What Is Democracy Why Democracy — Class 9 Social Science NCERT Solutions (Free)

Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "What Is Democracy Why Democracy" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.

TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "What Is Democracy Why Democracy" — 6 important questions with detailed answers f…

By Syllab.in · Updated Jun 17, 2026

Key Questions Covered:

What is democracy and what are its essential characteristics?
What are the different forms of democracy?
Why is democracy considered the best form of government?
What are the advantages of democratic government?
What are the challenges and limitations of democracy?
Why did India choose democracy despite poverty and illiteracy?

Solutions Summary:

Question	Status
What is democracy and what are its essential characterist…	✓ Solved
What are the different forms of democracy?	✓ Solved
Why is democracy considered the best form of government?	✓ Solved
What are the advantages of democratic government?	✓ Solved
What are the challenges and limitations of democracy?	✓ Solved
Why did India choose democracy despite poverty and illite…	✓ Solved

Showing 6 of 6 questions

Q1: What is democracy and what are its essential characteristics?

Democracy is a system of government where power resides with the people, exercised through voting and participation. Essential characteristics include: (1) Universal adult suffrage—equal voting rights for all adults, (2) Free and fair elections with multiple candidates and parties, (3) Protection of individual rights and freedoms, (4) Rule of law and limited government power, (5) Accountability of rulers to the public, (6) Peaceful transfer of power. Democracy requires active citizen participati...

Q2: What are the different forms of democracy?

Forms include: (1) Direct democracy—citizens directly make decisions (rare in large states, used in referendums), (2) Representative democracy—citizens elect representatives to make decisions (most common), (3) Indirect democracy—citizens elect officials who in turn elect other officials. India is a representative democracy where citizens vote for parliamentary representatives who legislate on their behalf.

Q3: Why is democracy considered the best form of government?

Democracy is considered best because: (1) It ensures peaceful change of government, avoiding violent upheavals, (2) It protects individual rights and freedoms, (3) It provides opportunity for citizens to influence decisions, (4) It allows diverse viewpoints and debate, (5) It is more accountable to people than authoritarian systems, (6) It provides equal status to all citizens. While imperfect, democracy has provided better outcomes than alternatives.

Q4: What are the advantages of democratic government?

Advantages include: (1) Citizens have voice in governance through voting, (2) Rights and freedoms are protected constitutionally, (3) Peaceful transfer of power through elections, (4) Government is accountable to people, (5) Diversity is recognized and accommodated, (6) Citizens can organize and protest against unjust policies, (7) Competent people can lead regardless of birth, (8) Better overall development and human rights record than dictatorships.

Q5: What are the challenges and limitations of democracy?

Challenges include: (1) Slow decision-making due to consultation and debate, (2) Incompetent leaders getting elected due to popular appeal, (3) Corruption and bribery of officials, (4) Majority tyranny where majority oppresses minorities, (5) Voter ignorance and manipulation through propaganda, (6) High administrative costs, (7) Difficulty in implementing unpopular but necessary decisions. These challenges require vigilant citizenship and good institutions to overcome.

Q6: Why did India choose democracy despite poverty and illiteracy?

India chose democracy because: (1) Anti-colonial struggle was fought for freedom and self-rule, (2) Democratic ideals aligned with Indian values of equality and pluralism, (3) Constitution enshrined democratic principles and rights, (4) Founding leaders like Ambedkar believed democracy could accommodate diversity, (5) Democracy was seen as means to ensure equality despite caste and class divisions. This choice has been vindicated by India's democratic stability.

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