Q.1 What is the basic principle of democracy?
Rule by a monarch
Rule by the people
Rule by the elite
Rule by the military
Explanation - Democracy is a system where the ultimate power lies with the people, who elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
Correct answer is: Rule by the people
Q.2 Which document is considered the foundation of modern democracy?
The Magna Carta
The Bible
The Communist Manifesto
The Iliad
Explanation - Signed in 1215, the Magna Carta limited the powers of the king and introduced ideas of rights and liberty.
Correct answer is: The Magna Carta
Q.3 What does the term 'citizenship' primarily refer to?
Owning property
Having voting rights and duties
Military service
Paying taxes only
Explanation - Citizenship involves legal membership in a state, including rights like voting and responsibilities like obeying laws.
Correct answer is: Having voting rights and duties
Q.4 Which form of democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies?
Direct democracy
Representative democracy
Monarchy
Dictatorship
Explanation - In direct democracy, people vote directly on laws, unlike in representative democracy where elected officials make decisions.
Correct answer is: Direct democracy
Q.5 Who is known as the 'Father of the U.S. Constitution'?
George Washington
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Explanation - James Madison played a crucial role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Correct answer is: James Madison
Q.6 What is the main responsibility of a citizen in a democracy?
To obey the government blindly
To vote and participate actively
To serve in the army
To collect taxes
Explanation - Active participation, especially voting, ensures the government represents the people's interests.
Correct answer is: To vote and participate actively
Q.7 Which country is credited as the birthplace of democracy?
Rome
Greece
Egypt
India
Explanation - Ancient Greece, particularly Athens, is where democracy was first developed as a political system.
Correct answer is: Greece
Q.8 What term describes a system where elected representatives govern on behalf of the people?
Dictatorship
Monarchy
Representative democracy
Theocracy
Explanation - In representative democracy, people elect officials who make decisions and laws on their behalf.
Correct answer is: Representative democracy
Q.9 The right to a fair trial is an example of which type of right?
Economic right
Social right
Political right
Civil right
Explanation - Civil rights protect individual freedoms and ensure equality before the law, like the right to a fair trial.
Correct answer is: Civil right
Q.10 What does the term 'universal suffrage' mean?
Only men can vote
Everyone has the right to vote
Only citizens over 30 can vote
Only the wealthy can vote
Explanation - Universal suffrage means all adult citizens have the right to vote, regardless of gender, race, or wealth.
Correct answer is: Everyone has the right to vote
Q.11 Which institution safeguards democracy by interpreting laws and ensuring justice?
The Executive
The Legislature
The Judiciary
The Military
Explanation - The judiciary interprets laws and protects citizens' rights, playing a vital role in maintaining democracy.
Correct answer is: The Judiciary
Q.12 What is the term for unfair treatment of individuals based on race, gender, or religion?
Democracy
Equality
Discrimination
Representation
Explanation - Discrimination violates democratic principles by denying equal rights to certain groups.
Correct answer is: Discrimination
Q.13 Which of these is NOT a pillar of democracy?
Free press
Rule of law
Military rule
Free and fair elections
Explanation - Military rule contradicts democracy, which is based on people's participation and the rule of law.
Correct answer is: Military rule
Q.14 What is a citizen's duty during elections in a democracy?
To avoid voting
To vote responsibly
To join a political party
To protest
Explanation - Voting responsibly ensures that elected leaders truly represent the people's will.
Correct answer is: To vote responsibly
Q.15 Which philosopher is associated with the idea of the 'social contract'?
Karl Marx
John Locke
Plato
Aristotle
Explanation - John Locke argued that governments are formed through a social contract to protect people's natural rights.
Correct answer is: John Locke
Q.16 In a democracy, laws are made by which body?
Judiciary
Military
Legislature
Citizens directly
Explanation - The legislature, or parliament, is responsible for creating laws in a democratic system.
Correct answer is: Legislature
Q.17 What does equality before the law mean?
Everyone is treated the same by the law
Only leaders are above the law
Laws apply differently to each group
The rich have special privileges
Explanation - Equality before the law ensures that no one is above the law and all citizens are treated equally.
Correct answer is: Everyone is treated the same by the law
Q.18 Which document declared 'All men are created equal'?
U.S. Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Bill of Rights
Magna Carta
Explanation - The U.S. Declaration of Independence of 1776 proclaimed equality and individual rights.
Correct answer is: Declaration of Independence
Q.19 Why is freedom of speech important in a democracy?
It allows government control of speech
It prevents citizens from expressing opinions
It promotes open debate and accountability
It limits criticism of leaders
Explanation - Freedom of speech enables citizens to criticize leaders and engage in open discussions about policies.
Correct answer is: It promotes open debate and accountability
Q.20 What is a referendum?
A type of election for a president
A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue
A law passed by parliament
A meeting of politicians
Explanation - In a referendum, citizens directly vote on a single issue rather than electing representatives.
Correct answer is: A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue
Q.21 Which right allows citizens to gather peacefully to express opinions?
Right to privacy
Right to petition
Right to assemble
Right to own property
Explanation - The right to assemble allows people to gather peacefully for protests, meetings, or demonstrations.
Correct answer is: Right to assemble
Q.22 What does a constitution do in a democracy?
Provides a military code
Sets rules for citizens only
Outlines government structure and rights of citizens
Replaces elected leaders
Explanation - A constitution provides the framework for governance and protects citizens' rights.
Correct answer is: Outlines government structure and rights of citizens
Q.23 Which of these is an example of participatory citizenship?
Ignoring political issues
Voting in elections
Avoiding taxes
Rejecting community service
Explanation - Participatory citizenship involves active engagement, like voting and community involvement.
Correct answer is: Voting in elections
Q.24 What is the main feature of a federal democracy?
Power is centralized in the capital
Power is shared between central and state governments
Only local governments have power
The judiciary controls the government
Explanation - In a federal democracy, power is divided between different levels of government to prevent centralization.
Correct answer is: Power is shared between central and state governments
Q.25 Which democratic value ensures that the majority cannot ignore minority rights?
Majoritarian rule
Minority rule
Protection of minority rights
Dictatorship
Explanation - Democracies must balance majority decisions with protections for minority groups to ensure fairness.
Correct answer is: Protection of minority rights