Democracy and equality

Answer the following in brief.

1. Why did democracy take a back seat in middle ages?
Ans. Democracy flourished further during the Roman Empire (509-27BCE). However ,
with the rise of feudalism during the Middle ages , democracy was forced to take the
backseat as the power of the king and nobles increased.
2. What happened during the American war of independence?
Ans. The American War of independence , inspired the struggle against monarchies in
Europe too . One of the most important effects was the French Revolution , which led to
over throwing of the French monarchy and a change in the social structure of France.
3. Explain the term social equality.
Ans. The term Social equality means:
i.
All the people in the society enjoy similar rights.
ii.
There is no distinction on the basis of caste and creed.
iii.
Every person can access all public places like playgrounds , hotels , shops or
markets and use wells , roads and toilets.
iv. Untouchability has been abolished and is punishable by law.
4. What are the main foundations of democracy?
i.
ii.
iii.

Equality is the foundation of democracy.

Without equality , democracy is meaningless.
In a democratic government , all citizens irrespective of caste , creed ,
religion , or degree of education , take part in governance of the
country.
5. What were the ideas contained in Magna Carta?
Ans. The ideas contained in the Magna Carta were to restrict the kings powers .
Meaning great letter , it stated that the king had to obey the law , like all other people
, and if the king broke the law , the nobles had the right to remove him and put a new
one. The nobles formed a council to act as a controlling body on the power of the
king. For example , the king could not impose any new taxes unless approved by the
council.
Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Discuss the divisions of the French society before the French Revolution.
Ans. The French society was divided into three separate categories known as
estates. The first estate was the highest level , made up of the priests and
religious leaders. The second estate was made up of nobility , while the third
and lowest estate consisted of everyone else , including the peasants-over 97%
of the population of France. The nobles collected rent from the peasant who

lived on their lands. The nobles led a lavish life , while the peasants lived in
extreme poverty.
2. Discuss the goals of the democracy.
Ans. The goals of a democracy are:
i. People are supreme and powerful.
ii. All citizens are equal and have certain rights.
iii.
It is the peoples interests and well being at an elected government
must give importance too.
iv. Every government must be run according to laws which are there in
the constitution.
v. Through the opinion of the majority of the people is important , the
welfare of the people who are in minority is always considered.
vi. Every citizen is equal in the eyes of the law.
3. What are the different forms of equality?
Ans. The different types of equality are:
i.
Political equality
ii.
Religious equality
iii.
Economic equality
iv. Social equaity
4. Discuss the role played by Aung San Suu Kyi in the democratic movement of
Myanmmar.
Ans. During the 1990 elections , she was not allowed by the government to
contest. When she won the elections , but the government the elections results
and refused to hand over power.
Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of her political career under house arrest.
Countries across the world .
5.