Why Democracy? – NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 1 Notes & PDF

Topic covered: Why 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 “Why 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.

Why Democracy?

1. Debating Merits of Democracy:

• Students argued whether democracy is the best form of government.
• Yolanda’s view: Democracy is popular worldwide, accepted by great people, and seen as the best.
• Tangkini’s point: We should not accept democracy just because it is widely accepted.
• Jeni’s criticism: After seven decades of democracy, poverty still exists; democracy brings chaos, instability, corruption, and hypocrisy.
• Ribiang’s counter: Poverty exists despite democracy, not necessarily because of it.
• Poimon’s question: Alternatives like monarchy or colonial rule are not realistic.
• Rose’s opinion: Country needs a strong leader with full powers, free from elections and parliament, to end corruption and poverty.
• Hoi’s objection: Such a leader could misuse power for personal gain; dictators are often corrupt, selfish, and brutal.
• Hoi’s reminder: We must compare real democracy with real dictatorship, not ideal versions.

2. Teacher’s Intervention:

• Madam Lyngdoh highlighted the freedom to express opinions in class.
• She pointed out that in a non-democratic country, such freedom would not be possible.
• This becomes an argument in favor of democracy.

Arguments Against Democracy

1. Arguments Against Democracy:

• Leaders keep changing, which creates instability.
• Democracy is centered on political competition and power play, leaving little room for morality.
• Decision-making is delayed because many people have to be consulted.
• Elected leaders may not know the true interests of the people, leading to bad decisions.
• Electoral competition makes democracy vulnerable to corruption.
• Ordinary people are often unaware of what is good for them, so their decisions may be flawed.

2. Limitations of Democracy:

• Democracy is not a magical solution to all problems.
• It has not removed poverty in India or in other parts of the world.
• People in a democracy can make mistakes in their decisions.
• Involving citizens in decisions slows down the process of governance.
• Frequent leadership changes can delay or set back major decisions.
• Government efficiency can be affected due to repeated changes.

3. Critical Question Raised:

• Democracy in practice may not be the ideal form of government.
• The real question is not whether democracy is perfect but whether it is better than other forms of government available.

Arguments for Democracy

1. Democracy and Famine Prevention:

• China’s famine (1958–1961) was the worst in world history, with nearly three crore deaths.
• India, despite poor economic conditions, did not face such famine.
• Economists link this difference to democratic policies in India.
• No large-scale famine has ever occurred in an independent, democratic country.
• Multiparty elections, opposition, and a free press could have reduced famine deaths in China.
• Democracy responds better to people’s needs compared to non-democratic governments.

2. Accountability and Decision-Making:

• A democratic government is more accountable because rulers must attend to people’s needs.
• Democracy involves consultation and discussion before decisions.
• Multiple perspectives help identify possible mistakes.
• Though time-consuming, democratic decisions are less rash and more responsible.
• Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.

3. Managing Diversity and Conflicts:

• Societies have differences of opinion, interest, region, language, religion, and caste.
• Conflicts can be resolved by force, but that creates resentment and instability.
• Democracy provides a peaceful way to resolve conflicts.
• No group remains a permanent winner or loser in democracy.
• In diverse countries like India, democracy helps maintain unity.

4. Dignity and Equality of Citizens:

• Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
• It is based on political equality – poor and uneducated have the same status as rich and educated.
• People are rulers of themselves, not subjects of a ruler.
• Even mistakes in democracy are owned by citizens, ensuring responsibility.

5. Correcting Mistakes in Democracy:

• Mistakes are possible in democracy, as in any form of government.
• In democracy, mistakes cannot remain hidden for long.
• There is space for public discussion and correction of errors.
• Rulers may be forced to change decisions, or people can change the rulers.
• This flexibility is absent in non-democratic governments.

6. Final Summary of Arguments for Democracy:

• Democracy is not a solution to all problems but is better than other alternatives.
• It ensures better chances of good decisions.
• It respects people’s wishes.
• It enables peaceful coexistence of diverse groups.
• It allows correction of mistakes.
• It enhances dignity and equality of citizens.
• These reasons make democracy the best form of government.

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 – Why Democracy Class 9 Notes

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

Question 1. Who raised the point in Madam Lyngdoh’s class that democracy has brought poverty despite seven decades of independence?

a) Yolanda
b) Jeni
c) Rose
d) Hoi

Answer: b) Jeni

Question 2. Who argued in class that the country needs a strong leader with full powers instead of democracy?

a) Poimon
b) Rose
c) Tangkini
d) Ribiang

Answer: b) Rose

Question 3. According to Hoi, why is it unfair to compare democracy with dictatorship?

a) Because democracy is always perfect
b) Because dictatorship is always corrupt
c) Because we should compare real democracy with real dictatorship, not ideal with real
d) Because democracy has no leaders

Answer: c) Because we should compare real democracy with real dictatorship, not ideal with real

Question 4. Which of the following is not listed as an argument against democracy?

a) Leaders keep changing leading to instability
b) Democracy leads to delays in decision making
c) Democracy always ensures removal of poverty
d) Democracy is based on political competition and power play

Answer: c) Democracy always ensures removal of poverty

Question 5. Which country faced the worst famine in world history between 1958–1961?

a) India
b) China
c) Pakistan
d) Zimbabwe

Answer: b) China

Question 6. How many people approximately died in China’s famine of 1958–1961?

a) 1 crore
b) 2 crore
c) 3 crore
d) 5 crore

Answer: c) 3 crore

Question 7. What was the main reason India did not face a large-scale famine like China despite poor economic conditions?

a) Availability of foreign aid
b) Existence of democracy in India
c) British support
d) Better natural resources

Answer: b) Existence of democracy in India

Question 8. Which of the following is considered the strongest argument for democracy?

a) It ensures quick decisions
b) It eliminates corruption completely
c) It enhances the dignity of citizens
d) It guarantees no poverty

Answer: c) It enhances the dignity of citizens

Question 9. Which feature of democracy helps to reduce the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions?

a) Political competition
b) Discussion and consultation
c) Frequent elections
d) Electoral competition

Answer: b) Discussion and consultation

Question 10. In a democracy, conflicts in a diverse society can be resolved by:

a) Dictatorship and strict rules
b) Brutal power of majority
c) Peaceful negotiation and compromise
d) Foreign intervention

Answer: c) Peaceful negotiation and compromise

Question 11. Why is democracy considered better at dealing with conflicts in a diverse country like India?

a) No one is a permanent winner or loser
b) Only majority groups rule forever
c) Dictators resolve conflicts better
d) It avoids elections altogether

Answer: a) No one is a permanent winner or loser

Question 12. Which of the following is true about democracy correcting its mistakes?

a) Mistakes can never happen in democracy
b) Mistakes are hidden by leaders
c) Mistakes cannot be corrected once made
d) Mistakes can be corrected through public discussion and change of rulers

Answer: d) Mistakes can be corrected through public discussion and change of rulers

Question 13. According to the chapter, democracy is:

a) A magical solution to all problems
b) Clearly better than any other alternative
c) Worse than dictatorship
d) Only suitable for small countries

Answer: b) Clearly better than any other alternative

Question 14. Which of these arguments applies mainly to democracy and not to other forms of government?

a) Frequent change of leaders causes instability
b) Corruption in ruling leaders
c) Rulers may misuse power
d) Poverty continues despite government

Answer: a) Frequent change of leaders causes instability

Question 15. Which quality of democracy ensures that rulers have to respond to the needs of people?

a) Accountability
b) Dictatorship
c) Military rule
d) Centralisation of power

Answer: a) Accountability