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Political Science NCERT Solutions Class 9 Political Science Chapter 1 – What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
Class 9 Political Science
Last Updated: 23 July 2026
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Important Points
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Tough Words (Glossary)
Democracy
Meaning: A system of government where citizens elect representatives
अर्थ: लोकतंत्र
"India is the largest democracy in the world."
Monarchy
Meaning: A form of government ruled by a king or queen
अर्थ: राजतंत्र
"Saudi Arabia is ruled by a monarchy."
Dictatorship
Meaning: Government by a ruler with absolute power
अर्थ: तानाशाही
"Hitler established a dictatorship in Germany."
Franchise
Meaning: The right to vote in elections
अर्थ: मताधिकार
"Universal adult franchise gives every adult the right to vote."
Representative
Meaning: A person chosen or elected to act on behalf of others
अर्थ: प्रतिनिधि
"People elect their representatives in democracy."
Accountability
Meaning: Responsibility of the government to answer to the people
अर्थ: जवाबदेही
"Democracy ensures accountability of leaders."
Constitution
Meaning: A set of rules by which a country is governed
अर्थ: संविधान
"India adopted its Constitution in 1950."
Citizen
Meaning: A legal member of a country
अर्थ: नागरिक
"Every citizen has equal rights in a democracy."
Referendum
Meaning: A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue
अर्थ: जनमत संग्रह
"Switzerland often uses referendums for decisions."
Military Coup
Meaning: Sudden takeover of power by the army
अर्थ: सैन्य तख्तापलट
"Pakistan has faced several military coups."
Fair Election
Meaning: An election conducted honestly without fraud
अर्थ: निष्पक्ष चुनाव
"Free and fair elections are the basis of democracy."
Majority
Meaning: The greater number or part
अर्थ: बहुमत
"The party won by majority votes."
Minority
Meaning: Smaller part of a group, often needing protection of rights
अर्थ: अल्पसंख्यक
"The Constitution protects minority rights."
Political Equality
Meaning: Equal political rights for all citizens
अर्थ: राजनीतिक समानता
"Political equality means one person one vote."
Judiciary
Meaning: The system of courts that interprets the law
अर्थ: न्यायपालिका
"An independent judiciary is vital for democracy."
Human Rights
Meaning: Basic rights and freedoms of individuals
अर्थ: मानवाधिकार
"Freedom of speech is a human right."
Freedom
Meaning: The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants
अर्थ: स्वतंत्रता
"Democracy provides freedom to its citizens."
Opposition
Meaning: Political party or group opposing the ruling government
अर्थ: विपक्ष
"The opposition plays a key role in democracy."
Transparency
Meaning: Openness in functioning of government
अर्थ: पारदर्शिता
"Transparency builds trust in government."
Participation
Meaning: Involvement of citizens in decision-making
अर्थ: भागीदारी
"Citizen participation strengthens democracy."
Pluralism
Meaning: Acceptance of diversity of opinions, cultures and religions
अर्थ: बहुलतावाद
"Pluralism is essential for harmony in democracy."
Consensus
Meaning: General agreement among different groups
अर्थ: सर्वसम्मति
"The law was passed with consensus."
Instability
Meaning: Lack of stability or frequent changes
अर्थ: अस्थिरता
"Too many elections may cause instability."
Corruption
Meaning: Dishonest or illegal behavior by officials
अर्थ: भ्रष्टाचार
"Corruption weakens democracy."
Hypocrisy
Meaning: Claiming to have standards but not following them
अर्थ: पाखंड
"Corruption and hypocrisy harm society."
Dictator
Meaning: A ruler with total power over a country
अर्थ: तानाशाह
"A dictator often rules without people’s consent."
Autocracy
Meaning: Government by a single person with unlimited power
अर्थ: स्वेच्छाचारी शासन
"Autocracy limits people’s freedom."
Rule of Law
Meaning: Principle that law applies equally to all
अर्थ: कानून का शासन
"Rule of law is essential for justice."
Accountable
Meaning: Required to explain actions or decisions
अर्थ: जवाबदेह
"Leaders must be accountable to citizens."
Legitimacy
Meaning: Rightfulness or acceptance of authority
अर्थ: वैधता
"Elections give legitimacy to governments."
Sovereignty
Meaning: Supreme power of a state to govern itself
अर्थ: संप्रभुता
"India attained sovereignty in 1947."
Elected
Meaning: Chosen by voting
अर्थ: निर्वाचित
"He was elected as the class monitor."
Coup
Meaning: A sudden overthrow of a government
अर्थ: तख्तापलट
"The army staged a coup to seize power."
Equality
Meaning: State of being equal in rights and opportunities
अर्थ: समानता
"Democracy ensures equality among citizens."
Electoral
Meaning: Relating to elections
अर्थ: निर्वाचन संबंधी
"Electoral reforms are needed for fair voting."
Campaign
Meaning: Organised effort to influence decision-making
अर्थ: अभियान
"The party launched a strong election campaign."
Ballot
Meaning: A process of voting, usually secret
अर्थ: मतपत्र
"Citizens cast their ballot during elections."
Candidate
Meaning: A person seeking election
अर्थ: उम्मीदवार
"She was the leading candidate for mayor."
Parliament
Meaning: Supreme legislative body of a country
अर्थ: संसद
"Parliament makes laws for the country."
Council
Meaning: A group that makes decisions or advises
अर्थ: परिषद
"The student council organised the event."
Minorities
Meaning: Small groups differing from the majority
अर्थ: अल्पसंख्यक
"Minorities must be protected in democracy."
Cabinet
Meaning: Group of senior government ministers
अर्थ: मंत्रिमंडल
"The cabinet discussed the new policy."
Rights
Meaning: Freedoms and entitlements of citizens
अर्थ: अधिकार
"Right to education is a fundamental right."
Decision-making
Meaning: Process of making choices
अर्थ: निर्णय लेना
"Democracy encourages collective decision-making."
Criticism
Meaning: The act of pointing out faults
अर्थ: आलोचना
"Criticism of government is allowed in democracy."
Dignity
Meaning: State of being respected and valued
अर्थ: गरिमा
"Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens."
Conflict
Meaning: A serious disagreement or argument
अर्थ: संघर्ष
"Democracy resolves conflict peacefully."
Diversity
Meaning: Variety of cultures, languages and religions
अर्थ: विविधता
"India’s diversity is its strength."
Authority
Meaning: Power or right to give orders
अर्थ: अधिकार
"The teacher has authority in the classroom."
Responsibility
Meaning: Duty to take care of something
अर्थ: जिम्मेदारी
"Leaders have responsibility towards citizens."