CBSE Class 9 Chapter 5 Democratic Rights explains why citizens need rights and how the Constitution protects them. Democratic Rights Class 9 Important Questions helps students clearly understand concepts like the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right to Constitutional Remedies, and various case studies.
These questions simplify the chapter and make exam revision easier. Democratic Rights Class 9 Important Questions and Answers include short answers, detailed explanations, and examples for better clarity of concepts.
Democratic Rights Class 9 Important Questions and Answers
To prepare well for the Class 9 Political Science, students should prepare the important questions well:
1. What did Dr. Ambedkar refer to the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ as?
(A) The brain of our Constitution
(B) The heart and soul of our Constitution
(C) The heart of our Constitution
(D) The soul of our Constitution
Ans. (B) The heart and soul of our Constitution
2. What can be done in case of infringement of the rights in a democracy?
(A) Citizens are helpless; they cannot do anything
(B) They can approach courts to protect their rights
(C) They can ask their representatives to do the needful
(D) None of the above
Ans. (B) They can approach courts to protect their rights
3. What is the position of women in Saudi Arabia?
(A) Women are given all the rights
(B) Women are given equal status with men
(C) Women are subjected to many public restrictions
(D) They are offered high positions
Ans. (C) Women are subjected to many public restrictions
4. Which body exposed to the world that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws?
(A) United Nations
(B) International Court of Justice
(C) Amnesty International
(D) Supreme Court of USA
Ans. (C) Amnesty International
5. Which one of the following rights is available to the citizens of India and not to the citizens of Saudi Arabia?
(A) The country is ruled by a hereditary king
(B) Citizens cannot form political parties
(C) Women are subjected to many public restrictions
(D) Citizens enjoy the freedom of religion
Ans. (D) Citizens enjoy the freedom of religion
6. Which of these is false regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression?
(A) Everyone has a right to think differently
(B) One may disagree with a policy of the government
(C) One can use it to incite people against the government
(D) One is free to criticize the government
Ans. (C) One can use it to incite people against the government
7. Which of the following is not an instance of an exercise of a Fundamental Right?
(A) Workers from Bihar go to Punjab to work on the farms
(B) Parents’ property is inherited by their children
(C) Christian mission sets up a chain of missionary schools
(D) Religion is not taken into consideration during admission in schools
Ans. (B) Parents’ property is inherited by their children
8. What was the result of the intervention of other countries to stop the killings of Albanians?
(A) Milosevic lost power and was tried for crimes against humanity
(B) The other countries were punished by UNO for interfering in another country
(C) Led to further army action by Milosevic
(D) None of the above
Ans. (A) Milosevic lost power and was tried for crimes against humanity
9. What does ‘Right to Equality’ say about public jobs?
(A) Jobs will be provided to all by the government
(B) Jobs will be reserved for the more meritorious students
(C) All citizens will be provided with equal opportunity in matters of employment
(D) None of the above
Ans. (C) All citizens will be provided with equal opportunity in matters of employment
10. What is meant by the term ‘writ’?
(A) Written laws
(B) A formal document containing an order of the court to the government
(C) Basic features of the Constitution
(D) None of the above
Ans. (B) A formal document containing an order of the court to the government
Section –B [2 Mark]
11. What are rights?
Ans. Rights are reasonable claims of persons over other fellow beings over the society, and over the government recognised by society and sanctioned by law.
12. Define Fundamental Rights.
Ans. The Fundamental Rights are those basic conditions which are considered essential for the overall development of a person. These are guaranteed under the Constitution.
13. Define the rule of law. Do you think the rule of law prevails in India?
Ans. It means that the laws apply in the same manner to all, regardless of a person’s status. Yes, the rule of law prevails in India. All are equal in the eyes of law.
14. Some rights need to be placed higher than the government’. Give a reason.
Ans. Though it is the duty of each democratic government to protect the citizen’s rights, sometimes elected governments may not protect or may even attack the rights of their own citizens. That is why some rights need to be placed higher than the government, so that the government cannot violate these.
15. What is meant by ‘Begar’?
Ans. ‘Begar’ is a practice where the worker is forced to render service to the ‘master’ free of charge or at a nominal remuneration.
Section –C [3 Mark]
16. “Right to Constitutional Remedies is a very special right”. What is so special about this right? Or Dr Ambedkar called the Right to Constitutional Remedies, “the heart and soul of our constitution”. Give a reason.
Ans.
• It is through this Right that all other Fundamental Rights are safeguarded and arbitrary action of the state is checked.
• Under this Right, a citizen is entitled to move the Supreme Court or any High Court or any other courts so authorised, if his/ her Fundamental Right (or Rights) is encroached upon, abridged or snatched away by the State, an individual or a body of persons. The courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs to the concerned to protect the rights of the complainant.
17. Mention three major Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India.
Or
Write three Constitutional provisions for the protection of women and children in India.
Ans.
• The Right to Equality: Under this the State can make special provisions for women and children.
• Right Against Exploitation: Under this traffic in human beings, especially women and children, shall be an offense punishable in accordance with the law.
• Right Against Exploitation: Under this no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
18. How or why is the ‘Right to Freedom’ called a cluster of several rights?
Sol. Under the Indian Constitution, all citizens exercise a number of freedoms which are all covered in the right to freedom. So every citizen has the right to all of the following freedoms:
(i) Freedom of speech and expression
(ii) Freedom of assembly in a peaceful manner
(iii) Freedom to form associations and unions
(iv) Freedom to move freely throughout the country
(v) Freedom to reside in any part of the country
(vi) Freedom to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
19. What is PIL? How does it work?
Ans.
(i) In case of any violation of a Fundamental Right, the aggrieved person can go to a court for remedy.
(ii) But now, any person can go to court against the violation of a Fundamental Right, if it is of social or public interest. This is called Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
(iii) Under the PIL, any citizen or group of citizens can approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for the protection of public interest against a particular law or action of the government.
20. What did Amnesty International do to get Guantanamo Bay prison closed?
Sol. (i) Amnesty International, an international human rights organisation, collected information on the condition of the prisoners in Guantanamo Bay and reported that prisoners were being tortured in ways that violated the US laws.
(ii) They were being denied the treatment that even prisoners of war must get as per international treaties. Prisoners were not released even after they were officially declared not guilty.
(iii) The UN Secretary General said that the prison in Guantanamo Bay should be closed down. The US government refused to accept these pleas.
Section –D [5 Mark]
21. What are the main features of Right to Equality?
Sol. (i) Every citizen, from the Prime Minister to a small farmer in a remote village, is subject to the same laws.
(ii) Under Right to Equality, the government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion, ethnicity, sex or place of birth.
(iii) Every citizen shall have access to public places like shops, restaurants, hotels and cinema halls.
(iv) All citizens have equality of opportunity in matters relating to employment or appointment to any position in the government. No citizen shall be discriminated against or made ineligible for employment on any grounds.
(v) Equality means giving everyone an equal opportunity to achieve whatever one is capable of. Sometimes, it is necessary to give special treatment to someone in order to ensure equal opportunity.
22. Write a short note on the National Human Rights Commission.
Sol. (i) NHRC is an independent commission set up by the law in 1993.
(ii) Like the Judiciary, the commission is independent of the government.
(iii) The commission is appointed by the President and includes retired judges, officers and eminent citizens.
(iv) It does not bear the burden of deciding cases. So, it can focus on helping the victims secure their human rights.
(v) These include all the rights granted to the citizens by the constitution.
(vi) The NHRC cannot punish the guilty. That is the responsibility of the courts.
(vii) Like any court, it can summon witnesses, question any government official, demand any official paper, visit any prison for inspection or send its own team for on-the-spot inquiry
23. Describe special provisions which are provided for the advancement of the backward classes.
Ans. Special provisions are also provided for the advancement of backward classes of citizens and those of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Equality does not mean that everyone gets the same treatment, no matter what they need. Right to equality allows special treatment in favor of persons who belong to the weaker sections.
For example, the government reserves some seats in public educational institutions, or provides stipends to such persons. Similarly, the government reserves some posts in favour of backward classes of citizens who are not adequately represented in government services.
But for such special provisions, it would not be possible for the boys and girls of these groups to get admission in premier educational institutions or to get good jobs.
These special provisions and reservations are aimed at promoting socio economic equality. To promote social equality, the Constitution forbids the practice of untouchability in any form.
Such practice denies them interaction with others or access to public places as equal citizens. So, the Constitution made untouchability a punishable offense.
24. How can the legal system defend citizens’ fundamental rights?
Sol. The judiciary safeguards people’ fundamental rights in the following ways:
a. We have legal recourse if any of our rights are violated. If it falls under a Fundamental Right, we can go straight to the Supreme Court or a state’s High Court.
b. Fundamental rights are protected from the activities of legislatures, the executive, and any other governmental bodies.
c. Any legislative or executive measure that restricts or abridges one or more Fundamental Rights shall be void. Such legislation of the federal and state governments is subject to dispute, and courts also uphold fundamental freedoms against private individuals and organisations.
d. Directions, orders, or writs may be issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts in order to enforce Fundamental Rights.
e. Additionally, they have the power to penalise violators and compensate victims
25. Mention the Fundamental Rights which have been provided to the citizens by the Constitution.
Ans. The Indian Constitution itself classifies the Fundamental Rights under seven groups as follow
(i) Right to Equality
(ii) Right to Freedom
(iii) Right against Exploitation
(iv) Right to Freedom of Religion
(v) Cultural and Educational Rights
(vi) Right to Property
(vii) Right to Constitutional Remedies Of these, the Right to Property has been eliminated by the 44th Amendment Act of the Constitution. The remaining six Fundamental Rights are necessary for the very sustenance of our democracy.
Section E [4 Marks]
26. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: Democratic rights are the bedrock of any thriving society, serving as the guardians of freedom, equality, and dignity for all individuals. In essence, they form the essence of what it means to live in a democracy, where the power resides with the people, and governance is by consent. At the heart of democratic rights lies the principle of equality. Regardless of one's caste, creed, gender, or socio- economic status, every individual is entitled to certain inalienable rights. These rights serve as a shield against the arbitrary actions of the state, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and justly under the law. In a democratic society, no one is above the law, and everyone is entitled to equal protection and opportunities. Among the most cherished democratic rights is the right to freedom of speech and expression. This fundamental right empowers individuals to voice their opinions, express their beliefs, and engage in open discourse without fear of censorship or persecution. It is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are not only tolerated but celebrated. Through freedom of speech, citizens can hold their government accountable, advocate for change, and participate actively in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
(i) Why are democratic rights essential for a thriving society?
Sol. Democratic rights safeguard freedom, equality, and dignity, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals and empowering citizens to participate in governance.
(ii) What is the principle underlying democratic rights?
Sol. The principle of equality forms the foundation of democratic rights, guaranteeing equal protection and opportunities for every individual regardless of background.
(iii) Why is freedom of speech and expression considered vital in a democracy?
Sol. Freedom of speech empowers individuals to voice opinions, engage in discourse, and hold the government accountable, contributing to a vibrant and participatory democracy.
(iv) How does democratic rights contribute to fostering diversity and tolerance?
Sol. Democratic rights create an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, promoting open dialogue and understanding among citizens.
How to Prepare Using Democratic Rights Class 9 Important Questions?
CBSE Class 9 Political Science Chapter 5 must be prepared well for effective exam preparation. Here is how you should prepare using the important questions:
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Before solving the important questions of Democratic Rights Class 9, read the NCERT chapter once to understand what rights mean, why rights are essential in democracy, and how citizens are protected by the Constitution
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Begin with simple recall-based questions. Then move to explanation-based questions that test your conceptual clarity. This builds strong answer-writing skills.
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Always use important keywords in your answers, such as Fundamental Rights, Constitution, Democracy, PIL, Amnesty International, Constitutional Remedies. This helps you score higher in long answers.
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Chapter 5 uses examples like the Guantanamo Bay case, The prisoner’s rights story, and The Indian Constitution’s safeguards.
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Use the Democratic Rights Class 9 Important Questions and Answers to check accuracy and improve your way of writing.