| Non-Rationalised Civics / Political Science NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th to 12th) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Class 9th Chapters | ||
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| 1. What Is Democracy? Why Democracy? | 2. Constitutional Design | 3. Electoral Politics |
| 4. Working Of Institutions | 5. Democratic Rights | |
Class 9th Civics NCERT Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A (Non-Rationalised)
1. What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?
This chapter fundamentally explores the meaning and significance of Democracy. It begins with a simple definition—"a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people"—and then systematically unpacks its key features. These features include: 1) major decisions being taken by elected leaders, 2) elections offering a free and fair choice to the people, 3) this choice being available to all citizens on the basis of 'one person, one vote, one value', and 4) the exercise of this choice leading to a government limited by the rules of the constitution and citizens' rights. The chapter also presents a balanced debate on why democracy is preferable, acknowledging its demerits (like instability and delays) but ultimately highlighting its superior merits, such as being a more accountable form of government, improving the quality of decision-making, providing a method to deal with differences, and most importantly, enhancing the dignity of citizens.
2. Constitutional Design
This chapter explains the critical role of a Constitution as the supreme law of a country. It uses the inspiring example of South Africa to illustrate how a country can move from a system of oppressive apartheid to a democratic nation by designing an inclusive constitution. The focus then shifts to the making of the Indian Constitution. It details the challenging circumstances of its creation post-partition and the monumental task undertaken by the Constituent Assembly, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The chapter highlights the guiding values embedded in the Preamble—Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, and Republic—and its objectives of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens. It establishes the constitution as the source of all powers and the protector of citizens' rights.
3. Electoral Politics
This chapter delves into the mechanics of Electoral Politics, the cornerstone of any representative democracy. It explains why elections are necessary and how they enable citizens to choose their representatives, form a government, and influence policy-making. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the election process in India, covering key aspects like the division of the country into electoral constituencies, the preparation of the Voters' List (Electoral Roll), the nomination of candidates, and the election campaign. A significant focus is placed on the role of the Election Commission of India, an independent and powerful body responsible for conducting free and fair elections. Concepts like the Model Code of Conduct, polling procedures using EVMs, and the principle of Universal Adult Franchise are explained to show how democracy is put into practice.
4. Working Of Institutions
This chapter explains how a democratic government operates through its key political institutions. It focuses on the three primary organs of the government in India: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. The chapter details the role of the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) in law-making. It distinguishes between the Political Executive (the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers who are politically accountable) and the Permanent Executive (civil servants who implement decisions). Finally, it discusses the crucial role of the independent Judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, in resolving disputes and acting as the guardian of the Constitution. The chapter emphasizes the importance of these institutions working together within a system of checks and balances to ensure that power is not concentrated in any single entity and that the government remains accountable to the people.
5. Democratic Rights
This chapter explores the significance of Rights in a democracy, defining them as reasonable claims of individuals recognised by society and sanctioned by law. It focuses on the six Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which are the bedrock of Indian democracy. These are: 1. Right to Equality, 2. Right to Freedom, 3. Right against Exploitation, 4. Right to Freedom of Religion, 5. Cultural and Educational Rights, and 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies. The chapter explains that these rights are not merely suggestions but are enforceable by law. The Right to Constitutional Remedies is highlighted as the "heart and soul" of the Constitution, as it empowers citizens to approach the courts to protect their other fundamental rights. These rights act as a crucial check on the power of the government and ensure that citizens can lead a life of dignity and freedom.