CLASS- IX    SPL-I: DEMOCRATIC POLITICS

Chapter 2 – What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

🌍 Introduction

  • The word “democracy” is common. Politicians, leaders, even family members use it casually.
  • But what does it really mean?
    • Example: In families, elders may say “we are democratic” if they listen to everyone’s opinion.
    • In schools, teachers sometimes say “our class is democratic” when students are allowed to vote for a monitor.
  • Clearly, people use the term in many different ways.
  • But in politics, democracy has a very specific meaning.
  • The chapter’s aim: To explain clearly what democracy is and why we prefer it.

👉 Key Idea: Don’t confuse everyday usage with the political definition.

1️⃣ What is Democracy?

The simplest definition given is:
👉 Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people.

A. First Feature – Rulers elected by the people

  • Example: Pakistan (1999–2002) under General Pervez Musharraf.
    • He took power in a military coup.
    • Declared himself “Chief Executive” and later President through a referendum (2002).
    • Elections were held, but under military supervision.
    • Final power remained with the army, not with elected representatives.

👉 Lesson: A country is not democratic if rulers are not truly chosen by the people.

B. Second Feature – Major decisions by elected representatives

  • In true democracy, the authority to make decisions lies with representatives chosen by people.
  • Example: Pakistan again.
    • Musharraf created a body called National Security Council with military officials.
    • They could interfere in decisions of civilian leaders.
  • Thus, elected leaders had little real power.

👉 Lesson: In democracy, the final decision-making power must lie with elected representatives, not with army generals, monarchs, or religious heads.

C. Third Feature – Free and fair elections

  • Elections must offer real choice and equal chance of winning.
  • Example 1: China
    • Elections are held every 5 years for National People’s Congress.
    • Only Communist Party-approved candidates can contest.
    • People cannot freely choose between different parties.
  • Example 2: Mexico
    • Until 2000, one party (PRI) ruled for 70 years.
    • Opposition existed, but PRI used unfair practices (rigging, pressurizing voters, misuse of government resources).
  • Both cases had “elections” but were not democratic.

👉 Lesson: Democracy means free and fair elections with real competition.

D. Fourth Feature – One person, one vote, one value

  • True democracy gives equal political rights to all adults.
  • This is called universal adult franchise.
  • Violations:
    • Saudi Arabia – women had no voting rights (until recently).
    • Estonia – Russian-speaking minorities denied right to vote.
    • Fiji – votes of indigenous Fijians were given more value than those of Indian Fijians.

👉 Lesson: Democracy is based on political equality — every citizen’s vote should carry the same weight.

E. Fifth Feature – Rule of law and rights of citizens

  • Example: Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe.
    • ZANU-PF party kept winning elections.
    • Opposition leaders harassed and attacked.
    • State machinery (police, media, courts) misused.
    • People forced to vote for ruling party.
  • Elections alone did not make Zimbabwe democratic.

👉 Lesson: Democracy requires not only elections, but also:

  • Rule of law.
  • Freedom of expression.
  • Respect for opposition.
  • Protection of rights.

2️⃣ Why Democracy?

Now the chapter asks: If democracy has so many conditions, why do we still prefer it?

Arguments in Favor of Democracy

  1. Promotes Equality
    • Every citizen has equal political rights.
    • No one is superior in terms of political power.
  2. Improves Decision-Making
    • Dictators can make quick decisions.
    • But democratic decisions are made through discussion and debate.
    • They may take time but are more effective and acceptable.
  3. Resolves Conflicts Peacefully
    • In diverse societies (India, with caste, religion, language differences), democracy provides peaceful methods (elections, negotiations) to manage differences.
  4. Enhances Dignity of Citizens
    • Democracy respects the worth of each person.
    • People are not treated as subjects but as rulers of themselves.
    • Especially important for women and disadvantaged groups.
  5. Allows Correction of Mistakes
    • Dictatorships can’t be changed easily.
    • Democracies allow people to remove unpopular leaders through elections.

Arguments Against Democracy

  • Leaders keep changing → lack of stability.
  • Delays in decision-making due to debates and consultations.
  • Ordinary people may not know what is good for them.
  • Corruption and dirty politics are common.
  • Democracy often reduces to competition for power, ignoring people’s real needs.

👉 Lesson: Democracy is not perfect. But compared to dictatorship, monarchy, or military rule, it is still better.

3️⃣ Broader Meaning of Democracy

  • So far, we defined democracy in terms of rules and procedures.
  • But democracy must also be judged by its outcomes:
    • Does it reduce poverty and inequality?
    • Does it improve people’s quality of life?
    • Does it protect freedom and dignity?
  • Example: Zimbabwe shows that just holding elections is not enough — democracy must also work for people’s welfare.

👉 Lesson: Democracy must deliver both procedures (free elections, rights) and results (justice, dignity, equality).

 

 

**************