NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 1 – What is Democracy? Why is Democracy?

The chapter opens with a discussion between Mary and her teacher, Lyngdoh Madam, focusing on the idea of democracy. It begins by explaining what democracy is, emphasizing that it is a form of government where leaders are elected by the people, and only these elected members have the authority to make important decisions for the country. A core principle highlighted is the practice of free and fair competition, which forms the foundation of true democracy.

One of the key ideas presented in the chapter is the policy of “One person, one vote, one value.” This policy emphasizes equality and fairness, ensuring that every citizen has an equal say in elections. The chapter also stresses the importance of following the rule of law and upholding individual rights, using Zimbabwe as an example of what happens when these principles are neglected.

The significance of democracy in a nation is discussed, as well as arguments for and against it. The chapter explains that because the definition of democracy can be broad, almost any government can claim to be democratic. To distinguish genuine democracies, certain features are outlined, such as the requirement for fair elections and the need for elected representatives to hold the ultimate decision-making power.

The presence of opposition parties is also highlighted as essential in maintaining democratic fairness, as they help ensure that any party's victory is truly democratic. A democratic government must operate according to constitutional laws and protect the rights of citizens. The chapter also mentions examples of countries that claim to be democratic but act against democratic principles.

Finally, the chapter concludes by listing the advantages of democracy and comparing it with other forms of government, emphasizing democracy’s unique commitment to fairness, equality, and the rule of law.

Q1. Here is some information about the four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries? Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.

1. Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.

2. Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.

3. Country C: The Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.

4. Country D: There is no independent election commission. 

Answer. 

1. Country A: Undemocratic
2. Country B: Not sure
3. Country C: Democratic
4. Country D: Undemocratic

Q2. Here is some information about four countries. Based on this information, how would you classify each of these countries? Write ‘democratic’, ‘undemocratic’ or ‘not sure’ against each of these.

1. Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
2. Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
3. Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighboring country.
4. Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.

Answer. 

1. Country P: Undemocratic
2. Country Q: Democratic
3. Country R: Undemocratic
4. Country S: Undemocratic

Q3.  Which of these is not a good argument in favor of democracy? Why?
A. People feel free and equal in a democracy.
B. Democracies resolve conflict in a better way than others.
C. Democratic government is more accountable to the people.
D. Democracies are more prosperous than others.

Answer.

D. Democracies are more prosperous than others is not a good argument in favor of democracy. There are examples of countries being democratic but not as prosperous as other countries which are not democratic. Democracy means that the normal citizen of the country is involved in the decision making process and electing the leaders. It does not necessarily guarantee prosperity as there are other factors like – geography, economic capacity, government policies, human resources, mineral resources etc.

Q4. Each of these statements contains a democratic and undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement.

A. A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
B. The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported.
C. Women’s representation in parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organizations to demand one-third seats for women.

Answer.

• Democratic element – A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament. Undemocratic element – conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• Democratic element – The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency. Undemocratic element – large-scale rigging was reported.
• c. Democratic element – women’s organizations to demand one-third seats for women. Undemocratic element – Women’s representation in parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. 

Q5. Which of these is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country?

a. Opposition parties can draw attention to hunger and starvation.
B. Free press can report suffering from famine in different parts of the country.
C. Government fears its defeat in the next elections.
D. People are free to believe in and practice any religion.

Answer.

D. The statement, ‘People are free to believe in and practice any religion,’ is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country.

Q6. There are 40 villages in a district where the government has made no provision for drinking water. These villagers met and considered many methods of forcing the government to respond to their needs. Which of these is not a democratic method?

a. Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of the right to life.
b. Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
c. Organizing public meetings against the government’s policies.
d. Paying money to government officials to get water.

Answer.

D. Paying money to government officials to get water is not a democratic method.

Q7. Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:

a. The army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organization in the country. Therefore the army should rule the country.
b. Rule of the majority means the rule of ignorant people. What we need is the rule of the wise, even if they are in small numbers.
c. If we want religious leaders to guide us in spiritual matters, why not invite them to guide us in politics as well. The country should be ruled by religious leaders. 

Answer. 

A. The army is a disciplined organization. However, it is unfair if an army rules, as the army was not chosen by the citizens and hence it will be an undemocratic practice.
B. Rule of the majority is not the rule of ignorant people. Wisdom is subjective, and the government is run by people who know law and order.
C. Religion and politics are two different things. While religion can guide someone towards religious affairs, it cannot guide anyone for politics, which is an important segment of a nation.

Q8. Are the following statements in keeping with democracy as a value? Why?

a. Father to daughter: I don’t want to hear your opinion about your marriage. In our family children marry where the parents tell them to.
b. Teacher to student: Don’t disturb my concentration by asking me questions in the classroom.
c. Employee to the officer: Our working hours must be reduced according to the law.

Answer.

• The statement does not keep with democracy as a value, as the daughter is not allowed to express her opinion.
• The statement does not keep with democracy as a value, as students are not allowed to ask questions which is their right.
• The statement keeps with democracy as law, as the employee voices his opinion for his right under the law.

Q9. Consider the following facts about a country and decide if you would call it a democracy. Give reasons to support your decision.

A. All the citizens of the country have the right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
B. The country took loans from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving a loan was that the government would reduce its expenses on education and health.
C. People speak more than seven languages but education is available only in one language, the language spoken by 52 per cent people of that country.
D. Several organizations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nationwide strikes in the country to oppose these policies. Government has arrested these leaders.
E. The government owns the radio and television in the country. All the newspapers have to get permission from the government to publish any news about the government’s policies and protests.

Answer.

a. From this statement, we can understand that it is a democratic country where citizens are allowed to vote and choose their government.
b. While taking a loan from international agencies, the country is compromising on the welfare of the people by reducing their expenditure on education and health which is totally undemocratic.
c. The provision of making education accessible in only one language is undemocratic. It is the fundamental right for people to have an education and it is the government’s duty to provide them with the language they know.
d. Right to assemble and peacefully demonstrate is a basic right of an individual. Hence, arresting the protestors is undemocratic.
e. When the government owns the radio and television, it is debarring people from availing their right to free press. It is undemocratic.

What is Democracy? Why is Democracy? Important Questions and Answers

Q1. What is Democracy?
Answer: Democracy is a form of government where people choose their leaders through free and fair elections. In a democratic system, citizens have the power to vote for representatives who will make decisions on their behalf. It is based on the idea that the people’s voice matters, and they should have a say in how the country is run.

Q2. Why is Democracy Important?
Answer: Democracy is important because it promotes equality, fairness, and freedom. In a democracy:

1. People have rights – Citizens have freedom of speech, religion, and the right to participate in government decisions.

2. Leaders are accountable – Elected leaders must answer to the people, ensuring that power is not misused.

3. Laws are fair – Democracies work on laws that apply equally to everyone, which helps create a just society.

4. Encourages peaceful change – Democracy allows changes in government through elections rather than violence.

 Q3. What are the main features of democracy?

• In a democracy, citizens elect their leaders.
• Decisions are made by elected representatives.
• There is respect for laws and individual rights.
• Free and fair elections allow citizens to choose their leaders.

Q4. How does democracy ensure equality?
Answer:Democracy works on the principle of “One person, one vote, one value.” This means each citizen’s vote has equal worth, promoting fairness in decision-making.

Q5. Why are opposition parties important in a democracy?
Answer: Opposition parties are crucial because they hold the ruling government accountable. They question policies, suggest improvements, and provide alternative views, ensuring the government remains fair and effective.