Q.1 Which of the following is the key principle of democracy?
Rule of law
Rule of one leader
Rule of military
Rule of aristocracy
Explanation - Democracy is based on the principle that everyone is equal before the law and the law governs the nation, not individuals' arbitrary power.
Correct answer is: Rule of law
Q.2 What does the word 'democracy' literally mean?
Power of one
Rule by the people
Government by the elite
Power of the military
Explanation - The term democracy comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), meaning rule by the people.
Correct answer is: Rule by the people
Q.3 Which country is considered the birthplace of democracy?
India
Greece
France
USA
Explanation - Ancient Greece, particularly Athens, is considered the birthplace of democracy around the 5th century BCE.
Correct answer is: Greece
Q.4 Which type of democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies?
Direct democracy
Representative democracy
Constitutional monarchy
Authoritarianism
Explanation - In direct democracy, citizens themselves directly decide laws and policies without elected representatives.
Correct answer is: Direct democracy
Q.5 Which document is often called the 'Bible of democracy' in the United States?
The Constitution
The Federalist Papers
The Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights
Explanation - The U.S. Constitution lays down the framework of democracy, separation of powers, and citizens' rights.
Correct answer is: The Constitution
Q.6 What is the main advantage of representative democracy?
Quick decision making
No need for public participation
Involvement of experts through elected representatives
Military efficiency
Explanation - Representative democracy allows elected officials to make informed decisions on behalf of the people.
Correct answer is: Involvement of experts through elected representatives
Q.7 Which Indian leader is known as the 'Father of Indian Democracy'?
Mahatma Gandhi
B. R. Ambedkar
Jawaharlal Nehru
Sardar Patel
Explanation - B. R. Ambedkar is regarded as the father of Indian democracy for his role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
Correct answer is: B. R. Ambedkar
Q.8 In a democracy, sovereignty rests with?
The king
The people
The army
The parliament only
Explanation - In a democracy, ultimate authority lies with the people who elect their representatives.
Correct answer is: The people
Q.9 Which of the following is a characteristic of democratic governments?
Censorship of media
One-party system
Free and fair elections
Rule by hereditary kings
Explanation - Free and fair elections are essential in democracy to ensure people's participation and representation.
Correct answer is: Free and fair elections
Q.10 Which philosopher wrote about 'government of the people, by the people, for the people'?
John Locke
Abraham Lincoln
Karl Marx
Plato
Explanation - Abraham Lincoln described democracy as 'government of the people, by the people, for the people' in his Gettysburg Address.
Correct answer is: Abraham Lincoln
Q.11 Which form of democracy exists in Switzerland at local levels?
Representative democracy
Direct democracy
Military dictatorship
Monarchy
Explanation - Switzerland practices direct democracy where citizens vote directly on many issues through referendums.
Correct answer is: Direct democracy
Q.12 Which political system is opposite to democracy?
Republic
Authoritarianism
Federalism
Secularism
Explanation - Authoritarianism is opposite to democracy as it centralizes power and suppresses people's participation.
Correct answer is: Authoritarianism
Q.13 What is the main role of opposition parties in a democracy?
To overthrow the government
To criticize and check the government
To support the ruling party blindly
To control the judiciary
Explanation - Opposition parties keep the ruling government accountable and represent alternative viewpoints.
Correct answer is: To criticize and check the government
Q.14 Which institution safeguards democracy by interpreting the constitution?
Parliament
Judiciary
Executive
Military
Explanation - The judiciary safeguards democracy by upholding the constitution and protecting citizens' rights.
Correct answer is: Judiciary
Q.15 Which form of democracy is most common in the modern world?
Direct democracy
Representative democracy
Absolute monarchy
Military dictatorship
Explanation - Representative democracy is widely practiced as it allows large populations to elect leaders to govern on their behalf.
Correct answer is: Representative democracy
Q.16 Who is considered the 'Father of Modern Democracy' in political theory?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Thomas Hobbes
Plato
Karl Marx
Explanation - Rousseau emphasized the idea of general will and popular sovereignty, making him a key figure in modern democracy theory.
Correct answer is: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Q.17 What is the key difference between democracy and monarchy?
Democracy is ruled by the people, monarchy by a king
Democracy is old, monarchy is modern
Democracy has no constitution, monarchy does
Democracy is violent, monarchy is peaceful
Explanation - In democracy, people hold power, while in monarchy, power is held by a king or queen.
Correct answer is: Democracy is ruled by the people, monarchy by a king
Q.18 Which democratic principle ensures all citizens are treated equally under the law?
Equality
Majority rule
Rule of force
Censorship
Explanation - Equality is a core principle of democracy, ensuring all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities.
Correct answer is: Equality
Q.19 What is meant by 'universal adult franchise'?
Only men can vote
Only the rich can vote
All adults have the right to vote
Only educated people can vote
Explanation - Universal adult franchise means every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of caste, gender, or wealth.
Correct answer is: All adults have the right to vote
Q.20 Which Indian article guarantees the right to vote?
Article 21
Article 326
Article 19
Article 370
Explanation - Article 326 of the Indian Constitution provides for elections on the basis of universal adult suffrage.
Correct answer is: Article 326
Q.21 Which philosopher argued for 'consent of the governed' as a basis of democracy?
John Locke
Karl Marx
Niccolò Machiavelli
Socrates
Explanation - John Locke argued that governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed, influencing democratic thought.
Correct answer is: John Locke
Q.22 Why are free media important in a democracy?
They support only the government
They spread propaganda
They provide information and ensure accountability
They ban opposition views
Explanation - A free media keeps citizens informed and checks the power of the government.
Correct answer is: They provide information and ensure accountability
Q.23 What is the term for democracy where citizens elect representatives?
Direct democracy
Representative democracy
Dictatorship
Oligarchy
Explanation - In representative democracy, people elect leaders to represent their interests in governance.
Correct answer is: Representative democracy
Q.24 Which country is the world's largest democracy?
USA
Brazil
India
UK
Explanation - India is the world's largest democracy with over 900 million eligible voters.
Correct answer is: India
Q.25 What is the danger of 'majoritarianism' in democracy?
It promotes equality
It may ignore minority rights
It strengthens opposition
It leads to dictatorship
Explanation - Majoritarianism means the majority's decisions dominate, risking the neglect of minority rights and interests.
Correct answer is: It may ignore minority rights