Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): In India, people elect their own representatives. Reason (R): India is a democracy.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic civics understanding about the nature of the Indian political system. It links the idea of people electing representatives with the concept of democracy. Assertion–reason format is used to check whether students can see that representative elections are a core feature of democratic government.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): In India, people elect their own representatives.
• Reason (R): India is a democracy.
• We assume simple, school level civics about elections and democracy.
• The question asks about the truth of both statements and whether R explains A.

Concept / Approach:
A democracy is a system of government in which power ultimately lies with the people. In a large modern country, people usually exercise this power through periodic elections where they choose representatives who sit in legislatures and make decisions on their behalf. India is described in the Constitution as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Therefore, elections of representatives are a natural outcome of India being a democracy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). India conducts regular elections at different levels: Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies and various local bodies. Citizens who meet eligibility criteria vote for candidates, and those elected serve as their representatives in government. So A is true.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). The Preamble of the Indian Constitution clearly states that India is a democratic republic. Institutions like free elections, universal adult franchise and rule of law are all indicators of democracy. Therefore R is also true.Step 3: Check whether R explains A. Because India is a democracy, it follows that people, not a monarch or a single unelected group, should have the right to choose their rulers. In a large country, this is done by electing representatives who make laws and govern. Thus, the fact that India is a democracy is indeed the underlying reason why people elect their own representatives.Step 4: Therefore both the assertion and the reason are true, and R is a correct explanation of A.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can think in reverse: if India were not a democracy, people might not have the right to elect representatives. Many non democratic systems do not allow genuine free elections. The presence of regular, competitive elections in India is one of the main features that justify calling it a democracy. This confirms that the relationship between A and R is properly explanatory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b claims that R does not explain A, which ignores the fundamental link between democracy and elections. Option c and option d treat one of the statements as false, which conflicts with basic constitutional facts and real political practice in India.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes memorise that India is a democracy but do not connect this idea to actual institutions like elections, representative legislatures and citizen participation. It is important to see democracy not only as a label but as a system whose core mechanism is that people choose their rulers through voting.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.