Broader Meanings Of Democracy – NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 1 Notes & PDF

Topic covered: Broader Meanings Of Democracy class 9 notes and MCQs Questions: What is Democracy? Why Democracy? (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “Broader Meanings Of Democracy“ from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 9th chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Notes PDF

Chapter 1: What is Democracy? Why Democracy? in Class 9 Political Science introduces the meaning of democracy, features of democracy, and why it is considered the best form of government. Many students find it tricky to distinguish between democratic and non-democratic systems, so these notes make the differences clear with simple examples. Key topics like elections, rights, decision-making, and the value of people’s participation are explained in a concise way for easy recall during exams. Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Notes PDF to revise quickly and strengthen your understanding.

Broader Meanings Of Democracy

1. Basic Understanding of Democracy:

• In this chapter, democracy has been discussed in a limited and descriptive sense.
• Democracy is understood as a form of government with minimal defining features.
• The most common form today is representative democracy.
• In democracies, people do not rule directly; the majority rules through elected representatives.
• Direct rule by all people is not possible due to large populations, lack of time, interest, or necessary skills.

2. Limitations of Minimal Definition:

• The minimal definition distinguishes democracies from non-democracies.
• It does not distinguish between a democracy and a good democracy.
• It does not show the working of democracy beyond government.

3. Broader Meanings of Democracy:

• Democracy can apply to other organisations like families, schools, and political parties.
• A democratic decision requires consultation and consent of those affected.
• Both powerful and less powerful should have an equal say in decisions.
• Democracy is a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life.

4. Democracy as an Ideal:

• Sometimes democracy is used as an ideal standard that democracies should aim for.
• Examples:
  • “True democracy will come only when no one goes hungry to bed.”
  • Equal role in decision making needs equal information, education, and resources.
• If ideals are taken seriously, no country in the world qualifies as a true democracy.
• Ideals remind us why we value democracy and help us identify weaknesses in existing democracies.
• They also help distinguish between minimal democracy and good democracy.

5. Forms of Democratic Decision-Making:

• The most common form today is rule through elected representatives.
• In small communities, all people can directly sit together and take decisions (e.g., Gram Sabha in villages).
• Various forms of decision-making can be democratic if based on equal consultation.

6. Democracy as a Continuous Process:

• No country is a perfect democracy.
• Every democracy must constantly strive to realise democratic ideals.
• Democracy requires continuous effort to save and strengthen decision-making.

7. Role of Citizens in Democracy:

• The fate of democracy depends on the role of citizens, not just rulers.
• Democracy requires active political participation by all citizens.
• This distinguishes democracy from monarchy, dictatorship, or one-party rule, which discourage citizen participation.
• A study of democracy must focus on democratic politics.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 1: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

MCQs on NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 1 Topic – Broader Meanings Of Democracy Class 9 Notes

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Broader Meanings Of Democracy Class 9 Notes” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. The most common form of democracy in modern times is:

a) Direct democracy
b) Monarchy
c) Representative democracy
d) Dictatorship

Answer: c) Representative democracy

Question 2. In a representative democracy, who takes decisions on behalf of the people?

a) The King
b) Army officials
c) Elected representatives
d) Bureaucrats

Answer: c) Elected representatives

Question 3. Why is direct democracy not possible in modern states?

a) Citizens are uninterested in politics
b) Population is too large and citizens lack time and skills
c) Rulers do not allow it
d) It is an outdated system

Answer: b) Population is too large and citizens lack time and skills

Question 4. Which of the following is a minimal feature of democracy?

a) Rule of one-party system
b) Collective decision-making by citizens
c) Rule through elected representatives
d) Absence of political participation

Answer: c) Rule through elected representatives

Question 5. “We are a very democratic family. Everyone’s opinion matters.” This statement shows:

a) Democracy as an ideal standard
b) Democracy beyond government, in family life
c) Representative democracy
d) Political democracy only

Answer: b) Democracy beyond government, in family life

Question 6. Which of these best describes a democratic decision?

a) Decision taken only by powerful persons
b) Decision based on consultation and consent of all affected
c) Decision by rulers without asking people
d) Decision forced by external powers

Answer: b) Decision based on consultation and consent of all affected

Question 7. “True democracy will come only when no one goes hungry to bed.” This statement refers to:

a) Minimal democracy
b) Democracy as an ideal
c) Dictatorship
d) One-party rule

Answer: b) Democracy as an ideal

Question 8. Which of the following is not a requirement for real democracy as an ideal?

a) Equal right to vote
b) Equal access to information and education
c) Equal resources and commitment
d) Unequal political participation

Answer: d) Unequal political participation

Question 9. Why do we study democracy as an ideal?

a) To understand monarchy
b) To judge existing democracies and identify weaknesses
c) To avoid citizen participation
d) To support dictatorship

Answer: b) To judge existing democracies and identify weaknesses

Question 10. What is the strength and weakness of democracy according to the chapter?

a) It depends only on rulers
b) It depends on citizens’ active participation
c) It depends only on the army
d) It depends on monarchy

Answer: b) It depends on citizens’ active participation

Question 11. Which form of government prefers citizens not to participate in politics?

a) Democracy
b) Dictatorship, monarchy, or one-party rule
c) Representative democracy
d) Gram Sabha

Answer: b) Dictatorship, monarchy, or one-party rule

Question 12. What should be the focus of studying democracy?

a) Military control
b) Economic policies only
c) Democratic politics and active participation
d) Role of monarchs

Answer: c) Democratic politics and active participation

Question 13. How should a Gram Sabha in a village ideally function?

a) Through a single leader’s decision
b) By military rule
c) By collective decision of all members directly
d) By ignoring citizens’ participation

Answer: c) By collective decision of all members directly

Question 14. Which of these helps to distinguish between a democracy and a good democracy?

a) Minimal definition of democracy
b) Broader meanings of democracy
c) Dictatorship features
d) Population size of the country

Answer: b) Broader meanings of democracy

Question 15. Why can no country be called a perfect democracy?

a) Because democracy is not valued anywhere
b) Because ideals of equality, education, and resources are never fully achieved
c) Because only monarchies work
d) Because citizens do not participate at all

Answer: b) Because ideals of equality, education, and resources are never fully achieved