CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

INTRODUCTION
Democracy is a form of government that is widely practiced around the world. It is characterized by
several key features that distinguish it from other forms of government. In this chapter, the focus is
on understanding the basic features of a democratic government and how it differs from non-
democratic governments. Additionally, the chapter explores the broader concept of democracy
beyond its minimal features.
DEMOCRACY
• A simple definition of democracy is that it is a form of government where the rulers are
elected by the people.
• This definition helps us differentiate democratic governments from non-democratic ones. In
democratic systems, the power to govern is derived from the consent of the governed.
• However, this definition alone is not sufficient, as many governments claim to be democratic
even if they do not fully adhere to democratic principles.
• It is important to carefully analyse and understand the features of a democratic
government to distinguish it from those that merely pretend to be democratic.
FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
• Major decisions by Elected Leaders: Rulers are elected by the people: In a democracy, the
leaders who make important decisions are chosen through free and fair elections.
o The decision making power rests with those elected by the people.
• Free and fair electoral competition: Democracy offers free and fair elections to choose
between different political alternatives.
o People have the freedom to vote for the candidate or party of their choice, and
there is a fair chance for the current rulers to be replaced if the majority wishes so.
• One person, one vote, one value:Every adult citizen in a democracy has the right to vote,
and each vote holds equal value.
o Regardless of social status, wealth, or other factors, each person's voice and vote
carry the same weight.
• Rule of law and respect for rights: The limits of democratic government are constitutional
law and citizen liberties.
o Every significant decision must undergo a series of consultations, and the government
must uphold certain guarantees for minorities. The constitution and the law
designate certain rights and responsibilities to every office holder.
o Each elected official is accountable not only to the electorate but also to other
independent officials.
o Sufficient opportunity for normal political activity prior to elections, as popular
governments and leaders can be undemocratic and autocratic, respectively.
o The rights of individuals must be safeguarded by an independent judiciary whose
orders are followed by all.
These four features collectively define democracy as a system of government where elected leaders,
chosen through fair elections, make decisions within the boundaries of constitutional laws and
citizens' rights.
NEED FOR DEMOCRACY
ARGUMENTS AGAINST DEMOCRACY

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 • Instability: Critics argue that frequent changes in leadership in a democracy lead to
instability.
• Lack of morality: Democracy is seen as a system driven by political competition and power
play, with little regard for morality.
• Delays: The need to consult a large number of people in a democracy can lead to delays in
decision-making.
• Bad decisions: Critics claim that elected leaders may not always make decisions that are in
the best interest of the people.
• Corruption: Democracy is accused of fostering corruption due to the competitive nature of
elections.
• Incompetence of the people: It is argued that ordinary people may not possess the
knowledge to make informed decisions and should not have decision-making power.
ARGUMENTS FOR DEMOCRACY

• Responsiveness: Democracy is considered better than other forms of government in

responding to the needs of the people.
• Quality of decision-making: Democracy promotes consultation and discussion, leading to
better decision-making by avoiding rash or irresponsible choices.
• Resolving conflicts: Democracy provides a peaceful means of resolving differences and
conflicts in diverse societies.
• Citizen empowerment: Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by recognizing their
equal status and allowing them to participate in ruling themselves.
• Correcting mistakes: Democracy allows for public discussion and correction of mistakes
through either changing decisions or changing rulers.
BROADER MEANING OF DEMOCRACY
• The broader meanings of democracy go beyond its limited definition as a form of
government.
• Democracy can also be understood as a method of decision-making that involves
consultation and consent of all those affected by the decision.
• It can be applied to various spheres of life, including families, organizations, and society as a
whole.
• Furthermore, democracy can be seen as an ideal standard that all democracies should strive
to achieve.
• It encompasses principles such as equal participation, equal access to information and
resources, and the absence of hunger and deprivation.
• While no country may fully embody this ideal, it serves as a yardstick to assess and identify
weaknesses in existing democracies.
• Democracy is characterized by active political participation by all citizens, setting it apart
from other forms of government that do not require widespread involvement.
• The strength and weakness of democracy lie in the hands of its citizens, as their actions and
engagement shape the democratic process and determine the country's fate.

Points to Remember
• Syria is a small west Asian country. The ruling Ba'ath Party and some of its small allies are
the only parties allowed in that country.
• The Chinese government blocked free flow of information on the internet by placing
restrictions on popular websites like ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo’.
• In China, the country's parliament is called Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National
People's Congress).

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QUESTION
1. Which one of the following statements best describes a democratic government?
a. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are appointed by the people.
b. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are born into the royal family.
c. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
d. Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are chosen by the military.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: In a democratic government, the rulers are chosen, and not
appointed, through a process of elections in which the people have the opportunity to
vote for their preferred representatives. This means that the power to govern is ultimately
derived from the consent and choice of the people. This ensures that the government is
accountable to the people and operates in their interest.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

2. Which of the following statements about the features of democracy are correct?
1. In a democracy, rulers are elected by the people.
2. Elected officials are allowed to make decisions in a democratic government.
3. Every citizen has an equal right to elect or get elected in a democracy.
4. Elected rulers in a democracy can exercise unlimited power without any checks or limits.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 1,2 and 3
c. 3 and 4
d. 2 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: One of the fundamental features of a democracy is that the rulers
or government officials are chosen through a process of elections. The citizens have the
opportunity to vote and elect their representatives who will govern and make decisions on
their behalf.
• Statement 2 is correct: In a democracy, elected officials hold positions of power and
authority to make decisions on behalf of the people. However, it is important to note that
in some democracies, there may be certain situations where appointed or unelected officials
are involved in decision-making processes, such as expert advisory bodies or independent
commissions.
• Statement 3 is correct: In a democracy, the principle of political equality is essential. Every
citizen should have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process, both as
voters and as potential candidates for public office.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Democracy is not synonymous with unlimited power for elected
rulers. A democratic government typically operates with a system of checks and balances,
which includes separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and other mechanisms to
prevent the abuse of power. There are constitutional and legal limits on the authority of
elected officials to ensure accountability and protect individual rights.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

3. Which one of the following statements accurately describes the political situation in Pakistan
during General Pervez Musharraf's rule?

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a. General Musharraf's government was elected through a democratic process, allowing the
people to have the final decision-making power.
b. Despite holding elections, General Musharraf and the military officers retained the ultimate
decision-making power, undermining the democratic nature of the government.
c. General Musharraf initially seized power through a military coup but later established a fully
democratic system with elected representatives having the final decision-making authority.
d. General Musharraf's rule was characterized by a balanced power-sharing arrangement
between the elected representatives and the military officers.

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Option (b) is correct: During General Musharraf's rule, he came to power through a military
coup in October 1999, overthrowing a democratically elected government. He declared
himself the 'Chief Executive' of the country and later changed his designation to President.
While elections were held to the national and provincial assemblies, and elected
representatives were present, the ultimate decision-making power remained with General
Musharraf and the military officers.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

4. Which of the following statements describe the characteristics of free and fair elections in a
democratic system?
1. In free and fair elections, the ruling party approves all candidates, leaving no room
for alternative political options.
2. The presence of multiple political parties and candidates provides voters with a
genuine choice to elect their preferred representatives.
3. In a free and fair election, voters have the power to express their preferences and
choose their representatives.
4. A fair chance of losing should exist for those currently in power during the election
process.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 2, 3 and 4
b. 3 only
c. 1 and 2
d. 2 and 4 only

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: In a democratic system with free and fair elections, there should
be a range of political parties and candidates to choose from. The ruling party should not
have the sole authority to approve candidates, as this would limit the options available to
the voters and undermine the democratic process.
• Statement 2 is correct: In a democratic system, there should be multiple political parties
and candidates competing for office. This allows voters to have a genuine choice and the
opportunity to select their preferred representatives based on different policy positions,
ideologies, or personal qualities.
• Statement 3 is correct: In a free and fair election, voters have the power to express their
preferences and choose their representatives. If the existing rulers or political party in
power are not favored by the majority of voters, a fair election provides an opportunity for
the people to vote them out of power and elect new leaders.

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 • Statement 4 is correct: In a democratic system, those currently in power should face a fair
chance of losing elections. This ensures that there is no undue advantage or guarantee of
continued rule for the ruling party or incumbent leaders
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

5. Which of the following statements is/are consistent with the principle of democracy about the
voting rights?
1. Every citizen should have multiple votes to ensure fairness.
2. Voting rights should be based on a person's wealth and social status.
3. The value of each citizen's vote should be equal.
4. Certain minority groups should be denied the right to vote.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3
b. 2 and 4 only
c. 1, 2 and 4
d. 3 only

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote, and giving
multiple votes to any individual would violate the principle of political equality.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: In a democracy, voting rights should be universal and not based
on a person's wealth or social status.
• Statement 3 is correct: In a democracy, every citizen's vote should be of equal value, and
each person should have an equal say in the decision-making process. This principle is also
known as the ‘one value, one vote’ principle.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: In a democracy, every citizen, regardless of their ethnicity,
religion, or social status, should have an equal right to vote.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

6. What are the basic rights that citizens should have in a democracy?
1. Right to think and express opinions
2. Right to form associations and protest
3. Right to be equal in the eyes of the law
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Citizens in a democracy should have the fundamental right to
freedom of thought and expression. This means they have the freedom to hold their own
beliefs, opinions, and ideas, and to express them freely without fear of censorship or
retribution.
• Statement 2 is correct: Citizens have the right to form associations, organizations, or
groups based on shared interests, beliefs, or goals. This includes the freedom to join
political parties, social organizations, trade unions, or any other group of their choice.
• Statement 3 is correct: In a democracy, all citizens should be treated as equals before the
law. This means that regardless of their social status, race, religion, gender, or any other

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 characteristic, every individual is entitled to the same legal rights, protections, and
opportunities.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

7. Which of the following arguments are commonly presented against democracy?

1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy, leading to instability.
2. Democracy guarantees an end to poverty in a country.
3. In a democracy, involving too many people leads to delays in decision making.
4. Democracy leads to corruption due to electoral competition.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2, 3 and 4 only
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
d. 2 and 4 only

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Frequent changes in leadership, which occur through elections, can
lead to instability in governance.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is an unrealistic expectation to assume that any form of
government, including democracy, can guarantee an end to poverty. Economic and social
issues like poverty are complex and multifaceted, requiring comprehensive strategies and
efforts beyond the scope of any single political system.
• Statement 3 is correct: The inclusive nature of democracy, where multiple stakeholders
are consulted, can lead to delays in the decision-making process.
• Statement 4 is correct: Democracy, with its emphasis on electoral competition and
winning votes, can create an environment conducive to corruption.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 1/ What is Democracy? Why Democracy?
th

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 CHAPTER 2 : CONSTITUTIONAL DESIGN

INTRODUCTION
The constitution is the basic laws or rules of a country or organization. The constitution determines
the rights of citizens, the powers of the government and how the government should function.

Case Study

The Struggle Against Apartheid and the Birth of a New South Africa

Introduction: The case study revolves around the historical struggle against apartheid in South
Africa and the subsequent transition towards a democratic and multi-racial nation. Nelson
Mandela, an iconic leader, played a pivotal role in this transformation.

Background: Apartheid, a system of racial discrimination, was imposed by white Europeans on

South Africa. It divided the population based on skin color, treating non-whites as inferior and
denying them basic rights, including voting and access to public facilities.

Protests and Struggles: Since 1950, the oppressed black, colored, and Indian communities fought
against apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), along with workers' unions and the
Communist Party, led the struggle.

Transition Towards Democracy: The oppressive government realized that repression was no longer
sustainable due to increasing protests. As a result, they changed their policies, repealed
discriminatory laws, and lifted bans on political parties and media.

Nelson Mandela's Role: Nelson Mandela, a symbol of resistance, spent 28 years in prison for
opposing apartheid. His release marked the beginning of a new era. Mandela's vision of peace,
reconciliation, and belief in human goodness paved the way for a peaceful transition towards
democracy.

The New Constitution: After negotiations between the ruling party and the freedom fighters, a
comprehensive and progressive constitution emerged, granting extensive rights to all citizens.

Forgiveness and Unity: Black leaders appealed for forgiveness and unity, urging the nation to build
a new South Africa based on equality and democratic values. The process included all parties,
irrespective of past grievances, in finding solutions to the nation's challenges.

Conclusion:
The South African Constitution inspired democrats worldwide. A country once condemned as
undemocratic became a model of democracy. The determination of the people to work together,
transform their bitter experiences into a binding force, and establish a rainbow nation exemplified
the power of unity and forgiveness.

NEED OF A CONSTITUTION
• Diversity: Every country has diverse groups of people.
o Their relationship may not have been as bad as that between the whites and the
blacks in South Africa. But all over the world people have differences of opinion and
interests.

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 • Whether democratic or not, most countries in the world need to have these basic rules.
• The Constitution: The constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by
all people living together in a country.
o The Constitution is the supreme law that determines the relationship among people
living in a territory (called citizens) and also the relationship between the people and
government.
• A constitution does many things:
o First, it generates a degree of trust and coordination that is necessary for different
kind of people to live together;
o Second, it specifies how the government will be constituted, who will have power to
take which decisions;
o Third, it lays down limits on the powers of the government and tells us what the
rights of the citizens are; and
o Fourth, it expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society.
• All countries that have constitutions are not necessarily democratic. But all countries that
are democratic will have constitutions.

MAKING OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

• Similar to South Africa, the creation of India's Constitution was a challenging task due to
the country's vastness and diversity.
• The birth of India occurred amid the traumatic experience of partition, which led to
widespread violence and loss of lives.
• Additionally, the British decision to leave the princely states to choose their destiny added
further uncertainty to the country's future.
• During the constitution-making process, concerns and anxieties about the nation's present
and future were prevalent among its framers.
• Despite these difficulties, India's Constitution was crafted to lay the foundation for a secure
and inclusive future for the nation.

THE PATH TO CONSTITUTION

• Past experience of Indian leaders helped in framing the constitution.
o As early as 1928, Motilal Nehru and eight other Congress leaders formulated a
constitution for India.
o In 1931, during the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress, discussions
focused on the desired features of independent India's constitution.
o These documents emphasized the importance of universal adult franchise, the right
to freedom and equality, and safeguarding the rights of minorities in the
constitution.
o These fundamental principles were already agreed upon by leaders well before the
Constituent Assembly convened to deliberate on the Constitution.
• In 1937, elections were conducted for Provincial Legislatures and Ministries across British
India.
• Although these governments were not fully democratic, the experience gained by Indians
in functioning within legislative institutions proved to be valuable for the country.
• This experience played a crucial role in establishing India's own institutions and
effectively operating within them. As a result, the Indian constitution incorporated
numerous institutional details and procedures derived from colonial laws such as the
Government of India Act, 1935.
• Ideas from different constitution of the world:
o The ideals of the French Revolution, the parliamentary democracy in Britain,
and the Bill of Rights in the US served as inspirations for many Indian leaders.

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 o Additionally, the socialist revolution in Russia motivated some Indians to
envision a system grounded in social and economic equality.
o All these influences played significant roles in shaping the Indian Constitution.

THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

• The drafting of the constitution was done by the Constituent Assembly (an assembly of
elected representatives) .
o Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in July 1946.
o Its first meeting was held in December 1946.
o The Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian constitution had 299 members.
o The Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949 but it came into
effect on 26 January 1950.
o To mark this day we celebrate January 26 as Republic Day every year.
• The Constitution does not reflect the views of its members alone. It expresses a broad
consensus of its time.
• Many countries of the world have had to rewrite their Constitution afresh because the basic
rules were not acceptable to all major social groups or political parties.
• In India, over the last half a century, several groups have questioned some provisions of the
Constitution. But no large social group or political party has ever questioned the legitimacy
of the Constitution itself.
• Members of constituent assembly were elected mainly by the members of the existing
Provincial Legislatures, this ensured a fair geographical share of members from all the
regions of the country.
• The Assembly was dominated by the Indian National Congress, the party that led India’s
freedom struggle. But the Congress itself included a variety of political groups and opinions.
• The Assembly represented members from different language groups, castes, classes,
religions and occupations.
• The Constituent Assembly worked in a systematic, open and consensual manner.
o First some basic principles were decided and agreed upon. Then a Drafting
Committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prepared a draft constitution for
discussion.
o Several rounds of thorough discussion took place on the Draft Constitution, clause
by clause.
o More than two thousand amendments were considered.
• The members deliberated for 114 days spread over three years.
• Every document presented and every word spoken in the Constituent Assembly has been
recorded and preserved.

GUIDING VALUES OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

THE DREAM AND THE PROMISE
• Mahatma Gandhi was not a member of the Constituent Assembly. Yet there were many
members who followed his vision.
• Years ago, writing in his magazine Young India in 1931, he had spelt out what he wanted the
Constitution to do.
• This dream of an India that has eliminated inequality was shared by Dr. Ambedkar, who
played a key role in the making of the Constitution but he had a different understanding of
how inequalities could be removed.
• He often bitterly criticized Mahatma Gandhi and his vision. In his concluding speech to the
Constituent Assembly he stated his anxiety very clearly.
• Jawaharlal Nehru giving his famous speech to the Constituent Assembly at the stroke of
midnight on 15 August 1947.

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PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION
• The Constitution begins with a short statement of its basic values. This is called the
Preamble to the constitution.
o Taking inspiration from the American model, most countries in the contemporary
world have chosen to begin their constitutions with a preamble.
• The Preamble of the Constitution reads like a poem on democracy. \
• It contains the philosophy on which the entire Constitution has been built. It is the soul of
the Indian Constitution.

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 Note: The terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added in Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional
Amendment in 1976.

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA

The constitution has been drawn up and enacted by the people through their representatives, and
not handed down to them by a king or any outside powers.
SOVEREIGN: People have supreme right to make
decisions on internal as well as external matters. No external power can dictate the government
of India.
SOCIALIST: Wealth is generated socially and should be shared equally by society. Government
should regulate the ownership of land and industry to reduce socio-economic
inequalities.
SECULAR: Citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion. But there is no official religion.
Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.
DEMOCRATIC :
A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers and hold them
accountable. The government is run according to some basic rules.

REPUBLIC: JUSTICE: Citizens cannot be LIBERTY: There EQUALITY: All FRATERNITY:

The head of discriminated on the are no are equal All of us
the state is grounds of caste, religion unreasonable before the law. should behave
an elected and gender. Social restrictions on The traditional as if we are
person and inequalities have to be the citizens in social members of
not a reduced. Government what they think, inequalities the same
hereditary should work for the welfare how they wish to have to be family. No one
position. of all, especially of the express their ended. The should
disadvantaged groups. thoughts and the government treat a fellow
way they wish to should ensure citizen as
follow up their equal inferior.
thoughts in opportunity for
action. all.

INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN
• A constitution is not merely a statement of values and philosophy. As we noted above, a
constitution is mainly about embodying these values into institutional arrangements.
• Much of the document called the Constitution of India is about these arrangements.
• It is a very long and detailed document. Therefore it needs to be amended quite regularly to
keep it updated.
• The Indian Constitution lays down a procedure for choosing persons to govern the country.
• It defines who will have how much power to take which decisions and it puts limits to what
the government can do by providing some rights to the citizens that cannot be violated.

IMPORTANT PERSONALITIES

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1875-1950) Baldev Singh: ( 1901-1961)

• Born: Gujarat. • Born: Haryana.
• Minister of Home, Information and • A successful entrepreneur and leader of
Broadcasting in the Interim the Panthic Akali Party in the Punjab
Government. Assembly.

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 • Lawyer and leader of Bardoli peasant • A nominee of the Congress in the
satyagraha. Constituent Assembly.
• Played a decisive role in the • Later: Defence Minister in the Union
integration of the Indian princely Cabinet.
states.
• Later: Deputy Prime Minister. Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi (1887-1971)
• Born:Gujarat.
Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958) • Advocate, historian and linguist.
• Born: Saudi Arabia. Congress leader and Gandhian.
• Educationist, author and theologian; • Later: Minister in the Union Cabinet.
scholar of Arabic. • Founder of the Swatantra Party.
• Congress leader, active in the national
movement. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956)
• Opposed Muslim separatist politics. • Born: Madhya Pradesh.
• Later Education Minister in the first • Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
union cabinet. • Social revolutionary thinker and agitator
against caste divisions and caste based
T.T.Krishnamachari(1899-1974) inequalities.
• Born: Tamil Nadu. • Later: Law minister in the first cabinet of
• Member, Drafting Committee. post-independence India.
• Entrepreneur and Congress leader. • Founder of Republican Party of India.
• Later: Finance Minister in the Union
Cabinet. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee: (1901-1953)
• Born: West Bengal.
Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963) • Minister for Industry and Supply in the
• Born: Bihar. Interim Government.
• President of the Constituent • Educationist and lawyer. Active in Hindu
Assembly. Mahasabha.
• Lawyer, known for his role in the • Later: Founder President of Bharatiya
Champaran satyagraha. Jansangh.
• Three times the president of
Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)
• Later: the first President of India. • Born: Uttar Pradesh.
• Prime Minister of the interim
Jaipal Singh (1903-1970) government.
• Born: Jharkhand • Advocate of socialism, democracy and
• A sportsman and educationist. anti-imperialism. Lawyer and Congress
• Captain of the first national Hockey leader.
team. • Later: First Prime Minister of India.
• Founder President of Adivasi Maha
Sabha. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
• Later: founder of Jharkhand Party. • Born: Andhra Pradesh.
• Poet, writer and political activist.
H. C. Mookherjee (1887-1956) • Among the foremost women leaders in
• Born: Bengal. the Congress.
• Vice-Chairman of the Constituent • Later: Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
Assembly.
• Reputed author and educationist. Somnath Lahiri (1901-1984)
Congress leader. • Born: West Bengal.

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 • Member of All India Christian Council • Writer and editor. Leader of the
and Bengal Legislative Assembly. Communist Party of India.
• Later: Governor of West Bengal. • Later: Member of West Bengal Legislative
Assembly.
G. Durgabai Deshmukh (1909-1981)
• Born: Andhra Pradesh.
• Advocate and public activist for
women’s emancipation.
• Founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha.
Congress leader.
• Later: Founder Chairperson of Central
Social Welfare Board.

Word Index

Apartheid: The official policy of racial separation and ill treatment of blacks followed by the
government of South Africa between 1948 and 1989.
Clause: A distinct section of a document.
Constituent Assembly: An assembly of people’s representatives that writes a constitution for a
country.
Constitution: Supreme law of a country, containing fundamental rules governing the politics and
society in a country.
Constitutional amendment: A change in the constitution made by the supreme legislative body in
a country.
Draft: A preliminary version of a legal document.
Philosophy: The most fundamental principles underlying one’s thoughts and actions.
Preamble: An introductory statement in a constitution which states the reasons and guiding
values of the constitution.
Treason: The offence of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the
offender owes allegiance.
Tryst: A meeting or meeting place that has been agreed upon.

QUESTION

1. ‘The system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, imposed by white Europeans, that
divided people on the basis of their skin colour and deprived non-whites of voting rights and
basic amenities like schools and hospitals.’ The description given above best describes
a. Racism
b. Segregation
c. Discrimination
d. Apartheid

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Option (d) is correct: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination and segregation that
was unique to South Africa. It was imposed by white Europeans who settled in the country
and became the local rulers. Under apartheid, people were classified and labeled based on
their skin color. The native black population, who made up the majority of the population,
were treated as inferior and subjected to various forms of oppression.

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Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design
th

2. Who among the following were the leaders sentenced to life imprisonment for opposing the
apartheid regime in South Africa?
a. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi
b. Desmond Tutu and Steve Biko
c. Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu
d. Martin Luther King Jr. and Oliver Tambo

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: Nelson Mandela, along with seven other leaders, was sentenced to
life imprisonment for opposing the apartheid regime in South Africa. The group of leaders,
known as the Rivonia Trialists, were charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the
government. The trial took place in 1963-1964, and Mandela delivered his famous speech
during the trial, expressing his commitment to achieving a democratic and free society in
South Africa. The leaders who were sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Nelson
Mandela were:
• Walter Sisulu: A prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC.
• Govan Mbeki: An ANC leader and father of former South African President Thabo
Mbeki.
• Ahmed Kathrada: An Indian South African political activist and member of the ANC.
• Raymond Mhlaba: An ANC leader and anti-apartheid activist.
• Elias Motsoaledi: An ANC leader and anti-apartheid activist.
• Andrew Mlangeni: An ANC leader and anti-apartheid activist.
• Denis Goldberg: A white South African social campaigner and member of the ANC.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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3. Which one of the following statements accurately describes the transition to democracy in South
Africa?
a. The apartheid government voluntarily relinquished power and peacefully handed over
control to a multi-racial government.
b. The black leaders refused to forgive the whites for their atrocities, resulting in prolonged
political unrest.
c. The South African constitution was drafted by a single political party without any input from
other stakeholders.
d. Nelson Mandela, after 28 years of imprisonment, established a dictatorial regime upon his
release.

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Option (a) is correct: As protests and struggles against apartheid increased, the apartheid
government realized that they could no longer maintain control through repression. In
response, they changed their policies, repealed discriminatory laws, lifted bans on political
parties, and restrictions on the media. Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned for 28
years, was released. Eventually, negotiations took place between historical enemies to bring
about a peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy. The party that ruled through
oppression and the party that led the freedom struggle sat together to draft a common
constitution, indicating a multi-party involvement.

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 Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design
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4. Which one of the following best describes the function of a constitution?

a. Deciding on the country's foreign policy
b. Defining the borders of a country
c. Specifying the powers of the government
d. Generating revenue for the government

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: A constitution serves as a fundamental framework for a country's
governance and defines the powers and limitations of the government. It outlines the
structure of the government, establishes the branches of power, and allocates specific
powers and responsibilities to each branch. This specification of powers ensures a balance of
authority and prevents any one branch from becoming too dominant.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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5. Which of the following statements accurately describe the purpose and functions of a constitution?
1. A constitution is a set of unwritten rules that govern the relationship between citizens and
the government of a country.
2. The purpose of a constitution is to safeguard the interests of the ruling elite and protect
their privileges.
3. A constitution generates trust and coordination among diverse groups of people living
together in a country.
4. Constitutions only exist in democratic countries, as they are not necessary in non-
democratic regimes.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 3 only
c. 1, 2 and 4 only
d. 4 only

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: A constitution is a set of written rules that outline the
fundamental principles, structures, and processes of a government.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: While some historical constitutions may have been designed to
protect the interests of a particular ruling elite, the primary purpose of a constitution is to
establish a system of government that upholds the rule of law, protects individual rights,
and ensures the well-being and equality of all citizens.
• Statement 3 is correct: One of the key functions of a constitution is to generate trust and
coordination among diverse groups of people within a country. By providing a common set
of rules and principles that govern the relationship between individuals and the government,
a constitution helps to establish a sense of stability, fairness, and mutual understanding. It
can help mitigate conflicts, protect minority rights, and promote social cohesion.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: While constitutions are strongly associated with democratic
countries, not all countries with constitutions are necessarily democratic.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design
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6. Which of the following statements about the making of the Indian Constitution are correct?
1. The British government played a significant role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
2. The freedom struggle in India helped in shaping a consensus on the basic values and
principles of the Indian Constitution.
3. The Indian Constitution borrowed institutional details and procedures from the Government
of India Act, 1935.
4. The Indian leaders were solely influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution and did not
consider other countries' political systems.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 4 only
b. 2 and 4 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 2 and 3 only

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The British government did not play a significant role in drafting
the Indian Constitution. However, the Indian leaders did draw upon some institutional
details and procedures from colonial laws like the Government of India Act, 1935.
• Statement 2 is correct: The freedom struggle in India helped in shaping a consensus on the
basic values and principles of the Indian Constitution.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Indian Constitution borrowed institutional details and
procedures from colonial laws like the Government of India Act, 1935.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Indian leaders were inspired by various political systems such as
the ideals of the French Revolution, the practice of parliamentary democracy in Britain,
the Bill of Rights in the US, and the socialist revolution in Russia. They analysed whether
these things suited their country and learned from other countries on their own terms.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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7. Which of the following statements about the Constituent Assembly and the Indian Constitution
is/are correct?
1. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 January 1950.
2. The drafting of the Indian Constitution was led by a committee chaired by Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar.
3. The Constituent Assembly represented the entire population of India through universal adult
franchise.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 only
c. 3 only
d. 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949
but it came into effect on 26 January 1950.
• Statement 2 is correct: The drafting of the Indian Constitution was led by a committee
chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Constituent Assembly did not represent the entire
population of India through universal adult franchise. At that time, there was no universal

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 adult franchise in India. The members of the Constituent Assembly were elected mainly by
the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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8. Consider the following pairs:

Leaders Contributions
1. Vallabhbhai Patel Decisive role in the integration of the Indian princely states
2. Jaipal Singh Founder President of Bharatiya Jansangh
3. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Leader of the Communist Party of India
4. Somnath Lahiri Founder President of Adivasi Maha Sabha
How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a. Only one pair
b. Only two pairs
c. Only three pairs
d. All four pairs

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Pair 1 is correctly matched: Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in the integration of the
princely states into the newly independent India. As the Minister of Home, he successfully
persuaded the princely states to accede to India, ensuring their unification and integration
into the Indian Union.
• Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Jaipal Singh was not the founder President of Bharatiya
Jansangh, rather he was the founder President of Adivasi Maha Sabha, an organization that
aimed to advocate for the rights and welfare of tribal communities in India.
• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was not a leader of the
Communist Party of India. Instead, he was associated with the Hindu Mahasabha and later
became the founder President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a right-wing political party that
served as a precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Somnath Lahiri was not the founder President of Adivasi
Maha Sabha. He was also a writer, editor, and leader of the Communist Party of India. He
served as a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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9. Which of the following statements about the Preamble of the Indian Constitution are correct?
1. The Preamble contains the fundamental values and philosophy on which the entire
Constitution has been built.
2. The Preamble provides a standard to examine and evaluate any law and action of the
government.
3. The Preamble emphasizes the establishment of an official state religion.
4. The Preamble is unique to the Indian Constitution and is not included in the
Constitution of any other country.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1, 2 and 4
b. 1, 2 and 3
c. 1 and 2 only
d. 1, 3 and 4

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Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution contains the fundamental
values and philosophy on which the entire Constitution has been built. It reflects the
aspirations and ideals of the people of India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Preamble provides a standard to examine and evaluate any
law and action of the government. It serves as a guiding principle to assess the
constitutionality and legitimacy of laws and government actions.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the principle
of secularism.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: While many countries, including India, have a preamble in their
constitutions, it does not imply that the Preamble is unique to the Indian Constitution.
Several countries have their own preambles that outline the values and principles on which
their respective constitutions are based. The American Constitution was the first to begin
with a Preamble. Many countries, including India, followed this practice.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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10. Which one of the following best defines the offense of treason?
a. The act of committing a crime against an individual that results in bodily harm.
b. The act of illegally crossing the border of a country without proper documentation.
c. The offense of attempting to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender
owes allegiance.
d. The act of spreading false information with the intent to deceive the public.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: Treason refers to the act of disloyalty towards one's own country or
government and attempting to overthrow it. It involves conspiring or taking actions that
undermine the stability and integrity of the government. Spreading false information or
engaging in acts of rebellion against a foreign power may be considered different offenses,
but they may not necessarily fall under the category of treason.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 2/ Constitutional Design

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 CHAPTER 3 : ELECTORAL POLITICS
INTRODUCTION
Democracy is neither possible nor necessary for people to govern directly. The most common form
of democracy is for the people to govern through their representatives. Democracy is a form of
government in which the rulers are elected by the people through the process of elections. It is a
form of government that holds its leaders accountable to the people.
Case Study

How political promises and the ability to address the concerns of the people can influence
election outcomes.
• Background: The state of Haryana had been under the rule of a Congress party-led
government since 1982. Chaudhary Devi Lal, an opposition leader, led a movement called
'Nyaya Yudh' (Struggle for Justice) and formed a new party, Lok Dal. His party joined forces
with other opposition parties to form a front against the Congress in the State assembly
election in Haryana in 1987.
• Political Promises: During the election campaign, Devi Lal promised that if his party won,
they would waive the loans of farmers and small businessmen as their first action in
government.
o This promise resonated with the people, who were dissatisfied with the existing
government. As a result, when the elections were held, they voted
overwhelmingly in favor of Lok Dal and its allies. Lok Dal and its partners secured
76 out of 90 seats in the State Assembly, with Lok Dal alone winning 60 seats and
gaining a clear majority.
• Fulfilling Promises: After the election Devi Lal party won and he became the Chief
Minister. Devi Lal's government issued a Government Order waiving the outstanding loans
of small farmers, agricultural laborers, and small businessmen, fulfilling the promise made
during the election campaign.
o His party governed the state for four years until the next elections in 1991, when
Lok Dal did not win popular support, and the Congress party emerged victorious
and formed the government.

This case study illustrates the significance of public sentiment and the dynamics of power in
shaping the government at the state level.

NEED OF ELECTIONS
We need elections in a democracy for several reasons:
• Representative Government: In a large community, it is not feasible for all citizens to come
together and make decisions on every matter. Therefore, people rule through their elected
representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
• Practicality: Elections allow a practical way for citizens to select representatives based on
age, experience, education, and knowledge.
• Accountability: Elections provide a mechanism for the people to express their approval or
disapproval of their representatives' performance.
• Regularity: Elections are held at regular intervals, ensuring that representatives remain
connected to the changing aspirations and needs of the people.
• Decision-making: Through elections, citizens can choose who will make laws for them, form
the government, and take major decisions that guide the country's policies and governance.
• Expression of Popular Will: Elections enable people to express their choices and preferences
freely, giving them a voice in the governance of the country.

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 • Peaceful Transfer of Power: Elections allow for a peaceful transfer of power from one set of
representatives to another, avoiding violent conflicts or power struggles.

WHAT MAKES AN ELECTION DEMOCRATIC?

• Elections can be held in many ways.
• All democratic countries hold elections. But most non-democratic countries also hold some
kind of election.
• Simple list of the minimum conditions of a democratic election are:
o First, everyone should be able to choose. This means that everyone should have one
vote and every vote should have equal value.
o Second, there should be something to choose from. Parties and candidates should
be free to contest elections and should offer some real choice to the voters.
o Third, the choice should be offered at regular intervals. Elections must be held
regularly after every few years.
o Fourth, the candidate preferred by the people should get elected.
o Fifth, elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can
choose as they really wish.
IS IT GOOD TO HAVE POLITICAL COMPETITION?
• At the constituency level, it takes the form of competition among several candidates.
• If there is no competition, elections will become pointless.
• An electoral competition has many demerits also. It creates a sense of disunity and
‘factionalism’ in every locality
• Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections.
• In an ideal world all political leaders know what is good for the people and are motivated
only by a desire to serve them.
• Political leaders all over the world, like all other professionals, are motivated by a desire to
advance their political careers.
• They want to remain in power or get power and positions for themselves.
• Regular electoral competition provides incentives to political parties and leaders.
• They know that if they raise issues that people want to be raised, their popularity and
chances of victory will increase in the next elections. But if they fail to satisfy the voters with
their work they will not be able to win again.
• Political competition may cause divisions and some ugliness, but it finally helps to force
political parties and leaders to serve the people.

SYSTEM OF ELECTION IN INDIA

• Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) elections are held regularly after every five years.
• After five years the term of all the elected representatives comes to an end. The Lok Sabha
or Vidhan Sabha stands ‘dissolved’.
• Elections are held in all constituencies at the same time, either on the same day or within a
few days. This is called a general election.
• Sometimes an election is held only for one constituency to fill the vacancy caused by death
or resignation of a member is called a by-election.
ELECTORAL CONSTITUENCIES
• In our country we follow an area based system of representation.
• The country is divided into different areas for the purposes of elections. These areas are
called electoral constituencies.
• The voters who live in an area elect one representative.
• Member of parliament:
o For Lok Sabha elections, the country is divided into 543 constituencies.

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 oThe representative elected from each constituency is called a Member of
Parliament or an MP.
• Member of legislative assembly:
o Similarly, each state is divided into a specific number of Assembly constituencies.
o In this case, the elected representative is called the Member of Legislative Assembly
or an MLA.
• Local Elections:
o The same principle applies for Panchayat and Municipal elections.
o Each village or town is divided into several ‘wards’ that are like constituencies. Each
ward elects one member of the village or the urban local body.
RESERVED CONSTITUENCIES
• The Constitution makers were worried that in an open electoral competition, certain
weaker sections may not stand a good chance to get elected to the Lok Sabha and the state
Legislative Assemblies.
• They may not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win
elections against others. .
• If that happens, our Parliament and Assemblies would be deprived of the voice of a
significant section of our population.
• That would make our democracy less representative and less democratic.
o So, the makers of our Constitution thought of a special system of reserved
constituencies for the weaker sections.
o Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes
[SC] and Scheduled Tribes [ST].
o Currently, in the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 47
for the Scheduled Tribes
o This system of reservation was extended later to other weaker sections at the
district and local level.
o In many states, seats in rural (panchayat) and urban (municipalities and
corporations) local bodies are now reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) as
Well
o Similarly, one-third of the seats are reserved in rural and urban local bodies for
women candidates.
VOTERS’ LIST
• In a democratic election, the list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before
the election and given to everyone. This list is officially called the Electoral Roll and is
commonly known as the Voters’ List.
• Importance: Everyone should get an equal opportunity to choose representatives.
o Everyone should have one vote and each vote should have equal value.
o No one should be denied the right to vote without a good reason.
• Voter’s List in India: In our country, all the citizens aged 18 years and above can vote in an
election.
o Some criminals and persons with unsound minds can be denied the right to vote,
but only in rare situations.
o A complete revision of the list takes place every five years. This is done to ensure
that it remains up to date.
o In the last few years a new system of Election Photo Identity Cards [EPIC] has been
introduced.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
• Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate in elections.
o The only difference is that in order to be a candidate the minimum age is 25 years,
while it is only 18 years for being a voter.

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 o There are some other restrictions on criminals etc. but these apply in very extreme
cases.
• Political parties nominate their candidates who get the party symbol and support. Party’s
nomination is often called party ‘ticket’.
• Every person who wishes to contest an election has to fill a ‘nomination form’ and give
some money as ‘security deposit’.
• Recently, a new system of declaration has been introduced on direction from the Supreme
Court. Every candidate has to make a legal declaration, giving full details of :
o Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate;
o Details of the assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family; and
o Educational qualifications of the candidate.
• This information has to be made public. This provides an opportunity to the voters to make
their decision on the basis of the information provided by the candidates.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
• Educational qualifications are not relevant to contest elections.
o The relevant qualification for being an MLA or an MP is the ability to understand
people’s concerns, problems and to represent their interests.
o Even if education was relevant, it should be left to the people to decide how much
importance they give to educational qualifications.
• Putting an educational qualification would go against the spirit of democracy
o It would mean depriving a majority of the country’s citizens the right to contest
elections.
ELECTION CAMPAIGN
• The main purpose of elections is to give people a chance to choose the representatives, the
government and the policies they prefer.
• Therefore it is necessary to have a free and open discussion about who is a better
representative, which party will make a better government or what is a good policy.
• Election campaigns:
o In our country such campaigns take place for a two-week period between the
announcement of the final list of candidates and the date of polling.
o During this period the candidates contact their voters, political leaders address
election meetings and political parties mobilise their supporters.
• This is also the period when newspapers and television news are full of election related
stories and debates.
• In election campaigns, political parties try to focus public attention on some big issues. They
want to attract the public to that issue and get them to vote for their party on that basis.
GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGN
• According to our election law, no party or candidate can:
o Bribe or threaten voters;
o Appeal to them in the name of caste or religion;
o Use government resources for election campaign; and
o Spend more than ` 25 lakh in a constituency for a Lok Sabha election or ` 10 lakh in a
constituency in an Assembly election.
• If they do so, their election can be rejected by the court even after they have been declared
elected.

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

• According to this, no party or candidate can:
o Use any place of worship for election propaganda;
o Use government vehicles, aircrafts and officials for elections; and

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 oOnce elections are announced, Ministers shall not lay foundation stones of any
projects, take any big policy decisions or make any promises of providing public
facilities.
POLLING OF VOTES
• The final stage of an election is the day when the voters cast or ‘poll’ their vote. That day is
usually called the election day.
• Every person whose name is on the voters’ list can go to a nearby ‘polling booth’, situated
usually in a local school or a government office.
• Once the voter goes inside the booth, the election officials identify her, put a mark on her
finger and allow her to cast her vote.
• An agent of each candidate is allowed to sit inside the polling booth and ensure that the
voting takes place in a fair way.
• Earlier the voters used to indicate who they wanted to vote for by putting a stamp on the
ballot paper.
o A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates
along with party name and symbols are listed.
• Nowadays electronic voting machines (EVM) are used to record votes.
o The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols.
Independent candidates too have their own symbols, allotted by the election
commission.
• Once the polling is over, all the EVMs are sealed and taken to a secure place.
COUNTING OF VOTES
• Few days later, on a fixed date, all the EVMs from a constituency are opened and the votes
secured by each candidate are counted.
• The agents of all candidates are present there to ensure that the counting is done properly.
• The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency is declared
elected.

WHAT MAKES ELECTIONS IN INDIA DEMOCRATIC?

• From Newspapers and television reports, we get a lot of information about unfair practices
in elections and allegations:
o Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters’ list;
o Misuse of government facilities and officials by the ruling party;
o Excessive use of money by rich candidates and big parties; and
o Intimidation of voters and rigging on the polling day.
INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION
• One simple way of checking whether elections are fair or not is to look at who conducts the
elections.
o Are they independent of the government?
o Or can the government or the ruling party influence or pressurise them?
o Do they have enough powers to be able to conduct free and fair elections?
o Do they actually use these powers?

• Elections are conducted by an independent and very powerful Election Commission (EC).
o EC enjoys the same kind of independence that the judiciary enjoys.
o The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India.
o Once CEC appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner is not answerable to the
President or the government. Even if the ruling party or the government does not
like what the Commission does.
o It is virtually impossible for it to remove the CEC.

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POWERS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
• EC takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the
announcement of elections to the declaration of results.
o It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any candidate or party that
violates it.
o During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some
guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its
chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials.
o When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and
not the government.
• In the last 25 years or so, the Election Commission has begun to exercise all its powers and
even expand them.
POPULAR PARTICIPATION
• Another way to check the quality of the election process is to see whether people
participate in it with enthusiasm.
• If the election process is not free or fair, people will not continue to participate in the
exercise.

Figure 1
• People’s participation in election
is usually measured by voter
turnout figures.
• Turnout indicates the per cent of
eligible voters who actually cast
their vote.
• Over the last fifty years, the
turnout in Europe and North
America has declined.
• In India the turnout has either
remained stable or actually gone
up.

Figure 2

• In India the poor, illiterate and

underprivileged people vote in larger
proportion as compared to the rich and
privileged sections.
• This is in contrast to western
democracies. For example in the United
States of America, poor people, African
Americans and Hispanics vote much less
than the rich and the white people.

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 Figure – 3
• Common people in India attach a lot of
importance to elections.
• They feel that through elections they
can bring pressure on political parties to
adopt policies and programmes
favorable to them.
• They also feel that their vote matters in
the way things are run in the country.

Figure - 4
• The interest of voters in election related
activities has been increasing over the
years.
• During the 2004 elections, more than
one third of voters took part in
campaign-related activities.
• More than half of the people identified
themselves as being close to one or the
other political party.
• One out of every seven voters is a
member of a political party.

ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTION OUTCOME

• If elections are not free or fair, the outcome always favors the powerful. In such a situation,
the ruling parties do not lose elections.
• The outcome of India’s elections speaks for itself:
o The ruling parties routinely lose elections in India both at the national and state
level.
o In the US, an incumbent or ‘sitting’ elected representative rarely loses an election.
o In India about half of the sitting MPs or MLAs lose elections.
o Candidates who are known to have spent a lot of money on ‘buying votes’ and those
with known criminal connections often lose elections.
o Barring very few disputed elections, the electoral outcomes are usually accepted as
‘people’s verdict’ by the defeated party.
CHALLENGES TO FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
• Money Power and Unfair Advantage: Candidates and parties with a lot of money may not
be sure of their victory but they do enjoy a big and unfair advantage over smaller parties
and independents.
• Criminal Connections: In some parts of the country, candidates with criminal connections
have been able to push others out of the electoral race and to secure a ‘ticket’ from major
parties.
• Dominance of Political Families: Some families tend to dominate political parties; tickets
are distributed to relatives from these families.
• Lack of Meaningful Choice: Very often elections offer little choice to ordinary citizens, for
both the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice.

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 • Disadvantage for Smaller Parties: Smaller parties and independent candidates suffer a huge
disadvantage compared to bigger parties.
• These challenges exist not just in India but also in many established democracies. These
deeper issues are a matter of concern for those who believe in democracy.

Points to Remember
Slogans given by different political parties in various elections
• In the Lok Sabha elections of 1971, The Congress party led by Indira Gandhi gave the
slogan of Garibi Hatao (Remove poverty).
• In the Lok Sabha election held in 1977, Save Democracy was the slogan given by the
Janata Party under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan.
• In the West Bengal Assembly elections held in 1977, The Left Front used the slogan of
Land to the Tiller
• In Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in 1983. ‘Protect the Self-Respect of the Telugus’
was the slogan used by N. T. Rama Rao, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party.

Word index
Code of Conduct: A set of norms and guidelines to be followed by political parties and contesting
candidates during election time.

Constituency: Voters in a geographical area who elect a representative to the legislative bodies.

Incumbent: The current holder of a political office. Usually the choice for the voters in elections is
between the incumbent party or candidate and those who oppose them.

Level playing field: Condition in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have
equal opportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.

Rigging: Fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes. It includes
stuffing ballot boxes by a few persons using the votes of others; recording multiple votes by the
same person; and bribing or coercing polling officers to favor a candidate.

Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election.

QUESTION
1. Which one of the following statements best explains the need for elections in a representative
democracy?
a. Elections ensure that representatives are selected based on age and experience.
b. Elections allow all citizens to sit together and make decisions on behalf of the community.
c. Elections provide a mechanism for people to choose their representatives and change them
if desired.
d. Elections enable the government to make major decisions and frame policies.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: Elections are crucial in a representative democracy because they
allow the citizens to actively participate in the political process and have a say in selecting
their representatives. Through elections, individuals can vote for the candidates they
believe will best represent their interests and values. Moreover, elections provide an

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 opportunity for the citizens to hold their representatives accountable. If the elected
representatives fail to fulfill their duties or do not reflect the wishes of the people,
elections allow for a peaceful and democratic way to change them. By periodically holding
elections, the people can express their approval or disapproval of their representatives'
performance and choose new leaders who better align with their preferences.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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2. Which of the following conditions are necessary for an election to be considered democratic?
1. Every eligible citizen should have the right to vote, and each vote should carry equal weight.
2. Political parties and candidates must be allowed to participate freely, providing voters with a
genuine choice.
3. Elections should be held at regular intervals.
4. Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner, allowing people to express their
true preferences.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2, 3 and 4 only
c. 1 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Every eligible citizen should have the right to vote, this condition is
essential for a democratic election. It means that all eligible citizens, regardless of their
background, should have the right to vote.
• Statement 2 is correct: In a democratic election, it is crucial that political parties and
candidates are free to participate without undue restrictions.
• Statement 3 is correct: Regularly scheduled elections are a key aspect of democratic
governance. By having fixed intervals for elections, it ensures that citizens have the
opportunity to periodically evaluate and hold their elected representatives accountable.
• Statement 4 is correct: Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner, this
condition emphasizes the importance of conducting elections in a transparent and
unbiased manner. Free and fair elections ensure that individuals can exercise their right to
vote without coercion, intimidation, or undue influence.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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3. Which of the following statements about reserved constituencies in India are correct?
1. Reserved constituencies were introduced in order to ensure representation of weaker
sections in the Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.
2. Reserved constituencies are exclusively for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
candidates.
3. The number of reserved seats for SC and ST is proportional to their share in the total
population.
Select the correct answer using the code given below?
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 2 only
d. 1,2 and 3

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 Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Reserved constituencies were introduced to ensure representation
of weaker sections in the Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, as weaker sections may
not have the required resources, education and contacts to contest and win elections
against others.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Reserved constituencies are primarily for Scheduled Castes (SC)
and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates. However, over time, the reservation system has
been extended to other weaker sections as well, such as Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• Statement 3 is correct: The number of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and
Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Parliament and Legislative Assemblies is proportional to their
share in the total population. This ensures that their representation is in proportion to their
population and helps prevent the dilution of their voices.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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4. Consider the following statements:

1. Universal adult franchise ensures that every citizen above the age of 21 has the right to vote,
regardless of their caste, religion, or gender.
2. Individuals with criminal records or unsound minds under no circumstances can be denied
the right to vote.
3. The voters are mandatorily required to possess an Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to
vote.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1,2 and 3

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: Universal adult franchise ensures that every citizen above the age
of 18 (not 21) has the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: In democratic elections, individuals with criminal records or
unsound minds are generally not automatically denied the right to vote. However, there
may be rare situations where certain individuals with criminal records or individuals
deemed to have an unsound mind may be disqualified from voting.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: While the government has introduced the Election Photo Identity
Card (EPIC) and encouraged voters to possess it, it is not currently compulsory for voting.
Voters can still provide other proofs of identity, such as ration cards or driving licenses, to
establish their identity at the polling station.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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5. In the context of democratic elections, what new system has been introduced on the direction of the
Supreme Court to ensure transparency and provide voters with important information about
candidates?
a. Mandatory voting for all eligible citizens
b. Legal declaration of candidate's criminal cases, assets and liabilities, and educational
qualifications

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c. Increased minimum age requirement for candidates
d. Introduction of nomination forms for candidates

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Option (b) is correct: The new system that has been introduced on the direction of the
Supreme Court to ensure transparency and provide voters with important information
about candidates is the legal declaration of the candidate's criminal cases, assets and
liabilities, and educational qualifications. This means that every candidate is required to
make a legal declaration providing full details of any serious criminal cases pending against
them, the assets and liabilities of themselves and their family, as well as their educational
qualifications. This information is then made public, allowing voters to make informed
decisions based on the information provided by the candidates.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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6. Which of the following statements are correct about the electoral constituencies in India?
1. India follows an area-based system of representation for elections.
2. Each constituency in India has a roughly equal population living within it.
3. The number of seats won by a political party in an assembly election is equal to the number
of constituencies won by its candidates.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 only
d. 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: India follows an area-based system of representation for elections.
The country is divided into different areas called electoral constituencies. Each constituency
represents a specific geographic area from which one representative is elected.
• Statement 2 is correct: Each constituency in India aims to have a roughly equal population
living within it. This principle is based on the idea of providing equal value to each vote. The
Constitution of India mandates that constituencies should have a similar population size to
ensure fair representation.
• Statement 3 is correct: In the context of assembly elections, the number of seats won by a
political party is determined by the number of constituencies in which its candidates
emerge victorious. Each constituency represents one seat in the assembly, so if a party's
candidates win in a certain number of constituencies, the party will have an equivalent
number of seats in the assembly.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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7. Which of the following statements about the polling and counting of votes in an election is
correct?
a. Voters in an election use stamps to indicate their preferred candidate on the ballot paper.
b. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) are sealed and taken to a secure place immediately after
polling is over.

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 c. The counting of votes in all constituencies of a general election usually takes place on
different days.
d. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency becomes the
Election Commissioner.

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Option (a) is incorrect: Earlier, voters used to indicate their preference by putting a stamp
on the ballot paper. However, nowadays electronic voting machines (EVMs) are used,
where voters press a button against the name of the candidate they want to vote for.
• Option (b) is correct: After the polling is over, all the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are
sealed and taken to a secure place. This is done to ensure the integrity and security of the
votes cast.
• Option (c) is incorrect: In a general election, the counting of votes in all constituencies
takes place at the same time, on the same day. This simultaneous counting allows for the
timely declaration of results.
• Option (d) is incorrect: The Election Commissioner is a constitutional position responsible
for overseeing elections, and it is not determined by the outcome of any particular election.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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8. Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission in India is correct?
a. The Election Commission is under the direct control of the ruling party or government.
b. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the Prime Minister.
c. The Election Commission has extensive powers and is independent of the government.
d. The Election Commission is accountable to the President of India.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: The Election Commission in India is independent and enjoys the same
level of independence as the judiciary. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed
by the President of India, but once appointed, the CEC is not answerable to the President or
the government. The Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of elections,
implements the Code of Conduct, and can order the government to follow guidelines during
the election period. Additionally, the Election Commission has reprimanded the government
and administration in the past, indicating its independent and powerful nature.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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9. Which one of the following statements is correct about the popular participation in elections?
a. Voter turnout in India has declined over the past fifty years, similar to Europe and North
America.
b. Poor and underprivileged sections in India vote less compared to the rich and privileged
sections, similar to western democracies.
c. Common people in India do not attach much importance to elections and feel that their vote
does not matter.
d. Voter interest and engagement in election-related activities have increased in India over the
years.

Answer: D
Explanation:

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 • Option (d) is correct: The interest of voters in election-related activities has been
increasing over the years in India. During the 2004 elections, more than one-third of voters
participated in campaign-related activities, and more than half of the people identified
themselves as being close to one or the other political party. Additionally, one out of every
seven voters is a member of a political party. These observations indicate an increasing level
of voter interest and engagement in the electoral process in India.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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10. Which one of the following statements reflects the challenges faced by elections in India?
a. Elections in India are always unfair due to the dominance of major political parties.
b. Candidates with criminal connections are never able to secure a ticket from major parties.
c. Elections in India may reflect popular preference, but deeper issues such as lack of real
choice and dominance of certain families in politics exist.
d. Smaller parties and independent candidates enjoy an advantage over bigger parties in
elections.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (a) is incorrect: While major political parties may have an unfair advantage over
smaller parties, the overall verdict of Indian elections still reflects popular preference.
• Option (b) is incorrect: Candidates with criminal connections have been able to push
others out of the electoral race and secure a ticket from major parties in some parts of the
country.
• Option (c) is correct: Several challenges faced by Indian elections, such as the unfair
advantage enjoyed by parties with a lot of money, the presence of candidates with
criminal connections, the dominance of certain families in political parties, the lack of real
choice for ordinary citizens, and the huge disadvantage faced by smaller parties and
independent candidates. However, Indian elections are still considered free and fair
because the overall verdict reflects popular preference.
• Option (d) is incorrect: Smaller parties and independent candidates suffer a huge
disadvantage compared to bigger parties.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 3/ Electoral Politics

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 Chapter 4: Working of Institutions
INTRODUCTION
This chapter focuses on the functioning of institutions in a democracy, such as the legislature,
executive, and judiciary. It explores how major decisions are made, implemented, and disputes are
resolved. The objective is to understand how these institutions work together in government, their
connections, and their level of democratic functioning.

DECISION MAKERS
Major decisions involve multiple key functionaries in the country.
• President is the head of the state and is the highest formal authority in the country.
• Prime Minister is the head of the government and actually exercises all governmental powers. He
takes most of the decisions in the Cabinet meetings.
• Parliament consists of the President and two Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• The Prime Minister must have the support of a majority of Lok Sabha members.
Case Study
How major decisions are taken and implemented in the country?

The case study examines the process of making a reservation policy and its implementation. It
emphasizes the involvement of various institutions, such as the government, Parliament, and the
judiciary, in shaping and finalizing decisions. The Supreme Court's role in resolving disputes
highlights the significance of the judicial system in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness
in the implementation of major policies.

Background
Appointment of Mandal Commission: In 1979, the Second Backward Classes Commission,
popularly known as the Mandal Commission, was appointed to identify socially and educationally
backward classes.
Decision-Making Process
• Commission's Recommendations: In 1980, the Mandal Commission recommended a 27%
reservation in government jobs for socially and educationally backward classes.
• Parliament Discussions: The recommendations were discussed in Parliament, and demands for
their implementation persisted over several years.
• Election Promise: The Janata Dal party, in its election manifesto for the 1989 Lok Sabha
elections, pledged to implement the Mandal Commission report.
• Formation of Government: The Janata Dal formed the government after the election, and V.P.
Singh became the Prime Minister.
• Government Decision: On 6 August 1990, the Union Cabinet formally decided to implement
the Mandal Commission's recommendations.
• Prime Minister's Announcement: Prime Minister V.P. Singh informed Parliament about the
decision through a statement in both Houses.
• Drafting and Approval: The Department of Personnel and Training drafted an order in line with
the Cabinet decision, which was approved by the minister. The order was signed by an officer
on behalf of the Union Government, resulting in the issuance of the Office Memorandum (O.M.)
on 13 August 1990.
Controversy and Public Reactions:
• Debate and Protests: The reservation policy sparked widespread debates and protests across
the country.

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 • Opposing Views: Some individuals argued that the policy addressed caste-based inequalities
and provided opportunities for underrepresented communities. Others believed it was unfair
and would hinder equality and national unity.
Dispute Resolution
• Legal Challenges: Opponents of the reservation policy filed multiple cases in courts, seeking its
invalidation and halt to implementation.
• Supreme Court Decision: The Supreme Court of India consolidated the cases into the 'Indira
Sawhney and others Vs Union of India case' and heard arguments from both sides.
• Validity Confirmation and Modification: In 1992, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the
government's order but directed the exclusion of well-to-do individuals among the backward
classes. The government subsequently issued a modified Office Memorandum on 8 September
1993.

NEED FOR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS

• Political institutions are necessary in a democracy to ensure effective governance.
• Institutions are responsible for various tasks such as providing security, education, and healthcare,
collecting taxes, implementing welfare schemes, and resolving disputes.
• Institutions are defined by the constitution, which lays down the powers and functions of each
institution.
• Examples of political institutions include:
o Prime Minister: Prime Minister and the Cabinet are institutions that take all important
policy decisions.
o Civil servants: Civil servants are responsible for taking steps to implement the ministers’
decisions.
o Supreme Court: It is an institution where disputes between citizens and the government
are finally settled.
• Institutions provide a system of rules, regulations, and procedures that promote accountability,
consultation, and wider participation in decision-making.
• Institutions prevent hasty and arbitrary decision-making, ensuring a more thorough and
democratic process.
• Institutions promote transparency, fairness, and the protection of citizens' rights.
• Dealing with institutions may be challenging, but their existence and functioning contribute to the
overall effectiveness and legitimacy of a democratic government.

PARLIAMENT
In democracies, elected representatives form a national assembly known as Parliament. At the state
level, it is called the Legislature or Legislative Assembly. This assembly holds supreme political
authority on behalf of the people.
If Parliament would not approve the decision, the government would not have been able to proceed
with any policy. Parliament has the power to influence and potentially reject government decisions.
NEED FOR A PARLIAMENT
• Legislation: Parliament is responsible for making, amending, and abolishing laws. It is the final
authority in law-making processes.
• Government Accountability: Parliament exercises control over the government. It ensures that
those in power can make decisions only with the support and approval of Parliament.
• Budgetary Control: Parliament has control over public money and determines how it should be
spent. Government expenditures require the sanction of Parliament.

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• Forum for Discussion and Debate: Parliament serves as the highest platform for discussing
public issues and national policies. It allows for open debates and the exchange of information
on various matters.

TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

• Parliament in most large countries is divided into two parts/houses.
o One house is directly elected by the people and exercises real power, while the second
house is elected indirectly and serves special functions, such as representing the interests
of different states or regions.
• In India, the two houses of Parliament are the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha
(House of the People).
• The President of India, although not a member of either house, is a part of Parliament and must
give assent to laws passed by the houses before they come into force.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOK SABHA AND RAJYA SABHA
Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha
Total number of 545 245
members
Members Directly elected by the people of India Indirectly elected by State
elected by Legislative Assemblies
Length of term 5 years 6 years
Dissolution or Can be dissolved before the completion of Permanent House, not subject
permanence the term. to dissolution.
Both houses need to pass laws, but in case
of a difference, a joint session is called
Power in passing where the view of Lok Sabha is likely to
laws prevail due to larger number of members It has the role in passing laws.
Lok Sabha has the final say in
Lok Sabha exercises more powers, Rajya money matters, Rajya Sabha
Power in money Sabha can suggest changes or delay money- cannot reject the budget or
matters related laws by 14 days. money-related laws.
Only a person with majority support in Lok Rajya Sabha does not have the
Control over Sabha can be appointed Prime Minister, Lok power to appoint or remove
Council of Sabha can express "no confidence" in the the Prime Minister or Council of
Ministers Council of Ministers. Ministers.

POLITICAL EXECUTIVE
• The political executive refers to the functionaries within a government who are responsible for
executing and implementing policies on behalf of the people.
• They include various levels of functionaries, and they collectively ensure the execution of
government policies.
• The Prime Minister, as the head of the executive, takes important policy decisions, but those
decisions require support from the Parliament, particularly the Lok Sabha.
• The executive is in charge of executing the policies of the government and plays a significant role
in democratic system.
POLITICAL AND PERMANENT EXECUTIVE
• POLITICAL EXECUTIVE refers to elected leaders who hold office for a specific period and are
responsible for making major decisions in a democratic country.
o They are elected by the people and represent their interests.
• Permanent executive, also known as the civil services or non-political executive, consists of
appointed officials who serve on a long-term basis.

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 o They are part of the administrative machinery and work under the political executive to
ensure the day-to-day administration and implementation of government policies.
Reasons for Political Executive having more power than Non-Political Executive
• The political executive has more power than the non-political executive because they are elected
representatives of the people in a democracy. In a democracy, the will of the people is supreme,
and the elected ministers are responsible for representing and implementing the people's will.
• The political executive is accountable to the people and empowered to exercise the will of the
people on their behalf.
• The minister takes advice from experts on technical matters but makes the final decisions based
on the overall objectives and the will of the people.
PRIME MINISTER
• The Prime Minister (PM) is the most important political institution in the country.
• PM is not directly elected by the people but is appointed by the President.
• The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime
Minister. If no party or alliance has a majority, the President appoints the person most likely to
secure majority support.
• The PM's tenure is not fixed and continues as long as they remain the leader of the majority party
or coalition.
• The PM plays a significant role in the selection of other ministers, who are usually from the party
or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha.
• The PM has the freedom to choose ministers as long as they are members of Parliament.
• Non-members of Parliament can also become ministers but must get elected to one of the Houses
of Parliament within six months of their appointment.

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
• The Council of Ministers is the body that includes all the ministers in the government. It usually
consists of 60 to 80 ministers of different ranks.
o Cabinet Ministers: Cabinet Ministers are the top-level leaders of the ruling party or
parties and are in charge of major ministries.
▪ Cabinet Ministers meet to take decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers,
forming the inner ring of the Council.
• Ministers of State with independent charge: There are Ministers of State with
independent charge who oversee smaller ministries and participate in Cabinet meetings
when invited.
• Ministers of State: Ministers of State are attached to and assist Cabinet Ministers.
• The parliamentary democracy is often known as the Cabinet form of government. Cabinet
meetings are essential for decision-making as it is not practical for all ministers to meet regularly
and discuss everything.
• The Cabinet works as a team, and ministers are expected to support and own up to every decision
made.
• Ministers are assisted by secretaries who are civil servants and provide necessary
background information.
• The Cabinet Secretariat, consisting of senior civil servants, helps coordinate the
functioning of different ministries.
POWER OF PRIME MINISTER
• The Prime Minister chairs Cabinet meetings and has wide-ranging powers as the head of the
government.

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• He/She coordinates the work of different departments and exercises general supervision over
ministries.
• He/She has the power to distribute and redistribute work among ministers and dismiss ministers.
• When the Prime Minister resigns, the entire ministry resigns.
• In parliamentary democracies, including India, the Prime Ministerial form of government has
emerged due to the increasing powers of Prime Ministers.
• He/She controls the Cabinet and Parliament through their party and influences decision-making.
• The rise of coalition politics has imposed constraints on the power of the Prime Minister, requiring
the accommodation of different groups, factions, and coalition partners.
• The extent of power a Prime Minister wields also depends on their personality and public
influence.
PRESIDENT
• The President in India holds a largely ceremonial role as the head of the State.
• President supervises the functioning of political institutions to ensure harmony and the
achievement of the State's objectives.
• President powers are nominal, similar to the role of the Queen in Britain.

Election of President
• The President of India is not elected directly by the people but by elected Members of Parliament
(MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
• The candidate must secure a majority of votes to win the election. This process ensures that the
President represents the entire nation but does not have the same direct popular mandate as the
Prime Minister.
• President can never claim the kind of direct popular mandate that the Prime Minister can. This
means President's role remains largely ceremonial.
Powers of President
• Government Activities: All governmental activities take place in the name of the President.
o All major laws and policy decisions of the government are issued in the President's name.
• Appointments: The President has the power to make major appointments, including the Chief
Justice of India, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, governors of states, election
commissioners, ambassadors, etc.
• International Treaties and Agreements: The President represents the nation in making all
international treaties and agreements.
• Commander-in-Chief of Defense Forces: The President holds the position of the supreme
commander of the defense forces of India.
• Powers Exercised on the Advice of the Council of Ministers: The President exercises all powers
mentioned above only on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
o The President can request the Council of Ministers to reconsider their advice but is bound
to act according to their repeated advice.
• Assent to Bills: A bill passed by Parliament becomes a law only after the President gives assent to
it.
o The President has the option to delay assent and send the bill back to Parliament for
reconsideration, but if Parliament passes it again, the President must sign it.
• Appointment of the Prime Minister: The President has the authority to appoint the Prime
Minister.
o When a party or coalition secures a clear majority in elections, the President appoints the
leader of that majority party or coalition.
o In the absence of a clear majority, the President exercises discretion in appointing a leader
who can gather majority support in the Lok Sabha.

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 o The newly appointed Prime Minister is asked to prove majority support within a specified
time.

JUDICIARY
• The judiciary in India consists of a Supreme Court, High Courts in the states, District Courts, and
local-level courts.
• India has an integrated judiciary, where the Supreme Court controls the judicial administration in
the country and its decisions are binding on all other courts.
o It serves as the highest court of appeal in civil and criminal cases and can hear appeals
against the decisions of the High Courts.
• The Supreme Court has the authority to hear disputes
o Between citizens
o Between citizens and the government
o Between state governments
o Between the union and state governments

INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY
• Not under the control of the legislature or the executive: Judges do not act based on government
direction or party wishes.
o Independence of the judiciary is crucial for modern democracies.
• Appointment Process: Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the
President.
o Appointment is done on the advice of the Prime Minister and in consultation with the
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
o In practice, senior judges of the Supreme Court participate in the selection of new judges.
• Limited Interference by the Political Executive: There is minimal scope for political interference
in the appointment of judges.
o The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is typically appointed as the Chief Justice.
• Tenure and Removal: Once appointed, it is challenging to remove a judge from their position.
o Removal requires an impeachment motion passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses
of Parliament.
o Impeachment of a judge has never occurred in the history of Indian democracy.

POWERS OF JUDICIARY
• Judicial Review: It determines the constitutional validity of legislation or executive actions
through judicial review.
• Supreme Court and High Courts can declare laws or actions invalid if they are found to be
against the Constitution.
• Interpreter of Constitution: Supreme Court and High Courts have the authority to interpret the
Constitution.
o They provide an understanding of the Constitution's provisions and principles.
o Ensure that laws and actions align with the constitutional framework.
• Guardian of Fundamental Rights: Judiciary acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights in India.
o Protects the rights of citizens and ensures their enforcement. Citizens can seek remedies
in case of rights violations.
• Protection of Public Interest and Human Rights: Courts issue judgments and directives to protect
public interest and human rights.
o Public interest litigation (PIL) allows anyone to approach the courts if public interest is
harmed by government actions.
o Judiciary prevents the misuse of government power and checks malpractices by public
officials.

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 Presidential System
In many countries, the President holds both the position of the head of state and head of
government, unlike the President of India who has a more ceremonial role. The United States is a
notable example of this type of President, where the President is directly elected by the people,
appoints Ministers, and can veto laws. In this presidential form of government, the President has a
fixed term and is not answerable to the legislature. This system is followed in various countries in
Latin America and some ex-Soviet Union nations. In contrast, countries like India that follow the
British model have a parliamentary system where the Parliament holds supreme power.

Coalition government: A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties, usually
when no single party enjoys majority support of the members in a legislature.
Executive: A body of persons having authority to initiate major policies, make decisions and
implement them on the basis of the Constitution and laws of the country.
Government: A set of institutions that have the power to make, implement and interpret laws so
as to ensure an orderly life.
Judiciary: An institution empowered to administer justice and provide a mechanism for the
resolution of legal disputes.
Legislature: An assembly of people’s representatives with the power to enact laws for a country.
Office Memorandum: A communication issued by an appropriate authority stating the policy or
decision of the government.
Political Institution: A set of procedures for regulating the conduct of government and political life
in the country.
Reservations: A policy that declares some positions in government employment and educational
institutions ‘reserved’ for people and communities who have been discriminated against, are
disadvantaged and backward.
State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and
possessing power to make domestic and foreign policies.

QUESTION

1. Which one of the following statements about political institutions is correct?

a. Political institutions in a democracy can hinder the decision-making process and lead to
delays and complications.
b. Institutions in a democracy allow for quick decision-making without the need for rules and
procedures.
c. The Constitution of a country does not define the powers and functions of different
institutions.
d. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are not considered as institutions in a democratic
system.

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Option (a) is correct: The political institutions involve rules, regulations, meetings, and
routines. Dealing with institutions can be frustrating due to the delays and complications
they introduce. However, these delays and complications are useful in a democracy. They
allow for a wider set of people to be consulted in decision-making and make it difficult to
rush through a bad decision. Therefore, democratic governments insist on institutions
despite the challenges they may present.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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2. Which of the following statements about the role of Parliament in a democracy are correct?
1. The primary function of Parliament is to execute and enforce laws in a country.
2. Parliament has the authority to make new laws, change existing laws, or abolish existing
laws.
3. Parliaments have no control over the money that governments have, and the public
money can be spent without any sanctions from Parliament.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1,2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The primary function of Parliament is not the execution and
enforcement of laws. Instead, it is responsible for making laws through the legislative
process. The execution and enforcement of laws fall under the domain of the executive
branch of the government.
• Statement 2 is correct: The primary function of Parliament is legislation, which involves
making laws. Parliaments have the power to enact, amend, and repeal laws in order to
govern the country effectively.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Parliaments do exercise control over the money that
governments have. In most countries, including democratic ones, the budget and
expenditure plans of the government require the approval and sanction of Parliament.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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3 Which of the following statements about the Indian Parliament are correct?
1. Both Houses need to pass an ordinary law for it to come into effect, and if there is a
difference between the two Houses, the final decision is taken in a joint session in
which members of both the Houses sit together.
2. The Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters, and once it passes the budget
of the government, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it.
3. The Rajya Sabha has the power to control the Council of Ministers, and only a person
who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Rajya Sabha is appointed
the Prime Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Any ordinary law needs to be passed by both the Houses of
Parliament. If there is a difference between the two Houses, the final decision is taken in a
joint session where members of both the Houses sit together.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Once the
Lok Sabha passes the budget of the government or any other money-related law, the Rajya

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 Sabha cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days or suggest changes, but
the Lok Sabha may or may not accept these changes.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers. Only a person
who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha is appointed the
Prime Minister. If the majority of the Lok Sabha members express ‘no confidence’ in the
Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, they have to resign.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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4. Which one of the following statements is correct about the political and non-political executive in
a democratic country?
a. The political executive consists of civil servants who work under the elected ministers.
b. The non-political executive is elected by the people for a specific period.
c. The civil servants have more power and decision-making authority compared to the elected
ministers.
d. The elected ministers have the final say and decision-making authority, being accountable to
the people.

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Option (d) is correct: The political executive consists of elected ministers who have the
power to make important decisions. They are accountable to the people and exercise the
will of the people on their behalf. On the other hand, the non-political executive refers to
the permanent executive or civil services, consisting of civil servants who assist the political
executive in day-to-day administration. The ministers, being elected representatives, have
the final say on matters and are responsible for the consequences of their decisions.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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5. Which one of the following statements about the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is
correct?
a. The Prime Minister is elected directly by the people through a national election.
b. The President appoints the Prime Minister based on personal preference and without any
consideration of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
c. A person who is not a member of Parliament can become a minister.
d. All ministers, including Ministers of State, have equal authority and decision-making power
in the Council of Ministers.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (a) is incorrect: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President based on the
majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. There is no direct election for the post of Prime
Minister.
• Option (b) is incorrect: The President appoints the Prime Minister based on the majority
party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
• Option (c) is correct: A person who is not a member of Parliament can also become a
minister. But such a person has to get elected to one of the Houses of Parliament within
six months of appointment as minister.
• Option (d) is incorrect: Cabinet Ministers, who are top-level leaders, are in charge of major
ministries and make decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers. Ministers of State
with independent charge are in charge of smaller ministries and participate in Cabinet

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 meetings only when invited. Ministers of State assist Cabinet Ministers, indicating a
hierarchical structure within the Council of Ministers.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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6. Which of the following statements about the powers of the Prime Minister in India is/are true?
1. The Constitution specifies the exact powers of the Prime Minister and the ministers.
2. The Prime Minister has the power to dismiss ministers and redistribute work to them.
3. The rise of coalition politics has led to a decrease in the powers of the Prime Minister in
recent years.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution of India does not specify the exact powers of the
Prime Minister and the ministers in detail. It provides a broad framework of the executive
branch and its functions, but the specific powers and functions of the Prime Minister are not
explicitly outlined.
• Statement 2 is correct: As the head of the government, the Prime Minister exercises
control over the composition of the Council of Ministers and can remove ministers from
their positions
• Statement 3 is correct: The rise of coalition politics in recent years has imposed certain
constraints on the power of the Prime Minister in India. In a coalition government, the
Prime Minister cannot make decisions solely based on their preferences.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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7. Consider the following statements about the President of India:

1. The President is directly elected by the people of India.
2. The President has significant executive powers and can make decisions independently.
3. All governmental activities take place in the name of the President.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a. 3 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1 and 2 only

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The President of India is not directly elected by the people. The
President is elected by an electoral college, which consists of elected members of both
houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the elected members of the
Legislative Assemblies of the states.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: While the President of India has certain executive powers, these
powers are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime
Minister. The President can ask the Council of Ministers to reconsider their advice, but if the
same advice is given again, the President is bound to act according to it.

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 • Statement 3 is correct: In India, all governmental activities, including the issuance of laws,
major policy decisions, appointments, treaties, and agreements, are made in the name of
the President. The President is the formal head of the state, and these activities are carried
out in the President's name.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions
th

8. Which of the following statements about the Presidential System are correct?
1. The President is both the head of state and government in many countries that follow
the Presidential System.
2. The US President is directly elected by the people and can personally appoint Ministers.
3. The President can veto any law passed by the legislature.
4. The President is answerable to the majority of members in the Congress.
5. The Presidential System is followed in most of the countries of Asia and Africa.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 4 only
b. 2, 3 and 5 only
c. 1, 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: In many countries that follow the Presidential System, the
President holds both the position of head of state and head of government.
• Statement 2 is correct: In the United States, the President is directly elected by the people
through the Electoral College system. The President has the authority to appoint and
dismiss Ministers or members of the executive branch, subject to the approval of the Senate
for certain positions.
• Statement 3 is correct: In a Presidential System, the President typically has the power to
veto legislation passed by the legislature. This means that if the President disagrees with a
bill, they can refuse to sign it into law.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: In a Presidential System, the President is not directly answerable
to the members in the legislature. The President is a separate branch of government and is
not accountable to the legislature in the same way that a Prime Minister in a parliamentary
system is accountable to the legislative body.
• Statement 5 is incorrect: While the Presidential System is followed in some countries in
Asia and Africa, it is not the predominant system in those regions. The parliamentary
system is more commonly found in many countries in Asia and Africa, where the parliament
holds a supreme position and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The
Presidential System is more prevalent in countries in the Americas and some ex-Soviet Union
countries.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions

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9. Which of the following statements about the Indian judiciary are correct?
1. The Supreme Court of India has the power to interpret the Constitution and can declare
any law or executive action invalid if it is against the Constitution.
2. The judiciary in India is under the control of the legislature and the executive.
3. The judiciary acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only

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c. 1 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Supreme Court of India has the power of judicial review, which
means it can interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutional validity of laws or
executive actions. If the Supreme Court finds a law or action to be against the Constitution,
it can declare it invalid.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The judiciary in India is independent of the control of the
legislature and the executive. The judges do not act on the direction of the government or
according to the wishes of the party in power.
• Statement 3 is correct: The judiciary in India acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights.
Citizens have the right to approach the courts if their rights are violated, and the courts
can provide a remedy in such cases. This ensures the protection of individual rights and
liberties in the country.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 4/ Working of Institutions
th

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 CHAPTER 5: DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
In a democratic system, there are three essential elements: elections, institutions, and the exercise
of rights. The component which involves the exercise of democratic rights by citizens, plays a crucial
role in determining the limits of power even for legitimately elected leaders. It is through the
exercise of these rights that citizens establish the boundaries and constraints within which leaders
must operate in a democracy.
LIFE WITHOUT RIGHTS
Let us now look at examples of what it means to live without rights:
• Prison in Guantanamo Bay: Guantanamo Bay prison, operated by the US government held
around 600 individuals without trial or access to courts. Families, media, and even the UN were
denied access to the prisoners. Amnesty International reported instances of torture that violated
US laws but US government refused to act.
• Citizens’ Rights in Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, citizens have limited political participation due
to the absolute power held by a hereditary king. There are restrictions on forming political
organizations, heavy media censorship, and no freedom of religion. Women face significant
public restrictions and gender-based discrimination.
• Ethnic Massacre in Kosovo: Under Milosevic's leadership, Serbian troops targeted Albanians,
killing and displacing thousands. International intervention halted the massacre, leading to
Milosevic losing power and facing trial for crimes against humanity.

CONCEPT OF RIGHTS
• Rights are assertions or demands made by individuals over others, society or the government.
• Rights come with the responsibility to respect the rights of others and should not harm or
infringe upon them. These are reasonable claims that should be available to others in an equal
measure.
• The meaning and validity of rights are derived from the recognition and acceptance of society.
• When socially recognized claims are incorporated into laws, they gain legal enforcement and
individuals can seek protection and remedies for violations.
• Violations of rights occur when others or the government fail to uphold them, and individuals
can approach courts for justice.
• Moral rights exist independently, but legal rights gain enforceability when incorporated into
law.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RIGHTS
• Rights ensure citizen participation, protect minorities, and serve as a check against government
infringement.
• These rights enable democratic elections to take place, allowing citizens to express their
opinions, form political parties, and engage in political activities.

RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

• Rights which are fundamental to our life are given a special status and are called Fundamental
Rights.
• The preamble to our Constitution talks about securing for all its citizens; equality, liberty and
justice and Fundamental Rights put this promise into effect.
• Our Constitution provides for six Fundamental Rights.

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RIGHT TO EQUALITY
• Equality before the Law: The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal
protection of laws for all individuals in India, regardless of their status.
• Rule of Law: The principle of rule of law establishes that no person, including political leaders
and government officials, is above the law.
• Equal Treatment: Every citizen is subject to the same laws without claiming special treatment
or privileges based on their importance or position.

IMPLICATIONS OF RIGHT TO EQUALITY

• Non-Discrimination: The right to equality prohibits government discrimination based on
religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring equal access to public places and resources.
• Equal Opportunity: People have the same opportunities to work and hold public office as other
people, and discrimination based on the aforementioned grounds is illegal.
• Job Reservations: Reservations for marginalized groups are not considered violations of
equality. They aim to provide equal opportunities through special treatment when necessary.
• Non-Discrimination in Social Life: The Constitution prohibits untouchability and any form of
social discrimination, ensuring equal interaction and access to public places.
• Punishment for Untouchability: Untouchability is deemed a punishable offense, reinforcing the
prohibition of discriminatory practices.
Untouchability: The practice of untouchability, prohibited by the Constitution, refers to any form of
social discrimination that marginalizes individuals based on their caste. It denies them equal
interaction with others and access to public places, and is considered a punishable offense.

RIGHT TO FREEDOM

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION

• It is a crucial pillar of democracy where individuals have the right to think independently and
express their opinions, even if they diverge from the majority.
• Citizens are free to voice their disagreements with government policies or the actions of
organizations, sharing their criticisms with family, friends, and relatives.

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• However, it is important to note that this freedom should not be exploited to incite violence
against others or advocate rebellion against the government.

ASSEMBLY IN A PEACEFUL MANNER

• Citizens have the freedom to hold meetings, processions, rallies and demonstrations on any
issue.
• However such meetings have to be peaceful. They should not lead to public disorder or breach
of peace in society.
• Those who participate in these activities and meetings should not carry weapons with them.

FORM ASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS

• Associations may also be formed by citizens.For instance, factory workers can establish a union
to advance their interests.
• Some citizens of a town might form an organization to fight corruption or pollution.

MOVE FREELY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND RESIDE IN ANY PART OF THE COUNTRY
• We have the freedom to travel to any part of the country and are free to reside and settle in
any part of the territory of India.

PRACTICE ANY PROFESSION, OR TO CARRY ON ANY OCCUPATION, TRADE OR BUSINESS

• No one can force you to do or not to do a certain job and women cannot be told that some
kinds of occupations are not for them.
• Minority caste members cannot be forced to continue working in their traditional occupations.

PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PERSONAL LIBERTY

• The Constitution guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, stating that no person
can be deprived of these rights except through a lawful process.
• No person can be killed unless a court has ordered a death sentence, and government or police
officers cannot arrest or detain citizens without proper legal justification.
• There are policies and protections in place to maintain these rights:
o The causes of an individual's arrest and detention must be disclosed to that individual.
o The person must be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of their
arrest.
o The person who has been arrested has the right to speak with a lawyer or hire legal
assistance for their defense.
• Every citizen has the right to all these freedoms and one cannot exercise freedom in such a
manner that violates others’ right to freedom.
• Freedom is not an unlimited licence to do what one wants and one should not cause public
nuisance or disorder.
• The government can impose certain reasonable restrictions on our freedoms in the larger
interests of the society.

RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION

• The Constitution recognizes the right of every citizen not to be exploited and includes specific
provisions to prevent the exploitation of weaker sections of society.
• "Traffic in human beings" is prohibited, referring to the buying and selling of individuals,
particularly women, for immoral purposes.
• Forced labor or begar in any form is also forbidden by the Constitution. Begar involves coerced
service rendered without proper remuneration.

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• Bonded labor, a practice where individuals are forced into lifelong servitude, is explicitly
prohibited.
• Child labor is strictly prohibited under the Constitution. No child below the age of fourteen can
be employed in factories, mines, or hazardous work, such as railways and ports.
• Many laws have been made to prohibit children from working in industries such as beedi
making, firecrackers and matches, printing and dyeing.

RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION

• India is a secular state, where people follow various religions, including those who do not
subscribe to any religion.
• Individuals have the freedom to change their religion by their s.
• Every person has the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, and religious
groups are free to manage their own affairs.
• However, the right to propagate one's religion does not grant the right to forcibly convert
others through force, fraud, inducement, or allurement.
• Freedom to practice religion does not permit actions that involve sacrificing animals or humans
as offerings to supernatural forces or gods.
• Religious practices that treat women as inferior or infringe upon women's freedom are not
allowed.
• The government cannot compel individuals to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of
any specific religion or religious institution.
• Government educational institutions do not provide religious instruction, and in private
educational institutions, no person can be compelled to participate in religious instruction or
worship.
Secularism: Secularism means that the state is concerned only with human relations and does not
establish any official religion. Indian secularism encourages a stance of equal distance and
impartiality toward all religions.

CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS

• The Constitution makers recognized the need to protect the rights of minorities, as the majority
already holds power in a democracy.
• It is the language, culture, and religion of minorities that require special safeguards to prevent
neglect or erosion due to the dominance of the majority. The Constitution specifies the cultural
and educational rights of minorities:
• Citizens belonging to a distinct language or culture have the right to preserve and conserve it.
• Admission to government-maintained or aided educational institutions cannot be denied
based on religion or language.
• All minorities have the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.

Minority: A minority refers to a smaller or less dominant group within a larger population. Its
status does not only refer to religious minorities at the national level. It also includes situations
where a particular language is spoken by a minority in one state but is the majority in another
state.

RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES

• It is a Fundamental Right that enables individuals to seek legal remedies when their rights are
violated.
• It allows citizens to approach the Supreme Court or High Court directly for the protection and
enforcement of their Fundamental Rights.
• Rights are protected against actions of the Legislatures, Executive, and other government
authorities and any law or action that violates them is considered invalid.

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• The judiciary, which is independent of the government and parliament, has the power to issue
directions, orders, or writs to enforce Fundamental Rights, provide compensation to victims
and punish violators.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows citizens or groups to approach the courts to protect public
interest against specific laws or government actions.

EXPANDING THE PURPOSE OF RIGHTS

• Our Constitution offers a wider range of rights and over the years the scope of rights has
expanded.
• Rights like right to freedom of press, right to information, and right to education are derived
from the Fundamental Rights. Now school education has become a right for Indian citizens and
the governments are responsible for providing free and compulsory education to all children up
to the age of 14 years.
• Rights are not limited only to Fundamental Rights as enumerated in the Constitution. For e.g.
right to property is not a Fundamental Right but it is a constitutional right and Right to vote in
elections is an important constitutional right.
• Some international covenants have also contributed to the expansion of rights.

Points to Remember

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• It is an independent commission established by law in 1993 to address human rights
violations.
• It operates independently of the government and is appointed by the President.
• The NHRC focuses on helping victims secure their human rights, including those granted
by the Constitution and international treaties.
• While it cannot directly punish the guilty, it conducts credible inquiries into violations,
abetment, or negligence.
• The commission presents its findings and recommendations to the government and can
also intervene in court on behalf of victims. Any Indian citizen can file a complaint with the
NHRC regarding human rights violations.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

• This international covenant recognises many rights that are not directly a part of the
Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution. This has not yet become an international
treaty. But human right activists all over the world see this as a standard of human rights.
These include:
o right to work and right to education
o right to safe and healthy working conditions
o right to adequate standard of living including adequate food, clothing and housing
o right to social security and insurance
o right to health

Word Index
Amnesty International: An international organisation of volunteers who campaign for human rights.
This organisation brings out independent reports on the violation of human rights all over the world.
Claim: Demand for legal or moral entitlements a person makes on fellow citizens, society or the
government.

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Begar: A practice where the worker is forced to render service to the 'master' free of charge or at a
nominal remuneration.
Covenant: Promise made by individuals, groups or countries to uphold a rule or principle. It is legally
binding on the signatories to the agreement or statement.
Traffic: Selling and buying of men, women or children for immoral purposes.
Writ: A formal document containing an order of the court to the government issued only by High
Court or the Supreme Court.

QUESTION

1. Which one of the following statements about ‘Rights’ is correct?

a. Rights are arbitrary claims made by individuals without any social recognition.
b. Rights are solely determined by the government and can be changed at any time.
c. Rights are reasonable claims of individuals recognized by society and sanctioned by law.
d. Rights are solely based on individual preferences and can be different for each person.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: Rights are reasonable claims of individuals recognized by society and
sanctioned by law. Rights are not arbitrary claims made by individuals without any social
recognition. They are not solely determined by the government and can be changed at any
time (although governments have a role in recognizing and protecting rights). Rights are also
not solely based on individual preferences and can be different for each person.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

2. Which of the following statements about the Right to Equality in India is/are correct?
1. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the
laws to all citizens.
2. The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race and caste only.
3. All citizens have equal access to public places and resources maintained by the
government.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1,2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Constitution of India guarantees equality before the law and
equal protection of the laws to all citizens. This means that the laws are applied in the same
manner to all individuals, regardless of their status.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race,
caste, sex, or place of birth. The government is not allowed to discriminate against any
citizen on these grounds.
• Statement 3 is correct: According to the Constitution, all citizens have equal access to
public places and resources maintained by the government. This includes places like shops,
restaurants, hotels, cinema halls, wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads, playgrounds, and places
of public resorts.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights

th

3. Which of the following rights are guaranteed to Indian citizens under the Indian Constitution?

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 1. Right to freedom of speech and expression
2. Right to bear arms
3. Right to discriminate based on caste or gender in employment
4. Right to impose restrictions on others' freedom
5. Right to peacefully assemble and hold meetings
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 5 only
b. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
c. 2, 3 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Indian citizens have the right to freely express their thoughts,
opinions, and ideas through various mediums such as speech, writing, print, art, or any
other form of expression. However, this freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions
imposed by the government in the interest of public order, morality, or the sovereignty and
integrity of India.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indian Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to
bear arms for self-defense. The possession and use of firearms are regulated by the Arms
Act, 1959, which provides guidelines for licensing and possession of firearms.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on caste,
gender, religion, race, or place of birth.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The Indian Constitution does not grant individuals the right to
impose restrictions on others' freedom.
• Statement 5 is correct: Indian citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and hold
meetings without arms. They can gather to discuss issues, exchange ideas, mobilize public
support, or express their opinions.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

4. In a democracy, what is the significance of rights?

a. Rights ensure the dominance of the majority over the minority.
b. Rights protect minorities from the oppression of the majority.
c. Rights guarantee the government's power to violate citizens' liberties.
d. Rights restrict citizens' participation in political activities.

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Option (b) is correct: In a democracy, rights play a crucial role in ensuring the protection
and well-being of all citizens, especially minorities. Rights provide individuals with certain
freedoms and protections that cannot be violated by the government or the majority. They
serve as a safeguard against potential abuses of power and ensure that individuals are
treated fairly and equally, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or any other
characteristic.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

5. Which one of the following statements is not correct about the right to freedom of religion in
India?
a. India is a secular state that does not establish any official religion.
b. A person can compel another person to convert into their religion using force, fraud,
inducement, or allurement.

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c. In educational institutions managed by private bodies no person shall be compelled to take
part in any religious instruction.
d. The government cannot compel any person to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance
of any particular religion or religious institution.

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Option (b) is the correct answer: A person's right to propagate their religion does not
mean they have the right to compel another person to convert by means of force, fraud,
inducement, or allurement. In other words, it is not permissible to use coercion or
manipulation to force someone to change their religion.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

6. Which of the following statements about the cultural and educational rights of minorities in the
Indian Constitution is/are correct?
1. Admission to any government-maintained or aided educational institution can be
denied to citizens based on their religion or language.
2. All minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their
choice.
3. The term ‘minority’ in the context of cultural and educational rights only refers to
religious minorities at the national level.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1,2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution explicitly prohibits the denial of admission to
any citizen in government-maintained or aided educational institutions based on their
religion or language. The principle of equality and non-discrimination is upheld in this
regard.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Constitution grants all minorities the right to establish and
administer educational institutions of their choice. This provision ensures that minority
communities can maintain and preserve their cultural and educational institutions according
to their preferences.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The term 'minority' in the context of cultural and educational
rights is not limited to religious minorities at the national level. It encompasses any section
of citizens with a distinct language or culture that may be in the minority within a particular
region. This includes linguistic minorities as well, not just religious minorities.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

7. Which one of the following statements about securing fundamental rights in the Constitution is
correct?
a. Fundamental rights are guarantees that can only be enforced by the government.
b. The Right to Constitutional Remedies is a Legal Right.
c. Violations of Fundamental Rights can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
d. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows any citizen or group to approach the court for the
protection of public interest.

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Answer: D
Explanation:
• Option (d) is correct: Under Public Interest Litigation (PIL), any citizen or group of citizens
can approach the Supreme Court or a High Court for the protection of public interest
against a particular law or action of the government. This means that PIL provides a
mechanism for individuals or groups to secure the enforcement of fundamental rights in
cases of social or public interest.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

8. Which of the following statements are correct about the National Human Rights Commission
(NHRC)?
1. The NHRC has the power to punish those found guilty of human rights violations.
2. The NHRC can conduct independent and credible inquiries into cases of human rights
violations and make recommendations to the government.
3. Any citizen of India can write a letter to the NHRC to complain about human rights
violations.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3
c. 3 only
d. 1 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The NHRC does not have the power to punish those found guilty
of human rights violations. The responsibility for punishing the guilty lies with the courts.
• Statement 2 is correct: The NHRC can conduct independent and credible inquiries into
cases of human rights violations. It has the authority to investigate and make
recommendations to the government based on its findings.
• Statement 3 is correct: Any citizen of India can write a letter to the NHRC to complain
about human rights violations. There is no fee or formal procedure to approach the NHRC,
making it accessible to all individuals seeking to report violations. The NHRC is appointed by
the President of India and includes retired judges, officers, and eminent citizens. This diverse
composition helps ensure the independence and credibility of the Commission.
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

9. Which one of the following statements about the expansion of rights is correct?
a. Fundamental Rights granted by the Constitution are the only rights citizens have.
b. The scope of rights has remained static over the years.
c. The right to education is derived from the Fundamental Right.
d. The right to property is a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution.

Answer: C
Explanation:
• Option (c) is correct: From time to time, the courts gave judgments to expand the scope of
rights. Certain rights like right to freedom of press, right to information, and right to
education are derived from the Fundamental Rights. Now school education has become a
right for Indian citizens
Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights
th

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52
10. Which one of the following international covenants recognizes various rights that are not
directly included in the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution, and is considered a
standard for human rights by activists worldwide?
a. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
b. International Covenant on Civil Rights
c. Convention on the Rights of the Child
d. None of the above

Answer: A
Explanation:
• Option (a) is correct: The international covenant that recognizes various rights not directly
included in the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution and is considered a standard
for human rights by activists worldwide is the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights

th

11. Which one of the following international organizations is known for its campaigns and
independent reports on human rights violations worldwide?
a. United Nations
b. World Health Organization
c. International Criminal Court
d. Amnesty International

Answer: D
Explanation:
• Option (d) is correct: Amnesty International is an international organization composed of
volunteers who campaign for human rights globally. They are renowned for their efforts in
documenting and raising awareness about human rights abuses and violations through
independent reports.

Source: Class 9 NCERT/ Democratic Politics/ Chapter 5/ Democratic Rights

th

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