Here I am going to provide you CBSE Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 Notes – What is Democracy? Why Democracy? You can also Download PDF of these notes. The chapter "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?" introduces the concept of democracy, defining it as a form of government where rulers are elected by the people. It explains key features like free elections, fundamental rights, and rule of law. The chapter emphasizes the importance and necessity of democracy in modern society. By going through What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Notes you will acquire a better command on this chapter. So, use these notes and do your best!!
What is Democracy?
Definition of Democracy
Democracy comes from two Greek words:
- ‘Demos’ meaning people
- ‘Kratos’ meaning power or rule
Democracy = Rule by the People
Definition: “Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.”
Understanding Through Case Studies
Let’s study some examples from around the world that highlight what is and isn’t democracy.
Case Study 1: Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf
Background:
- In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan.
- He overthrew the democratically elected government and declared himself Chief Executive.
What Happened Next?
- In 2002, he held a referendum to legitimize his rule.
- The referendum was not free or fair — it had no opposition, media was controlled, and people were pressured to vote.
In 2002, he passed a Legal Framework Order:
- The President could dismiss national and provincial assemblies.
- This made the elected Parliament subordinate to a military ruler.
| Criteria | Democracy? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| People elect leaders | Yes | But elections weren’t free or fair |
| Power with elected leaders | No | Military controlled the government |
| Rule of law | No | Civilian institutions were weakened |
Conclusion: Elections alone do not make a country democratic.
Case Study 2: China’s Elections
Background:
- China has elections every 5 years for the National People’s Congress (NPC).
- The NPC has nearly 3,000 members from all over the country.
What's the Problem?
- All candidates are either members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or need approval from it.
- No real opposition is allowed.
- So people can only choose between CCP-approved candidates.
| Criteria | Democracy? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Regular elections | Yes | Yes, but not free choice |
| People’s choice | No | No opposition allowed |
Conclusion: A real democracy requires competition and choice.
Case Study 3: Mexico before 2000
Background:
- Mexico held presidential elections every 6 years.
- Until 2000, one party — the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) — always won.
What was going on?
There were opposition parties, but:
The PRI used unfair practices:
- Controlled media
- Misused government resources
- Pressured government employees
- Manipulated the election process
| Criteria | Democracy? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Elections held | Yes | Yes, every 6 years |
| Fair competition | No | PRI misused power to suppress rivals |
Conclusion: Free and fair competition is essential in democracy.
Features of Democracy
What Makes a Government Truly Democratic?
Just holding elections does not make a country democratic. A real democracy must reflect certain core features that ensure people’s participation and protect their rights.
1. Major Decisions by Elected Leaders
In a democracy, only elected representatives have the final say in government decisions. Power must lie with the people’s representatives, not with unelected individuals like army generals or monarchs.
Example: Pakistan under Musharraf
- General Musharraf held power despite having an elected legislature.
- Military controlled major decisions.
- Not a true democracy, as the real power was not with elected representatives.
Key Point: In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those who are elected by the people.
2. Free and Fair Electoral Competition
A democracy must offer genuine choice to the people, with:
- Multiple political parties
- Opposition parties allowed to compete
- No use of unfair means
Example: China
- Elections are held, but only one party (Communist Party) selects all candidates.
- No real opposition = Not free & fair.
Another Example: Mexico (before 2000)
- One-party dominance (PRI) for 70 years.
- Manipulation of results, use of government machinery.
- Not democratic in practice.
Key Point: Elections must be free, fair, and offer real choice among competing political parties.
3. One Person, One Vote, One Value
This is the idea of Universal Adult Franchise – every adult citizen has:
- One vote
- Each vote carries equal value
- Right to vote regardless of caste, gender, religion, or wealth
Exceptions to Learn:
- Estonia: Citizens with a Russian origin face hurdles in voting.
- Saudi Arabia: Women were not allowed to vote till 2015.
Key Point: Every adult should have an equal say in governance, without discrimination.
4. Rule of Law and Respect for Rights
A democracy cannot exist without the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.
This includes:
- Equal laws for all citizens
- Protection of fundamental rights
- Independent judiciary
- Free media and press
- Citizens can criticize the government freely
India’s Example:
- Citizens can approach courts if their rights are violated.
- Press and media are allowed to publish critical opinions.
- Judiciary ensures constitutional values are upheld.
Key Point: Democracy ensures that everyone is equal before the law, and that the freedoms and rights of individuals are protected.
Summary Table
| Feature | What It Means | Real-Life Example | Democracy or Not? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule by Elected Leaders | Final decisions by people’s representatives | Pakistan (under Musharraf) | No |
| Free & Fair Elections | Real choice between parties | Mexico (pre-2000), China | No |
| One Person, One Vote | Equal voting rights | India (Yes), Estonia (No) | Can't Say |
| Rule of Law & Rights | Equal laws, protected rights | India (Yes) | Yes |
A country is a true democracy only if:
- Rulers are elected by people.
- Elections are fair and offer real choice.
- All adults have an equal vote.
- Government operates under law and respects freedoms and rights.
Why Democracy?
Understanding the Need for Democracy
So far, we’ve seen what democracy means and its features. But why is democracy considered the best form of government? Why is it preferred over dictatorship or monarchy?
This section explores the arguments in favor of democracy :
1. Democracy Promotes Equality
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. It grants every citizen:
- One vote
- Equal weight in decision-making
- Equal rights irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or wealth
Example: In India, people from all walks of life — from a billionaire to a farmer — have an equal vote in elections.
2. Democracy Enhances the Quality of Decision-Making
Democratic decision-making involves:
- Consultation with multiple people
- Debates and discussions in Parliament
- Slow but more informed and thoughtful decisions
Example: Major laws in India are passed after thorough discussions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, allowing feedback and corrections.
3. Democracy Provides a Method to Resolve Conflicts
In a country with diverse communities and opinions, democracy provides a peaceful platform to:
- Negotiate disagreements
- Use dialogue instead of violence
- Represent minority and majority opinions
Example: In India, political and religious disagreements are resolved through parliamentary debate, not war or force.
4. Democracy Allows Room to Correct Mistakes
No government is perfect. But a democracy gives citizens the power to:
- Vote out the wrong rulers
- Raise questions and demand accountability
- Elect better representatives in the next elections
Example: In India, governments change every 5 years through fair elections — allowing the people to fix mistakes peacefully.
5. Democracy Ensures Dignity of Citizens
Every citizen, regardless of background, enjoys equal respect and dignity in a democracy. There is:
- No official discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Recognition of human rights
Case Example: Women in India actively participate in politics, speak publicly, and demand justice — a strong sign of democratic empowerment.
6. Democracy Is Better Than Other Forms of Government
Although imperfect, democracy is preferable to any form of dictatorship or monarchy because it:
- Protects people’s rights
- Prevents misuse of power
- Involves people in governance
Demerits of Democracy
- Often leads to delays in decision-making
- Leaders may focus on winning elections rather than public welfare
- Sometimes promotes corruption due to electoral competition
"Democracy is the worst form of government — except for all the others that have been tried." – Winston Churchill
Summary Table
| Reason | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Equality | Every vote has equal value | Universal Adult Franchise in India |
| Better Decisions | Deliberation leads to thoughtful laws | Parliamentary debates in India |
| Conflict Resolution | Disputes resolved peacefully | Coalition governments, public protests |
| Correct Mistakes | Leaders can be replaced | Change in governments via elections |
| Dignity | Respect for all citizens | Women and minorities participate |
Democracy may not be perfect, but it is the most accountable, inclusive, and peaceful form of government available. It gives power to the people, protects freedom, and ensures that no one is above the law.
Broader Meanings of Democracy
Democracy: More Than Just Elections
So far, we have understood democracy as a form of government. But its meaning is broader and deeper than just holding elections or choosing leaders. This section explores how democracy applies to society and everyday life.
1. Democracy in Everyday Life
Democracy is not limited to parliaments or voting. It is also about:
- How people relate to one another
- How decisions are made at homes, schools, or workplaces
- Whether people enjoy dignity, freedom, and respect
Example: In a democratic family, decisions are made together rather than being imposed by elders. Similarly, student councils in schools reflect democratic practices.
2. Social and Economic Democracy
Political democracy (elections, voting) is incomplete without:
- Social equality – No caste, gender, or racial discrimination
- Economic justice – Fair wages, equal opportunity, reduction of poverty
Case Example: In South Africa, after Apartheid ended, efforts were made to create not just a democratic government but also a fair society with equal rights for Black people who had been discriminated against.
3. Expanding the Scope of Democracy
Democracy is a work in progress. Over time, people across the world have expanded its meaning by:
- Demanding equal rights for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community
- Fighting against social evils like untouchability, racism, and economic inequality
- Using technology and media to voice opinions and demand transparency
Example: Movements like Black Lives Matter or India’s RTI (Right to Information) Act show how people are deepening democracy.
Three Layers of Democracy
| Layer | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Political Democracy | Free and fair elections, voting rights, rule of law | General Elections in India |
| Social Democracy | Equal treatment, dignity for all, no discrimination | Reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC |
| Economic Democracy | Reduction of poverty, fair wages, welfare schemes | MGNREGA (rural job guarantee) |
Democracy is not just a system of government—it is a way of life. It lives in our schools, families, and workplaces. As citizens, our responsibility is not just to vote, but also to promote fairness, participation, and equality in every area of life.
Glossary
| Word | Meaning | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Democracy | Form of government where people elect their rulers | People choose their leaders by voting |
| Dictatorship | Rule by one person with absolute power | A government where one person controls everything |
| Constitution | Basic principles and laws of a nation | A rulebook for how the country is run |
| Monarchy | Government ruled by a king or queen | A system where royal families govern |
| Military Coup | Seizure of power by the army | When military takes control of government forcefully |
| Political Equality | Equal rights to participate in politics | Everyone can vote and contest elections |
| Suffrage | Right to vote in elections | The power to vote |
| Franchise | Legal right to vote | Right of citizens to participate in elections |
| Representative | Someone chosen to speak or act for others | Leader elected by the people |
| Autocracy | Government with one person having all power | One ruler decides everything |
| Transparency | Openness in government activities | Government decisions are visible to the people |
| Accountable | Responsible and answerable to someone | Leaders must explain their actions to people |
| Opposition | Parties or groups that oppose the ruling party | They criticize and question the government |
| Equality | State of being equal in rights and status | Treating everyone the same |
| Rule of Law | Law applies equally to all | No one is above the law |
| Referendum | Direct vote on a particular issue | People vote 'yes' or 'no' on a law |
| Legitimacy | Lawful and acceptable right to rule | Public support that makes a government legal |
| Electoral | Related to elections or voting | Anything that has to do with voting |
| Citizen | A legally recognized member of a country | Someone who belongs to a country |
| Secular | Not related to any religion | Government stays neutral in religion |
