PPT: What is Democracy? Why Democracy? | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

 Page 1


What is
democracy? 
why democracy?
Page 2


What is
democracy? 
why democracy?
The word 'Democracy' originates from the
Greek words 'Demos', meaning people,
and 'Kratia', meaning rule. Thus,
democracy can be defined as the rule by
the people. It is the most prevalent form
of government globally and continues to
expand to more countries.
What is Democracy?
Page 3


What is
democracy? 
why democracy?
The word 'Democracy' originates from the
Greek words 'Demos', meaning people,
and 'Kratia', meaning rule. Thus,
democracy can be defined as the rule by
the people. It is the most prevalent form
of government globally and continues to
expand to more countries.
What is Democracy?
Common Features of Democratic and Non-
democratic Government:
D e m o c r a t i c
Government formed by
people's representatives.
Representatives elected in
free, fair elections.
Decisions made openly with
media debates, expert
opinions, public
representation.
Citizens have right to oppose
and criticize government
actions and policies.
N o n - D e m o c r a t i c
Rule by force, by an individual,
or by a group.
No opposition allowed.
No criticism of government or
rulers tolerated.
Decisions made arbitrarily,
without reference to rules or
laws.
Citizens have no rights.
Citizens cannot protest.
Page 4


What is
democracy? 
why democracy?
The word 'Democracy' originates from the
Greek words 'Demos', meaning people,
and 'Kratia', meaning rule. Thus,
democracy can be defined as the rule by
the people. It is the most prevalent form
of government globally and continues to
expand to more countries.
What is Democracy?
Common Features of Democratic and Non-
democratic Government:
D e m o c r a t i c
Government formed by
people's representatives.
Representatives elected in
free, fair elections.
Decisions made openly with
media debates, expert
opinions, public
representation.
Citizens have right to oppose
and criticize government
actions and policies.
N o n - D e m o c r a t i c
Rule by force, by an individual,
or by a group.
No opposition allowed.
No criticism of government or
rulers tolerated.
Decisions made arbitrarily,
without reference to rules or
laws.
Citizens have no rights.
Citizens cannot protest.
Democracy is a government where rulers are
elected by the people
Key feature is that the government is chosen
by the people
Helps distinguish between democratic and
non-democratic governments
In non-democratic example like Myanmar
Rulers are not elected; army took over control
In dictatorships like Pinochet in Chile
Rulers are not elected by the people
Monarchies are also non-democratic
governments.
Why define Democracy?
Page 5


What is
democracy? 
why democracy?
The word 'Democracy' originates from the
Greek words 'Demos', meaning people,
and 'Kratia', meaning rule. Thus,
democracy can be defined as the rule by
the people. It is the most prevalent form
of government globally and continues to
expand to more countries.
What is Democracy?
Common Features of Democratic and Non-
democratic Government:
D e m o c r a t i c
Government formed by
people's representatives.
Representatives elected in
free, fair elections.
Decisions made openly with
media debates, expert
opinions, public
representation.
Citizens have right to oppose
and criticize government
actions and policies.
N o n - D e m o c r a t i c
Rule by force, by an individual,
or by a group.
No opposition allowed.
No criticism of government or
rulers tolerated.
Decisions made arbitrarily,
without reference to rules or
laws.
Citizens have no rights.
Citizens cannot protest.
Democracy is a government where rulers are
elected by the people
Key feature is that the government is chosen
by the people
Helps distinguish between democratic and
non-democratic governments
In non-democratic example like Myanmar
Rulers are not elected; army took over control
In dictatorships like Pinochet in Chile
Rulers are not elected by the people
Monarchies are also non-democratic
governments.
Why define Democracy?