NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 covers Simple Definition of Democracy, Features of Democracy, Arguments For and Against Democracy, and Broader Meaning of Democracy.
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. What is Democracy & Its Key Features
Short Note:
• Definition: Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
• Major Decisions by Elected Leaders: Final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people (Case study: General Musharraf in Pakistan).
• Free and Fair Electoral Competition: A democracy must be based on free and fair elections where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing (Case study: PRI in Mexico, China's National People's Congress).
• One Person, One Vote, One Value: Each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value (Denial of voting rights in Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Fiji).
• Rule of Law and Respect for Rights: A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights (Case study: Mugabe's ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe).
2. Why Democracy? (Arguments For & Against)
Short Note:
• Arguments Against Democracy: Instability due to changing leaders; delay in decision-making due to consultations; corruption; political competition and power play.
• Arguments For Democracy: More accountable government (e.g., China's famine vs. India's economic response in 1958-1961); improves decision-making quality; provides a peaceful method to deal with differences; allows citizens to correct their own mistakes; enhances dignity of citizens.
3. Broader Meaning of Democracy
Short Note:
• Representative Democracy: Modern democracies are representative because it is impossible for all citizens to sit together and make every decision directly.
• Democracy beyond Government: Applying democratic principles to families, classrooms, organizations, and decision-making bodies where every stakeholder has an equal say.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
| Democratic Government | Non-Democratic Government |
|---|---|
| Rulers are elected by the citizens through free and fair elections. | Rulers are self-appointed, hereditary monarchs, or military dictators. |
| Citizens enjoy fundamental rights, freedom of speech, and equal vote value. | Rights of citizens are restricted, and opposition is often suppressed. |
| Government decisions are accountable to the public and constitution. | Rulers are not accountable to the public or any legal framework. |
1. Military Coup: In 1999, General Musharraf led a military coup to overthrow a democratically elected government.
2. Legal Framework Order: He issued an order giving the President power to dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
3. Power Concentration: Final decision-making power rested with military officers and General Musharraf, not with elected representatives.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
Answer: Undemocratic
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
Answer: Not Sure (Depends on whether elections are free and fair)
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
Answer: Democratic
(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Answer: Undemocratic
(b) Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.
(c) Democratic government is more accountable to the people.
(d) Democracies are more prosperous than others.
Answer: (d) Democracies are more prosperous than others (Economic prosperity depends on multiple factors like resources and policy, not solely on democracy).
1. Accountability: Democratic governments respond to the needs of citizens better than non-democratic regimes.
2. Conflict Resolution: Provides a peaceful mechanism to manage social diversity and differences without violence.
3. Dignity of Citizens: Based on the principle of political equality, granting every citizen equal rights and respect.
4. Correcting Mistakes: Offers space for public discussion and opportunities for citizens and governments to rectify errors.
Read More & Chapter Resources
These short notes are designed for quick revision. Read the main points once, then use the related material below to practise the same chapter. Revising a concept and checking it with questions can make your preparation more focused.