Democracy, as taught in Class 9 Social Science (Political Science), is defined as a form of government where the rulers are elected by the people through free and fair elections
. This means that the power to choose leaders lies with the citizens, distinguishing democratic governments from non-democratic ones where rulers are not elected by the people, such as in monarchies or military dictatorships
Key Features of Democracy:
- Free and Fair Elections: Citizens have the right to choose their leaders without coercion or manipulation
- Majority Rule with Minority Rights: Decisions are based on the majority's opinion while protecting minority rights
- Protection of Individual Rights: Democracies safeguard freedoms such as speech, religion, and expression
- Accountability: Elected leaders are accountable to the people and must answer for their actions
- Equal Participation: Every citizen has an equal vote ("one person, one vote, one value")
Why Democracy?
- It ensures government accountability and political equality.
- It provides a peaceful way to resolve conflicts.
- It respects the dignity of citizens and improves decision-making quality.
- It is suitable for diverse societies as it promotes unity despite differences in religion, language, and culture
Types of Democracy:
- The most common form today is representative democracy , where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people
In summary, democracy is a system where people participate in governance by electing their leaders, ensuring that power ultimately rests with the citizens rather than a single ruler or group
. This system promotes fairness, accountability, and protection of rights, making it the most popular form of government worldwide
