Class 9th Political Science What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Notes

1. Democracy

• Democracy is today considered the most popular and legitimate form of government in the world.
• Earlier, monarchies, dictatorships, and military regimes were common, but over the 20th century, most countries adopted democracy.
• The chapter focuses on:
  • What democracy is (its features and meaning).
  • Why democracy is needed (its importance, merits, and criticisms).
  • The broader meaning of democracy beyond elections.

2. Meaning of Democracy

• Derived from Greek words:
  • Demos = people
  • Kratos = rule
    → Democracy = Rule of the People.
• Simple definition:
  • Democracy is a form of government where the rulers are elected by the people.
• Abraham Lincoln’s definition:
  • “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

3. Key Features of Democracy

1. Rulers elected by the people
   • Government must be chosen through regular, free, and fair elections.
   • Example: India, USA.
   • Counter-example: Pakistan under General Musharraf (military coup, referendum).
2. Free and fair elections
   • Elections should give real choice to people.
   • Opposition parties must be allowed.
   • Example: Mexico before 2000 → elections were held but the PRI always won by unfair practices → not fully democratic.
3. One person, one vote, one value
   • Political equality is a core principle.
   • Every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, gender, wealth, must have equal voting rights.
   • Counter-example:
     • South Africa before 1994 → blacks denied voting rights.
     • Saudi Arabia until recently → women had no voting rights.
4. Rule of majority with respect for minorities
   • Majority decision prevails in elections and policies.
   • But minority groups’ rights must be protected.
   • Example: India protects linguistic and religious minorities through Constitutional provisions.
5. Rule of law
   • No individual is above the law – not even the President or Prime Minister.
   • Government must function according to the Constitution.
6. Guarantee of rights and freedoms
   • Citizens enjoy rights such as freedom of speech, religion, equality, and education.
   • Example: Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution.

4. Arguments Against Non-Democracy

1. Dictatorship / Military rule
   • Power in the hands of one person or military.
   • People have no choice in electing leaders.
   • Example: Pakistan (1999–2008, General Musharraf).
2. Monarchy
   • Rule by king/queen, inherited by birth.
   • Citizens have no role in choosing ruler.
   • Example: Saudi Arabia, Nepal before 2006.
3. One-party system
   • No real competition, only one party allowed to rule.
   • Example: China (only Communist Party allowed).

Such systems lack accountability, transparency, and equality.

5. Why Democracy? (Merits)

1. Promotes equality
   • Political equality → every citizen has equal rights in governance.
2. Enhances dignity of the individual
   • Recognises the worth of every person, especially disadvantaged groups (Dalits, women, minorities).
3. Improves quality of decision-making
   • Decisions are made through consultation, debate, and discussion → reduces chances of mistakes.
4. Provides peaceful method to resolve conflicts
   • In a diverse country like India, democracy helps handle social, religious, ethnic differences peacefully.
5. Allows room to correct mistakes
   • If rulers make wrong policies, they can be voted out in the next election.
6. Ensures accountability and transparency
   • Leaders are accountable to people.
   • Government is bound by law and Constitution.

6. Limitations of Democracy

1. Takes more time
   • Decision-making is slow due to debates, consultations, and elections.
2. May lead to bad decisions
   • Majority may not always be well-informed.
3. Leaders may focus only on elections
   • Short-term populist schemes just to win votes.
4. Corruption and misuse of power
   • Elections may involve money, muscle power, and unfair practices.
5. Instability
   • Frequent change of governments may disrupt policy continuity.

Even though democracy has limitations, it is still better than all other forms of government because it ensures people’s participation.

7. Broader Meaning of Democracy

• Democracy is not only about government and elections.
• It also means:
  • A principle of equality and dignity → treating all citizens equally.
  • A way of life → resolving issues through discussion, respecting differences.
  • A system of rights → freedom of expression, organisation, and protest.
• Example:
  • A truly democratic society must also allow women to have equal rights, minorities to feel secure, and citizens to express dissent.

Quick Revision Points

• Democracy = rulers elected by the people.
• Features = elections, equality, rule of law, rights, majority with minority protection.
• Merits = equality, dignity, conflict resolution, accountability, correct mistakes.
• Limitations = slow, bad decisions, corruption, short-term focus.
• Broader view = democracy as a form of government, a principle, and a way of life.