Chapter 6 Solutions — Democracy

The correct answer is (b) Citizens vote to choose their representatives.

Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate source of power lies with the people. The chapter states: 'the idea of popular sovereignty means that the state derives its authority from the people.' Citizens exercising their right to vote directly expresses this principle — through Universal Adult Franchise, every citizen aged 18 years and above chooses the government through free and fair elections.

Option (a) — passing a law without public discussion — bypasses people's participation. Option (c) — a court judgment — reflects the Rule of Law, not popular sovereignty directly. Option (d) — a minister's independent decision — concentrates power in one person rather than deriving it from the people.

The correct answer is (c) Powerful individuals are treated above the law.

The chapter states that the Rule of Law 'ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law, and establishes that no one is above the law.' It further explains that disputes are resolved 'through procedures established by law, not by force or personal influence. This prevents misuse of power and protects people's rights.'

When powerful individuals receive special treatment that places them above the law, this directly violates the foundational principle of the Rule of Law. Options (a), (b), and (d) all describe lawful, democratic practices that uphold rather than violate the Rule of Law.

The Rule of Law is essential for democracy because it ensures that no person or institution — not even the government itself — is above the law. The chapter explains that it 'ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law.' When disputes arise, they are resolved through legal procedures rather than by force or personal influence, preventing misuse of power.

Without the Rule of Law, the powerful could exploit their position to undermine citizens' rights, making elections and constitutional guarantees meaningless. The chapter notes that the Rule of Law 'promotes justice, accountability, and trust in the democratic system.' Citizens can only trust democratic institutions when they know that laws apply equally to everyone.

The judiciary plays a key role here: it interprets laws, reviews government actions, and can declare laws unconstitutional. Mechanisms like Public Interest Litigation (PIL) further extend access to justice. Together, these ensure that democracy is not just a formal procedure but a living system of rights and accountability.