Best notes What is Democracy? Why Democracy? chapter 1
Democracy is a form of government where the power belongs to the people.
Instead of one person or a small group ruling over everyone, citizens have the right to participate in decisions about how they are governed. This usually happens through elections, where people vote for their leaders and sometimes on important laws.
KEY FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
People have the power – directly or by choosing representatives.
Free and fair elections are held regularly.
Everyone has equal rights and freedom of speech.
Laws apply equally to all – even leaders.
It values majority rule but also protects minority rights.
Two Main Types of Democracy:
- Direct Democracy: People vote on laws themselves (e.g., ancient Athens, modern referendums).
- Representative Democracy: People elect leaders to make decisions for them (e.g., India, USA, UK).
WHY DEMOCRACY?
Democracy is important because it gives power to the people.
Reasons:
- Freedom to Choose Leaders
You can vote for the person or party you trust. - Equal Rights for Everyone
No one is above the law—rich or poor, all are equal. - Protects Our Rights and Freedom
You can speak freely, follow your beliefs, and live without fear. - Leaders Are Accountable
If leaders don’t work well, people can vote them out. - Peaceful Change of Power
No violence—just votes. - Encourages Development
A democratic system listens to the people’s needs like education, jobs, and healthcare.
Resourse : https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?iess4=1-5
Arguments against democracy
1. Not Always Based on Knowledge or Skill
- In a democracy, leaders are chosen by popular vote, not by their qualifications.
- This means a good speaker or celebrity might win, even if they lack experience.
2. Slow and Inefficient
- Every decision involves discussion, debate, and voting.
- This makes democratic governments slow to act, especially in emergencies.
3. Majority Might Ignore Minority
- Decisions are made by what the majority wants.
- Sometimes, this can lead to injustice or neglect of smaller or weaker groups.
4. Risk of Misuse by Politicians
- Leaders may make false promises to get votes.
- Once elected, some may act in their own interest, not the public’s.
5. Uninformed or Emotional Voting
- Some voters may lack proper knowledge and vote based on:
- Emotions
- Caste/religion
- Fake news or propaganda
- This can lead to bad leadership.
6. Expensive Elections
- Running elections requires a lot of money and resources.
- Often, rich candidates or parties dominate the system.
Arguments for democracy
1. Gives Power to the People
- Citizens choose their leaders and can change them through elections.
- Everyone has an equal voice, regardless of their background.
2. Protects Individual Rights and Freedoms
- Freedom of speech, religion, and expression are guaranteed.
- People can live without fear of unfair treatment.
3. Encourages Accountability and Transparency
- Leaders must answer to the public.
- If they fail or act corruptly, they can be removed by the people.
4. Promotes Equality
- All citizens have equal rights under the law.
- No one is above the law—not even the government.
5. Supports Peaceful Change
- Power changes hands through votes, not violence.
- Conflicts are resolved through discussion and law, not force.
6. Improves Decision-Making
- Involves different opinions and debate before laws are made.
- Helps create better and fairer policies.
7. Encourages Education and Awareness
- A democratic system motivates people to stay informed.
- Educated citizens make better choices for society.
✅ MCQ Questions with Answers
1. What is the basic idea of democracy?
a) Rule of a king
b) Rule of the people
c) Rule of the army
d) Rule of a religious leader
✔️ Answer: b) Rule of the people
2. Which one of the following is a key feature of democracy?
a) One-party rule
b) Military control
c) Free and fair elections
d) Power with a single person
✔️ Answer: c) Free and fair elections
3. In a democracy, who has the final authority?
a) The President
b) The Parliament
c) The People
d) The Prime Minister
✔️ Answer: c) The People
4. Which of the following is not a good argument for democracy?
a) People have the freedom to express their views
b) It allows peaceful change in government
c) Democracy always leads to economic growth
d) People have the right to vote and participate
✔️ Answer: c) Democracy always leads to economic growth
5. Which one of the following is a sign of an undemocratic system?
a) Regular elections
b) Freedom of speech
c) One-man rule
d) Rule of law
✔️ Answer: c) One-man rule
6. Why is democracy considered better than other forms of government?
a) It allows only one party to rule
b) It promotes inequality
c) It respects people’s choices and rights
d) It discourages elections
✔️ Answer: c) It respects people’s choices and rights
7. What is the most important aspect of democracy?
a) Rich people control power
b) People have no say
c) People take part in decision-making
d) Army takes all decisions
✔️ Answer: c) People take part in decision-making
8. Which country is considered a democratic country?
a) North Korea
b) Saudi Arabia
c) India
d) Myanmar
✔️ Answer: c) India
9. Which of the following rights is essential for a democracy?
a) Right to vote
b) Right to own slaves
c) Right to war
d) Right to bribe
✔️ Answer: a) Right to vote
10. Why is democracy preferred over dictatorship?
a) Because it gives power to one person
b) Because it ensures freedom and equality
c) Because it uses violence
d) Because it avoids elections
✔️ Answer: b) Because it ensures freedom and equality
11. Which of the following is a merit of democracy?
a) It promotes dictatorship
b) It allows peaceful transfer of power
c) It is fast and secretive
d) It ignores public opinion
✔️ Answer: b) It allows peaceful transfer of power
12. What ensures that elections are fair in a democracy?
a) Political parties
b) Army
c) Independent Election Commission
d) Police
✔️ Answer: c) Independent Election Commission
13. In a democracy, the government is accountable to:
a) The army
b) The judiciary
c) The people
d) The police
✔️ Answer: c) The people
14. Which of the following is not a feature of democracy?
a) Rule of law
b) Popular participation
c) Freedom of expression
d) Rule by one religion only
✔️ Answer: d) Rule by one religion only
15. In a democracy, laws apply to:
a) Only rich people
b) Only poor people
c) Everyone equally
d) Only political leaders
✔️ Answer: c) Everyone equally
16. Which is the best argument for democracy?
a) It leads to unequal development
b) It offers no rights
c) It respects people’s choices
d) It creates only conflict
✔️ Answer: c) It respects people’s choices
17. What does “one person, one vote, one value” mean?
a) Rich people have more votes
b) Every person’s vote has equal power
c) Only leaders can vote
d) Vote selling is allowed
✔️ Answer: b) Every person’s vote has equal power
18. Which of the following is a challenge to democracy?
a) Political equality
b) Corruption and lack of transparency
c) Independent judiciary
d) Free media
✔️ Answer: b) Corruption and lack of transparency
19. Who can remove an elected government in a democracy?
a) Army
b) Foreign countries
c) People through elections
d) Police
✔️ Answer: c) People through elections
20. A good democratic government works for:
a) Only businessmen
b) Only one religion
c) The welfare of all people
d) Only the ruling party
✔️ Answer: c) The welfare of all people
21. Which of these is NOT a good reason to support democracy?
a) It promotes peace
b) It allows people to express their opinions
c) It always leads to fast economic growth
d) It respects fundamental rights
✔️ Answer: c) It always leads to fast economic growth