Page No. 34

Q.10. Rajesh and Muzaffar read an article. It showed that no democracy has ever gone to war with another democracy. Wars take place only when one of the two governments is nondemocratic. The article said that this was a great merit of democracy. After reading the essay, Rajesh and Muzaffar had different reactions. Rajesh said that this was not a good argument for democracy. It was just a matter of chance. It is possible that in future democracies may have wars. Muzaffar said that it could not be a matter of chance.

Democracies take decisions in such a way that it reduces the chances of war. Which of the two positions do you agree with and why?

Ans. I agree with Muzaffar. There is certainly a strong point in favour of democracies. Since decisions are taken after consultation, nobody rushes into war; sanity and reason rule every decision.

Q.11. This cartoon was published in Canada just before its parliamentary elections of 2005. Everyone, including the cartoonist, expected the Liberal Party to win once again. When the results came, the Liberal Party lost the elections. Is this cartoon an argument against democracy or for democracy?

Ans. This cartoon is definitely in favour of democracy. In an indirect way it is telling the public not

to be fooled and exercise their voting rights wisely, which they did by ousting the Liberals in

the elections.

Page No. 35

Q.12. This famous cartoon by R.K. Laxman comments on the celebrations of the fifty years of the independence. How many images on the wall do you recognise? Do many common people feel the way the common man in this cartoon does?

Ans. The cartoon does reflect the opinion of the general  public. For fifty years leaders have made promises, made tall claims of achievements — still basic facilities are still denied to the common man — poverty is not eradicated, there is shortage of water, power, shelter, schools, hospitals — the basic necessities of life. The common man is bored by promises which are never fulfilled, actions do not match the promises.

Page No. 36

Q.13. In my village the Gram Sabha never meets. Is that democratic?

Ans. Definitely not.

Class IX - Democracy In the Contemporary World

Class IX - Democracy In the Contemporary World

Questions within the Lesson

Page No. 3

Q.1. President Salvador Allende (wearing a helmet) and his security guards in front of La Moneda, Chile’s Presidential Palace, on 11 September, 1973, hours before his death.What do you read on everyone’s face in this photograph?

Ans. Fear. Anxiety.

Q.2. Why did President Allende address himself mainly to workers? Why were the rich unhappy with him?

Ans. He addressed the workers because they were his biggest supporters. He had taken several policy decisions as President to help the poor and the workers, and he had faith in them. The rich were against him because of his policies, which supported the poor and taxed the rich.

Page No. 4

Q.3. President Michelle Bachelet addressing her supporters after her victory in the presidential election in January 2006. From this photograph do you notice any difference between an election rally in Chile and in India?

Ans. In India the people never sit or stand so close to the speaker. They are always kept far away, or behind a fence by the police. The speaker is always surrounded by body guards carrying firearms. The setting is more formal.

Page No. 6

Q.4. Why was an independent trade union so important in Poland? Why are trade unions necessary?

Ans. Poland had only one workers union controlled by the Polish United Workers’ Party. So there was autocratic rule of this party. People could not form independent unions which voiced their grievances. There was no freedom of speech. Trade unions are necessary as they help in maintaining or improving the conditions of the workers. They represent the workers’ views and demands to the management and fight for their rights.

Page No. 10

Q.5. Looking at these maps, which period do you find most important in the expansion of democracy? Why?

Ans. The period after 1975 till  2000 AD. In this period most of the countries in Africa became independent and supported democratic governments. The USSR broke up and 15 independent states emerged, most of them choosing democracy. Same is true of South America.

Page No. 12

Q.6. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, the capital of Ghana. This park was commissioned in 1992, twenty years after Nkrumah passed away. What might have caused this delay?

Ans. The delay in the commission of the Kwane Nkrumah Memorial must be due to the fact that in 1966 Nkrumah was overthrown by the military in Ghana. It was only after the return to democracy in 1992, that a tribute to the first democratic leader in Africa was paid in the form of this Memorial.

Page No. 13

Q.7. This cartoon appeared in 2005 when Aung San Suu Kyi turned 60. What is the cartoonist saying here? Will the army rulers feel happy with this cartoon?

Ans. Cartoon :  No. The cartoon mocks the military rulers. They wish Suu Kyi a happy birthday by putting her in jail. Her 60th birthday cake is in the form or shape of a jail.

Q.8. What should be the policy of the government of India towards the military rulers of Myanmar?

Ans. The Government of India can support Suu Kyi in all international forums and demand her freedom without interfering in the domestic affairs of the government of Myanmar. It must fight for her freedom under Human Rights.

Page No. 14

Q.9. This cartoon was published in Mexico in 2005 and was titled ‘International Games’. Which games is the cartoonist talking about here? What does the ball symbolise? Who are the players?

Ans. Cartoon : ‘International Games’ refers to the politics between superpowers and the terrorists. The ball represents the rest of the world kicked around in the struggle.

Q.10. Should there be a world government? If yes, who should elect it? And what powers should it have?

Ans. Yes a world government like the UN. It should have representatives of all the nations, with each nation given the same status. Each nation should send its own representatives, elected by the people. They should have powers to fight for Human Rights and Democracy.

Page No. 15

Q.11. Should the permanent members of the UN give up the power to veto?

Ans. Yes, they should. The five veto powers should not be allowed to dictate terms to the rest of

the world.

Page No. 16

Q.12. Wolfowitz was a senior official in the Department of Defence in the US (commonly called Pentagon). He was an aggressive supporter of the invasion of Iraq. The cartoon comments on his appointment as the President of the World Bank. What does the cartoon tell us about the relationship between the World Bank and the US?

Ans. The cartoon exposes the aggressive policies of the US. Wolfowitz claims, “I worked for peace at the Pentagon” and backed US attack on Iraq! He is going to do the same at the World Bank. Support US aggression with the help of the World Bank. It shows how the US is dominating the world policies.

Page No. 17

Q.13. The cartoon “Cactus of Democracy” was published in 2004. What does the cactus look

like here? Who is gifting it, and to whom? What is the message?

Ans. The cactus looks like the Statue of Liberty in the USA. Iraq is gifting it to the US Army. It

clearly states that the Iraqis do not want liberty forced on them by the US Army, a liberty

which destroyed their country in a war.

Page No. 18

Q.14. ‘Helping Democracy’ was a comment on the presence of US forces during the elections in Iraq. Do you think the cartoon can apply to many other situations? Identify some examples from this chapter which this cartoon can help understand.

Ans. Yes this cartoon gives an indirect message to all. External force can never establish democracy in any country. The presence of the US Armed forces have forced people to vote. But this kind of election cannot be sustained for long. Any government, imposed on the people by external force, cannot last long. We have learnt from the lesson how all military rulers were overthrown by the people. Democracy can be established only when people of the country want it and struggle for it. We have the examples of Chile, Poland, Ghana and the break-up of the mighty USSR.