Consider the following statements regarding the strength of democracy: 1. It depends solely on the wisdom of the rulers. 2. It depends mainly on the active participation of the citizens. 3. It requires citizens to remain passive to ensure stability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation Democracy is fundamentally a system of government based on popular sovereignty, where power is derived from the people. Its vitality and resilience depend on the dynamic engagement of the citizenry rather than the authority of a few individuals. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Democracy does not depend solely on the wisdom of rulers. Unlike monarchy or aristocracy, which rely on the discretion of a few, democracy is built on the collective wisdom, consultation, and consent of the governed. - Statement 2 is Correct: The strength of a democracy is directly proportional to the active participation of its citizens. Participation includes voting, engaging in public debate, holding representatives accountable, and being aware of rights and duties. This ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: A passive citizenry is detrimental to democracy. For a democracy to remain stable and free, citizens must be vigilant. Passivity can lead to the erosion of rights and the emergence of authoritarian tendencies. Key Takeaway: The success of a democracy relies mainly on active citizenship and public vigilance, rather than the passive obedience of people or the sole wisdom of leaders.

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

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the strength of democracy:

It depends solely on the wisdom of the rulers.
It depends mainly on the active participation of the citizens.
It requires citizens to remain passive to ensure stability.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Democracy is fundamentally a system of government based on popular sovereignty, where power is derived from the people. Its vitality and resilience depend on the dynamic engagement of the citizenry rather than the authority of a few individuals.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Democracy does not depend solely on the wisdom of rulers. Unlike monarchy or aristocracy, which rely on the discretion of a few, democracy is built on the collective wisdom, consultation, and consent of the governed.
Statement 2 is Correct: The strength of a democracy is directly proportional to the active participation of its citizens. Participation includes voting, engaging in public debate, holding representatives accountable, and being aware of rights and duties. This ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: A passive citizenry is detrimental to democracy. For a democracy to remain stable and free, citizens must be vigilant. Passivity can lead to the erosion of rights and the emergence of authoritarian tendencies.

Key Takeaway:
The success of a democracy relies mainly on active citizenship and public vigilance, rather than the passive obedience of people or the sole wisdom of leaders.

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?

medium

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

medium

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?

medium

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?

medium

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

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: What is democracy?

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 9 Political Science chapters

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Democracy does not depend solely on the wisdom of rulers. Unlike monarchy or aristocracy, which rely on the discretion of a few, democracy is built on the collective wisdom, consultation, and consent of the governed.
Statement 2 is Correct: The strength of a democracy is directly proportional to the active participation of its citizens. Participation includes voting, engaging in public debate, holding representatives accountable, and being aware of rights and duties. This ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: A passive citizenry is detrimental to democracy. For a democracy to remain stable and free, citizens must be vigilant. Passivity can lead to the erosion of rights and the emergence of authoritarian tendencies.

Key Takeaway:
The success of a democracy relies mainly on active citizenship and public vigilance, rather than the passive obedience of people or the sole wisdom of leaders.