CHAPTER - 1. WHY DEMOCRACY ? WHAT DEMOCRACY? POINTS TO REMEMBER :- Democracy is taken from a Greek word- ‘Demokratia’or Latin word- “Democratia’ In Greek- Demos means ‘people’ and Kratia means ‘rule’. i.e. democracy means rule of people. In fact Democracy is said to be a form of government in which people elect their ownruler. “Democracy is a form of government of the people, for the people, by the people.- Abraham Lincoln. 1. Decision making power must be with those elected by the people 4, Govt. rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' right Main Features of Democratic government 2. Must be based on! free and fair election 3. Must be based on universal adult franchise 131 Class IX - Social ScienceArguments against Democracy TT Td Leads to instability due to frequent leader change Leads to delay due to constant consultancy Some tt Itis only |} Ordinary time it encourages about people leadsto || corruption | {competition | donot bad asitis | | and power || have the decision || based on play, no decision electoral || scope for || making competition | | morality. ability. Arguments for Democracy It is more accountable to its citizen Improves the quality of decision making It provides the method to deal with differences and conflicts It enhances the dignity of Citizen It allows the citizen to correct their own mistakes 132 Class IX - Social ScienceChinese parliament is called-National People’s Congress which chooses its president. * Every candidate has to take approval from Chinese Communist Party to contest election. . In Pakistan Genral Parvej Musharaff led a military coup in October 1999. 1. In 2002 he issued a “Legal Framework Order” and changed the constitution of Pakistan. Il. According to this order President can dismiss the national and provincial assemblies. Ill. Moreover work of civilian cabinet is supervised by a National Security Council which is dominated by military officers * Though Democratic form of government may not be a perfect form of government but it still is better than any other form of government. Democracy is not just a form of government or just some form of institution but in broader sense itis a principle which should be inculcated in every sphere of life. + ADemocratic Decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. * Those who are not powerful have same say in taking the decision as those who are powerful + Thiscanapply toa government ora family or any other organisation. 1 Mark Questions 1. Wholed the Military coup in Pakistan in October 1999? (a) Yahiyakhan (b) General Parvej Musharaff (©) Ikhtiyarkhan (4) Navaz Sharif 2. Name the leader who brought dictatorship in Germany? (a) Lenin (b) — CarlMarx (c) General ParvejMusharaff_ (d) Hitler 3. Whosaid-“democracyis of the people, for the people and by the people. (a) AbrahamLincoln (b) J FKanady (c) George Bush (d) Saddam Hussain 4. Which of these isnot a democratic country? (a) England (b) India () Myanmar (4) America 5. In which of these country only the ruling party is allowed to contest in election- 133 Class IX - Social Sciencepene (2) France (b) America () Mexico (4) Germany Who should have the ultimate decision making power in democracy? From where the term ‘democracy’ came from? Which section of society doesn’t have the right to vote in Saudi Arabia? Write any one argument for democracy. 3/5 Marks Question fy Pernanawnr Was Nepal a democratic country prior to 2006? Give reason in support of your answer. Is Myanmar a democratic country? Justify your answer. List the characteristics of democracy. Define the term ‘democracy’ on the basis of its Latin origin. What are the characteristics of ademocratic government? List few characteristics of an un-democratic form of government? Give five arguments in support of democracy. List any five arguments against democracy. Will Change of leader strengthen democracy? Give argument in support of your answer. Explain the broader meaning of democracy? Answers 1 Mark questions Pen anawnp (b) — Genral Parvej Musharaff (4) Hitler (a) Abraham Lincoln () Myanmar (c) Mexico Representatives chosen by the citizen. Latin/Greek Female Collective decision making/agree to disagree etc. 134 Class IX - Social Science3/5 Mark Questions 1. No, prior to 2006 Nepal was not a democratic country. Itis because- (a) Itdoesn’thave elected representatives (b) Actual power wasin the hand of king. No Myanmaris not a democratic country because- (a) Thereis military rule. (b) There is no participation of people of that country in decision making, (c)__ Thereis restriction on people's liberty. Basic features of democracy are- (a) Political freedom (b) Equality of citizenship (c) Separation of powers (4) Pluralism (ce) Consciousness (a) Democracyis taken froma Latin word- ‘Demokratia’. (b) In Latin Demos means ‘people’ and Kratia means ‘rule’. democracy means rule of people. (c) Thus Democracy is a form of government in which people elect their ownruler. The characteristics of democratic government are- (a) Decision making power must be with those elected by the people (b) It must be based on free and fair election at fixed interval (c)__ It must be based on universal adult franchise (4) Govt. should rule within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ right. (e) Freedom of press and citizen rights The characteristics of anon democratic government are- (2) Onlyafewhas the power of decision making (b) Elections are absent or are not fair (c)__ Noplace for opposition (4) Curbon people's right (e) Censorship Argumentin support for Democracy are- (2) _Itismore accountable to its citizen 135 Class IX - Social Science(b) (c) (a) (e) Improves the quality of decision making It provides the method to deal with difference and conflict Itallows the citizen to correct their own mistakes Itenhances the dignity of Citizen Arguments against democracy are- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Leads to instability due to frequent leader change Leads to delay due to constant consultancy Some time it led to bad decision It encourages corruption as itis based on electoral competition Itis only about competition and power play, no scope for morality. Yes change of leader will strengthen democracy as (a) (b) (c) (a) (b) (c) Leader will have moral obligation to work for the citizen. If there won't be a fear of change it might led to irresponsible decisions It could even lead to the downfall of democracy as seen in the past. OR No, change of leader will not strengthen democracy as- Itwill lead to political instability Political leadership will be reluctant to take any strong decision and will take only populist decision They may sometime get disinterested to work for the people (Note: students should be encouraged to think both the positive as well as negative aspect ofa situation before making decision.) 10. (a) (b) (c) (a) (e) Democracy is considered the best available form of government However in its broader sense is not just a political institution but a way ofllfe. It is rooted in our day to day life functioning where decisions are made that involve consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by decisions. This apply toa family, a community or even a government Thus it enables us to judge the present situation and its weaknesses and encourages marching towards betterment. 136 Class IX - Social Science