Objective questions on Democracy

 

1. What is democracy?

Answer: Democracy is a form of government where power is held by the people through elected representatives.

2. What is the origin of democracy?

Answer: The concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece, specifically in Athens.

3. What are the key features of democracy?

Answer: The key features of democracy include popular sovereignty, political equality, and rule of law.

4. What is popular sovereignty?

Answer: Popular sovereignty is the principle that the people are the ultimate source of authority in a democratic society.

5. What is political equality?

Answer: Political equality refers to the equal distribution of political power and influence among all citizens.

6. What is the rule of law?

Answer: The rule of law is the principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law.

7. What is the difference between direct and representative democracy?

Answer: In a direct democracy, citizens make decisions directly through popular votes, while in a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

8. What is the role of elections in a democracy?

Answer: Elections are a fundamental component of democracy as they allow citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

9. What is the purpose of political parties in a democracy?

Answer: Political parties are groups of individuals with similar political beliefs and goals that compete for power in elections.

10. What is the role of the media in a democracy?

Answer: The media plays an important role in a democracy by informing citizens about political issues and holding leaders accountable.

11. What is the difference between a democratic and authoritarian government?

Answer: A democratic government is one where power is held by the people through elected representatives, while an authoritarian government is one where power is held by a single individual or group without the consent of the people.

12. What is the role of civil society in a democracy?

Answer: Civil society refers to the space for voluntary associations and organizations outside of the government and business sectors. It plays a vital role in a democracy by representing the interests of citizens and holding government accountable.

13. What is the relationship between democracy and human rights?

Answer: Democracy and human rights are closely intertwined as democratic societies protect and promote individual freedoms and rights.

14. What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?

Answer: The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law in a democratic society, and acts as a check on the power of the government.

15. What is the difference between a presidential and parliamentary system?

Answer: In a presidential system, the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch, while in a parliamentary system, the executive branch is part of the legislative branch.

16. What is federalism?

Answer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

17. What is the difference between a unitary and federal system?

Answer: In a unitary system, power is held by a central government, while in a federal system, power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

18. What is a constitution?

Answer: A constitution is a set of rules and principles that govern a country, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the government and the rights of citizens.

19. What is the role of political participation in a democracy?

Answer: Political participation is essential in a democracy as it allows citizens to have a say in the decision-making process and hold leaders accountable.

20. What is the difference between a liberal and conservative democracy?

Answer: A liberal democracy emphasizes individual freedom and rights, while a conservative democracy places more importance on tradition, stability, and order.

21. What is the relationship between democracy and capitalism?

Answer: Democracy and capitalism are often closely linked as both prioritize individual freedoms and economic growth.

22. What is a representative democracy?

Answer: Arepresentative democracy is a system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

23. What is direct democracy?

Answer: Direct democracy is a system of government where citizens make decisions directly through popular votes.

24. What is the role of the executive branch in a democracy?

Answer: The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, and is accountable to the legislative and judicial branches.

25. What is the role of the legislative branch in a democracy?

Answer: The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and is accountable to the people and the other branches of government.

26. What is the role of the judicial branch in a democracy?

Answer: The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law, and is accountable to the people and the other branches of government.

27. What is the difference between a liberal democracy and an illiberal democracy?

Answer: A liberal democracy emphasizes individual freedom and rights, while an illiberal democracy places more importance on stability and order at the expense of individual rights.

28. What is the role of the public in a democracy?

Answer: The public plays a vital role in a democracy by holding leaders accountable, participating in the decision-making process, and ensuring that the government is representative of the people.

29. What is the relationship between democracy and globalization?

Answer: Democracy and globalization are often intertwined, as globalization can lead to greater political and economic cooperation between countries, which can in turn promote democracy.

30. What is the difference between a multi-party and two-party system?

Answer: In a multi-party system, there are several political parties that compete for power, while in a two-party system, only two parties typically hold significant power.

31. What is the role of civil liberties in a democracy?

Answer: Civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, are essential in a democracy as they allow citizens to express their opinions and participate in the decision-making process.

32. What is the relationship between democracy and the media?

Answer: The media plays an important role in a democracy by informing citizens about political issues, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring transparency in government.

33. What is the role of interest groups in a democracy?

Answer: Interest groups represent the interests of specific groups of people and can influence the political process through lobbying and other means.

34. What is the difference between a direct and representative democracy?

Answer: In a direct democracy, citizens make decisions directly through popular votes, while in a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

35. What is the role of elections in a democracy?

Answer: Elections are a fundamental component of democracy as they allow citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

36. What is the relationship between democracy and public policy?

Answer: In a democracy, public policy is determined through a democratic process, where citizens participate in the decision-making process and hold leaders accountable.

37. What is the difference between a presidential and parliamentary system?

Answer: In a presidential system, the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch, while in a parliamentary system, the executive branch is part of the legislative branch.

38. What is the relationship between democracy and the economy?

Answer: Democracy can have a significant impact on the economy, as it can influence economic policies, regulations, and the distribution of wealth.

39. What is the role of political parties in a democracy?

Answer: Political parties are groups of individuals with similar political beliefs and goals that compete for power in elections.

40. What is the role of interest groups in a democracy?

Answer: Interest groups represent the interests of specific groups of people and can influence the political process through lobbying and other means.

41. What is the difference between a direct and representative democracy?

Answer: In a direct democracy, citizens make decisions directly through popular votes, while in a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

42. What is the relationship between democracy and human rights?

Answer: Democracy and human rights are closely related, as democracy promotes the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

43. What is the role of the judiciary in a democracy?

Answer: The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law, and is an important check on the power of the other branches of government.

44. What is the difference between a federal and unitary system of government?

Answer: In a federal system, power is divided between a central government and regional governments, while in a unitary system, power is concentrated in a central government.

45. What is the role of civil society in a democracy?

Answer: Civil society refers to the organizations and groups that exist outside of the government and play a crucial role in promoting democracy, social justice, and human rights.

46. What is the relationship between democracy and the environment?

Answer: Democracy can have an impact on the environment, as it can influence environmental policies and regulations.

47. What is the role of the media in promoting democracy?

Answer: The media plays an important role in promoting democracy by providing citizens with information about political issues, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring transparency in government.

48. What is the relationship between democracy and international relations?

Answer: Democracy can have an impact on international relations, as democratic countries tend to cooperate more and are less likely to engage in conflict with one another.

49. What is the difference between a conservative and progressive democracy?

Answer: In a conservative democracy, the emphasis is on tradition, stability, and individual responsibility, while in a progressive democracy, the emphasis is on social justice, equality, and collective responsibility.

50. What is the role of public opinion in a democracy?

Answer: Public opinion plays an important role in a democracy by shaping political discourse, influencing policy decisions, and holding leaders accountable.