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CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

In this article we have provided CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 prepared by our experts to help students to prepare better for their examinations.
authorImageAnanya Gupta23 May, 2025
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CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1: Chapter 1 of Class 9 Political Science is about understanding what democracy is and why it is important. Democracy is a type of government where the leaders are chosen by the people through free and fair elections.

The chapter explains the main features of democracy, such as having regular elections, following the rule of law, and protecting people's rights. It also discusses why democracy is the best form of government, because it treats everyone equally, allows people to have a say in how they are governed, and makes sure the government is open and accountable.

By comparing democracy to other types of government, the chapter shows how democracy helps create a fair and just society.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 Overview

These CBSE Class 9 notes provide an overview of Chapter 1 in CBSE Class 9 Political Science, titled "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?" . This chapter introduces students to the concept of democracy, defining it as a government where leaders are elected by the people through free and fair elections.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 PDF

These notes, accessible via the provided PDF link, cover Chapter 1 of CBSE Class 9 Political Science, titled "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?" This chapter introduces the fundamental concept of democracy, describing it as a system of government where leaders are elected by the people through free and fair elections. For detailed explanations and further insights, please refer to the PDF link provided.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 PDF

CBSE Notes Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1-What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Here we have provided CBSE Notes Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 for the ease of students so that they can prepare better for their exams.

What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Definition of Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. A key aspect of democracy is that the government is chosen by the people through free and fair elections. This form of government ensures that the power lies with the people, and they have a say in the governance of their country. In contrast, in non-democratic governments, rulers are not elected by the people. For instance, in Myanmar, the rulers were not elected by the people but took over through military power. Similarly, dictators like Pinochet in Chile were not elected by the people, and monarchies also fall under non-democratic systems.

Features of Democracy

The simple definition of democracy leads to several important questions, which help in understanding its features:

Who are the rulers in a democracy?

  • In a democracy, the rulers are elected representatives of the people. These representatives make decisions on behalf of the citizens and are accountable to them.

What kind of election constitutes a democratic election?

  • A democratic election is one that is free, fair, and competitive. Every eligible citizen has the right to vote without any discrimination, and the process is transparent and impartial.

Who are the people who can elect the rulers or get elected as rulers?

  • In a democracy, all adult citizens typically have the right to vote and stand for elections. This inclusivity ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.

What form of government is a democracy?

  • Democracy can take various forms, such as direct democracy, where people directly participate in decision-making, and representative democracy, where elected officials represent the people. The common thread is that in all forms of democracy, the ultimate power rests with the people.

Major Decisions by Elected Leaders

In a democracy, major decisions must be made by leaders who are elected by the people. However, this principle is not followed in some countries. For example, in Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999, overthrowing the democratically elected government. He then declared himself President. In 2002, Musharraf held a referendum granting himself a five-year extension. Although elections were held for national and provincial assemblies, and elected representatives were given some powers, the ultimate authority remained with the military and General Musharraf. This indicates that Pakistan was not truly a democratic country under Musharraf's rule. Similarly, in many dictatorships and monarchies, power is not vested in elected leaders. Therefore, for a country to be considered democratic, the final decision-making power must lie with those elected by the people.

Free and Fair Electoral Competition

For a democracy to function properly, it must have free and fair elections where those in power have a genuine chance of losing. In China, elections are held every five years to elect the National People's Congress. However, candidates need approval from the Chinese Communist Party before they can contest, and the government is always formed by the Communist Party. This process does not allow for true electoral competition. Similarly, in Mexico, elections have been held every six years since its independence in 1930 to elect the President. However, until 2000, every election was won by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). This indicates that the elections were not genuinely competitive. From these examples, it is clear that for an election to be democratic, it must be based on a free and fair competition where the ruling party or leader has a real possibility of being voted out of power.

One Person, One Vote, One Value

Democracy fundamentally rests on the principle of political equality, ensuring that every adult citizen has the right to one vote and each vote carries equal weight. However, this principle is not always upheld in practice. Until 2015, Saudi Arabia did not allow women to vote, denying them equal political rights. In Estonia, citizenship rules marginalized the Russian minority, making it challenging for them to exercise their voting rights. Fiji's electoral system favors indigenous Fijians over Indian-Fijians, undermining the principle of equality in voting. These examples illustrate that in a democracy, every citizen should have an equal opportunity to vote, and each vote should count equally.

Rule of Law and Respect for Rights

Zimbabwe gained independence from White minority rule in 1980, and since then, the country has been governed by the ZANU-PF party led by Robert Mugabe. Despite regular elections, ZANU-PF consistently won, often through unfair practices. Laws restricted criticism of the President, and government-controlled media only presented the ruling party's perspective. Independent journalists faced harassment for dissenting views. These actions undermine democracy, which requires governments to operate within constitutional limits and respect citizens' rights.

In summary, democracy is a form of government where:

  1. Elected leaders make significant decisions on behalf of the people.
  2. Elections provide a fair opportunity for citizens to choose and change their leaders.
  3. Every adult citizen has an equal right to participate in elections.
  4. The exercise of this right ensures that governments operate under the rule of law and uphold citizens' rights as outlined in the constitution.

Why Democracy?

Cons of Democracy

Despite its merits, democracy faces criticisms that challenge its effectiveness as a form of governance:
  1. Instability : Frequent changes in leadership can lead to political instability, impacting long-term planning and governance continuity.
  2. Political Competition : Democracy often prioritizes political competition over moral principles, potentially compromising ethical standards in governance.
  3. Delays in Decision-Making : The need for consultation with various stakeholders can delay decision-making processes, especially in urgent matters.
  4. Poor Decision-Making : Elected leaders may not always make decisions in the best interest of the people, resulting in policies that do not address societal needs effectively.
  5. Corruption : Competitive electoral processes can breed corruption as politicians vie for power and resources to win elections.
  6. Public Decision-Making : Critics argue that ordinary citizens may lack the expertise to make informed decisions on complex issues, suggesting that governance should be left to experts.

Arguments in Favour of Democracy

However, democracy offers several compelling reasons why it is considered a preferable form of government:
  1. Accountability : Democratic governments are more accountable to their citizens. For instance, during the famines in India and China in the late 1950s and early 1960s, India responded better to food scarcity due to its democratic accountability compared to China.
  2. Quality of Decision-Making : Democracy values consultation and debate, resulting in decisions that are more thoroughly scrutinized and debated. This deliberative process reduces the likelihood of hasty or ill-considered decisions.
  3. Conflict Resolution : In diverse societies like India, democracy provides a peaceful mechanism to manage conflicts and differences of opinion. It ensures that no single group dominates others permanently, fostering social harmony.
  4. Enhanced Citizen Dignity : Democracy upholds political equality, affirming the dignity of all citizens regardless of their social or economic status. It ensures that everyone has an equal say in shaping the future of their country.
  5. Self-Correction : Democracy allows for public scrutiny of governmental decisions and policies. Mistakes are openly discussed, and corrective measures can be implemented through democratic processes such as elections.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

In this chapter, democracy is explored beyond its basic governmental definition. Students learn that democracy is not just a political system but a set of principles that shape governance and societal interactions. The primary form of democracy found in most countries today is representative democracy, where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people. This form is necessitated by:
  1. Scale and Complexity : Modern societies involve large populations and complex issues, making direct participation of every citizen impractical.
  2. Time and Expertise : Citizens may lack the time, interest, or expertise to engage in every decision-making process directly.
Beyond government, democracy as an ideal sets a standard that all democracies strive to achieve. No existing government perfectly embodies these ideals, but understanding them helps assess and improve democracies. It distinguishes between minimal democracies and robust, effective ones.

Application Beyond Government

Democracy can extend beyond political institutions to other areas of life. For instance:
  • Community Decision-Making : In smaller communities, direct democracy can be feasible, where all members participate in decision-making directly. This model is exemplified by the Gram Sabha in Indian villages.
Understanding democracy as an ideal allows people to evaluate and improve existing democratic systems. It emphasizes the importance of citizen participation, accountability, and fairness in governance and community life. Thus, while representative democracy is prevalent globally, alternative democratic models exist depending on scale and context.

Benefits of CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1

  • Introduction to Political Science : Chapter 1 introduces students to the study of politics. It explains basic terms like politics, government, and state, helping students understand how societies are governed.
  • Understanding Key Concepts : Students learn important ideas such as power, authority, and sovereignty. These concepts are crucial for understanding how governments function and make decisions.
  • Relevance of Politics : It shows students how political decisions affect their lives and communities. This encourages them to become more aware of current events and civic issues.
  • Promoting Democratic Values : Learning about government and politics promotes values like equality, tolerance, and participation in democracy. Students learn to be responsible citizens.
  • Exam Preparation : Finally, studying Chapter 1 prepares students for exams by covering topics specified in the CBSE syllabus. It equips them with knowledge and skills needed for assessments.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 FAQs

What is Democracy?

Democracy is a system of government where the people have the authority to choose their leaders through elections. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes directly or through elected representatives.

Why is Democracy Important?

Political Equality: Democracy ensures that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities to participate in governance and decision-making. Accountability: Elected leaders are accountable to the people who voted for them. Regular elections provide a mechanism for citizens to hold their leaders responsible for their actions.

Is Democracy Perfect?

No, democracy is not without flaws: Political Instability: Frequent elections and changes in leadership can sometimes lead to political instability and uncertainty. Complex Decision-Making: Decision-making in democracies can be slow and cumbersome due to the need for consensus and debate on various issues.

Is Democracy the Best Form of Government?

Despite its imperfections, democracy is widely regarded as the best form of government because: Citizen Participation: It allows citizens to actively engage in politics, express their views, and influence government policies. Transparency and Accountability: Democratic governments are transparent in their actions and accountable to the people, fostering trust and legitimacy.
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