April 10, 2026
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Chapter 2: What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Complete NCERT Solutions (Exercise) | CBSE Class 9 Social Science Political Science
NCERT Exercise Questions
14 marksNCERT Page 37
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.
(a) Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.
(a) Country A: People who do not accept the country’s official religion do not have a right to vote.
(b) Country B: The same party has been winning elections for the last twenty years.
(c) Country C: Ruling party has lost in the last three elections.
(d) Country D: There is no independent election commission.
Answer:
| Country | Classification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Country A | Undemocratic | Democracy requires universal adult franchise. Denying voting rights on the basis of religion violates political equality. |
| Country B | Not sure | The same party may win repeatedly in a democracy if elections are free and fair. More information is needed. |
| Country C | Democratic | The ruling party has lost elections, which shows that people can change the government through elections. |
| Country D | Undemocratic | An independent election commission is necessary for free and fair elections. |
24 marksNCERT Page 37
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.
(a) Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
(c) Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.
(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.
(a) Country P: The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the Chief of Army.
(b) Country Q: The parliament cannot pass a law reducing the powers of the judiciary.
(c) Country R: The country’s leaders cannot sign any treaty with another country without taking permission from its neighbouring country.
(d) Country S: All the major economic decisions about the country are taken by officials of the central bank which the ministers cannot change.
Answer:
| Country | Classification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Country P | Undemocratic | In a democracy, final decision-making power must rest with elected representatives, not the army chief. |
| Country Q | Democratic | Protecting the independence of the judiciary is compatible with democracy and rule of law. |
| Country R | Undemocratic | The country is not sovereign if its leaders need another country’s permission for treaties. |
| Country S | Undemocratic | If major economic decisions are made by officials whom elected ministers cannot change, real power is outside elected government. |
33 marksNCERT Page 37
Which of these is not a good argument in favour 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.
(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 favour of democracy.
Democracy does not automatically guarantee economic prosperity. Some democratic countries may be rich, while some may be poor. Similarly, some non-democratic countries may show high economic growth. The stronger arguments for democracy are political equality, accountability, dignity of citizens, better conflict resolution and the possibility of correcting mistakes.
Democracy does not automatically guarantee economic prosperity. Some democratic countries may be rich, while some may be poor. Similarly, some non-democratic countries may show high economic growth. The stronger arguments for democracy are political equality, accountability, dignity of citizens, better conflict resolution and the possibility of correcting mistakes.
Democratic and Undemocratic Elements
45 marksNCERT Page 38
Each of these statements contains a democratic and an 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 the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
(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 the parliament has barely reached 10 per cent. This led women’s organisations to demand one-third seats for women.
Answer:
| Statement | Democratic Element | Undemocratic Element |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Laws are being passed by Parliament, an elected body. | Parliament is being pressured to follow rules decided by an international organisation, reducing national democratic choice. |
| (b) | The Election Commission is trying to ensure free and fair elections by ordering re-polling. | Large-scale rigging took place, which is undemocratic. |
| (c) | Women’s organisations are freely demanding better representation. | Women’s representation is very low, showing unequal political participation. |
Reasoning-Based Questions
52 marksNCERT Page 38
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 practise any religion.
(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 practise any religion.
Answer: (d) People are free to believe in and practise any religion is not a valid reason for arguing that there is a lesser possibility of famine in a democratic country.
Freedom of religion is an important democratic right, but it is not directly connected with preventing famine. Opposition parties, free press and fear of electoral defeat directly pressure the government to respond to hunger and starvation.
Freedom of religion is an important democratic right, but it is not directly connected with preventing famine. Opposition parties, free press and fear of electoral defeat directly pressure the government to respond to hunger and starvation.
62 marksNCERT Page 38
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 need. Which of these is not a democratic method?
(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to life.
(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
(c) Organising public meetings against government’s policies.
(d) Paying money to government officials to get water.
(a) Filing a case in the courts claiming that water is part of right to life.
(b) Boycotting the next elections to give a message to all parties.
(c) Organising public meetings against 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.
Paying money to officials is bribery and promotes corruption. Filing a case, boycotting elections and organising public meetings are democratic forms of protest or pressure.
Paying money to officials is bribery and promotes corruption. Filing a case, boycotting elections and organising public meetings are democratic forms of protest or pressure.
Arguments Against Democracy
75 marksNCERT Page 38
Write a response to the following arguments against democracy:
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore 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.
(a) Army is the most disciplined and corruption-free organisation in the country. Therefore 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 may be disciplined, but it is not elected by the people. In a democracy, rulers must be chosen by citizens and must remain accountable to them. Army rule would deny people the right to choose and change their government.
(b) Democracy is based on political equality. Calling the majority ignorant is against the democratic principle of equal respect. Wise people may advise the government, but they cannot replace the people’s right to choose their rulers.
(c) Religious leaders may guide people in spiritual matters, but politics concerns all citizens, including people of different religions and beliefs. Rule by religious leaders can discriminate against minorities and weaken equal citizenship. Therefore, a democratic country should be governed by elected representatives, not religious authorities.
(a) The army may be disciplined, but it is not elected by the people. In a democracy, rulers must be chosen by citizens and must remain accountable to them. Army rule would deny people the right to choose and change their government.
(b) Democracy is based on political equality. Calling the majority ignorant is against the democratic principle of equal respect. Wise people may advise the government, but they cannot replace the people’s right to choose their rulers.
(c) Religious leaders may guide people in spiritual matters, but politics concerns all citizens, including people of different religions and beliefs. Rule by religious leaders can discriminate against minorities and weaken equal citizenship. Therefore, a democratic country should be governed by elected representatives, not religious authorities.
Democracy as a Value
85 marksNCERT Page 38
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.
(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:
(a) Not democratic. Democracy values individual freedom, dignity and equal respect. The daughter has the right to express her opinion about her own marriage.
(b) Not democratic. A democratic classroom should allow questions, discussion and participation. Students should be encouraged to ask questions respectfully.
(c) Democratic. The employee is demanding a legal right. Asking for working hours to be reduced according to law is a democratic and lawful demand.
(a) Not democratic. Democracy values individual freedom, dignity and equal respect. The daughter has the right to express her opinion about her own marriage.
(b) Not democratic. A democratic classroom should allow questions, discussion and participation. Students should be encouraged to ask questions respectfully.
(c) Democratic. The employee is demanding a legal right. Asking for working hours to be reduced according to law is a democratic and lawful demand.
Country-Based Analysis
95 marksNCERT Pages 38–39
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 right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving 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 percent people of that country.
(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide 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 government’s policies and protests.
(a) All the citizens of the country have right to vote. Elections are held regularly.
(b) The country took loan from international agencies. One of the conditions for giving 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 percent people of that country.
(d) Several organisations have given a call for peaceful demonstrations and nation wide 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 government’s policies and protests.
Answer: This country cannot be called a full democracy, even though it has some democratic features.
Democratic feature: All citizens have the right to vote and elections are held regularly. This satisfies one minimum condition of democracy.
Undemocratic features:
(i) International agencies are influencing important policy decisions on education and health, which weakens democratic decision-making.
(ii) Education is available only in one language although people speak more than seven languages. This ignores linguistic diversity and equality.
(iii) Peaceful demonstrators and strike leaders have been arrested, which violates freedom of protest and association.
(iv) Government control over radio and television, and permission requirements for newspapers, violate freedom of press.
Therefore, the country has elections, but lacks essential democratic freedoms. It should not be considered a proper democracy.
Democratic feature: All citizens have the right to vote and elections are held regularly. This satisfies one minimum condition of democracy.
Undemocratic features:
(i) International agencies are influencing important policy decisions on education and health, which weakens democratic decision-making.
(ii) Education is available only in one language although people speak more than seven languages. This ignores linguistic diversity and equality.
(iii) Peaceful demonstrators and strike leaders have been arrested, which violates freedom of protest and association.
(iv) Government control over radio and television, and permission requirements for newspapers, violate freedom of press.
Therefore, the country has elections, but lacks essential democratic freedoms. It should not be considered a proper democracy.
Essay Question
105 marksNCERT Page 39
In 2004 a report published in USA pointed to the increasing inequalities in that country. Inequalities in income reflected in the participation of people in democracy. It also shaped their abilities to influence the decisions taken by the government. Write an essay on ‘Democracy and Poverty’ using the information given in this report but using examples from India.
Answer:
Democracy and Poverty
Democracy is based on political equality. Every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value. However, economic inequality can reduce the real effectiveness of political equality. Poor people may have the right to vote, but they may not have the same ability as the rich to influence government decisions.
In India, all adults have equal voting rights, whether they are rich or poor. This is an important strength of Indian democracy. Poor people can vote, organise movements, join political parties and demand government action. Elections force political parties to speak about poverty, employment, food security, education, health care and housing.
But poverty still limits democratic participation. Poor people often lack education, information, time and resources. Many daily wage workers cannot leave work to attend meetings or campaigns. They may also be more vulnerable to vote-buying, pressure from powerful groups or false promises. Richer groups can influence politics through donations, media access and personal networks with politicians.
In India, issues like unemployment, farmer distress, access to ration, public health, school quality and housing affect poor citizens deeply. A democracy becomes stronger when poor citizens participate actively and when governments listen to them. Therefore, political democracy must be supported by social and economic equality. Democracy should not only give people the vote; it should also create conditions in which every citizen can participate with dignity.
Democracy and Poverty
Democracy is based on political equality. Every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value. However, economic inequality can reduce the real effectiveness of political equality. Poor people may have the right to vote, but they may not have the same ability as the rich to influence government decisions.
In India, all adults have equal voting rights, whether they are rich or poor. This is an important strength of Indian democracy. Poor people can vote, organise movements, join political parties and demand government action. Elections force political parties to speak about poverty, employment, food security, education, health care and housing.
But poverty still limits democratic participation. Poor people often lack education, information, time and resources. Many daily wage workers cannot leave work to attend meetings or campaigns. They may also be more vulnerable to vote-buying, pressure from powerful groups or false promises. Richer groups can influence politics through donations, media access and personal networks with politicians.
In India, issues like unemployment, farmer distress, access to ration, public health, school quality and housing affect poor citizens deeply. A democracy becomes stronger when poor citizens participate actively and when governments listen to them. Therefore, political democracy must be supported by social and economic equality. Democracy should not only give people the vote; it should also create conditions in which every citizen can participate with dignity.
Project / Activity
ActivityProjectNCERT Page 39
Follow any one newspaper for one month and collect editorials, articles and letters on that page that have anything to do with democracy. Classify these into the following categories:
(i) Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy
(ii) Citizens’ rights
(iii) Electoral and party politics
(iv) Criticism of democracy
(i) Constitutional and legal aspects of democracy
(ii) Citizens’ rights
(iii) Electoral and party politics
(iv) Criticism of democracy
NCERT Activity: This is a newspaper-based project. Students should select one newspaper and follow its editorial page for one month.
Suggested method:
(i) Cut or note editorials, articles and letters related to democracy.
(ii) Classify each item under constitutional/legal issues, citizens’ rights, electoral politics or criticism of democracy.
(iii) Write a short summary of each item in two to three lines.
(iv) Present the work as a file, chart, classroom wall magazine or report.
Suggested method:
(i) Cut or note editorials, articles and letters related to democracy.
(ii) Classify each item under constitutional/legal issues, citizens’ rights, electoral politics or criticism of democracy.
(iii) Write a short summary of each item in two to three lines.
(iv) Present the work as a file, chart, classroom wall magazine or report.
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