NCERT Class 9 Social Science Political Science Chapter 1: "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?"

Democracy

A form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

Origin of 'Democracy'

Derived from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratia' (rule)

Key feature of democracy

Government is chosen by the people through elections.

Major decisions by elected leaders

In a democracy

Free and fair elections

Elections must offer a real choice between political alternatives and allow people to remove existing rulers if they wish.

One person

one vote

Political equality

All citizens have equal rights to participate in the political process.

Accountability of leaders

Leaders are accountable to the people and must govern according to the constitution and citizens' rights.

Protection of fundamental rights

Democracy ensures the protection of basic rights and freedoms for all citizens.

Example of non-democratic government

Military rule in Myanmar where rulers were not elected by the people.

Example of dictatorship

General Pinochet’s rule in Chile

Example of monarchy

Kings of Saudi Arabia rule because of royal birth

Pakistan 1999

General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup and took power

Pakistan 2002

General Musharraf held a referendum and changed the constitution to concentrate power in his hands.

China elections

Elections are held but only candidates approved by the Communist Party can contest; real choice is absent.

Mexico elections until 2000

PRI party always won elections using unfair means

Universal adult franchise

The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections

Denial of voting rights

In Saudi Arabia

Political party

An organized group of people with similar political aims and opinions

Dictatorship

A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group

Monarchy

A system of government where a single family rules from generation to generation.

Representative democracy

A type of democracy where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Importance of democracy

Democracy is considered better because it is more accountable

Accountability

The obligation of rulers to answer for their actions and decisions to the people.

Transparency

Democratic governments are expected to be open about their decisions and actions.

Equality

All individuals have the same political rights and opportunities in a democracy.

Rule of law

Everyone is subject to the law

Constitution

The set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Citizen

A legally recognized member of a state with rights and duties.

Political rights

The rights of citizens to participate in the political process

Civil liberties

Freedoms guaranteed to individuals

Challenges to democracy

Include corruption

Democratic government

Government where rulers are elected

Non-democratic government

Government where rulers are not elected by the people and citizens have limited or no role in decision-making.

Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy

"Government of the people

Democratic institution

Organizations or bodies that help uphold the principles and functioning of democracy

Military coup

The sudden overthrow of a government by the military

Referendum

A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue.

Political alternative

Choice between different parties or candidates in an election.

Political participation

The active involvement of citizens in the political process

Rule by consent

Governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed in a democracy.

Democratic values

Principles such as liberty

Date: October 1999

General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in Pakistan.

Date: 2002

General Musharraf held a referendum to extend his rule in Pakistan.

Date: 2015

Saudi Arabia granted women the right to vote.

PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)

The party that ruled Mexico for decades by manipulating elections.

Political opposition

Parties or groups that challenge the ruling party or government in a democracy.

Legal Framework Order

Order issued by General Musharraf in Pakistan to amend the constitution and increase presidential powers.

National People’s Congress

China’s parliament

Universal suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote

Political freedom

The right to express opinions

Media in democracy

Plays a role in informing citizens and holding the government accountable.

Democratic classroom/family

Democratic principles can be applied in everyday life

Broader meaning of democracy

Democracy is not just about government but also about applying democratic values in society and institutions