NCERT Answers

Q1. Test yourself — What is the meaning of democracy? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?

Answer (120–150 words):
Democracy means “rule of the people.” It is a system of government in which citizens have the right to participate in decision-making. In ancient times, small communities sometimes practised direct democracy, where every citizen voted directly on decisions. An example is when a class votes on where to go for a picnic.

In modern nations like India, direct democracy is not possible because the population is very large. Instead, we follow representative democracy, where citizens elect leaders to represent them in assemblies. These elected members (MLAs and MPs) discuss laws and policies on behalf of the people. Thus, the main difference is:

• Direct democracy = people decide directly.
• Representative democracy = elected representatives decide on behalf of the people.

Q2. Recall the three organs of government. What are their different roles?

Answer:

1. Legislature – Makes laws, updates or removes old ones. In India, this includes Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) at the Centre and State Assemblies.
2. Executive – Implements laws and ensures administration. At the Centre, it includes the Prime Minister, ministers, and officers; at the State, the Chief Minister and government departments.
3. Judiciary – Interprets laws, punishes criminals, and ensures justice. It includes the Supreme Court, High Courts, and lower courts.

These three organs act separately but work together, maintaining balance through a “separation of powers.”

Q3. Why do we need three tiers of government?

Answer (100–120 words):
India is a vast country with many states, districts, and villages. A single central government cannot handle all problems. Therefore, we need three tiers:

• Local Government – Works at village, town, or city level; solves local issues like sanitation, drinking water, and street lighting.
• State Government – Manages issues within a state, such as law and order, health, education, and agriculture.
• Central Government – Handles national issues like defence, foreign affairs, and currency.

These three levels ensure that decisions are taken closer to the people, problems are solved efficiently, and democracy works at the grassroots.

Q4. Project: Many of you will remember the lockdown that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make a list of all the actions that were taken at that time? Which tiers of government were involved in managing the situation? What was the role of each of the organs of government?

Answer (150–180 words, model):
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many actions were taken: closing schools, markets, and offices; providing medical facilities; distributing food; arranging vaccination drives; and enforcing safety rules like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

• Central Government: Announced national lockdowns, provided guidelines, organised vaccine production, and deployed funds.
• State Governments: Imposed curfews, managed hospitals, provided oxygen and medicines, and arranged transport for migrants.
• Local Governments: Distributed food packets, sanitised streets, and ensured help reached people at the grassroots.

Organs of Government:

• Legislature: Passed emergency financial measures.
• Executive: Implemented lockdown rules, vaccination, and relief schemes.
• Judiciary: Ensured human rights were protected, monitored distribution of oxygen and hospital facilities.

This shows how all three levels and all three organs of government worked together during the pandemic.

Extra Questions – Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy – Part 1

Very Short Answer Questions

1. What does the word “democracy” literally mean?
   Answer: Rule of the people.
2. Which organ of government enforces laws?
   Answer: The Executive.
3. Which organ checks whether laws are fair?
   Answer: The Judiciary.
4. Who is the nominal head of India’s government?
   Answer: The President of India.
5. Who is called the “Missile Man of India”?
   Answer: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Short Answer Questions

Q6. What is meant by the separation of powers?
Answer: It means that the three organs of government — legislature, executive, and judiciary — must remain independent but work together. This prevents misuse of power and maintains balance in governance.

Q7. Give one example where government affects your daily life.
Answer: The government provides electricity and water supply in my area. It makes rules for safety and ensures fair pricing, directly affecting my daily life.

Long Answer Questions

Q8. Why is democracy important?
Answer (120–150 words):
Democracy is important because it gives people the right to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. It ensures equality, freedom of speech, and justice for all citizens. In a democracy, laws are made through discussion and debate, reflecting the will of the people. It prevents misuse of power by dividing authority among legislature, executive, and judiciary. Democracy also protects cultural diversity and individual dignity, as seen in India’s unity in diversity. Without democracy, citizens may lose their rights and freedom. Thus, democracy is not only a form of government but also a way of life that values participation, responsibility, and respect for all.