CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1: Chapter 1 of Class 9 Political Science is

about understanding what democracy is and why it is important. Democracy is a type of

government where the leaders are chosen by the people through free and fair elections.

The chapter explains the main features of democracy, such as having regular elections,
following the rule of law, and protecting people's rights. It also discusses why democracy is the
best form of government, because it treats everyone equally, allows people to have a say in how
they are governed, and makes sure the government is open and accountable.

By comparing democracy to other types of government, the chapter shows how democracy
helps create a fair and just society.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 Overview

These notes, prepared by subject experts at Physics Wallah, provide an overview of Chapter 1
in CBSE Class 9 Political Science, titled "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?" .

This chapter introduces students to the concept of democracy, defining it as a government

where leaders are elected by the people through free and fair elections.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 PDF

These notes, accessible via the provided PDF link, cover Chapter 1 of CBSE Class 9 Political
Science, titled "What is Democracy? Why Democracy?" This chapter introduces the
fundamental concept of democracy, describing it as a system of government where leaders are
elected by the people through free and fair elections.

For detailed explanations and further insights, please refer to the PDF link provided.

CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter 1 PDF

CBSE Notes Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1-What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Definition of Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. A key aspect
of democracy is that the government is chosen by the people through free and fair elections.
This form of government ensures that the power lies with the people, and they have a say in the
governance of their country. In contrast, in non-democratic governments, rulers are not elected
by the people. For instance, in Myanmar, the rulers were not elected by the people but took over
through military power. Similarly, dictators like Pinochet in Chile were not elected by the people,
and monarchies also fall under non-democratic systems.

Features of Democracy

The simple definition of democracy leads to several important questions, which help in
understanding its features:

Who are the rulers in a democracy?

● In a democracy, the rulers are elected representatives of the people. These

representatives make decisions on behalf of the citizens and are accountable to them.

What kind of election constitutes a democratic election?

● A democratic election is one that is free, fair, and competitive. Every eligible citizen has
the right to vote without any discrimination, and the process is transparent and impartial.

Who are the people who can elect the rulers or get elected as rulers?

● In a democracy, all adult citizens typically have the right to vote and stand for elections.
This inclusivity ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the
political process.

What form of government is a democracy?

● Democracy can take various forms, such as direct democracy, where people directly
participate in decision-making, and representative democracy, where elected officials
represent the people. The common thread is that in all forms of democracy, the ultimate
power rests with the people.

Major Decisions by Elected Leaders

In a democracy, major decisions must be made by leaders who are elected by the people.
However, this principle is not followed in some countries. For example, in Pakistan, General
Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999, overthrowing the democratically elected
government. He then declared himself President. In 2002, Musharraf held a referendum
granting himself a five-year extension.

Although elections were held for national and provincial assemblies, and elected
representatives were given some powers, the ultimate authority remained with the military and
General Musharraf. This indicates that Pakistan was not truly a democratic country under
Musharraf's rule. Similarly, in many dictatorships and monarchies, power is not vested in elected
leaders. Therefore, for a country to be considered democratic, the final decision-making power
must lie with those elected by the people.
Free and Fair Electoral Competition

For a democracy to function properly, it must have free and fair elections where those in power
have a genuine chance of losing. In China, elections are held every five years to elect the
National People's Congress. However, candidates need approval from the Chinese Communist
Party before they can contest, and the government is always formed by the Communist Party.
This process does not allow for true electoral competition.

Similarly, in Mexico, elections have been held every six years since its independence in 1930 to
elect the President. However, until 2000, every election was won by the Institutional
Revolutionary Party (PRI). This indicates that the elections were not genuinely competitive.

From these examples, it is clear that for an election to be democratic, it must be based on a free
and fair competition where the ruling party or leader has a real possibility of being voted out of
power.

One Person, One Vote, One Value

Democracy fundamentally rests on the principle of political equality, ensuring that every adult
citizen has the right to one vote and each vote carries equal weight. However, this principle is
not always upheld in practice. Until 2015, Saudi Arabia did not allow women to vote, denying
them equal political rights. In Estonia, citizenship rules marginalized the Russian minority,
making it challenging for them to exercise their voting rights.

Fiji's electoral system favors indigenous Fijians over Indian-Fijians, undermining the principle of
equality in voting. These examples illustrate that in a democracy, every citizen should have an
equal opportunity to vote, and each vote should count equally.

Rule of Law and Respect for Rights

Zimbabwe gained independence from White minority rule in 1980, and since then, the country
has been governed by the ZANU-PF party led by Robert Mugabe. Despite regular elections,
ZANU-PF consistently won, often through unfair practices. Laws restricted criticism of the
President, and government-controlled media only presented the ruling party's perspective.
Independent journalists faced harassment for dissenting views. These actions undermine
democracy, which requires governments to operate within constitutional limits and respect
citizens' rights.

In summary, democracy is a form of government where:

1. Elected leaders make significant decisions on behalf of the people.

2. Elections provide a fair opportunity for citizens to choose and change their leaders.
3. Every adult citizen has an equal right to participate in elections.
4. The exercise of this right ensures that governments operate under the rule of law and
uphold citizens' rights as outlined in the constitution.
Why Democracy?

Cons of Democracy

Despite its merits, democracy faces criticisms that challenge its effectiveness as a form of
governance:

1. Instability: Frequent changes in leadership can lead to political instability, impacting

long-term planning and governance continuity.
2. Political Competition: Democracy often prioritizes political competition over moral
principles, potentially compromising ethical standards in governance.
3. Delays in Decision-Making: The need for consultation with various stakeholders can
delay decision-making processes, especially in urgent matters.
4. Poor Decision-Making: Elected leaders may not always make decisions in the best
interest of the people, resulting in policies that do not address societal needs effectively.
5. Corruption: Competitive electoral processes can breed corruption as politicians vie for
power and resources to win elections.
6. Public Decision-Making: Critics argue that ordinary citizens may lack the expertise to
make informed decisions on complex issues, suggesting that governance should be left
to experts.

Arguments in Favour of Democracy

However, democracy offers several compelling reasons why it is considered a preferable form of
government:

1. Accountability: Democratic governments are more accountable to their citizens. For

instance, during the famines in India and China in the late 1950s and early 1960s, India
responded better to food scarcity due to its democratic accountability compared to
China.
2. Quality of Decision-Making: Democracy values consultation and debate, resulting in
decisions that are more thoroughly scrutinized and debated. This deliberative process
reduces the likelihood of hasty or ill-considered decisions.
3. Conflict Resolution: In diverse societies like India, democracy provides a peaceful
mechanism to manage conflicts and differences of opinion. It ensures that no single
group dominates others permanently, fostering social harmony.
4. Enhanced Citizen Dignity: Democracy upholds political equality, affirming the dignity of
all citizens regardless of their social or economic status. It ensures that everyone has an
equal say in shaping the future of their country.
5. Self-Correction: Democracy allows for public scrutiny of governmental decisions and
policies. Mistakes are openly discussed, and corrective measures can be implemented
through democratic processes such as elections.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

In this chapter, democracy is explored beyond its basic governmental definition. Students learn
that democracy is not just a political system but a set of principles that shape governance and
societal interactions. The primary form of democracy found in most countries today is
representative democracy, where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the
people. This form is necessitated by:

1. Scale and Complexity: Modern societies involve large populations and complex issues,
making direct participation of every citizen impractical.
2. Time and Expertise: Citizens may lack the time, interest, or expertise to engage in
every decision-making process directly.

Beyond government, democracy as an ideal sets a standard that all democracies strive to
achieve. No existing government perfectly embodies these ideals, but understanding them helps
assess and improve democracies. It distinguishes between minimal democracies and robust,
effective ones.

Application Beyond Government

Democracy can extend beyond political institutions to other areas of life. For instance:

● Community Decision-Making: In smaller communities, direct democracy can be

feasible, where all members participate in decision-making directly. This model is
exemplified by the Gram Sabha in Indian villages.

Understanding democracy as an ideal allows people to evaluate and improve existing

democratic systems. It emphasizes the importance of citizen participation, accountability, and
fairness in governance and community life. Thus, while representative democracy is prevalent
globally, alternative democratic models exist depending on scale and context.

Benefits of CBSE Class 9 Political Science Notes Chapter

1
● Introduction to Political Science: Chapter 1 introduces students to the study of politics.
It explains basic terms like politics, government, and state, helping students understand
how societies are governed.
● Understanding Key Concepts: Students learn important ideas such as power,
authority, and sovereignty. These concepts are crucial for understanding how
governments function and make decisions.
● Relevance of Politics: It shows students how political decisions affect their lives and
communities. This encourages them to become more aware of current events and civic
issues.
● Promoting Democratic Values: Learning about government and politics promotes
values like equality, tolerance, and participation in democracy. Students learn to be
responsible citizens.
● Exam Preparation: Finally, studying Chapter 1 prepares students for exams by covering
topics specified in the CBSE curriculum. It equips them with knowledge and skills
needed for assessments.