CBSE Class 10 Social Science Outcomes of Democracy Assignment Set A

What do the common people expect from a democratic government? Does the democratic system of government really fulfil the expectations of the common people?
We know that democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative as it -

HOW DO WE ASSESS DEMOCRACY’S OUTCOMES?

• Promotes equality among citizens
• Enhances the dignity of the individual
• Improves the quality of decision-making
• Provides a method to resolve conflicts
• Allows room to correct mistakes

Most of the people support democracy against other alternatives, such as rule by a monarch or military or religious leaders. But very few people are satisfied with the democracy in practice. Democracy is seen to be good in principle but often felt to be not so good in its practice. This dilemma invites us to think hard about the outcomes of democracy.

Do we prefer democracy only for moral reasons?
Or are there some prudential reasons to support democracy too?

Over 160 countries of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics: they have formal constitutions, they hold elections, they have parties and they guarantee rights to citizens. While these features are common to most of them, these democracies are quite different from each other in terms of their social situations, their economic achievements and their cultures. Clearly, what may be achieved or not achieved under each of these democracies will be very different. But is there something that we can expect from every democracy, just because it is a democracy?

The Democracy Index is an index compiled by the UK-based company, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) that intends to measure the state of democracy in 167 countries, It categorizes these countries as Full Democracies, Flawed Democracies, Hybrid Regimes and Authoritarian Regimes. The top three positions are taken by Norway, Iceland, Sweden.

When we think about the outcomes of democracy we must understand that democracy is just a form of government. It can only create conditions for achievements of people in different sections of the society. The citizens have to take advantage of those conditions and achieve those goals. These can be studied under the headings of Political outcomes, Economic outcomes, Social outcomes.

ACCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE AND LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT

Being Accountable

• The most basic outcome of democracy is that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens.
• When people choose their representatives, they are expected to be accountable.
• The citizens have the right and also the means to examine the process of decision making.
• The government is expected to practice regular, free and fair elections and opendiscussions on important issues.
• Democratic government can apparently be less efficient than a non-democratic government. This happens because a nondemocratic government does not need to arrive at consensus among a diverse set of people. Democracy functions on the basis of deliberation and negotiation and hence decisions are often delayed. But this does not mean that a democratic government is less efficient.

Democracy is preferred over dictatorship everywhere.

Those who agree with one of these statements.
                    Bangladesh   India   Nepal  Pakistan   S. Lanka
Democracy
is preferable      69              70        62       37          71
Sometimes
dictatorship
is better             6                 9         10       14          11
Doesn’t
matter to me     25              21        28        49         18

Very few doubt the suitability of democracy for their own country.
How suitable is democracy for your country?

Being Responsive

• A democratic government is more responsible and also responsive towards the expectation of people.
• The government is responsive to public opinion and attentive to the needs and demands of the people.
• It is assumed that the democratic governments are not corrupt.
• Many democratic governments fall short in electoral expectations and often do not share information. However, it must be said that their records are still much better than nondemocratic governments.

Being Legitimate

• A democratic government is people’s own government. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.
• People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country.Democracy’s ability to generate support for itself is an outcome that cannot be ignored.
• Though there are many reports of democracies ignoring the demands of people and there are routine tales of corruption but yet chances of improvement in governance only exist in a democratic set-up.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Economic Growth

• Compared to dictatorships (between the years 1950-2000) the rate of economic growth in democracies have been slightly less.
• But there are many democratic countries which are among the economic superpowers of the world. This shows that economic growth does not depend on the form of government only.
• Other factors also decide the trend of economic growth; like population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities of the country, etc.
• When we look at other positive outcomes such as socio-economic development and welfare of the people then, democracy is always better than dictatorship.

Economic Development

• Economic development of a country greatly depends upon factors such as population size, global environment and economic priorities.
• Comparing the economic development in democracies and dictatorship, we find that the differences are negligible.
• Though democracies cannot guarantee economic growth but the growth as it happens is broad based.

REDUCTION OF INEQUALITY AND POVERTY

• Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities by equitable distribution of opportunities of growth. This leads to reduction of disparities of income and wealth.
• In real life, democracies have not been able to enforce equitable wealth distribution. It is seen that a small proportion of the ultra rich enjoy a disproportionate share of riches.
• However, it can be said that democratic governments do make an effort to spread the economic opportunities. The situation in dictatorships are much worse.

ACCOMMODATION OF SOCIAL DIVERSITY

• We cannot resolve conflicts among different groups in the society. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences.
• Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences.
• Democracy does not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority must work with the minority so that government has the general view. Majority and minority opinions are not permanent.
• The rule by majority should not become the rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group.
• fDemocracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.

DIGNITY AND FREEDOM OF THE CITIZENS

• Democracy is much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
• The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. Democracies throughout the world have recognized this, at least in principle. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
• Democracies recognize that all individuals are equal. .
• Most societies across the world were historically male dominated societies. Equal treatment of women is a necessary ingredient of a democratic society.
• The principles of individual freedom and dignity have legal and moral status in democracies.
• We know that the democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the discriminated section of the society for equal rights and dignity.
• An important aspect of democracy is the continuous improvement. As people get some benefit they begin to ask for more. In that sense the expectations in democracy never end.
• The evidence that people complain and ask for improvement is itself a manifestation of a democratic society. It transforms people from being a subject to becoming a citizen.

 

Multiple Choice Questions 

Question. : Which among the following is a wrong statement about democracy?
(a) Promotes equality among citizens
(b) Enhances the dignity of the individual
(c) Provide a method to resolve conflicts
(d) Does not have room to correct mistakes 

Answer : (d) Does not have room to correct mistakes 

Question. Democracy is better because it:
(a) Promotes equality among citizens
(b) Enhances dignity of the individual
(c) Improves quality of decision making
(d) All of the above 

Answer : (d) All of the above 

Question. Democracy has more positive outcomes than ___________.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Dictatorship
(b) Monarchy
(c) Imperialism
(d) All of these. 

Answer : (d) All of these 

Question. Which of the following options proves that the record of democracies is not impressive?
(a) It often frustrates the needs of the people.
(b) It often ignores demands of majority of its population
(c) Both a and b are correct
(d) It is responsible government 

Answer : (c) Both (a) and (b) are correct 

Question. Which government is superior than any other government in promoting dignity?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Democracy
(d) None of these 

Answer : (c) Democracy 

Question. Which of the following evilish practices can be seen in democracy?
I. Corruption
II. Favouritism
III. Unequal development
IV. Military rule
Option:
(a) I, III & IV
(b) I,II & IV
(c) II,III
(d) I, II & III 

Answer : (d) I, II & III 

Question. Which of the following is a feature of dictatorship ?
(a) No constitution
(b) No elections
(c) Monopoly over power
(d) All of the above 

Answer : (a) All of the above 

Question. Which of these is not a feature of Dictatorship ?
(a) No constitution
(b) Monopoly over power
(c) Equality among citizens
(d) No elections 

Answer : (c) Equality among citizens 

Question. Which of these countries has the most stable form of democracy ?
(a) Nepal
(b) The U.S.A.
(c) India
(d) Sri Lanka 

Answer : (b) The U.S.A. 

Question. Which of the following options makes democracy a transparent form of government?
I. The rights and the means to examine the process of decision making.
II. The government follows a procedure and is accountable to people.
III. The government makes laws quickly.
IV. It make mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
Options:
(a) I, III & IV
(b) I, II & IV
(c) II,III & IV
(d) I, II & III 

Answer : (b) I, II & IV 

Question. Who has given the statement, “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
(a) Abraham Lincoln
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) None of these 

Answer : (a) Abrahm Lincoln 

Question. On which factor economic development of country depends?
(a) Population size
(b) Global situation
(c) Cooperation with other countries
(d) All of the above 

Answer : (d) All of the above 

Question. Which of the following aspect best signifies this image ?

(a) In a democracy, all sections and classes of people can live amicably.
(b) In a democracy, there is a stark division between the various castes.
(c) Blacks and white population can never join hands.
(d) Documentation is necessary in any deal. 

Answer : (a) In a democracy, all sections and classes of people can live amicably. 

Question. Economic development of a country depends upon which of the following factors?
(a) The size of the country's population
(b) Relations with other countries
(c) Economic policies adopted by the countries
(d) All of the above 

Answer : (d) All of the above

Question. Which of the following forms of government has support in genial
(a) Democracy
(b) Monarchy rule 
(c) Military rule   
(d) Rule of religious leaders 

Answer: A

Question. The most important outcome of democracy is
(a) Accountable government   
(b) Responsive government
(c) Both of them   
(d) None of them 

Answer: C

Question. Democracy is based on the idea of
(a) Majority 
(b) Minority `
(c) Deliberation and negotiation   
(d) None of these 

Answer: C

Question. In a democratic government, a citizen has the right and the means to examine thedecisions taken by the govt. It is known as-
(a) Transparency   
(b) Legitimacy   
(c) Democracy   
(d) Monarchy 

Answer: C

Question. “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”is said by-
(a) Abraham Lincoln   
(b) Gittel   
(c) Mahatma Gandhi   
(d) Jawahar Lal Nehru 

Answer: A

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Define Dictatorship.
Answer : Dictatorship refers to a form of government in which the ruler enjoys absolute power without any constitutional regulation.

Question. Does democracy in India offer equal status to the discriminated sections?
Answer : There are several examples in India where discriminated sections face several atrocities and inequalities. However, such treatments are without any legal or moral basis. Notably these practices have been reduced by the time in India Under the democratic set up. Democracy offers equal status and opportunities for discriminated sections of the society which help them to come in mainstream of Society.

Question. Define Democracy.
Answer : Democracy is a form of government in which people elect their representatives. In this way it is the government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Question. Democracy is better because it promotes __________.
Answer : equality among citizens.

Question. Does a democratic system help in promoting the dignity of a citizen ? Explain how.
Answer : Yes, a democratic system helps in promoting the dignity of the citizens. Mostly, conflicts exist in society as individuals feel that they are not treated with respect. However, respect for dignity of a citizen is the basis of a democratic system.

Question. Does a democratic system help in accommodating social diversity?
Answer : Yes, a democratic system helps in accommodating social diversity. People learn to respect social differences and there are also ways to negotiate the differences.

Question. Which type of Government is dominant in contemporary world?
Answer : People’s representative government.

Question. Name the association of South Asian Developing countries.
Answer : SAARC

Short Answer Type Questions 

Question. Why is democracy a better form of Government?
Answer :
i. Democracy promotes equality among citizens;
ii. It enhances the dignity of the individual;
iii. It improves the quality of decision making;
iv. It Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and
v. It allows room to correct mistakes. Hence, it is a better form of Government.

Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer :
i. In a democracy, we are most concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. If they do not work properly, people can overthrow them. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Thus, democracy produces an accountable, government.
ii. Democracy is a government that is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. Democracies should not frustrate the needs of the people and ignore the demands of a majority of its population. Thus it a responsive Government.
iii. Democratic government is a legitimate government. It is people’s own government. People elect the rulers. The party that gets majority seat in the legislature forms the government. If they lose the majority, they have to resign.

Question. How does democracy help reduce inequality and poverty?
Answer :
i. Economic inequality and poverty are the twin problems of India. Different political parties are committed to remove these since it is included in their election manifesto. They are responsive to the needs of the people. The elected Government from time to time started a number of poverty alleviation programmes to reduce poverty in India.
ii. More over many employment schemes like Rural Works Programme, National Rural Employment Programme etc. are started by democratic Government in India.

Question. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer :
i. It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply a rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.Majority and minority opinions are not permanent.
ii. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group, etc. Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons and groups may and can form a majority.
iii. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time. If someone is barred from being in majority on the basis of birth, then the democratic rule ceases to be accommodative for that person or group.

Question. “Democratic government is a legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : 'Democratic government is a legitimate government' as it runs on the basis of norms and procedures prescribed by the constitution. It is a government run by the representatives elected by the people. There is transparency in the system, where the citizens have the right to examine the decision-making process. Moreover, in case of dissatisfaction, people have the power to change the rule by not supporting the present government in election. 

Question. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanisms to deepen democracy in the given situations :
(i) Following a High Court directive, a temple in Odisha (Orissa) that had separate entry doors for dalits and nondalits allowed entry to all from the same door.
(ii) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
(iii) Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
Answer : (i) The challenge to democracy is that Dalits were denied equality in accessing a place of worship. Though, the policies can help in resolving the situation to some extent; what is needed is to create awareness among people against castism which can help in abolishing such a practice.
(ii) The challenge to democracy is poverty and indebtedness among different sections; for resolving the situation, loans should be offered to the poor farmers at low interest rates. For this purpose, cooperative societies should be established to help farmers. Crop insurance policy should be offered for handling the situation like crop failure.
(iii) The challenge to democracy here is dignity and freedom of citizens and the right to equality. The situation should be resolved by conducting an impartial and transparent enquiry followed by taking appropriate actions. 

Question. “Democratic governments are better than its alternatives”. Explain the statement?
Answer : 1. Democratic government is a legitimate government
2. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But it is the people’s own govt.
3. There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world ; in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes.

Question. Why is democratic government considered better than its alternatives ?
Answer : A democratic government is considered better than its alternatives due to the following reasons :
(i) It is a legitimate form of government.
(ii) It's procedure might be slow, but it is a people's own government which aims at improving the quality of decision making which will be acceptable by all.
(iii) It ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures.
(iv) It has transparency in the system i.e., every citizen has the right to examine the process of decision making. 

Question. Explain the standard methods of a democratic system.
Answer : The standard methods of a democratic system are as follows:
(i) Free and fair elections are held regularly.
(ii) Open public debate is carried on major policies and legislations.
(iii) Citizens get right to information about the government and its functioning.
(iv) Good governance and transparency are maintained. 

Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : 1. Democracy is a form of govt. in which people rule themselves through the representatives who areelected by them
2. The elected members from the govt. and make policies and run the administration of the country.
3. The govt. elected by the people is also accountable to them.

Question. Can democracy be held responsible for socio-economic and political issues prevalent in our society?
Answer : No, democracy can't be held responsible for socioeconomic and political issues prevalent in our society as such issues are present in every society but democracy offers the way to resolve them. 

Question. How does democracy produce an account-able, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : (i) Democracy produces an accountable government : choose their representatives through elections and it is duty of their representative to fulfill their demands and consider their interests. If they will not do so then they will loose the power to rule the government in the next elections.
(ii) Democracy produces a responsive government: It is elected by the people and is responsible towards the needs of the people. It promotes the formation of public opinion and takes care of the needs and aspirations of the people.
(iii) Democracy produces a legitimate government: Elections are held regularly and people get a chance to elect their representatives. The party which gets majority votes form the government and rules. It has to resign if it is not able to win majority in the next elections their authority is recognised by people in democracy. 

Question. Suggest some broad guidelines that can be kept in mind while devising ways and means for political reforms in India.
Answer : Some broad guidelines that can be kept in mind while devising ways and means for political reforms in India are as follows:
(i) It should cater to the needs of ordinary citizens and should not favour any specific group.
(ii) It shouldn't provoke dissatisfaction or tension in the society, which may lead to conflict or violence in the name of caste, religion, creed, gender and so on.
(iii) It should help in strengthening the democracy.
(iv) It should increase the participation of ordinary citizens in politics. 

Question.What is the challenge of expansion? Give example.
Answer:
1. The challenge of expansion involves applying the basic principles of democratic government across all regions, different social groups and-various institutions,
2. Examples are greater power to local governments and representation to women and minorities, extension of federal principles to all the units of the federation.
3. This also means less arid less decisions should remain outside the arena of democratic control,
4. Most of the countries including India and democracies like the US face this challenge.

Question. “The challenge of deepening of democracy is faced by every democracy in one form or another.” Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
1. The challenge of deepening of democracy involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy.
2. This challenge is being faced by every democracy in one form or the other.
3. This should happen in such a way that people can realise their expectations of democracy.
However, ordinary people have different expectations from democracy in different societies.
4. This challenge takes different meanings and paths in different parts of the world.
5. In general terms, it usually means strengthening those institutions that help people’s participation and control.

Question.‘A democratic government is a legitimate government.’ Support the statement with arguments.
Answer:
A democratic government is a legitimate government because of the following reasons.
• It may be slow, less efficient or not always responsive or clean, but it is people’s own government.
• It has planned institutions and practices for its functioning, such as:
1. Free and fair elections.
2. Regular public debates.
3. Right to information to citizens.
4. Planned legislations.
• In a democracy, decisions are taken in a very transparent manner citizens have the chance to
examine the process of decision-making.

Question. ‘Democracy accommodates social diversities.’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer:
Democracy accommodates social diversities in the following ways.
• Democracy develops competitive attitude: Democracy develops a procedure to conduct competition among social classes. This reduces the possibility of conflicts and social tensions.
• Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups, but we can certainly learn to respect this difference and can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracies are best suited to produce this outcome.
• Democracy represents the general view: Democracy ensures that the majority should not make the government but it should have the representation of minority as well.

Question. ‘Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.’ Support the statement.
Answer:
Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable because
• People have the right to choose their representatives and they have control over the rulers.
• if these elected representatives do not work properly, people have a chance to not elect them in the next election.
• People have the right to examine the decision-making process. The Right to Information enables the people to run a check on the government

Long Answer Type Questions 

Question. How are the democratic governments better than the other forms of governments? Compare.* OR “Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government.” Analyse the statement with arguments.*
Answer : 'Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government,' due to the following reasons:
(i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It helps in improving the dignity of the individual.
(iii) It helps in improving the quality of decision making.
(iv) It offers a way for resolving conflicts.
(v) It gives chances for rectifying mistakes.
(vi) It ensures the creation of an accountable, legitimate and responsive government.
(vii ) It helps in accommodating social diversities.
(vii i) It helps in lowering economic inequalities and poverty.
(ix) It ensures upliftment of the discriminated sections of the society.
(x) It offers transparency in the process of decision-making.

Question. Describe the features of dictatorship?
Answer : Following features can be explained-
1. Monopoly of powers.
2. One party
3. Faith in force
4. Emphasis on duty and discipline
5. Belief in racial superiority

Question. What would be your verdict on democracy if you had to base it purely on economic performance of democratic regimes in terms of growth and equal distribution?
Answer : We can see through the Table 1 that dictatorship regimes (4.42%) have performed better than the democratic regimes (3.95%), but there is not much difference between economic performance of the poor countries (4.34%) under dictatorship and 4.28% for poor countries under democracy). Table 2 indicates that in most of the countries more than 30% share goes to top 20 percent people and bottom 20 percent get less than 10% of the total wealth. This indicates that economic disparities exist in all the countries, irrespective of whether these have democratic or dictatorial regimes. I will go with democracy as it offers ample opportunities for economic growth and for reducing the economic inequalities.

Question. All you are saying is that democracy ensures that people do not break each other’s head. This is not harmony. Should we be happy about it?
Answer : A democratic system tries to accommodate social diversity, but it doesn't simply mean to ensure that people do not break each other's head. This is not harmony. Social differences exist in each society and democracy, teaches us to respect these differences and evolve ways to negotiate them.

Question. The above cartoon and graph. Illustrates a point made in this section (Dignity and freedom of the citizens). Underline the sentences from this section which connect to the cartoon or graph.
Answer : The cartoon shows the gender based discrimination against women, here she is denied of her basic rights. The graph depicts that in spite of several complaints, democracy is the most desired form of government in South Asian countries.

Question. “Democracies often frustrate the people.” Substantiate your answer suitably.
Answer : Democracy is a government by the people, of the people and for the people. Hence, people often expect much from it. However, they get disappointed when their needs and demands are ignored and corruption adversely affects the decision-making process. People also get disappointed due to slower process of decision-making and slow economic growth. But it is important to note here, that decisionmaking in democracy is taken through norms and procedures. Hence, there may be delay in the procedure but the decisions are acceptable to all and are efficient. People, also have power to change the rule by not electing the corrupt or inefficient government. Moreover, such adversities are found in non democratic set ups also. However, in democracy people can trust the system that things will be changed if they bring them into the light, instead of being passive suffers. Hence, frustration of people with democracy is an indication that they are enlightened and active citizens who can act to bring about change.

Question. “There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.” Support the statement.
Answer : ''There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world,'' due to the following reasons:
(i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It helps in improving the dignity of the individual.
(iii) It helps in improving the quality of decision-making.
(iv) It offers a way for resolving conflicts.
(v) It gives chances for rectifying mistakes.
(vi) It ensures the creation of an accountable, legitimate and responsive government.
(vii) It helps in accommodating social diversities.
(viii) It helps in lowering economic inequalities and poverty.
(ix) It ensures upliftment of discriminated sections of the society.
(x) It has a formal constitution and elections are held regularly.
(xi) It guarantees rights to the citizens.
(xii) It pays attention to the needs of the citizens.
(xiii) It is largely free of corruption.
(xiv) It offers transparency in the process of decision-making.

Question. Explain the statement, “What is most distinctive about a democracy is that its examination never gets over.”
Answer : The statement means that when a democratic system is able to clear one exam, the expectation of the people rises and they expect more and more to make the system even better. This is the reason for which people often complaint about a democratic system, as they expect it to become even better. In fact, the complaints of the people are a testimony of the success of the system as they have awareness about what's happening around them and trust that the system can improve if they approach higher authorities. Thus, a democratic system empowers the people from being mere subjects to enlightened citizens.

Question. How far is democracy able to accommodate social diversities?
Answer : Democracy is able to accommodate social diversities. Social differences exist in all societies, but democracy helps in promoting peaceful and harmonious relationships. It offers political equality to all irrespective of their colour, gender, caste, class or creed. Although, it is not possible to remove conflicts completely from the society, yet, it helps in lowering the chances of tensions, violence or differences. It helps in promoting dignity of an individual and women and further ensures equality for discriminated and deprived sections of the society. People learn to respect those from different groups and learn to negotiate the social differences.

 

Souce/Case Based Questions

Question. Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:

We felt that democracy was better because it: Promotes equality among citizens; enhances the dignity of the individual; improves the quality of decision-making; provides a method to resolve conflicts; and allows room to correct mistakes. When we talk to people around us, most of them support democracy against other alternatives, such as rule by a monarch or military or religious leaders. Over a hundred countries of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics: they have formal constitutions, they hold elections, they have parties and they guarantee right of citizens. While these features are common to most of them, these democracies are very much different from each other in terms of their social situations, their economic achievements and their cultures. Clearly, what may be achieved or not achieved under each of these democracies will be different. Our interest in and fascination for democracy often pushes us into taking a position that democracy an address all socio-economic and political problems. If some of our expectations are not met, we start blaming the idea of democracy. Or, we start doubting if we are living in a democracy. The first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government. It can only create conditions for achieving something. The citizens have to take advantage of those conditions and achieve those goals.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

(i) Identify the statement that reflects that democracy is a better form of government.
(a) Not many would be satisfied with the democracy in practice.
(b) Allows room to correct mistakes.
(c) Less developed countries with dictatorial government have better economic growth.
(d) Decision-making is delayed in a democracy.
Answer : (b) Allows room to correct mistakes.

(ii) Which feature is common in democracy?
(a) They guarantee rights to citizens.
(b) There is no dignity of individual.
(c) Right to vote remains with the taxable group.
(d) Power is in the hands of one party.
Answer : (a) They guarantee rights to citizens.

(iii) How are democracies very much different from each other?
(a) Some do not have voting rights.
(b) Some nations have only one ruling party in power over years.
(c) In terms of their social situations, economic achievements and their cultures.
(d) In terms of scientific developments and their culture.
Answer : (c) In terms of their social situations, economic achievements and their cultures.

(iv) What is the first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy?
(a) Democracy always has to work to protect the minority community.
(b) In a democracy, economic growth is strong.
(c) In a democracy, there is no inequality.
(d) To recognise that democracy is just a form of government.
Answer : (d) To recognise that democracy is just a form of government.

 

Question. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:

Source A - Dignity and freedom of the citizens

Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Often conflicts arise among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with due respect. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. Democracies throughout the world have recognised this, at least in principle. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.

Source B - Non-democratic Regimes

Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion.

Source C - Strength of Democracy

Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making that affects them all. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity. There are instances still of caste-based inequalities and atrocities, but these lack the moral and legal foundations. Perhaps it is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.

(i) What are the basis of democracy?
Answer : The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. 

(ii) Why democracy is considered as the superior form of government?
Answer : The democracy is considered as the superior form ofgo vernment because it promotes dignity and freedom of the individual.

(iii) How does the Indian democracy strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes?
Answer : Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity as they are able to participate in decision making that affects them all.