NCERT Notes Class 9 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1 What is Demoracy? Why Democracy?
Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? NCERT Notes
Chapter Name | What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Notes |
Class | CBSE Class 9 |
Textbook Name | Democratic Politics Class 9 |
Related Readings |
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Meaning of Democracy
- Democracy is taken from a Greek word- ‘Demokratia’ or Latin word- ‘Democratia’
- In Greek- Demos means ‘people’ and Kratia means ‘rule’. i.e. democracy means rule of people.
Democracy
- In fact Democracy is said to be a form of government in which people elect their own ruler.
Meaning of Democracy by Abraham Lincoln
- “Democracy is a form of government of the people, for the people, by the people.
Main Features of Democracy
First feature
- In a democracy, the final decision making power must rest with those elected by the people.
Second feature
- A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Third feature
- In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.
Fourth feature
- A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.
Characteristics of Democratic government
- Decision making power must be with those elected by the people.
- It must be based on free and fair election at fixed interval.
- It must be based on universal adult franchise
- should rule within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ right. Freedom of press and citizen rights
Characteristics of a Non-democratic government
- Only a few has the power of decision making.
- Elections are absent or are not fair.
- No place for opposition
- Curb on people’s right
- Censorship
Arguments against Democracy
- Leads to instability due to frequent leader change.
- Some time it leads to bad decision.
- Leads to delay due to constant consultancy.
- It encourages corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
- It is only about competition and power play, no scope for morality.
- Ordinary people do not have the decision making ability.
Arguments for Democracy
- It is more accountable to its citizen
- Improves the quality of decision making
- It provides the method to deal with differences and conflicts
- It enhances the dignity of Citizen
- It allows the citizen to correct their own mistakes
Broader meanings of Democracy
- Democracy is considered the best available form of government.
- However in its broader sense is not just a political institution but a way of life.
- It is rooted in our day to day life functioning where decisions are made that involve consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by decisions.
- This apply to a family, a community or even a government.
- Thus it enables us to judge the present situation and its weaknesses and encourages marching towards betterment.