POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASS 10

CHP7 OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

Q1) Why is democracy considered a better form of government than dictatorship?

OR

`There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.’ Support the statement.

Ans- Merits of democracy

i. Promotes equality among citizens

ii. Enhances the dignity of the individual

iii. Improves the quality of decision making

iv. Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and

v. Allows room to correct mistakes.

vi. It has the ability to generate its own support.

2. Mention a few factors that determine the economic growth of a country.

Ans-The factors that determine the economic growth of a country are
(i) Population Size

(ii) Natural resources

(iii) Relationship with other countries
(iv) Global situation
(v) Geographic position
(vi) Economic policies of the government.

Q3) A democratic government is a legitimate government.’ Support the statement with

arguments.

Ans-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.

Q4) Write a brief note on freedom and dignity to citizens in democratic and non- democratic
countries.

Ans-The dignity and freedom of the individual is well preserved in a democracy. It is natural that
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.
In non-democratic countries people do not enjoy freedom as they have always been dominated.
They have been treated as sub-ordinates.

-In democratic and non-democratic countries we find that men dominated the society. Women
had to struggle for equal treatment in society. In India we find that female foeticide is still
prevalent in villages.

-In modern democracies the laws have ensured that women are treated equally in society. In a
non-democratic set up, this is not possible as the principle of individual freedom and dignity is
not a legal or moral force.

-In India caste inequalities is another problem that the fibre of democracy faces. Atrocities and
discriminations against certain castes still continue in India. The Indian government is taking all
steps the set this right. This is possible in a democratic set up, as the laws of the country are
against inequality of caste. Many reservation policies are in force in India, to uplift the people of
the lower castes. A democracy transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a
citizen.

Q5) A democratic government has to be accountable, responsive and legitimate government.

Discuss.
Ans- Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. They ensure that the
decisions taken are acceptable to all the people. Democracies are accountable to its citizens. That
is, all decision making has to be transparent. In a democracy, citizens also take part in decision
making. Democracies are responsible for the decisions they make. If a wrong decision is made, it
is the duty of the government to rectify it.
Deliberation and negotiation cause delay. So in a democracy there is a possibility of delay when
some major decisions have to be taken. This delay may be costly. The cost of time that
democracy pays is perhaps worth it as the decision will be acceptable to all.

-Democracies follow a constitution, so they are legitimate. The laws of the country are applicable
to everyone, even to the government members. Free and fair elections are held in democracies
and the people have the power to eliminate parties they are not happy with, in the next election.

-Democracies have to be responsive. The government should function in a transparent manner

and the common man should be able to approach the government to address his grievances.

Q6) How can you compare democracies and non-democratic countries on the basis of economic
growth?

Ans-On average dictatorial regimes have a slightly higher economic growth rate. Poor
democracies and non-democratic countries have the same economic growth rate.
When we consider the economic growth, only in democracies, we find a terrible imbalance
among the citizens.
-As 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.

-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.

Q7) Assess the outcomes of democracies with respect to reduction of inequality and poverty.

Ans-Democracy is based on political equality. But along with this we can see economic
inequality growing.

- A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes and
their share in total income of the country is increasing.

- On the other hand the income of poor is declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet
their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health.

- Though poor constitute a large proportion of voters, yet the democratic governments are not
keen to address the question of poverty.

- The situation is much worse in some other countries. For example in Bangladesh, more than
half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor democratic countries are now
dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.

In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

Q8) How democracy accommodate diversities?

Ans-Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition which reduces the possibility
of tension becoming explosive or violent.

- The social differences are respected in democracies and some mechanism is evolved to
negotiate the differences.

-Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of
democratic regimes.

Conditions to achieve the above outcomes

- Democracy is not just rule by majority but also takes minority’s view. The majority always
needs to work with the minority

- Rule by majority should not be rule by majority community in terms of religion or caste or
linguistic group. Democracy allows every citizen to be in majority at some point of time.

Q9) How can democracies accommodate the dignity of women and caste discrimination in one
system?

Ans:-1) In case of the dignity of women, most societies across the world were historically male-
dominated societies. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect
to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society. That does not
mean that women are actually always treated with respect. But once the democratic principle is
recognized, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable
legally and morally.

2. 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 values the democratic right.

Q10) Democracy means the delay in the decision making. Which one is preferable – quick
decision-making process of dictatorship or slow decision-making process of democracy?

Ans:-1) Democracy involves debates and deliberations in the parliament before making a law.
The views of all the members of parliament are taken n into consideration before taking the final
decision.

2) Dictatorship means decisions taken by one person or one party. Different views of other
members of the government or public are not considered.
3) Democracy means the delay in the decision-making process as the debates take a long
time. It means that the implementation will also take time.
 4) Dictatorship means quick decisions. But those decisions are orders of the government and
people are not allowed to disagree with them. Even citizens are not supposed to criticize
the decisions made by the government.
5) Democracy is better even if it take s more time in making the decisions. At least, the
views of the citizens are considered and they are not ordered to just follow them.
Individuals can disagree with the policies of the government and show their protest
against the government.

Q11) Describe the role of citizens in a democracy.

Ans:-1)The citizen must be aware of their rights and duties

2) They should be aware of the issues and problems of the country is facing.

3) They should take part in elections.

4) They must cooperate in maintaining law and order.

5) People must consider other’s needs and interest also.

Q12) “Corruption is a serious problem faced the Indian Democratic System”. Explain.

Ans:-Due to the following reasons, we can say that corruption becomes a serious problem for
Indian democracy.

A. It has now become an accepted fact that leaders use the money to win favour of the votes.
This reason lessens the very spirit of democratic values.

B. There is an ever-increasing tendency among the political parties to give tickets to those who
are rich. The parties think that they could win not only their own seats but also help the party
monetarily.

C. Now scams by leaders and governments have become a routine tale in the Indian democracy.
Many of the popular leaders are facing trials for corruption charges against them.

D. It has been seen that the wards of the prominent leaders of party easily get tickets for election.
The party workers keep serving for years but sometimes outsiders get tickets.

E. It has now become a tradition in many of the popular political parties that the chair is
inherited.
Q13) Why is it said that democracies are not free from evils? Explain.

Ans:-A. Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in
subjecting every decision to public debates.

B. Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing
information with citizens.

C. Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a
majority of its population.

Q14) “Transparency is the most important feature of democracy.” Analyze.

Ans:-A. Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.

B. So, citizens who want to know if a decision was taken through correct procedures can find
this out.

C. The people have the right and the means to examine the process of decision- making. This is
all that transparency is meant for.

Q15) ‘Expectations from democracy also function as the criteria for judging any democratic
country’. Support the statement with valid points.

Ans-Most distinctive about democracy is that its examination never gets over. As democracy
passes one test, it produces another test. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for
more and want to make democracy even better

- The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy. This
shows people’s awareness and ability to expect and look at power holders and high and mighty.

-A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic
project: It is the transformation of people from the status of subject into that of citizen.

- The citizens believe that their votes make a difference to the way the government is run and to
their own self interest.

Q16) Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.’ Justify
the statement.
Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens. This
statement can be justified giving the following arguments.

 Democracy promotes equality. It gives equal treatment to every person.

 It involves every person in the decision-making process. Every citizen has a right to
information.
 The passion for respect and freedom are the bases of democracy. It accepts dignity of
women as a necessary ingredient of society. Democracy recognises the principle of equal
treatment to women unlike non-democratic governments.
 The same is true of caste inequalities. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of
the disadvantaged and discriminated cases for equal status and opportunity.
 Also, democracy has to meet the expectations of citizens and people have the right to
complain about the functioning of democracy.

Q17) `Some people think that democracy produces a less-effective government.’ Analyse the
statement.

Ans-Some people think that democracy produces a less-effective government because of the
following reasons.

 In democracy, decisions are delayed because of a long decision-making process.Too many

people have to be consulted before reaching a consensus. , Non-democratic governments
take quick decisions as they are not worried about deliberations and public opinion.
 Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing
information with the citizens.
 Democracies often frustrate the aspirations of the people and often ignore the demands of a
majority of its population.

Q18) A democratic government is efficient and effective.’ Analyse the statement.

Ans- A democratic government is efficient and effective. This statement can be analysed giving
the following arguments.

 A democratic government is mainly a government of people. It is the people who run a

democracy by electing their own government.
 A democratic government works for the betterment and welfare of the people.
 A democratic government promotes equality of status and opportunity. There is no
discrimination on the basis of caste, class, gender, religion, etc.
 A democratic government gives freedom of thought, expression and belief, (ie) In a
democratic government, the rights of the people are protected. They can even fight if their
rights are encroached.

Q19) `An ideal government would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make
fighting corruption and black money a top priority.’ Justify the statement by highlighting the
values attached to it.
An ideal government would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting
corruption and black money a top priority. The statement can be justified by highlighting the
following values attached to it.

 Legitimacy: An elected government is expected to work for the welfare of the people.
Corruption and black money are the source of all social evils like poverty, inflation and
poor political ethics. A government who fails to control corruption losses its legitimacy to
rule.
 Responsive: It is the people’s representatives that rule. It is therefore necessary that they
respond to the eradication of corruption and accumulation of black money. If not so,
people get discouraged to re-elect them.
 Accountability: An elected government is accountable to the people for the management of
policy and its resources. It has to get support of the people for every policy it frames. Thus,
fair distribution and allocation of resources cannot be done without doing away with
corruption. Transparency has to be maintained in the process of governing.

Q20) Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.’ Justify the
statement.

Ans-Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt not to be so good in practice. The
following points will justify the statement.

 In a democracy, people expect to have their needs and expectations fulfilled but because
every country has a diverse culture and regions, it is not possible to look after everyone’s
needs.
 Even though democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion, there are instances where
the minority opinions is not taken into account for a general view.
 If there is corruption, then people lose faith in the government and then do not feel the
need to vote which is not healthy for the country because democracy is a people’s
government.
 Regular elections may lead to change in the ruling party, which causes instability and fall
of economic development.
 If people are not wise in choosing their representatives then even though there is room to
correct mistakes, the country will suffer and so will the people.