NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 1: What is democracy?

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Assertion (A): Democracy is considered the best form of government because it enhances the dignity of citizens. Reason (R): It ensures that economic growth is faster than in all dictatorial regimes.

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Democracy is a form of government rooted in political equality, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. While it is normatively superior in terms of social and political outcomes, its correlation with economic growth is complex and not definitively superior to authoritarian regimes.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. It is based on the principle of political equality, recognizing that the poorest and least educated citizens have the same status as the rich and educated. By treating individuals as citizens with rights rather than subjects, it fosters self-respect and freedom.
Reason (R): Incorrect. Democracy does not ensure that economic growth is faster than in all dictatorial regimes. Statistical evidence (specifically covering the period 1950–2000) suggests that dictatorships have had a slightly higher rate of economic growth. Economic development depends on multiple factors such as population size, global situation, and economic policies, not solely on the form of government. Therefore, democracy cannot be claimed to guarantee superior economic growth.

Key Takeaway: The primary justification for democracy lies in its ability to provide legitimate, accountable governance and protect citizen dignity, not in guaranteeing higher economic growth rates compared to dictatorships.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: What is democracy?

Consider the following statements regarding Representative Democracy: 1. It is the most common form of democracy in the modern world. 2. It is designed specifically for small communities where direct interaction is possible. 3. It allows every citizen to directly participate in every decision-making process. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the evaluation of democratic systems, treating democracy as an ideal benchmark suggests that:

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With reference to the electoral system in China, consider the following: 1. The National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of the country. 2. All members of the National People’s Congress are elected directly by the citizens. 3. Candidates require the approval of the Chinese Communist Party to contest elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the political system in Mexico until 2000: 1. The country was under military rule for a significant portion of the 20th century. 2. Elections were held regularly every six years to elect the President. 3. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) won every election until 2000. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Based on the political experiences of China and Mexico, which one of the following is considered an essential feature of a democracy?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: What is democracy?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Assertion (A): Correct. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens. It is based on the principle of political equality, recognizing that the poorest and least educated citizens have the same status as the rich and educated. By treating individuals as citizens with rights rather than subjects, it fosters self-respect and freedom.
Reason (R): Incorrect. Democracy does not ensure that economic growth is faster than in all dictatorial regimes. Statistical evidence (specifically covering the period 1950–2000) suggests that dictatorships have had a slightly higher rate of economic growth. Economic development depends on multiple factors such as population size, global situation, and economic policies, not solely on the form of government. Therefore, democracy cannot be claimed to guarantee superior economic growth.