Home › Free notes › Class 9 Social Science › Understanding Democracy

Understanding Democracy – Class 9 Social Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 9 Social Science, chapter 6. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people and are accountable to them. It is based on free and fair elections, one person one vote, the rule of law and respect for rights. Democracy is better than other forms of government because it promotes equality, dignity and better decisions, though it also faces challenges.

What is democracy

The word comes from the Greek 'demos' (people) and 'kratia' (rule): rule by the people.
Abraham Lincoln described it as government of the people, by the people, for the people.
In a representative democracy, people elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

Features of democracy

Major decisions are taken by elected representatives.
Elections are free, fair and regular, offering a real choice.
Each adult citizen has one vote of equal value (universal adult franchise).
Government works within limits set by the constitution and respects citizens' rights.

Why democracy

It makes the government accountable and responsive to people's needs.
It allows discussion, so decisions are better and mistakes can be corrected.
It enhances the dignity of citizens and provides a way to deal with differences peacefully.

Key terms

Democracy: a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people
Representative democracy: a system in which people elect representatives to make laws and decisions
Universal adult franchise: the right of every adult citizen to vote without discrimination
Rule of law: the principle that everyone, including rulers, is equal before the law
Accountability: the responsibility of the government to answer to the people

Important questions with answers

What is democracy?2 marks

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. In a democracy, people choose their representatives through free and fair elections, and the government is accountable to the people.

Why is universal adult franchise important in a democracy?3 marks

Universal adult franchise gives every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, wealth or education. It ensures political equality, makes the government represent all sections of society and gives every citizen a say in choosing the government.

Explain the main features of democracy and give arguments in favour of democracy.5 marks

Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people. Its main features are as follows. First, major decisions are taken by representatives elected by the people. Second, elections must be free, fair and regular, offering a real choice between parties, so that those in power can be voted out. Third, each adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value, which is called universal adult franchise. Fourth, a democratic government works within limits set by the constitution, follows the rule of law and respects citizens' rights such as freedom of speech and association. Democracy is preferred for many reasons. It makes the government accountable and responsive to people's needs. It is based on discussion and consultation, which improves the quality of decisions. It provides a peaceful way to deal with differences and conflicts in a diverse society. It enhances the dignity of citizens, because the poorest and the richest have equal votes. It also allows mistakes to be corrected, because governments can be changed through elections. Democracy has limitations, such as delays and corruption, but it is still better than other forms of government.

Quick revision

Demos + kratia = rule by the people.
Representative democracy: people elect representatives.
One person, one vote, one value.
Democracy: accountable, dignified, better decisions.

Exam tips

Remember the four features: elected rulers, free and fair elections, one person one vote, rule of law and rights.
When asked 'why democracy', give arguments for and also note its limitations.

Practice MCQs

The word 'democracy' comes from the
1. Greek
2. Latin
3. Sanskrit
4. Persian
Show answer
Answer: (a) Greek. Demos means people.
In a democracy rulers are
1. born into power
2. elected by the people
3. appointed by the army
4. chosen by foreign powers
Show answer
Answer: (b) elected by the people. People choose the government.
'One person, one vote' means
1. only rich people vote
2. each adult has one vote of equal value
3. some people get two votes
4. only men vote
Show answer
Answer: (b) each adult has one vote of equal value. This is political equality.
Government of the people, by the people, for the people was said by
1. Abraham Lincoln
2. Mahatma Gandhi
3. Jawaharlal Nehru
4. Winston Churchill
Show answer
Answer: (a) Abraham Lincoln. He was a US President.
A system where people elect members to make decisions for them is
1. direct democracy
2. representative democracy
3. monarchy
4. dictatorship
Show answer
Answer: (b) representative democracy. Large countries use this system.
The principle that everyone is equal before the law is called
1. rule of law
2. rule of king
3. martial law
4. rule of army
Show answer
Answer: (a) rule of law. Even rulers must obey laws.
Why is a country where elections are held but the ruling party always wins by fraud not a true democracy
1. there is a parliament
2. people did vote
3. elections are not free and fair
4. the constitution exists
Show answer
Answer: (c) elections are not free and fair. A real choice is necessary.
Which argument best shows that democracy improves decision-making
1. decisions are taken quickly by one person
2. leaders cannot be questioned
3. there is no opposition
4. decisions involve discussion and consultation, and mistakes can be corrected
Show answer
Answer: (d) decisions involve discussion and consultation, and mistakes can be corrected. Many minds improve decisions.

All chapters of Class 9 Social Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.