What is Democracy? Why Democracy? Class 9 Notes Political Science (Civics) Chapter 1

Chapter: 1

Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

In a democracy the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current government.
This choice and opportunity is available to everyone. Everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value.
A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizen’s right.

Arguments agains t Democracy

Leaders keep changing in democracy. This leads to instability.
Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.
So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays.
Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything.
Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decision.
Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition.

Arguments for Democracy

A democratic government is a better government because it is more accountable form of government.
Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows the people to correct their mistakes.

The most common form that democracy takes in our times is that of a representative democracy where majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people.
The majority of people rule through their elected representatives.
A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision.