Authority

Understand how authority is justified and exercised, from ideas in Kautilya and Shukraniti to constitutional justice and security, elections, democratic institutions and citizen responsibility.

Key concepts

Danda, Nyaya and Bala

The syllabus asks students to examine discipline or force (danda), justice (nyaya) and strength or capacity (bala) together. Authority is more legitimate when power is accountable to justice.

Kinds of authority

Functional authority performs a defined public task; sensitive authority responds to people’s needs and concerns; welfare-oriented authority works to support well-being. Use the course’s definitions and examples.

Justice and security

Justice and public safety are responsibilities of institutions under constitutional arrangements. Security should operate within law and protect rights.

Citizens and democratic institutions

Citizens participate through elections and other lawful civic processes. They can ask questions, follow rules, seek information and hold public institutions accountable.

Historical and constitutional perspectives

Compare older political ideas with the modern constitutional framework carefully. Explain what changes and what continues without treating historical systems as identical to democracy today.

Apply the ideas

A local authority enforces a safety rule but applies it unfairly to one group. Use the concepts of danda and nyaya to explain why enforcement alone is insufficient: public authority also needs fairness and accountability.

For a source-based question, cite the map, table, case or text detail that supports your answer. Separate observation from explanation.

Important questions with model answers

1. Why should authority be connected with justice?

Power without justice can become arbitrary. Justice guides how rules are made and applied, while accountable authority helps protect rights and security.

2. What role do citizens play in authority?

Citizens take part in elections and public life, follow lawful rules, raise concerns through proper channels and hold institutions accountable.

Practice activity

Try this: Create a one-page concept map for “Authority”. Include five key terms, one cause-and-effect connection and one example from the textbook or a reliable local observation. Add a source note for any fact you look up.

Can I explain each key term in my own words?
Can I connect people, place, institutions and evidence?
Have I avoided adding facts outside the assigned course section?

These are original revision notes aligned to the CBSE Class IX 2026–27 curriculum. Use them with your prescribed NCERT book and your teacher’s directions. Official CBSE syllabus