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Democracy

NCERT Class 9 · Social Science Based on NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explores the evolution of democracy, its core principles, and its practice in India and around the world. It traces democratic traditions from ancient India, explains the essential features of a democracy, and examines the challenges faced by Indian democracy. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that democracy is not just a system of government but a continuous process shaped by institutions, active citizenship, and the protection of fundamental rights and duties.
Key Concepts (22)
Democracy
A form of government in which the source of power and authority lies with the citizens of the country, who elect their representatives through free and fair elections.
e.g. In India, citizens aged 18 and above vote to elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Popular Sovereignty
The idea that the ultimate source of power lies with the people, and the state derives its authority from the people.
e.g. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution begins with 'We, the People of India', reflecting popular sovereignty.
Universal Adult Franchise
The right of every citizen, 18 years of age and above, to vote through a secret ballot, without discrimination.
e.g. In the 2024 Indian general elections, over 96.8 crore registered voters were eligible to cast their vote.
Rule of Law
A fundamental principle of democracy that ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law, establishing that no one is above the law.
e.g. If a government official commits a crime, they are tried in a court of law like any other citizen.
Fundamental Rights
Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution that safeguard the rights, freedom, and dignity of citizens, enforceable in courts of law.
e.g. The Right to Equality (Articles 14–18) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent the concentration of power in any one organ.
e.g. The Parliament makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets them.
Accountability and Transparency
The principle that democratic governments are accountable to citizens, and citizens can evaluate government actions through elections, public debates, and mechanisms like the RTI Act.
e.g. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, allows citizens to seek information from government agencies.
Multi-Party System
A system in which several political parties contest elections, representing diverse voices and interests, giving people the power to choose those they consider most suitable.
e.g. India has over 2,800 registered political parties, reflecting the country's social and regional diversity.
Representative Democracy (Indirect Democracy)
A form of democracy where people elect their representatives to govern on their behalf, and the government is accountable to the people through periodic elections.
e.g. India is a representative democracy where citizens elect members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
Direct Democracy
A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in most decision-making processes, often difficult to follow in large countries.
e.g. Switzerland practices direct democracy, where citizens vote on policy issues directly.
Parliamentary Democracy
A system where members of the executive are also part of the legislature, and the executive is accountable to the legislature.
e.g. In India, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are members of Parliament and are accountable to it.
Presidential Democracy
A system where the executive is independent of the legislature, and the president is elected by the people and accountable to them.
e.g. In the United States of America, the President is both the head of state and head of government, elected separately from the legislature.
Federalism
A system of government in which power and responsibilities are shared between the central and state governments as expressed in the central, state, and concurrent lists of the Constitution of India.
e.g. In India, education is on the concurrent list, meaning both the central and state governments can make laws on it.
Sovereignty
Derived from the Latin word 'superanus', meaning 'supreme'; it refers to the supreme, final, and independent legal authority of a State over its territory and citizens.
e.g. India is a sovereign nation, meaning it is not subject to any external authority.
Civil Society
Refers to voluntary groups, NGOs, and community associations that function interdependently within society.
e.g. Organisations like the National Service Scheme (NSS) and self-help groups are part of civil society.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
A legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest.
e.g. A PIL can be filed to address issues like pollution, corruption, or violation of fundamental rights of a large group of people.
Question Hour
The first hour of a parliamentary session when members ask questions to the government, helping check the government's work and hold it accountable.
e.g. During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, MPs ask ministers about the functioning of their departments.
Emergency
A period when the government assumes extraordinary powers; Articles 352, 356, and 360 of the Constitution deal with provisions for National Emergency, President's Rule, and Financial Emergency, respectively.
e.g. The National Emergency imposed in India from 1975 to 1977, during which Fundamental Rights were suspended and the press was censored.
Quorum
The presence of the minimum number of members in the meetings of an assembly to make the proceedings valid.
e.g. In a Gram Sabha, a quorum is required to ensure that decisions are taken with adequate participation.
Cooperatives
Groups formed by people to work together for a common benefit; members share profits and responsibilities equally.
e.g. Dairy cooperatives like Amul are examples of cooperatives in India.
Legislation
Laws made by the government; these laws help maintain order and regulate society.
e.g. The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a piece of legislation that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities.
Civic Responsibility
Includes respecting others' rights, using social media responsibly, abiding by laws and rules, appreciating the country's diversity, and participating in activities that strengthen unity.
e.g. Participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) or National Service Scheme (NSS) instils civic responsibility in students.
How It Works
Evolution of Democratic Ideas in India
  1. Step 1: Ancient India had assemblies like Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata for collective decision-making.
  2. Step 2: The Aikyamatya Sūktam of the Ṛig Veda emphasised collective thinking, shared discussion, and unity of purpose.
  3. Step 3: The Bauddha Saṁghas encouraged debate, discussion, and voting to choose leaders and make decisions.
  4. Step 4: Foreign invasions and British colonial rule disrupted political structures and limited people's participation.
  5. Step 5: The struggle for independence revived and strengthened democratic ideas among the people.
  6. Step 6: The Constituent Assembly (formed in 1946) drafted the Constitution, incorporating indigenous traditions and global democratic values.
  7. Step 7: The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
💡 Students often forget that democratic ideas in India did not emerge suddenly but evolved through a long historical process, with roots in ancient traditions.
How a Government is Formed in a Multi-Party System
  1. Step 1: Several political parties contest elections to the Parliament or State Assemblies.
  2. Step 2: The party or coalition of parties that secures more than 50% of the seats forms the government.
  3. Step 3: The party or coalition with fewer seats constitutes the opposition.
  4. Step 4: The government is accountable to the people and the legislature.
💡 Students often think the party with the most votes always forms the government, but it is the party with more than 50% of the seats that forms the government.
How the Right to Information (RTI) Act Strengthens Democracy
  1. Step 1: Citizens, journalists, and civil society groups raise concerns about transparency and accountability.
  2. Step 2: These concerns are examined by parliamentary committees and addressed within government institutions.
  3. Step 3: The proposal for an RTI Act is reviewed by expert groups, debated in Parliament, and refined through consultations.
  4. Step 4: Elected representatives incorporate safeguards related to national security and administrative efficiency.
  5. Step 5: The RTI Act is passed by Parliament and comes into force in 2005.
  6. Step 6: Citizens can now seek information from government departments, strengthening accountability and democratic governance.
💡 Students often think the RTI Act was created solely by the government; they must remember it emerged from democratic processes involving citizens, civil society, and parliamentary debate.
How the Emergency (1975–77) Challenged and Strengthened Indian Democracy
  1. Step 1: In the early 1970s, public dissatisfaction with the government led by Indira Gandhi grew due to unemployment, inflation, and allegations of misgovernance.
  2. Step 2: In June 1975, a National Emergency was imposed on the grounds of internal disturbance.
  3. Step 3: During the Emergency, most Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and political leaders and activists were arrested.
  4. Step 4: Mass movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan mobilised students and citizens, especially in Bihar and Gujarat.
  5. Step 5: The Emergency was lifted in 1977, and general elections were held.
  6. Step 6: The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy and highlighted the importance of constitutional safeguards, civil liberties, and active citizen participation.
💡 Students often think the Emergency only weakened democracy; they must also understand that the 1977 elections showed the resilience of Indian democracy.
How Grassroots Democracy Works in India (Case Study: Jethipura Gram Panchayat)
  1. Step 1: The Gram Panchayat ensures effective conduct of Gram Sabhas and proper maintenance of records.
  2. Step 2: Special Gram Sabhas and Mahila Sabhas are organised to address specific issues.
  3. Step 3: Timely action is taken on issues related to education, sanitation, and welfare of women and children.
  4. Step 4: Adequate quorum is ensured in Gram Sabhas with active participation from marginalised sections, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
  5. Step 5: The Panchayat's exemplary performance is recognised with awards like the Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP).
💡 Students often think democracy at the grassroots is only about voting; these case studies show it involves active participation in decision-making and implementation.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing 'Popular Sovereignty' with 'Universal Adult Franchise'
✗ Popular sovereignty means every citizen has the right to vote.
→ Popular sovereignty is the broader principle that the ultimate source of power lies with the people. Universal Adult Franchise is the mechanism through which citizens exercise that sovereignty by voting.
✓ Popular sovereignty means the state derives its authority from the people, and it is exercised through Universal Adult Franchise, where every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote.
⚠ Mistaking 'Rule of Law' for 'Equality Before Law'
✗ Rule of law means everyone is equal before the law.
→ Equality before law is a component of the Rule of Law, but the Rule of Law is a broader principle that also includes equal protection of the law, due process, and that no one is above the law.
✓ The Rule of Law ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law, and establishes that no one is above the law, with disputes resolved through established legal procedures.
⚠ Thinking 'Parliamentary Democracy' and 'Presidential Democracy' are the same as 'Representative Democracy'
✗ India has a representative democracy, which is the same as a parliamentary democracy.
→ Representative democracy is a broad category where people elect representatives. Parliamentary democracy is a specific type of representative democracy where the executive is accountable to the legislature. India is both a representative democracy and a parliamentary democracy.
✓ India is a representative democracy (people elect representatives) and specifically a parliamentary democracy (the executive is accountable to the legislature).
⚠ Confusing 'Direct Democracy' with 'Representative Democracy'
✗ In a direct democracy, people elect representatives to make decisions for them.
→ In a direct democracy, citizens directly participate in decision-making, not through representatives. In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
✓ In a direct democracy, citizens directly participate in most decision-making processes (e.g., Switzerland). In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf (e.g., India).
⚠ Thinking the Emergency (1975–77) only weakened democracy
✗ The Emergency of 1975–77 showed that Indian democracy is weak.
→ While the Emergency did strain democratic institutions, the subsequent 1977 elections, in which the ruling government was defeated, demonstrated the resilience and strength of Indian democracy.
✓ The Emergency of 1975–77 challenged democratic institutions, but the 1977 elections, where the ruling government was defeated, highlighted the resilience of Indian democracy and the importance of constitutional safeguards and active citizen participation.
⚠ Assuming 'Fundamental Rights' are absolute and cannot be restricted
✗ Fundamental Rights are absolute and cannot be limited in any way.
→ Fundamental Rights are subject to reasonable restrictions in accordance with the procedure established by law, as mentioned in the chapter.
✓ Fundamental Rights are enforceable in courts of law and are indivisible and inalienable, but they are subject to reasonable restrictions in accordance with the procedure established by law.
Compare & Contrast
Mode of citizen participation in decision-making
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
In direct democracy, citizens directly participate in decision-making (e.g., Switzerland), while in representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf (e.g., India).
Relationship between the executive and the legislature
Parliamentary Democracy
Presidential Democracy
In a parliamentary democracy (e.g., India), the executive is accountable to the legislature and members of the executive are also part of the legislature. In a presidential democracy (e.g., USA), the executive is independent of the legislature and the president is elected by the people.
Function in a democracy
Rule of Law
Separation of Powers
The Rule of Law ensures that no one is above the law and that all are treated equally by law. Separation of Powers divides government responsibilities among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent concentration of power and maintain checks and balances.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Very Short Answer (1 mark), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks). Total: 11 marks.
Most asked: Definition and features of democracy · Fundamental Rights and their significance · Rule of Law · Separation of Powers · Types of democracy (Direct, Representative, Parliamentary, Presidential) · Challenges to Indian democracy (including the Emergency of 1975–77) · Role of the Constitution in strengthening democracy · Universal Adult Franchise · Popular Sovereignty
Don't skip: Explain the essential features of a democracy with reference to the Indian Constitution.; Describe the challenges faced by Indian democracy, with special reference to the Emergency of 1975–77.; Differentiate between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy, giving examples.; What is the Rule of Law and why is it essential for a democracy?; How does the Constitution of India strengthen democracy?
Safe to skip: The detailed case studies of Jethipura Gram Panchayat and South Manubankul Gram Panchayat are low-weightage for board exams but useful for understanding grassroots democracy. The specific verse from the Ṛig Veda (Aikyamatya Sūktam) is also low-weightage.
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Democracy is a form of government where the source of power lies with the citizens, who elect representatives through free and fair elections.
  2. India is the world's largest democracy with over 96.8 crore registered voters in 2024.
  3. Popular sovereignty means the ultimate source of power lies with the people.
  4. Universal Adult Franchise gives every citizen aged 18 and above the right to vote through a secret ballot.
  5. The Rule of Law ensures equality before the law and that no one is above the law.
  6. The six Fundamental Rights in India are Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right Against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
  7. Separation of Powers divides government among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent concentration of power.
  8. India has a multi-party system with over 2,800 registered political parties.
  9. India is a representative democracy and a parliamentary democracy.
  10. The Emergency of 1975–77 saw the suspension of Fundamental Rights and press censorship, but the 1977 elections showed the resilience of Indian democracy.
  11. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers citizens to seek information from government agencies, strengthening accountability.
  12. Grassroots democracy in India functions through Panchayati Raj institutions and Gram Sabhas.
  13. Women in India were granted the right to vote in 1950 without prolonged struggle, unlike in Britain (1928) and the USA (1920).
  14. The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
  15. Democratic ideas in India have roots in ancient traditions like the Sabhā, Samiti, and Bauddha Saṁghas.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. What is the Universal Adult Franchise in India?

  • A. The right of every citizen aged 18 years and above to vote through secret ballot ✓
  • B. The right of educated citizens above 21 years to contest elections
  • C. The right of government to make laws for all adults
  • D. The right of citizens to hold multiple jobs simultaneously

Answer: A — Universal Adult Franchise is the fundamental democratic right ensuring every adult citizen can vote secretly regardless of education or status.

Q2. When did the Indian Constitution come into force?

  • A. 26 November 1949
  • B. 26 January 1950 ✓
  • C. 15 August 1947
  • D. 26 January 1949

Answer: B — The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and officially came into force on 26 January 1950, marking India's transition to a democratic republic.

Q3. Which Vedic assembly is mentioned as an example of collective decision-making?

  • A. Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata ✓
  • B. Raja, Mantri, and Senapati
  • C. Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya
  • D. Purohit, Duta, and Mahamatra

Answer: A — Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata were the three Vedic assemblies that involved collective decision-making and consultation with the king.

Q4. Who chaired the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?

  • A. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
  • B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ✓
  • C. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • D. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Answer: B — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a crucial role in shaping India's constitutional framework.

Q5. What does the Rule of Law principle ensure in a democracy?

  • A. The government can make any law it wishes without restrictions
  • B. Equality before law, equal protection, and that no one is above the law ✓
  • C. Only the majority population is protected by laws
  • D. Laws are made only by the judiciary, not the legislature

Answer: B — The Rule of Law establishes that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and entitled to equal protection and fair legal procedures.

Q6. Which of the following is NOT a core principle of democracy as described in the chapter?

  • A. Popular sovereignty — power rests with the people
  • B. Rule of Law — no one is above the law
  • C. Monarchy — rule by a hereditary king without accountability ✓
  • D. Equality before law — equal treatment by courts

Answer: C — Monarchy is not a democratic principle; democracy is fundamentally based on popular sovereignty and people's participation, whereas monarchy concentrates power in a single hereditary ruler.

Q7. The Aikyamatya Sūktam verse from the Rig Veda emphasises the importance of which concept?

  • A. Individual achievement and personal wealth accumulation
  • B. Collective thinking, shared discussion, and unity of purpose ✓
  • C. Religious rituals and priestly authority
  • D. Military conquest and territorial expansion

Answer: B — The verse highlights collective counsel, common assembly, unified mind, and shared intention — all foundational democratic values of consultation and consensus.

Q8. Ramesh observes that in his village, disputes are resolved through village courts following established legal procedures rather than by the village headman's personal decision. Which democratic principle does this reflect?

  • A. Popular sovereignty — people make final decisions
  • B. Universal Adult Franchise — everyone votes equally
  • C. Rule of Law — disputes resolved through established legal procedures ✓
  • D. Equality of opportunity — everyone gets a fair chance

Answer: C — This scenario illustrates the Rule of Law principle where disputes are settled through proper legal procedures and institutions rather than arbitrary personal decisions by authority.

Q9. Article 368 of the Indian Constitution primarily allows for which of the following?

  • A. Complete replacement of the Constitution every 10 years
  • B. Amendments to the Constitution while preserving fundamental values ✓
  • C. The government to suspend Fundamental Rights during emergencies
  • D. Citizens to directly overturn laws through referendums

Answer: B — Article 368 enables constitutional amendments to keep the document responsive and flexible to changing needs while maintaining its core democratic principles and fundamental values.

Q10. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to draft India's Constitution, and why was this duration significant?

  • A. 6 months — it was drafted quickly to prevent British interference
  • B. 2 years, 11 months, 18 days — comprehensive debate ensured a robust, well-considered document ✓
  • C. 5 years — Constitution had to be rewritten twice due to disagreements
  • D. 1 year — the shortest written constitution in the world

Answer: B — The extended duration allowed for thorough deliberation, incorporation of indigenous democratic traditions and global democratic values, resulting in the world's longest written constitution that balances multiple perspectives.

Flashcards

What does 'popular sovereignty' mean in democracy?

The ultimate source of power and authority lies with the people, who exercise it through free and fair elections.

Define the Universal Adult Franchise.

Every citizen aged 18 years and above has the right to vote through a secret ballot in elections.

What is the Rule of Law principle?

No one, including government officials, is above the law; disputes are resolved through established legal procedures, ensuring equality and protection.

When was the Indian Constitution adopted and came into force?

The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

Name the three Vedic assemblies mentioned for collective decision-making.

Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata were the three Vedic assemblies that involved collective decision-making by members.

Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of India's Constitution?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee that drafted the Indian Constitution.

What is the significance of Article 368 in the Constitution?

Article 368 provides for amendments to the Constitution, ensuring it remains flexible and responsive to changing socio-political needs.

How many Fundamental Rights are enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

There are six Fundamental Rights protecting equality, freedom, protection against exploitation, freedom of religion, and cultural and educational rights.

What does the Aikyamatya Sūktam verse emphasise?

It emphasises collective thinking, shared discussion, unity of purpose, and democratic principles like consultation, consensus, and shared responsibility.

How long did it take the Constituent Assembly to draft the Constitution?

It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the world's longest written Constitution.

Important Board Questions

Define the principle of 'Popular Sovereignty' and explain how the Universal Adult Franchise helps to maintain it in India. [2 marks]

Popular sovereignty means ultimate power lies with people; Universal Adult Franchise (18+ citizens voting) enables this by allowing citizens to directly elect representatives and hold government accountable.

Explain with an example how the Rule of Law principle protects citizens in a democratic society and prevents misuse of power by government. [3 marks]

Rule of Law establishes that no one, including officials, is above law; disputes resolved through courts via legal procedures, not force. Example: citizens can challenge arbitrary government action in court and get fair hearing.

Describe how India's democratic traditions have evolved from ancient times to the modern Constitution. What role did the Constituent Assembly play in shaping this democratic framework? [5 marks]

Trace path: Vedic assemblies (Sabha, Samiti) → republican states (gaṇas) → colonial disruption → independence struggle revived ideas. Constituent Assembly (1946-1949) combined indigenous traditions with global democratic values, created flexible constitution with Article 368 amendments, embedded Fundamental Rights, ensuring robust and responsive democracy suited to India's diversity.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Democracy

Q1. Assertion (A):

The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle of democratic society.

Reason (R):

The Rule of Law ensures that no one is above the law and disputes are resolved through legal procedures, promoting justice and accountability.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the Rule of Law is fundamental to democracy. It directly addresses how equality before law and legal procedures protect citizens.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Ancient Indian assemblies like Sabha and Samiti practiced collective decision-making.

Reason (R):

These assemblies were created to give absolute power to a single ruler who made all decisions without consultation.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true—the chapter confirms these Vedic assemblies involved collective decision-making. However, the reason is false; these assemblies actually ensured the king worked in consultation with assemblies and officers, not for giving absolute power to one ruler.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Universal Adult Franchise is the right of all citizens aged 18 and above to vote through secret ballot.

Reason (R):

This principle ensures popular sovereignty by allowing the people to exercise their power through elections.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true statements. However, the reason does not directly explain the assertion; rather, it describes the consequence of Universal Adult Franchise. The assertion defines the concept while the reason explains its democratic importance, not a causal connection.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Democracy

Case Study:

In 2024, India conducted its general elections with a voter base of over 96.8 crore citizens. Citizens aged 18 and above exercised their right to vote through secret ballot to elect their representatives. The Election Commission ensured free and fair elections across all states and union territories. Millions of people from different religions, castes, and economic backgrounds participated equally in this democratic process, making India the world's largest participatory democracy.

Q1. What does the passage demonstrate about Popular Sovereignty in Indian democracy?

  • A. Only rich citizens participate in elections
  • B. The people exercise power by electing their representatives through free and fair elections ✓
  • C. The government makes all decisions without consulting citizens
  • D. Elections are conducted secretly without any transparency

Answer: B

Q2. How does the passage illustrate the principle of Equality in Indian democracy?

  • A. Citizens of different religions and castes participate equally in the electoral process ✓
  • B. Only citizens from certain castes have voting rights
  • C. Economic status determines one's right to vote
  • D. Women are excluded from participating in elections

Answer: A

Q3. What role does Universal Adult Franchise play in the scenario described in the passage?

  • A. It restricts voting to wealthy citizens only
  • B. It allows all citizens aged 18 and above to vote regardless of status ✓
  • C. It limits voting to government officials
  • D. It prevents free and fair elections

Answer: B

Q4. Why is India called the world's largest participatory democracy based on the information in the passage?

  • A. Because it has the largest population
  • B. Because over 96.8 crore citizens exercise their democratic right to participate in elections ✓
  • C. Because it is geographically the largest country
  • D. Because it has the most government officials

Answer: B

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