CBSE Class 10 Social Science Outcomes of Democracy Important Questions

Question. Which form of government is considered best? 
(A) Monarchy
(B) Democracy
(C) Communist
(D) Anarchy
Answer : B

Question. Analyze the information given below, considering one of the following correct options:
"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. Often conflicts arise among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with due respect.
The passion for respect and freedom the basis of democracy."
(A) Dignity and freedom of disadvantaged groups.
(B) Dignity and freedom of women.
(C) Dignity and freedom of the citizens
(D) Accommodation of social diversity
Answer : C

Question. What is meant by an Accountable government? 
(A) In an accountable a government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form government and if possible they participate in decision-making process.
(B) In an accountable government, people do not have the right to elect leaders.
(C) In an accountable government, people are a part of decision-making process.
(D) In an accountable government, only a privileged section of the society is allowed to vote.
Answer : A

Question. Which system can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of Society?
(A) Monarchy
(B) Anarchy
(C) Communism
(D) Democracy
Answer : D

Question. Modern Democracies maintain a Check and Balance System. Identify the correct option based on the Horizontal Power Sharing arrangement.
(A) Central Government, State Government, Local Bodies.
(B) Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.
(C) Among different social groups.
(D) Among different pressure groups.
Answer : B

Question. Find the incorrect option from the following:
(A) Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual.
(B) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
(C) Improves the quality of decision making.
(D) Allows room to make more mistakes.
Answer : D

Question. 

(A) (i)-(a),(ii)-(b),(iii)-(c),(iv)-(d)
(B) (i)-(d),(ii)-(c), (iii)-(b),(iv)-(a)
(C) (i)-(c),(ii)-(a),(iii)-(d),(iv)-(b)
(D) (i)-(b),(ii)-(d),(iii)-(a),(iv)-(c)
Answer : B

Question.

(A) (i)-(a), (ii)-(b), (iii)-(c), (iv)-(b)
(B) (i) -(b), (ii)-(c), (iii)-(d), (iv)-(a)
(C) (i)-(b), (ii)-(a),(iii)-(d),(iv)-(c)
(D) (i)-(c),(ii)-(a),(iii)-(d),(iv)-(b)
Answer : C

Question. Find the incorrect option from the following:
(A) Most societies across the world historically Female dominated societies.
(B) Long struggles by Women have created some sensitivity today.
(C) Respect and equal treatment of women are ingredients of a Democratic Society.
(D) That does not mean that Women are always treated with respect.
Answer : A

Question. What is meant by economic inequality? 
(A) It is a situation of equal distribution of Wealth.
(B) It is the unequal distribution of Income and opportunity between different groups in Society.
(C) It is the distribution of wealth on the basis of Gender.
(D) It is the distribution of wealth on the basis of education.
Answer : B

Question. In which area does Democracy fail to achieve the same results as in Dictatorship? 
(A) Social development
(B) Economic development
(C) Political development
(D) Development on the basis of religion
Answer : B

Question. Why is Democratic Government better than other alternatives? 
(A) It promotes equality among political parties.
(B) It helps in economic growth.
(C) It helps in creating a pollution-free environment.
(D) It promotes equality among citizens.
Answer : D

Question. Analyze the information given below, considering one of the following correct options:
"It is expected from a government that it should bring economic growth and development. But many democracies of the world are unable to fulfill this expectation because of population size, global situation, cooperation from other, countries, economic priorities, etc."
(A) Economic outcomes
(B) Economic growth and development
(C) Legitimate government
(D) Reduction of inequality and poverty
Answer : B

Assertion and Reason Based MCQs

Directions : In the following questions, A statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Mark the correct choice as:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.

Question. Assertion (A): Bangladesh is a country where more than half of its population lives in luxury.
Reason (R): Sometimes the poor find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health.
Answer : D

Question. Assertion (A): Power sharing is the spirit of Democracy.
Reason (R): As the Rights of the people are not limited to the Right to Vote, stand in elections and form Political Organizations.
Answer : B

Question. Assertion (A): At least one fourth of the globe is still not under Democratic government.
Reason (R): Because the challenge for Democracy in these parts of the world is very stark.
Answer : A

Question. Assertion (A): The third challenge deepening of Democracy is usually not faced by every Democracy in one form or another.
Reason (R): This involves strengthening the country and practices of Democracy.
Answer : D

Question. Assertion (A): Transparency means openness, communication and accountability of the government.
Reason (R): Transparency is considered missing in a Democratic government.
Answer : C

Question. Assertion (A): Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practice.
Reason (R): Any proposal for political reforms should think only about what is a good solution but not care about who will implement it and how.
Answer : C

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What is meant by transparency? 
Answer : To examine the process of decision-making in a Democracy is known as transparency.

Question. How can you say that Democracies are based on Political Equality? 
Answer : Democracy gives political equality by granting every individual the Right to vote.

Question. What do you understand by Economic growth?
Answer : Increase in domestic production and Services leading to all round growth in people's standard of living is known as Economic growth.

Question. How can Democratic reforms be carried out by politically conscious citizens?
Answer : Democratic reforms can be carried out by politically conscious citizens by increasing and improving the quality of political participation i.e., active participation in the functioning of the government.

Question. How can democratic reforms be carried out by movement?
Answer : Democratic reforms carried out by movements increase and improve the quality of political participation.

Question. Which form of government is better – Democratic or Non-democratic? 
Answer : Democratic government.

Question. What should be the basic outcome of democracy?
Answer : a) It produces a government that is accountable to citizens
b) Responsive to the needs and Expectations of the citizens.

Question. What are the basic elements of democracy?
Answer : a. Have formal constitutions
b.Hold elections
c.Have parties
d.Guarantee rights of citizens

Question. Why democracy better than dictatorship or any other alternative?
Answer : It is because democracy promotes equality among citizens.

Question. What is the meaning of concept outcomes?
Answer : results--- success or failures of democracy.

Question. In which country democracy is not preferred over dictatorship?
Answer : Pakistan

Question. How can you say that democracies are based on political equality?
Answer : a) Multi parties are allowed to take part in the election and form government imported to power.
b)All the adult members have the right to vote.

Question. What is the status of economic growth under dictatorial government?
Answer :  It is slightly better than democratic setup.

Question. Name any one country which is suffering from great economic in equality.
Answer :-Bangladesh

Question. Why decisions are delayed in Democracy?
Answer : Decisions are taken after debate and deliberation which involves a large number of decision makers.

Question. Name any two countries which have the most stable democracies.
Answer : USA and Switzerland

Question. Democratic government is legitimate government. Explain.
Answer : a ) Democracy produce a government that follows and is accountable to the people
b) Provides mechanism for citizens to hold Government accountable and allows citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
c) One can measure democracy on the basis of this expected outcome for regular free and fair election open public debate on major policies. 

Question. “Democracy means delay in decision making “. Justify this statement with any three arguments?
Answer : a) Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation.
b) Decisions are taken in Parliament after long debates and discussions. The views of all members of the Parliament are taken into consideration before taking any decision.
C) Committees are formed on important issues which take long time and causes for the delay in making decisions.
D) In Parliament after the decisions are over voting is taken which also take some time.

Question. What is transparency in democracy?
Answer : Democracy ensure that decision making in the government will be based on norms and procedures. If a citizen wants to know if a decision was taken through the right procedure he can find out. He/ she have the right to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency.
Example - RTI act passed by the Indian Parliament.

Question.  Why is economic growth slightly higher under dictatorial government?
Answer : a) Process of decision making is fast and uninterrupted.
b) Allocation of resources is done more efficiently.
c) Economic decision and implementation take place as directed.
These processes are very slow and hampered by too much debates and discussions under the democratic setup.

Question. Why democracy is not considered simply a rule of majority?
Answer : a) In almost all countries majority of the people are poor who do not have money muscle power and other resources to contest the election.
b) Rich people with all the resources who are in small minority in the country can contest and win elections.

Question. Why democracy is called the better form of government than dictatorship? Give reasons.
Answer : a) Democracy promotes equality among citizens as it is peoples on government.
b) It enhances the dignity of the individual
c) Also improves the quality of decision making
d) Provides methods to resolve conflicts

Question. “Democratic government is known as responsive government.”Assess the statement.
Answer : a)Economic growth and development- level of economic development is slow because of delay in decision making
b) Accommodation of social diversity- majority should work with minority
c) Dignity and freedom of citizens- every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Equality of women

Question. “What the most distinctive about democracy is that its examination never gets over”. Comment.
Answer :a) As democracy passes one test it faces another test.
b) People ask about the way democracy functions, they come up with more Expectations and many complaints.
c) Peoples company itself a testimony to the success of democracy
d) A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.

Question. What outcomes are expected of a democracy?
Answer : a) People should get a chance to choose their representatives without any fear
b) Elections are held periodically on the basis of the universal franchise
c) Free and fair elections are conducted by an independent machinery
d) Elected representatives are accountable to the people
e) People are guaranteed fundamental rights by the Constitution
f)Freedom of press should be allowed

Question. “Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government.”Analyze the statement with arguments.
Answer : a) Promotes equality among citizens
b) Enhances the dignity of the individuals
c) Improves the quality of decision making
d) Provides a method to resolve conflicts
e) Allows room to correct mistakes.

Question. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.”Explain.
Answer : a) Reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent
b) No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups
c) Evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences
d)Citizens are equal and enjoy equal social and political rights
e) Give a chance to every citizens to express his/ her views on every issue being faced by them.

Question. “In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities”. Explain.
Answer : a) A small number of restrictions of the country enjoy the ownership of use resource and share of wealth and income. Over the period they share in total income of the country has been increasing.
b) Doors at the bottom of the society do not have equal access to economic and natural resources as compared to the richest sections of the society. Their incomes have been declining.
c) Most of the time they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life such as food, clothing, house, education and health.

THREE MARKS QUESTIONS

Question. How far do the emergence of social differences lead to social division? Explain by giving a suitable example.
Answer : a. If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to avoid clashes between the groups that hold different views. b. It means that groups that share a common interest on one issue are likely to be in different sides of a different issue. c. For example, in Northern Ireland, class and religion tend to overlap each other leading to social tensions.

Question. “Social division takes place when some social differences overlap with other differences.” Justify the statement.
Answer :  a. The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against. b. In our country, Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination and injustice. c. One kind of social difference becomes more important when other people start feeling that they belong to different communities.

Question. Describe the consequences of Smith and Carlos reaction to the racial discrimination.
Answer : a. Carlos and Smith were held guilty for violating the Olympic spirit by making political statement. b. Medals were taken back. c. Norman was not included in Australian team. d. Action helped in gaining international attention for Civil Rights Movement. (Any three)

Question. What steps should be taken according to you to promote the unity among the people of India?
Answer : Following steps can be undertaken to promote the unity among the people of India: a. There should be equal opportunities of representation and no sort of discrimination existing in the society, b. More and more people participation in political affairs should be encouraged, c. Full religious tolerance and the leverage to minority group should be given to voice their opinion.

Question. “Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration.” Support the statement with suitable arguments. 
Answer : a. The above statement is true from the examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka. If the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country. b. But if they suppress such a demand in the name of national unity, the end result is often quite the opposite. Thus with such attempts at forced integration often saw the seeds of integration.

Question. Explain with example the role of political leaders to determine the outcome of politics of social divisions.
Answer : It depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. For example: a. It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost of another community. b. The demand for ‘only Sinhala’ was at the cost of the interest and identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. c. In Yugoslavia, the leaders of different ethnic communities presented their demands in such a way that these could not be accommodated within a single country.

Question. “Some people think that democracy produces a less effective government." Analyse the statement.
Answer : It is true some people think that Democracy produces a less effective government because:
(i) Non-Democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion.
(ii) They can be very quick and efficient in decisionmaking and implementation.
(iii) But Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place.
(iv) Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(v) Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with citizens.
(vi) Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of their population.

Question. State any three merits of Democracy. 
Answer : Merits of Democracy are as follows:
(i) Democracy assures equality in every sphere of life like political, social and economic.
(ii) It upholds basic individual liberties like freedom of speech, etc.
(iii) Due obedience to laws.

Question. "Transparency is the most important feature of Democracy." Analyse. 
Answer : Transparency is the most important feature of Democracy:
(i) Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on certain norms and procedures.
(ii) So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through correct procedures can find this out.
(iii) The citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. This is known as transparency.

Question. Discuss any three factors that describe the successful working of democracy in India.
Answer : The factors which are responsible for the Successful Working of Democracy in India are:
(i) In India, there is an autonomous Election Commission. Free and fair elections are held periodically. The people elect their representatives through the Election Procedure.
(ii) The local governments take care of the issues about their regions. The Panchayati Raj system enables people to participate in governance.
(iii) Freedom of press and media enables the people to be well informed about governmental activities.
(iv) In India, there are a large number of Political Parties with different bases. They compete with each other to get public support. They participate in the Democratic process.
(v) In India, an independent judiciary is very important for the success of Democracy.

Question. What are the expected Outcomes of Democracy? Explain.
Answer : The expected Outcomes of Democracy are as follows:
(i) A government that is chosen and accountable to the people is called a Democratic government.
(ii) A government that is responsive to the needs of the people.
(iii) Economic growth and development reducing all forms of Inequality and end of Poverty.
(iv) Accommodating all social diversities.
(v) Ensuring the dignity and freedom of the individuals.

Case-based MCQs

I. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
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. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Therefore, the most basic outcome of democracy should be that it produces
a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. Some people think that democracy produces less effective government. It is, of course, true that non-democratic rulers are very quick and efficient in decision making and implementation, whereas, democracy is based on
the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place. But, because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective. Moreover, when citizens want to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures, they can find this out. They have the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency. This factor is often missing from a non-democratic government. There is another aspect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: democratic government is legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive, or clean. But a democratic government is people’s own government.

Question. _________ make/s the government legitimate.
(A) Credibility of politicians
(B) People’s movements
(C) Free and fair elections
(D) Holding of powers
Answer : C

Question. Decisions in a Democracy are more acceptable to the people because they are:
(A) Taken swiftly and implemented quickly.
(B) Taken by giving privileges to the people.
(C) Taken through Elites’ votes.
(D) Taken after following due processes.
Answer : D

Question. People’s Right to choose their Rulers is called as the:
(A) Right to Initiate
(B) Right to Plebiscite
(C) Right to Vote
(D) Right to Referendum
Answer : C

Question. Which of the following options helps in promoting transparency in the governance?
(A) Right to Education
(B) Right to Information
(C) Right against Exploitation
(D) Right to Speech and Expression
Answer : B

II. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
If Democracies are expected to produce good governments, then is it not fair to expect that they would also produce development? Evidence shows that in practice many democracies did not fulfil this expectation.
If you consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development worries us. But this alone cannot be the reason to reject democracy. As you have already studied in economics, economic development depends on several factors: country’s population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
Overall, we cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorship in this respect. When we find such significant difference in the rates of economic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes.

Question. What is meant by Economic Inequality?
(A) It is a situation of equal distribution of wealth.
(B) It is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.
(C) It is the distribution of wealth on the basis of gender.
(D) It is the distribution of wealth on the basis of education.
Answer : B

Question. Which Development depends on country's population, size, global situation and cooperation from other countries?
(A) Social Development
(B) Financial Development
(C) Economic Development
(D) Political Development
Answer : C

Question. Between Democracies and Dictatorships, who had a slightly higher rate of economic growth?
(A) Democracies
(B) Dictatorships
(C) Both
(D) None of them
Answer : B

Question. The difference in the rates of economic development between less development countries with Dictatorships and Democracies is:
(A) Very vast
(B) Slightly noticeable
(C) Very low
(D) Negligible
Answer : D

III. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
Democracies are based on political equality.
All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives. Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on an equal footing, we find growing economic inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.
Not only that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing. Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Their incomes have been declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health. In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party will like to lose their votes. The situation is much worse in some other countries. In Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.

Question. In which manner does the share of poor people affects the total income of a Democratic Country?
(A) Decreasing
(B) Constant
(C) Increasing
(D) None of these
Answer : A

Question. People in poor countries are dependent on the rich countries for ___________.
(A) Food
(B) Clothing
(C) Education
(D) All of the above
Answer : D

Question. Democracies are based on Political:
(A) Consequences
(B) Equality
(C) Diversity
(D) Leaders
Answer : B

Question. Which Country’s more than 50% population lives in poverty?
(A) Myanmar
(B) Pakistan
(C) Bangladesh
(D) India
Answer : C

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Establish the relationship between Democracy and Development. 
OR
Explain the relationship between Democracy and Development. 
Answer : The relationship between Democracy and Development are:
Democracies are expected to produce development. Development depends upon many factors, i.e., size of the population, global situation, cooperation from other countries, etc.
In democracies, time is taken on discussion and reaching a decision. So, it is slow, but it is not un just or inappropriate.

Question. “Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.” Support the statement with arguments. 
Answer : Democratic governments in practice are accountable because:
(i) It is right to expect Democracy to form a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
(ii) It is also expected that the Democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think it is fit.
(iii) The democratic government is accountable to the people. If it ignores the will of the people, they will not elect their ruler in the next General Election.
(iv) The procedures and Decision-making process should be transparent for a democratic government to be accountable to the people.

Question. “Democratic government is Legitimate government.”
Support the statement with arguments.
OR
Why is Democratic government known as Legitimate government? 
Answer : (i) A Democratic government is called a Legitimate government because it is the people’s government.
(ii) It may be slow, less efficient and not very responsive and clean, but it is people’s government.
(iii) There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. People of South Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal do not doubt the suitability of democracy for their own country.
(iv) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy’s ability to generate its support makes it more legitimate. (Any three)

Question. Why has Political Funding become a threat to Democracy? 
Answer : Most the political parties are dependent on money
given by big business houses. That’s why, the poor and middle classes do not agree to participate in the electoral process. Hence, a majority of people
keep away from politics and have little voice in politics.

Question. How is Democracy accountable and responsible to the needs and expectations of the Citizens?
OR
How does a democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : Democracy produces an accountable, Responsive and Legitimate government as:
(i) People have the right to choose their Rulers and have control over the Rulers.
(ii) Whenever possible and necessary, they should participate in decision-making on issues that affect them all.
(iii) Democracy produces a government, which is accountable to the citizens.
(iv) Democracy is based on the idea of liberation and negotiation.
(v) Decision-making is based on norms and procedures and its transparency.

Question. Explain the ways in which Democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective.
Answer : Ways in which democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective:
(i) Ensures that views of the minority are respected.
(ii) Eliminates caste, religion and gender-based discrimination.
(iii) People enjoy extensive rights from right to vote to participate in elections.
(iv) People enjoy social and economic rights. 

Question. How is Social diversity accommodated in Democracy? Explain with examples.
OR
What are the two conditions to accommodate Social diversities in a Democracy? Mention any one exception to this. 
OR
What are the conditions under which Democracies accommodate Social diversities? 
Answer :
(i) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply ruled by the majority. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
(ii) It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by the majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group.
The exception is Sri Lanka where majoritarianism is followed.

Question. When is Democracy considered successful? Explain. 
Answer : Democracy is considered to be successful when:
(i) The Rulers elected by the people take all major decisions and not the rich and powerful.
(ii) The Elections offer a free choice and opportunity to the people.
(iii) The choice available to all the people is based on political equality.

Question. Examine the Political Outcome of Democracy.
Answer :
(i) Right to the citizens to choose their leaders and keep a check on them.
(ii) If required people can participate in decisionmaking either directly or through indirectly or
through Representatives
(iii) It produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government. 

Question. ‘It may be reasonable to expect from a Democratic government that is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption.’ Explain this statement in three points. 
Answer : Corruption of government:
(i) Democracies often frustrate the needs of people and often ignore the demands of the majority.
(ii) The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince us that democracy is not free from this evil.
(iii) But a Democratic government is people’s own government and pays heed to their demands.
(iv) People have believed that democracy will be attentive and make policies that will free the country from corruption.

Question. How is Democratic government known as Responsive government? Explain with an example. 
Answer : A Democratic government has to be responsive to the needs of its citizens.
(i) Through pressure groups, and public protests, the democratic government can check the popularity of its decisions and mechanism of administering justice.
(ii) A government that can respond to grievances faster can avoid confrontation and provide good governance.

Question. Explain the condition under which dignity and freedom of the citizens can be promoted.
Answer : The conditions are as follows:
(i) To promote the dignity and freedom of the citizens, all individuals should be treated as equals. Once this principle is recognised, it becomes easier for individuals to wage a struggle against what is not acceptable legally and morally.
(ii) Claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated against for equal status and equal opportunity should be strengthened. Inequalities and atrocities lack moral and legal foundations.

Question. Describe the favourable conditions generally provided to people under a Democratic rule.
Answer : Favourable conditions generally provided to people under a Democratic rule are:
(i) It promotes dignity to everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
(ii) It ensures the freedom of the individual.
(iii) It provides equal status and opportunity.
(iv) It provides positive reservation for Women and other advantages for discriminated groups.

Question. Explain any three weaknesses of Democracy.
Answer :
(i) Democracies take more time in Decision-making.
(ii) Democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and subjecting every decision to public debate.
(iii) The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince that democracies are not free of evil.

Question. How can a Democratic government be made accountable? Explain. 
Answer : A Democratic government can be made accountable by:
(i) Conducting discussions and negotiations.
(ii) Ensuring transparency.
(iii) Holding regular, free and fair elections.
(iv) Having open public debates. 

Question. How Democracies have been able to reduce Poverty? Elaborate. 
Answer : Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. Although the majority of voters constitute the poverty ridden group, yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be as keen to address the question of poverty as you would expect them to. The situation is much worse in some of the countries where people depend upon rich countries for food supplies. But even then, democracy is favoured because it provides the opportunity to change the rulers.

Question. “Democracy accommodates Social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.
Answer : Democracy accommodates social diversities:
(i) Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of social tensions becoming explosive or violent.
(ii) No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and can evolve a mechanism to negotiate these differences.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus, a definite plus point of democratic regimes.
(iv) Example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Describe the role of citizens in a democracy.
Answer : The Role of citizens in a Democracy are as follows:
(i) Citizens exercise their rights and freedoms and get benefited from the Democratic setup.
(ii) They must be aware of their Rights and Duties.
(iii) They should be aware of the issues and problems the country is facing.
(iv) They must cooperate in maintaining law and order.
(v) People must consider other‘s needs and interests also.

Question. Describe any five factors that make Democracy a better form of government than other alternatives.
Answer : 
Democracy is a better form of government when compared with any other form of government because of the following reasons:
(i) Democracy promotes equality among citizens.
Every citizen of the country has equal rights before the law. All individuals have equal weight in electing the representatives.
(ii) Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual.
Giving its citizens equal rights it enhances dignity and freedom of the individual. Democracy gives equal treatment and respect to women, deprived and discriminated castes in our Society.
(iii) Democracy improves the quality of decisionmaking.
As there is an open debate on major issues in democracy thus, the quality of decisions improves.
(iv) Democracy provides a method to resolve conflicts.
Democracy reduces the possibility of social tension which leads to a peaceful social life. It allows room to correct mistakes.
(v) A democratic government is a legitimate government.
Democracy gets the popular support of the people by holding regular, free and fair elections.

Question. "Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation". Examine the statement.
Answer : Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation:
(i) Democracy gives importance to deliberation and public opinion.
(ii) The Democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
(iii) Its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
(iv) Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures.
(v) Transparency as persons have the right and the means to examine the process of decision making.
(vi) It follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
(vii) The democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable.
(viii) Democratic government follows mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.

Question. "A Democratic government is efficient and effective." Analyse the statement. 
OR
“The cost of time that Democracy pays is perhaps worth it.” Justify. 
Answer :
(i) Imagine a government that may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may, therefore, face problems.
(ii) In contrast, the Democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
(iii) However, because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be more acceptable to the people and more effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it. 

Question. Describe the importance of Democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government.
Answer :
The importance of Democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government can be understood from the following points:
(i) Democracy produces an accountable government.
Accountable government is the one, whose every action is justified. We often find in democratic government that the rulers are elected by the people. A government comes in power due to the majority of the public have voted for it. The government is apprehensive that the same public may not vote it to power next time if it does not fulfil their expectations. These elected representatives constitute the government and participate in the decision-making process on behalf of the people.
Also the people (citizens) have the right and means for examining the process. This is known as transparency and is very essential for proper governance in the country.
(ii) Democracy produces responsible government. A democracy carries with it certain important liberal ideals of governance. They include, regular free and fair elections, public debate on major policies and legislations, the openness of information regarding major government policies and legislation and corruption free government. All these factors
contribute towards making democratic government a responsive form of government. For example, after a prolonged period of mass protest and negotiation, the UPA government had to finally agree to people’s demands and introduce the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament.
(iii) Democracy produces a legitimate government.
Legitimate government is a government under which law and action of the government are revealed to the people and government functions in a transparent manner.
(iv) In a Democracy, all the laws are applicable to all the citizens whether rich or poor.
(v) In a Democracy, there is a political equality, i.e. every vote count has an equal weightage.
(vi) People have the right to challenge the government policies and actions. If the people are not satisfied with the working of the government, they have the right to change it.

Question. Describe any five Outcomes of Democracy.
Answer :
Five Outcomes of Democracy are:
(i) In a Democratic nation, the government is accountable to the Citizens. It is responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. Moreover, the government is efficient and effective. The democratic governments work on the principle of deliberation and negotiation, so delays take place.
(ii) In a democracy, decisions are based on norms and procedures. Decision making is transparent, i.e. every citizen has the right to examine the entire process of decision making.
(iii) In a democracy, the right to question the process of decision making is absent.
(iv) It is provided that a democratic government is accountable, but there isn’t any mechanism to hold the government accountable and the decision making is not based on norms and procedures.
(v) Democracy is solely based on political equality.
Every citizen has an equal weight in electing representatives. However, the same is not true in the economic field. In democratic countries, the poor usually become poorer and often find it hard to cater to the basic essentials of life like food, clothing, higher education, and health. Democracies have massively failed in this regard.

Question. "Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual." Justify this statement.
Answer :
Introduction: Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of individuals.
(i) People want respect and dignity from fellow beings. The promotion of dignity and freedom of individual is foundation store of Democracy.
(ii) It has moral and legal force in Constitution.
However, no such provision in other forms of government.
(iii) There is no discrimination based on race, religion, caste, sex and creed.
(iv) Women have agitated for equal rights and opportunities as men. Democracy has helped in voicing their views and proper support.
(v) Once, something has a legal force. It becomes easier to raise demands and hold respect. This has improved the situation of Women.
(vi) This has also helped in empowerment and respect for untouchables by promoting their interests. It is a legitimate government.
Conclusion: Thus, it stands much superior to any other form of grant promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.

Question. “Democracy plays an important role to accommodate Social diversity.” Support the statement with examples. 
Answer : Democracy accommodates Social Diversities:
(i) Democracy develops a procedure to conduct competition between various social groups.
(ii) Democracy ensures that every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point in time.
(iii) In a democracy, different communities can peacefully voice their grievances.
(iv) In democracy the majority needs to work with minority and therefore special rights are provided to minorities.
Example: (i) Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.
(ii) In countries like India, accommodation of social division has been done by providing political power to certain backward classes.

Question. "Respect and equal treatment of Women are necessary ingredients of a Democratic Society". Examine the statement. 
Answer : Respect and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a Democratic Society.
(i) Economic independence or access to an inherited or self-generated income is considered to be the major means of empowering Women.
(ii) Equal political and civil rights as men.
(iii) Ways of autonomy and freedom.
(vi) Distributive justice to reduce inequalities in resources and power.
(v) Love, universal brotherhood, sincerity, honesty and integrity of character, firm attitude of rendering help.
(vi) Removing social evils including violence, torture, humiliation, etc.

Question. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among Citizens.” Justify this statement.
Answer : Democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens:
(i) Democracy accommodates various social divisions.
(ii) Democracy reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive and violent.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences and conflicts among different groups is a plus point of Democracy.
(iv) Democracy develops procedure to conduct healthy competitions among different groups in a society.
(v) Democracy respects differences and provides mechanism to resolve them.
(vi) Democracy always accommodates minority view.
(vii) Any other relevant point.

Question. “Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.” Justify the statement.
Answer : Democracy is seen to be good in principles but not in practice because of the following reasons:
(i) The decision-making process in a Democracy is time-taking, whereby justice delayed is justice denied.
(ii) The tyranny of the majority overrides the will of the Minority.
(iii) Corruption and red-tapism dominate the functioning of Democracies.
(iv) An illiterate and uninformed electorate fails to give itself a legitimate and accountable government.
(v) The role of charismatic leaders and dynastic politics dominates political cultures. 

Question. "Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities". Justify the statement. 
OR
“Democracies are not appearing to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.” Analyse the statement. 
Answer : Success of Democracies in reducing economic inequalities:
(i) We find growing economic inequalities in democratic countries.
(ii) A small number of ultra-rich enjoys a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.
(iii) Their share in the total income of the country has been increasing.
(iv) The Income of the poor has been decline sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life.
(v) Though Democracies gradually reducing the number of poor from poverty and hunger.
(vi) Any other relevant point to be justified.

Question. "Democracy has failed to reduce Economic Inequality and Poverty." Do you agree? Give arguments in support of your answer.
Answer : In actual life, Democracies do not appear to be reducing inequalities.
(i) The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party likes to lose their votes, yet democratically elected governments have not addressed the question of poverty as one would have expected them to.
(ii) The people in several poor countries are now dependent on rich countries even for food supplies.
Arguments in support:
(i) It enhances the dignity of the individuals.
(ii) It improves the quality of decision-making.
(iii) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.

Question. "Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens." Support the statement with examples. 
Answer : Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among Citizens:
(i) Democracy accommodates various social divisions.
(ii) Democracy reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive and violent.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences and conflicts among different groups is a plus point of Democracy.
(iv) Democracy develops a procedure to conduct healthy competitions among different groups in a Society.
(v) Democracy respects differences and provides a mechanism to resolve them.
(vi) Democracy always accommodates minority views.

Question. "Complaints are treated as testimony to the success of Democracy." Justify this statement.
OR
How are complaints treated as testimony to the success of Democracy? Explain.
Answer : Complaints are treated as testimony:
It shows that people have developed awarenessa nd the ability to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty. A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project. It transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.

Question. “A public expression of dissatisfaction with Democracy shows the success of Democratic project.” Justify the statement.
Answer : “A public expression of dissatisfaction with Democracy shows the success of the Democratic project” as:
(i) It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect.
(ii) People look critically at power holders. They want to make democracy better.
(iii) They come up with expressions and complaints.
(iv) They value their Democratic rights.