Class 9 SST Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy Why Democracy

Democracy is a form of government that gives people the power to choose their leaders and take part in decision-making. In Class 9, the chapter “What is Democracy? Why Democracy?” helps students understand the meaning of democracy, its key features, and why it is considered better than other forms of government. This chapter explains how democracy works in real life and why it is important for equality, freedom, and accountability. By learning about democracy, students can better understand their rights, duties, and role as responsible citizens in a democratic country. Today, we are sharing Class 9 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Important Notes in a clear, sequence-wise manner to make learning simple and interesting.

Class 9 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Notes

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1. What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Introduction

This chapter explains what democracy means, its key features, merits and demerits and why democracy is important in the modern world. Once you understand these basics, the chapter becomes one of the easiest scoring chapters in Social Science.

2. What is Democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which people rule themselves. It is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

In a democracy:

• Rulers are elected by the people
• Every citizen has the right to vote
• People are free to choose their leaders without fear
• Democracy is based on the principle of popular sovereignty (people’s rule)

3. Key Features of Democracy

In a democracy, major decisions are taken by elected leaders. These leaders make laws and policies for the people who have elected them.

• Rule by Elected Representatives: In a democracy, major decisions are taken by elected leaders. These leaders make laws and policies for the people who have elected them.
• Free, Fair and Regular Elections: Unlike dictatorship or monarchy, democracy allows citizens to choose their leaders through free, fair and regular elections. People can also change the government if they are dissatisfied.
• Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult citizen has the right to vote irrespective of caste, colour, gender, religion, class or race. Each vote has equal value.
• Rule of Law: In a democracy, law is supreme. No one is above the law, not even the rulers. Leaders can be punished if they break the law.
• Protection of Rights: Democracy guarantees basic rights to citizens so that they can hold the government accountable.

4. Fundamental Rights in a Democracy

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom of Expression
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Protest
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

These rights ensure freedom, dignity and justice for all citizens.

5. Merits of Democracy

Democracy ensures that the government works for the welfare of the people and respects their rights.

• Accountable Government: Democratic leaders are accountable to the people. If they perform poorly, citizens can remove them through elections.
• Better Decision-Making: Decisions are taken after discussion and debate. Though time-consuming, this process improves the quality of laws and reduces mistakes.
• Equality and Dignity: Democracy treats everyone equally and protects human dignity. Poor people, women and weaker sections enjoy more respect and security.
• Scope for Correction: If the government takes wrong decisions, people can change it peacefully in the next election.
• People’s Participation: Citizens actively participate through voting, protests, public discussions and movements, strengthening democracy.

6. Demerits of Democracy

Despite its advantages, democracy can sometimes face challenges that affect smooth governance.

• Political Instability: Frequent elections and political competition may lead to instability and power struggles.
• Slow Decision-Making: Due to debates and discussions, decision-making can be slow, sometimes affecting urgent public issues.
• Rule by an Uninformed Majority: Political parties may manipulate uneducated or unaware voters through false promises, leading to poor choices.
• Corruption: Some elected leaders misuse power for personal benefit, engage in bribery or convert black money into white money, harming public trust.

7. Broader Meaning of Democracy

Democracy is not limited to elections alone. It also means:

• Government accountability
• Welfare of the people
• Respect for minority rights
• Social, economic and political justice
• Freedom with dignity for all citizens

A true democracy works only for the people’s interest, not for personal gain.

8. Examples of Non-Democratic Governments

Some countries may have governments in name, but in reality, citizens have very limited power and rights.

• Pakistan: Though constitutionally democratic, Pakistan has faced repeated military interference. Governments rarely complete full terms and the army controls major decisions, including elections.
• China: China follows a one-party system. Citizens do not directly elect national leaders. Only members of the Communist Party participate in elections.
• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. The king holds all powers and people cannot question or remove him. There are no elections.
• Myanmar (Burma): The military does not allow elected leaders to govern freely. Citizens have limited rights and cannot oppose the military openly.

The chapter What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 helps students understand why democracy is the most preferred form of government despite its limitations.These quick revision notes will help you revise the entire chapter in just a few minutes without opening the textbook.

With clear concepts, examples and structured answers, you can easily score well in exams.

FAQs

Q1. What is democracy?

Ans. Democracy is a form of government in which the people rule. It is a government of the people, by the people and for the people, where leaders are elected by citizens through free and fair elections.

Q2. What are the key features of democracy?

Ans. Key features of democracy include: rule by elected representatives, free and fair elections, universal adult franchise, rule of law, protection of rights and active participation of citizens.

Q3. What are the merits of democracy?

Ans. Merits of democracy include accountable government, better decision-making through discussion, equality and dignity for all, scope to correct mistakes through elections and active people’s participation.

Q4. What are the demerits of democracy?

Ans. Demerits of democracy include political instability, slow decision-making, rule by an uninformed majority and corruption among elected leaders.

Q5. Can you give examples of non-democratic governments?

Ans. Examples of non-democratic governments include Pakistan (military interference), China (one-party rule), Saudi Arabia (absolute monarchy) and Myanmar (military control over elected leaders).