Class 9 Civics Notes: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Class 9 Civics Notes: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Welcome back to our Class 9 Civics study series! Today, we are diving into Chapter 2: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
You hear the word "democracy" all the time. Politicians talk about it, news channels debate it, and countries fight for it. But what does it actually mean? Is it just about holding elections, or is there more to the story?
In this chapter, we will break down the true definition of democracy and look at real-world examples to understand why it is considered the best form of government—despite its flaws. Let’s get started!
1. A Simple Definition
Let's start with the absolute basics. According to Abraham Lincoln, democracy is "government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
To make it even simpler for our exams, here is the core definition:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
This definition helps us easily separate democracies from non-democracies. For example:
The army rulers of Myanmar were not elected by the people.
Dictators like Pinochet (Chile) were not elected by the people.
Kings, like the King of Saudi Arabia or Nepal, rule because they were born into royal families, not because the people chose them.
But is just holding an election enough? No! To truly understand democracy, we need to look at its four key features.
2. The Four Features of True Democracy
The NCERT book uses some fascinating (and sometimes shocking) real-world examples to explain what happens when a country pretends to be democratic but actually isn't.
Feature 1: Major Decisions by Elected Leaders
In a true democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
The Case of Pakistan: In 1999, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup. He overthrew the elected government and declared himself the 'Chief Executive'. Later, he changed his designation to President and held a fraudulent referendum to get a five-year extension. He even changed the constitution so that he and his military officers could dismiss the elected national and provincial assemblies.
Conclusion: Even though people elected representatives to the assemblies, the real power was with the military and General Musharraf. Therefore, it was not a true democracy.
Feature 2: Free and Fair Electoral Competition
A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
The Case of China: In China, elections are regularly held for the parliament (National People’s Congress). But, before contesting, a candidate needs the approval of the Chinese Communist Party. The government is always formed by the Communist Party.
The Case of Mexico: Since its independence in 1930, Mexico held elections every six years. But until 2000, every election was won by a single party called PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). The PRI used dirty tricks, forced government employees to attend their meetings, and even shifted polling booths at the last minute to win!
Feature 3: One Person, One Vote, One Value
In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote, and each vote must have one equal value.
Where is this denied? * Until 2015, in Saudi Arabia, women did not have the right to vote.
In Estonia, the citizenship rules made it very difficult for the Russian minority to get the right to vote.
In Fiji, the electoral system was designed so that the vote of an indigenous Fiji had more value than that of an Indian-Fijian.
Feature 4: Rule of Law and Respect for Rights
A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights.
The Case of Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe attained independence from white minority rule in 1980. Since then, it was ruled by ZANU-PF, the party that led the freedom struggle. Its leader, Robert Mugabe, was popular but used unfair practices. He changed the constitution multiple times to increase his power, harassed opposition workers, disrupted their meetings, and controlled the television and radio.
3. Why Democracy? (The Arguments AGAINST It)
Democracy is not a magical solution to all problems. It has not eradicated poverty. Let's look at the common arguments against democracy:
Instability: Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This creates instability.
No Morality: Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
Delays: So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays in decision-making.
Bad Decisions: Elected leaders do not always know the best interest of the people, which can lead to bad decisions.
Corruption: It is based on electoral competition, which often leads to corruption.
Uninformed Voters: Ordinary people don't always know what is good for them; they shouldn't decide massive national policies.
4. Why Democracy? (The Arguments FOR It)
If democracy has so many flaws, why is it considered the best system?
1. It is a more accountable form of government.
Example: Between 1958-1961, China faced the worst recorded famine in world history; nearly 3 crore people died. India's economic condition was no better than China's, yet India didn't have a famine of that scale. Economists believe this was because India was a democracy. The Indian government responded to food scarcity because of opposition parties and a free press. The Chinese government didn't have to listen to anyone.
2. It improves the quality of decision-making.
Because democracy is based on consultation and discussion, it takes more time. But this delay is actually good! It reduces the chances of taking rash or irresponsible decisions.
3. It provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
In any society, people are bound to have differences of opinion and interests (especially in a diverse country like India). In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner, and no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.
4. It enhances the dignity of citizens.
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality. The poorest and least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler; they are the rulers themselves.
5. It allows us to correct our own mistakes.
No government is perfect. But in a democracy, mistakes cannot be hidden for long. There is space for public discussion, and there is room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers themselves can be changed through elections!
5. Broader Meanings of Democracy
Finally, we usually think of democracy as a form of government. But it is actually a principle that can be applied to any sphere of life.
Representative Democracy: In large countries, it is physically impossible for millions of people to sit together and take a collective decision. So, the majority rules through their elected representatives. This is the most common form of democracy.
A Democratic Family: Are decisions in your house taken by one person who bosses everyone around, or does everyone sit down, discuss, and agree?
A Democratic Classroom: Does your teacher allow students to ask questions and express their opinions, or are you just expected to listen silently?
A true democracy will come to a country only when no one goes hungry to bed, and when every citizen has equal access to basic education, shelter, and resources. Until then, democracy remains a goal we must constantly work toward!
Quick Revision Summary 📝
Definition: Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people.
Key Features: Major decisions by elected leaders, free and fair electoral competition, one person-one vote-one value, and rule of law.
Drawbacks: It can lead to instability, delays, and corruption due to intense political competition.
Benefits: It is highly accountable, improves decision-making, respects citizen dignity, and allows room for correcting mistakes.
Representative Democracy: The most common form today, where citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf.
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