RBSE Class 9 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

These comprehensive RBSE Class 9 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? will give a brief overview of all the concepts.

RBSE Class 9 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

→ What is Democracy?
Democracy is the most popular method of governance in the contemporary world. The word democracy comes from a Greek word ‘Demokratia’ which is a combination of two words ‘demos’ and ‘kratia’. In Greek ‘demos’ means people and ‘kratia’ means rule. So democracy is rule by the people.
Abraham Lincoln also explained its meaning that: “Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people”.

→ A simple definition of democracy:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. This simple definition is not adequate and cannot distinguish between a government that is a democracy and one that pretends to be one.

Features of Democracy:

• Major decisions by elected leaders: In a democracy the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.
• 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.
• One person, one vote, one value: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vqte and each vote must have one value.
• Rule of law and respect for rights: A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Accordiugly, democracy is a form of government in which rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions; elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers. This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis; and the exercise of this choice leads to a government, limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights.

→ Why Democracy?
In a democracy, everyone has the freedom to speak freely, citizens do not have this freedom in non-democratic governments. The following arguments are given in favour and opposition to democracy: 

→ Arguments against democracy: The following major arguments are given in opposition to democracy:

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

Clearly, democracy is not a magical solution for all the problems. Democracy as a form of government only ensures that people take their own decisions. The above error may occur in these decisions. But in front of us democracy is better than other forms of government that are there for us to choose from. 

→ Arguments for democracy: The following major arguments are given in favour to democracy:-

• Governance with greater accountability: A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
• Better decision: Democracy should lead to better decisions than any non- democratic government. It is based on consultation and discussion. They are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. Thus democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
• Balance between differences and conflicts: Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
• Increases citizens’ respect: Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens because it is based on the principle of political equality. Here people are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves and responsible for their conduct.
• Scope for correction of mistakes: There is a space for public discussion on the mistakes. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers can be changed. This can happen in a democratic government only.
• So it is clear that compared to other governance systems democracy is considered the best form of government because it offers better chances of a good decision, it is likely to respect people’s own wishes and allows different kinds of people to live together. It allows a way of correcting its mistakes.

→ Broader Meanings of Democracy:

• The most common form of democracy in today’s world is rule through people’s elected representatives. A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people. Even the majority does not rule directly. 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. Those who are not powerful have the same say in taking the decision as those who are powerful. 

→ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

• Sometimes we use the word democracy not to describe any existing government but to set up an ideal standard. Democracy is the system of governance in which no one goes hungry to bed and every citizen plays equal role in decision making and has an equal right to vote. Every citizen needs to have equal information, basic education; equal resources and a lot of commitment.
• Although no country is a perfect democracy, but under the criteria of these ideals, we can evaluate the democratic system of any country. Every democracy has to try to realise the ideals of a democratic decision-making.