Class 9 new ncert Chapter 6 SST Solution - Democracy

Q & A —  6th   7th   8th   9th   10th

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. What is democracy?

Answer: Democracy is a system of government in which people participate in decision-making and choose their representatives through free and fair elections.

Question 2. What is the Universal Adult Franchise?

Answer: It is the right of every citizen aged 18 years or above to vote, without discrimination.

Question 3. What is PIL?

Answer: PIL means Public Interest Litigation. It is a legal action taken in court to protect public interest.

Question 4. What is decentralisation?

Answer: Decentralisation means distributing power from higher levels of government to lower levels, especially local bodies.

Question 5. What is federalism?

Answer: Federalism is a system in which powers and responsibilities are shared between the central and state governments.

Question 6. When was the Constitution of India adopted and when did it come into force?

Answer: The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

Question 7. Name the six Fundamental Rights.

Answer:

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right Against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

Question 8. Why is the media called the fourth pillar of democracy?

Answer: Media informs people, raises public issues and gives citizens a platform to express their concerns. Therefore, it plays an important role in strengthening democratic values.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the main principles of democracy.

Answer: Democracy is based on some important principles:

• Popular sovereignty – The ultimate source of power is the people.
• Rule of Law – Everyone is equal before the law and no one is above the law.
• Fundamental Rights – Citizens' rights, freedom and dignity are protected.
• Separation of Powers – Powers are divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
• Accountability and Transparency – The government must be answerable to the people and its work should be open to public scrutiny.
• Multi-Party System – Different political parties give people different choices.
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups – Weaker sections of society should be protected from discrimination and exploitation.

These principles make democracy fair, inclusive and effective.

Question 2. How did democratic traditions develop in India?

Answer: Democratic ideas in India have very old roots.

• In the Vedic period, institutions such as Sabha, Samiti and Vidhata were associated with collective decision-making.
• The Bauddha Saṁgha encouraged discussion, debate and voting.
• Later, British rule reduced people's participation in governance.
• The freedom struggle revived and strengthened ideas of freedom and self-government.
• The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946, prepared the Constitution.
• The Constitution finally established the framework of modern Indian democracy.

Thus, Indian democracy developed through a long historical process.

Question 3. How does the Constitution strengthen democracy in India?

Answer: The Constitution strengthens democracy in several ways:

• It gives citizens Fundamental Rights.
• It ensures equality before law.
• It provides Universal Adult Franchise.
• It divides powers among different organs of government.
• It protects citizens from discrimination.
• It provides constitutional remedies when Fundamental Rights are violated.
• It allows amendments so that the Constitution can respond to changing needs.

Thus, the Constitution provides the basic framework for Indian democracy.

Question 4. Why is the Rule of Law essential for democracy?

Answer: The Rule of Law means that everyone is equal before the law and no one is above the law.

It is important because it:

• prevents misuse of power,
• protects people's rights,
• ensures equality,
• provides a fair legal process,
• promotes justice,
• makes the government accountable.

If powerful people were allowed to act above the law, democracy would become weak.

Question 5. Explain separation of powers and its importance.

Answer: Separation of powers means that the powers of government are divided among three organs:

• Legislature – makes laws.
• Executive – implements laws.
• Judiciary – interprets laws and protects the Constitution.

This division prevents the concentration of power in one organ. It creates checks and balances, which help prevent misuse of power.

For example, the judiciary can review a law and declare it unconstitutional if it goes against the Constitution.

Question 6. Explain the different forms of democracy.

Answer: The chapter describes different forms of democracy:

1. Representative Democracy: People elect representatives who govern on their behalf. India is an example.
2. Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in important decision-making. Switzerland is an example.
3. Parliamentary Democracy: The executive is accountable to the legislature. India and Canada are examples.
4. Presidential Democracy: The executive is independent of the legislature and is headed by the President. The United States of America is an example.

Thus, democratic countries may use different systems while following common democratic values.

Question 7. Why is India called the world's largest and a “living” democracy?

Answer: India is called the world's largest democracy because of the huge number of people who participate in elections. In 2024, India had more than 96.8 crore registered voters.

India is called a living democracy because people from different linguistic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds continuously participate in democratic processes.

India also has:

• more than one million polling stations,
• over 2,800 registered political parties,
• elections conducted in 22 scheduled languages along with several other languages.

This shows the enormous scale and diversity of Indian democracy.

Question 8. Explain the importance of grassroots democracy.

Answer: Grassroots democracy brings government and decision-making closer to ordinary people.

In India, local governments include:

• Gram Panchayats
• Municipalities
• Gram Sabhas

People can participate in decisions about local issues such as education, sanitation, health and village development.

The example of Jethipura Gram Panchayat shows how people's participation can improve education, sanitation and welfare. The South Manubankul Gram Panchayat shows how local government can promote women's participation and welfare.

Therefore, grassroots democracy makes democracy more responsive, Answerable, inclusive and effective.

Question 9. Explain the role of women in Indian democracy.

Answer: Women in India received the right to vote along with men when the Constitution came into force in 1950.

However, the right to vote alone does not guarantee equal political participation because social prejudices can create barriers.

To increase women's participation, the Constitution provides reservation in local bodies:

• At least one-third reservation for women in Panchayats.
• At least one-third reservation for women in Municipalities.

Several States and Union Territories have provided 50% reservation in local bodies.

Greater participation of women makes democratic institutions more representative and inclusive.

Question 10. What are the major challenges faced by Indian democracy?

Answer: Indian democracy faces several challenges:

• Illiteracy can make informed participation difficult.
• Misinformation and fake news can mislead people.
• Poverty can create unequal opportunities for participation.
• Regionalism can create divisions.
• Gender inequality can limit women's participation.
• Social discrimination can prevent equality.
• Weak implementation of laws can reduce trust in institutions.

These challenges can reduce equal participation and public trust in democratic institutions.

Question 11. What was the Emergency of 1975–77 and what did it teach us?

Answer: In June 1975, a National Emergency was imposed on the grounds of internal disturbance.

During the Emergency:

• many Fundamental Rights were suspended,
• the press was censored,
• many political leaders and activists were arrested,
• citizens' freedoms were restricted,
• democratic institutions came under severe pressure.

The Emergency ended in 1977, followed by general elections. The ruling government was defeated.

It taught that constitutional safeguards, civil liberties, elections and active citizens are essential for protecting democracy.

Question 12. Is voting alone enough to make a country democratic?

Answer: No, voting alone is not enough.

A healthy democracy also needs:

• Rule of Law,
• Fundamental Rights,
• equality,
• freedom of expression,
• accountability,
• transparency,
• protection of vulnerable groups,
• active citizen participation.

A healthy democracy requires citizens to participate responsibly even between elections.

Question 13. How can social media strengthen or weaken democracy?

Answer: Social media can strengthen democracy by:

• allowing people to express their opinions,
• spreading information,
• raising public issues,
• encouraging discussion and participation.

However, it can weaken democracy when used irresponsibly.

False or misleading information can:

• confuse people,
• influence public opinion unfairly,
• spread rumours,
• create conflict.

Therefore, citizens should check whether information is accurate and authentic before believing or sharing it.

Question 14. What does democracy mean to you as a student or young citizen?

Answer: As a young citizen, democracy means having the right to express my views, respect the views and rights of others, and participate responsibly in society.

I can strengthen democracy by:

• understanding the Constitution,
• following Fundamental Duties,
• obeying laws and rules,
• using social media responsibly,
• respecting India's diversity,
• participating in school and community activities,
• helping in nation-building activities.

Thus, young citizens can contribute to democracy even before they become eligible to vote.

Question 15. Why is democracy more than a system of government?

Answer: Democracy is more than a system of government because its values also apply to everyday social life. People practise democracy through discussion, cooperation, equality, participation and collective decision-making in schools, communities, cooperatives and civil society organisations.