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

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What is Democracy?

1. Democracy is a type of government where the leaders are chosen by the people.

• Myanmar, where the military rules, Dictator Pinochet’s regime in Chile, and President Nkrumah’s leadership in Ghana were not democratic, as these leaders were not elected by the people.
• Hereditary monarchs, such as the king of Nepal or Saudi Arabia, are also not democratic rulers, as they inherit their positions.

2. In a democracy, the ultimate authority must lie with those elected by the populace.

• For instance, in Pakistan, President Musharraf had extensive powers, including the ability to dissolve assemblies, which compromised democratic principles. Therefore, it cannot be termed a democracy.
  Characteristics of democracy

3. A genuine democracy relies on free and fair elections where the current rulers have a real chance of being defeated.

• As seen in Mexico, elections have been conducted every six years since 1980, yet the same party, PRI, has consistently won, suggesting electoral fraud and a lack of freedom for the opposition. This contradicts the essence of democracy.

4. In a democracy, the people's wishes are reflected through the principle that every adult citizen has one vote, and each vote holds equal weight. This is based on the fundamental idea of political equality.

5. A democratic government operates within boundaries set by constitutional and citizens' rights.

• A democratic government is not free to act however it wants after elections; it must follow certain fundamental rules and be accountable to the people as well as other independent bodies.

Why Democracy?

Arguments for Democracy

• Accountability: A democratic government is more accountable to the people.
• Better Decision-Making: Democracy improves the quality of decision-making through discussions and debates.
• Conflict Resolution: It provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts peacefully.
• Dignity of Citizens: Democracy respects and enhances the dignity of individuals.
• Self-Correction: Mistakes in governance can be corrected by replacing leaders through elections.
• Best Form of Government: Democracy is considered superior to other forms of government due to its fairness and inclusivity.

Arguments Against Democracy

Critics of democracy have raised various concerns, stating that:It can lead to instability due to frequent changes in leadership.

• Although democracy involves political competition, it should also include ethical considerations.
• Requiring consultation with many individuals before resolving issues can cause delays.
• Elected representatives may not always understand what is best for the populace.
• It may foster corruption, given that it can be influenced by electoral misconduct.
• Ordinary citizens may not always know what is in their best interest, so decision-making should not rest solely with them.