Class 9 Social Science Notes for Session 2025-26 Chapter - 1 What_is_Democracy_Why_Democracy
Class 9 Social Science Notes for Session 2025-26 Chapter - 1 What_is_Democracy_Why_Democracy
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For Session 2025-26
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CBSE
CLASS 9
SOCIAL SCIENCE
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Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. One chief
factor common to all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people. It also helps
students to demarcate between democratic and non-democratic governments. From the non-
democratic government, take the example of Myanmar, where rulers were not elected by the
people. Those who were in charge of the army of the country took over as rulers and people had
no say in this decision. Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) are not elected by the people. This also
applies to monarchies.
It is not possible to give only one definition of democracy. Democracy has many features.
Some features of a democracy are
Democracy is a form of Government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
• Chile under Pinochet was not a democratic country because Pinochet was not elected by
the people. Saudi Arabia is also not a democracy as it is a monarchy.
Features of Democracy
The simple definition of democracy gives rise to various questions, which are given below:
• Who are the people who can elect the rulers or get elected as rulers?
• General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan in October 1999. He later changed
his designation to President. He also amended the Constitution of Pakistan according to
which the President could dismiss the national or provincial assemblies. Moreover, although
the people elect representatives to the provincial and national assemblies, the elected
representatives were not authorised to make final decisions.
• The final decisions could only be taken by Musharraf and other senior military officers
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• In China, elections are held regularly after every five years. People elect the members of the
Parliament called National People’s Congress. The Parliament has the power to elect the
President of the country.
• In China, only the members of the Chinese Communist party or its eight allied parties can
contest elections, and thus, only the Communist party can form the Government.
• In Mexico, elections are held after every six years, but until 2000, every election was won by
the Institutional Revolutionary Party (IRP). The IRP used every legal and illegal method to win
the elections. Teachers in schools were forced to influence parents to vote for the IRP, media
ignored all activities of the ruling party but only focused itself on criticising the opposing
parties and large sums were spent on campaigning for IRP candidates.
• Thus, democracy must be based on free and fair elections where those currently in power
have a fair chance of losing the elections.
Democracy should be based on the principle of one person, one vote and one value.
• In Fiji, the vote of a local Fiji has more value than that of an Indian Fijian.
• In Estonia, the citizenship rules are such that the people belonging to the Russian minority
find it difficult to vote.
• Therefore, we find that each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one
value.
• In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe has been ruling since independence. Although
Mugabe is popular, he uses unfair practices during elections.
• He has amended the Constitution multiple times in order to increase the powers of the
President and to make him less accountable.
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• The members of opposition parties are jailed if they raise their voice against the
Government and protests against the Government and its policies are declared illegal.
• It is important for a democratic government to grant basic rights and freedoms to its
citizens and the government should be accountable to its citizens.
• Therefore, a democratic government rules within the limits set by constitutional law and
citizens’ rights. The government must function within basic rules of the Constitution and
citizens’ rights.
Democracy is based on a fundamental principle of political equality. However, there are many
instances of denial of the equal right to vote. Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have
the right to vote. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people belonging to
the Russian minority found it difficult to get the right to vote. In Fiji, the electoral system is such
that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more value than that of an Indian Fijian. Definitely not a
democratic government. The feature of democracy this highlight is that in a democracy, each
adult citizen must have one vote and in turn, each vote must have one value.
Why Democracy?
Some arguments against a democratic government are
• Sometimes even elected people do not know about the best interests of the people. Thus,
at times, it leads to bad decisions.
• Most people do not know what democracy is. Thus, they should not decide anything.
According to these arguments, democracy does not seem to be an ideal form of government.
But it is not so. The following arguments prove that democracy is the best form of government.
Cons of Democracy
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• Democracy is all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality
• Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people, resulting in bad decisions
• Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything
From these arguments, we can see that democracy of the kind we see, may not be the ideal
form of government. However, we will see if democracy is better than other forms of
government that are there for us to choose from.
• China suffered from one of the worst famines in 1958–1961. Nearly three crore people died
in the famine. No major famine occurred in India at this time. According to economists, it was
perhaps because India is a democratic country.
• Democracy in India made the Government respond to food scarcity in a way in which the
Chinese Government did not. It was because India has a multi-party system and free press.
The Government may be criticised and even lose the next elections.
• This is not the case with the Chinese. Because China is ruled by the Communist party and no
one can criticise the Government, the Chinese Government took the famine very casually.
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Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: In any society, people are
bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly more in a
country like ours with amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak
different languages, practice different religions and have different castes. The preferences of
one group can clash with those of other groups. How do we resolve such a conflict? Democracy
provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In a democracy, no one is a permanent
winner or loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens: Democracy is based on the principle of political
equality. It recognises that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich
and the educated.
Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct our own
mistakes: Even if no government can guarantee that no mistakes will be made, in a democracy
one can be sure that it will not be hidden for too long. It makes space for public discussion on
these mistakes. There is also room for correction. Rulers have to change their decisions, or they
could themselves be changed.
Thus, we can correctly infer that while democracy may not be the solution to all problems, it is
still clearly better than any other alternatives.
• Democracy is based on consultations and discussions. People collectively discuss and take
decisions.
• Differences are bound to take place in a society where people belonging to various castes,
religion and classes live together.
• People belonging to different religions and castes have their own preferences and interests of
one group may clash with the other.
• If a powerful group begins to dictate its terms and forces its decisions over the other groups,
it may lead to discontentment and resentment among the other people.
• Democracy provides peaceful solution to this problem because decisions which are taken by
mutual consent are followed and respected by all.
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• There are possibilities of taking wrong decisions in a democracy. However, as there is a space
for public discussions, such mistakes cannot remain hidden from the people for long.
• If the representatives of the people do not change their incorrect decisions, they may not get
elected by the people in the next elections.
Currently most of the countries practice a form of democracy in which representatives of the
people make laws and take decisions on behalf of the people who voted for them. This is called
representative democracy.
We find that no country in the world is a perfect democracy but certainly it is the best form of
government.
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Important Questions
Multiple Choice questions-
Question 1. A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in
power:
(a) Have a fair chance of wining
(b) Have a fair chance of losing
(c) Cannot be removed from their seats
(d) None of the above
Question 2. In Saudi Arabia:
(a) Men do not have the right to vote
(b) Women do not have the right to vote
(c) Both men and women have the right to vote
(d) Both men and women do not have the right to vote
Question 3. Estonia has made its citizenship rules in such a way that people beloging to:
(a) African minority find it difficult to get the right to vote
(b) American minority find it difficult to get the right to vote
(c) Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote
(d) All the above
Question 4. In Fiji, the electoral system is such that the vote of an indigenous Fiji has more
value than that of:
(a) An African Fijian
(b) A Chinese Fijian
(c) An Indian Fijian
(d) Pakistani-Fijian
Question 5.
In a democracy, each adult citizen must:
(a) Have one vote and each vote must have two values
(b) Have two votes and each vote must have one value
(c) Have one vote and each vote must have one value
(d) All the above
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Short Questions:
1. Why if is more likely that decisions are wrong in dictatorship than under a democracy?
2. Why perfect equality does not exist in a society?
3. Why are the governments responsive in democracies?
4. Give any one definition of democracy.
5. Why do we need a definition of any concept?
6. Democracy involves people in the formation of the government. How do the people
form government?
7. What do you mean by political freedom? How does it help the functioning of
democracy?
Long Questions:
1. Explain the following:
(i) Freedom of expression
(ii) Freedom of information
(iii) Freedom to form association?
2. Write on the following:
(a) Freedom of culture and religion.
(b) Individual freedoms.
3. What do you mean by ‘Rule of law’?
4. Can you identify some features necessary for any country to be called democratic?
5. Are elections necessary conditions in a democracy? Give arguments.
Assertion Reason Questions:
1. In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) followed by a statement of
Reason (R) is given. Choose the correct option out of the choices given below each
question.
Assertion (A) : A referendum was held in Pakistan in the year 2002.
Reason (R) : Pervez Musharraf was granted five year extension as President.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
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Answer Key:
MCQ
1. (b) Have a fair chance of losing
2. (b) Women do not have the right to vote
3. (c) Russian minority find it difficult to get the right to vote
4. (c) An Indian-Fijian
5. (c) Have one vote and each vote must have one value
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6. (c) 1980
7. (d) Constitutional law and citizens’ rights
8. (d) All the above
9. (d) All the above
10.(c) China’s famine
11.(b) Accountable form of government
12.(c) The quality of decision-making
13.(c) To deal with differences and conflict
14.(d) Rulers are elected by the people
15.(c) 1999
Very Short Answer:
1. Allende’s government was committed to greater role in economic activities.
2. Walesa’s government was committed to as little role as was possible.
3. We need a definition when we counter a difficulty in everyday use.
4. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
5. Election is the necessary condition of democracy.
6. There can be no election in a monarchy headed by a real powerful king.
7. Normally not. The army general may allow election only to legitimate his rule.
8. Etymologically, democracy is derived from two Greek words ‘demos’ and ‘Kratia’. ‘Demos’
means people and ‘Kratia’ means rule. Thus, etymologically, democracy means the rule of
the people.
9. Democracy, Lincoln had said, is government of the people, by the people and for the people.
10. Certainly not. Salazar allowed elections in Portugal once for a while. But there was never
a time when the opposition parties won a single seat.
Short Answer:
Ans: 1. Under dictatorship (monarchy or military rule), the rulers do not involve people at all
in decision-making. That is why that the decisions there are likely to be wrong.
Ans: 2. Perfect equality does riot exist in any society because of inequalities, among people,
in wealth, social status, and position. In fact, perfect inequality is neve? possible.
Ans: 3. As the elected representatives, in a democracy, has to secure the support of the
people, they cannot afford to be insensitive to the aspirations of the people.
Ans: 4. Abraham Lincoln defines democracy as the government of the people (i.e, through
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participation people constitute the government) by the people (i.e. the people, through the
use of their rights, control, their rulers), for the people, (i.e. the government rules for the
welfare of the people.
Ans: 5. We need a definition of a concept so as to understand the meaning of the concept.
Definition clarifies the meaning. For example, the definition of democracy, etymologically,
means, that it is the rule of the people.
Ans: 6. Democracy, indeed, means government of the people. People form government
through elections. Periodic elections are conditions of democracy.
Elections have to be
• frequent (i.e. after definite periods),
• free and, fair
• In the absence of elections, democracy is impossible; it can not function successfully.
Ans: 7. Political freedom means freedom given to the people in matter relating to
democratic functioning of the government. Political freedom implies right of the people to
have their opinions, their right to express those, opinions, and demonstrate their political
actions in the form of procession. When people are not permitted to express their opinion,
this weakens democratic trends/tendencies, The house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi does not
fit in democratic functioning.
Long Answer:
Ans: 1. (i) Freedom of expression: Citizens have freedom of opinion, expression ad
discussion. They can criticize officials, government or the socio-economic order. They can
also organize meetings, campaign on public issues or demonstrate against government.
(ii) Freedom of information: Citizens have access to information about candidates in
elections. They can seek information from different sources. Government cannot have
monopoly on sources of information. Laws shall protect alternative sources of information.
(iii) Right to form associations: Citizens have a right to form, join or quit associations. It
includes a right to form or join a political party that opposes government or to contest
elections in opposition to the ruling party. Opposition shall have art equal opportunity to
increase popular support or gain power through elections.
Ans: 2. (a) Freedom of culture and religion: People have freedom of faith, belief and religion.
Those who belong to ethnic minorities have the right to follow their cultural practices.
Linguistic minorities can speak their language. Religious minorities can freely follow and
profess their religion. Persons who belong to minorities enjoy rights available to any
other citizen of the country.
(b) Individual freedoms: State does not impose restrictions on travel, choice of residence,
and choice of employment. Citizens have an equal right to seek admission in colleges or
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recruitment to jobs. They can acquire or sell property. They can establish private
businesses. They can read any book of their choice. Government does not impose ban on
the discussion of ideas.
Ans: 3. All citizens are treated as equal under the law. Law protects citizens from unjustified
detention. Military and police are under the control of elected representatives. Military
and police cannot terrorize or torture those who oppose government. Independent
courts effectively protect individual and group rights. Decisions of courts are respected
and enforced by those in government.
Ans: 4. There are, indeed, certain features which are necessary for any country to be called
as democratic. Some of these are:
• There should be rights for the citizens, riot nominal but actually available.
• The Constitution of the country should not only provide these rights, it should also
ensure them.
• The Constitution should also provide democratic institutions and procedures as well.
Ans: 5. Elections, indeed, are necessary conditions for any democracy. In fact, elections
alone distinguish between a democracy and non-democracy. In a non-democracy, such as in
military rule or in a nonparty, there are no elections. If there are elections, they are not
frequent, nor fair, and nor even freer. Salazar of Portugal did allow one month of campaign
but there was little possibility of opposition leaders whining the elections.
Elections are necessary, but if the power is not given to those who win elections, there
cannot be democracy in such countries. Aung San Suu Kyi won elections in Burma (now
Myanmar) in 1990, but she was not given power, instead, she was put under house arrest.
Elections imply the existence of more than one political party so to enable them to contest
elections. In China, only the ruling political party can put up candidates, two or more. How
can we call such a system as a democratic one? Democracy requires elections free, fair and
frequent; elections where people are able to remove those elected and install need leaders
in power.
Assertion Reason Answer:
1. A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. D) A is false, but R is true
Case Study Answer:
1. Answer:
(1) B) Musharraf changed his designation to President and held a referendum that
granted him a 5 year extension which was based on mal practices and fraud.
(2) A) General Musharraf declared himself as the ‘ Prime Minister’ of the country in
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WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?
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1999.
(3) C) Military Officers of the National Security Council
(4) C) Army officials and General Musharraf
2. Answer:
(1) D) Both (a) and (c)
(2) D) All of the above
(3) D) In democracy, rulers elected by the people cannot take all the major decisions.
(4) D) Both (a) and (c).
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