Consider the following arguments often raised regarding democracy: 1. It ensures political stability by preventing any change in leadership. 2. It eliminates the scope for morality due to political competition and power play. 3. It often leads to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people. While it is widely accepted as the best form of government, several arguments are frequently raised against it regarding its efficiency, stability, and moral implications. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Democracy does not ensure stability by preventing changes in leadership; rather, it is often criticized for leading to political instability precisely because leaders keep changing through regular elections. A system that prevents any change in leadership is characteristic of authoritarian regimes or dictatorships, not democracies. - Statement 2 is Correct. A common argument against democracy is that it is primarily about political competition and power play. Critics argue that the intense focus on winning elections often eliminates the scope for morality, as candidates and parties may resort to unethical means to secure power. - Statement 3 is Correct. Democratic decision-making involves consultation, debate, and adherence to procedures. Because many people and institutions must be consulted, democracy often leads to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic systems (like dictatorships) where decisions can be taken unilaterally and quickly. Key Takeaway: While democracy ensures accountability and legitimate governance, its inherent mechanisms of consultation and periodic elections often result in decision-making delays and political instability, which are common criticisms of the system.

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

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Consider the following arguments often raised regarding democracy:

It ensures political stability by preventing any change in leadership.
It eliminates the scope for morality due to political competition and power play.
It often leads to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic systems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people. While it is widely accepted as the best form of government, several arguments are frequently raised against it regarding its efficiency, stability, and moral implications.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Democracy does not ensure stability by preventing changes in leadership; rather, it is often criticized for leading to political instability precisely because leaders keep changing through regular elections. A system that prevents any change in leadership is characteristic of authoritarian regimes or dictatorships, not democracies.
Statement 2 is Correct. A common argument against democracy is that it is primarily about political competition and power play. Critics argue that the intense focus on winning elections often eliminates the scope for morality, as candidates and parties may resort to unethical means to secure power.
Statement 3 is Correct. Democratic decision-making involves consultation, debate, and adherence to procedures. Because many people and institutions must be consulted, democracy often leads to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic systems (like dictatorships) where decisions can be taken unilaterally and quickly.

Key Takeaway: While democracy ensures accountability and legitimate governance, its inherent mechanisms of consultation and periodic elections often result in decision-making delays and political instability, which are common criticisms of the system.

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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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Democracy does not ensure stability by preventing changes in leadership; rather, it is often criticized for leading to political instability precisely because leaders keep changing through regular elections. A system that prevents any change in leadership is characteristic of authoritarian regimes or dictatorships, not democracies.
Statement 2 is Correct. A common argument against democracy is that it is primarily about political competition and power play. Critics argue that the intense focus on winning elections often eliminates the scope for morality, as candidates and parties may resort to unethical means to secure power.
Statement 3 is Correct. Democratic decision-making involves consultation, debate, and adherence to procedures. Because many people and institutions must be consulted, democracy often leads to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic systems (like dictatorships) where decisions can be taken unilaterally and quickly.