CBSE Class 10 Political Science Outcomes Of Democracy Worksheet Set B

Souce/Case Based Questions

Question. Read the source given below 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 do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion. So, they can be very quick and efficient in decision making and implementation. Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place. Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures. So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. She has 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 one respect 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. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:

(i) What is the most basic outcome of democracy? 
(a) A government that takes fast decisions and action without any opinion of the citizens.
(b) A government that takes quick and efficient action with the help of opposition.
(c) Produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.
(d) Produces a government that holds citizens responsible for all the actions it takes.
Answer : (c) Produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

(ii) Why is there a delay in decision making in a democracy?
(a) Based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation
(b) Enhances the dignity of the individual
(c) Promotes equality among citizens
(d) Provides a method to resolve conflicts
Answer : (a) Based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation

(iii) How can you say that a democratic government is transparent?
(a) The government holds elections every five years.
(b) The citizens have the right and means to examine the process of decision-making.
(c) Addresses socio-economic and political problems.
(d) Democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
Answer : (b) The citizens have the right and means to examine the process of decision-making.

(iv) In which respect a democratic government is better than its alternatives?
(a) Most democracies will fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(b) Democracies often ignore the demands of the majority.
(c) Democracy is a guarantee of economic development.
(d) It is a legitimate government.
Answer : (d) It is a legitimate government.

Question. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:

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 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. For societies which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination, it is not a simple matter to recognize that all individuals are equal. Take the case of 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 principle is recognised, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally. In a non-democratic set up, this unacceptability would not have legal basis because the principle of individual freedom and dignity would not have the legal and moral force there. The same is true of caste inequalities. 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 the Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes?
Answer : Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for two things:
(i) Equal status
(ii) Equal opportunity.

(ii) What is the characteristics of a non-democratic set up?
Answer : In a non-democratic set up, any unacceptability would not have legal basis because the principle of individual freedom and dignity would not have the legal and moral force there.

(iii) Why do democracy called best form of government?
Answer : (i) Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of theindividual.
(ii) It also promotes equality among citizens.

More Questions and Answers for NCERT Class 10 Social Science Outcomes of Democracy..... 

1. How democracies have been able to reduce poverty? Elaborate.
Answer : (i) Democracies are not very successful in reducing economic inequalities. Even when majority of voters constitute the poor, yet democratically elected government do not appear to be as keen to address the issue of poverty as one would expect them to. 
(ii) Situation is much worse in some of the countries where people depend upon rich countries for food supplies. 
(iii) But even then democracy is favoured because it provides the opportunity to change the rulers and the people have dignity. 

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

3. Explain the meaning of ‘sectional interest group’.
Answer : Sectional interest groups seek to represent the common interests of a particular section of society. As a result, members of sectional pressure groups are directly and personally concerned with the outcome of the campaign fought by the group because they usually stand to gain from it. 

4. Why is a democratic government better than other alternatives?
Answer : (i) It promotes equality among citizens. 
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual. 

5. Examine the political outcome of democracy.
Answer : (i) Democracy provides right to the citizens to choose their leaders and keep a check on them. 
(ii) If required people can participate in decision making either directly or through representatives. 
(iii) It produces accountable, responsible and legitimate government. 

6. Why is democratic government known as legitimate government? Explain.
Answer : (i) A democratic government is called legitimate government because it is people’s own government. 
(ii) It may be slow, less efficient and may have other flaws but it is people’s government. 
(iii) There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. People of South Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal have no doubt about the suitability of democracy for their country. 
(iv) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support makes it more legitimate. 

7. “Democracy accommodates social diversities”. Support the statement with examples.
Answer : “Democracy accommodates social diversities” : 
(i) Democracies develop a procedure to deal with conflicts. This reduces the possibility of the 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 conflict is thus a definite advantage of democratic regimes. 
(iv) Example : Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. 

8. Describe the importance of democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government.
Answer : Democratic government can be said to be accountable and legitimate government. The following reasons can be ascribed to it: Accountable government : 
(i) When people choose their representatives, they are expected to be accountable, this is the basic outcome of democracy. 
(ii) The citizens have the right and also the means to examine the process of decision making, that is high level of accountability is expected. 
(iii) The government is expected to practice regular, free and fair elections and open discussions on important issues. 
(iv) Democratic government can apparently be less efficient than a non-democratic government. This happens because a non-democratic 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. 
Legitimate government : 
(i) 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 and there is the element of legitimacy attached to it. 
(ii) 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. 
(iii) Though there are many reports of democracies ignoring the demands of people and there are routine tales of corruption but yet chances of governments improving only exists in democratic setup. 

9. How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyse.
Answer : Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens because : 
(i) In a democracy, people have the right to choose their representatives and the people have control over them.
(ii) Citizens have the right to participate in decision making that affects them. This ensures that the working of the government is transparent. 
(iii) Everybody expects the government to be attentive to the needs and expectations of itself. 
(iv) It is expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold itself accountable. 
(v) The opposition parties can also question and criticize the government policies. They keep a check on the ruling party and make sure that it does not misuse the power. 

10. Explain the role of democratic government in reducing economic disparities.
Answer : The government plays an important role in reducing economic disparities by adopting the following measures: 
(i) Government ensures equal distribution of wealth, so that there is no large gap between the rich and the poor. 
(ii) Government undertakes extensive social welfare schemes and strives to achieve universal literacy rate. 
(iii) Government takes care to provide equal opportunities to all. The income should be eventually distributed among the people. 

11. Are democracies based on political and economic equalities? Explain.
Answer : Democracy are based on political equality : 
(i) All citizens have equal role in electing representatives. 
(ii) Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena, we find growing economic inequalities. 
(iii) Democracy does not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. 
(iv) The ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and opportunities. 
(v) It is often difficult to meet the basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education for the poor thus, democracies cannot be said to be based on economic equality. 

12. Explain any three merits of democratic governments over the dictatorship.
Answer : Advantages of Democracy : 
(i) Chief merit of democracy lies in the fact that it safeguards the interests of the people. Real power lies in the hands of the people who exercise it by the representatives elected by them and who are responsible to them. The social, economic and political interests of the individuals are served better under this system. 
(ii) Democracy is based on the principle of equality. All members of the state are equal in the eyes of law. All enjoy equal social, political and economic rights and state cannot discriminate among citizens on the basis of caste, religion, sex, or property. All have equal right to choose their government.
(iii) Democracy is known for its stability, firmness and efficiency. The tenure of the elected representatives is fixed. They form a stable government because it is based on public support. The administration is conducted with a sense of responsibility. 
Demerits of Dictatorship : 
(a) In dictatorship a very select few rule over the country and they are nor answerable to the public. There is no chance of correcting a wrong policy or a decision. 
(b) Since people have no say in the government functioning there is large scale dissatisfaction. The rulers generally use suppressive and coercive measures to keep the population from revolting. 

13. “Democracies are not appearing to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.” Analyse the statement.
Answer : Democracy and the economic outcomes : 
(i) Slow economic development and economic growth can be due to large population. 
(ii) Basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, shelter are difficult to achieve in certain democracies. 
(iii) Prevalence of economic inequalities are often seen. 
(iv) Poverty is still a big issue. 
(v) Allocation of resources in few hands. 
(vi) Unjust distribution of goods and opportunities. However despite mediocre economic outcomes democracy is preferred for the dignity it provides to every citizen. 

14. “Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives.” Justify the statement. Accommodation of Social Diversity; Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens
Answer : Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives : 
(i) Democracy promotes equality among citizens, and the economic benefits are broad based. 
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual. 
(iii) It also improves the quality of decisionmaking. 
(iv) It provides a method to resolve conflicts. 
(v) It gives room to correct mistakes. 
(vi) Democratic government is a legitimate government. 
(vii) Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored. 

15. “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”. Justify the statement.
Answer : “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom to the citizens”: 
(i) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracy provides fundamental rights to every citizen. 
(ii) Freedom from coercion is basis of any democracy, where everyone can have faith of choice. 
(iii) In a democracy people have equal opportunities so they can come up in life. They are not discriminated on the basis of caste or gender. 
(iv) Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment. In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time which they have achieved now. In India 1/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies. 
(v) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity. 

16. Which one of the following is an example of outcomes of a democracy that produces an accountable Government?
(a) Open to public debates on major policies and legislation
(b) Open in promoting economic development
(c) Open in reducing economic inequalities
(d) Open to rulers elected by the people
Answer : (d) Open to rulers elected by the government 

17. Name any two sectional interest groups.
Answer : Labors’ Union, Farmer Associations are two sectional interest groups. 

18. What do we do if some of our expectations are not met?
Ans We start blaming the idea of democracy we start doubting if we are living in a democracy. 

19. Explain any four consequences on which democracy has failed.
Answer : (i) If democracies are expected to produce good governments, then it is fair to expect that they would also produce development evidence shows that in practice many democracies did fulfil this expectation. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development worries us.
(ii) Democracy is the government of the people hence, one can expect it to reduce economic disparities. But, it is a better truth that even when a country achieves economic growth, wealth is not distributed in such a way that all citizens of the country will have a share and lead a better life. Most of the democrats of the world have miserably failed on this issue.
(iii) Democracies have also failed on the issue of poverty reduction. A smaller 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.
(iv) Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population. The routine talks of corruption are enough to convince us that democracy is not free of this evil. 

20. ‘Democratic government is a legitimate government’. Explain.
Answer : 1. Accountable Government: Democracy is an accountable government because it is the government of the people and made by people and for the people. The representatives elected by the people are responsible to them. If the people are not happy with the government they can change the leaders in coming elections.
2. Responsive Government: A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. He has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. This type of transparency is not available in non-democratic government.
3. Legitimate Government: There is one 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. So people wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They favour democracy as government. 

21. “Democracy stands much superior to any other froms of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Explain.
Answer : Democracy supports dignity and freedom of the citizens. Every man wants to get respect from fellow persons in the society. A lot of conflicts take place among human beings because some feel 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. We can take the case of dignity of women. Most societies across the world were historically male
dominated. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society. The same is true of caste inequalities. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
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. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. 

22. In which respect do democracies lag behind dictatorships?
Answer : Democracies lag behind dictatorships in economic growth. 

23. Which country in South Asia has no democracy?
(a) Nepal
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Bhutan
(d) Maldives.
Answer :  C 

24. “Democracy stands much superior to any other forms of government.” Read the above statement carefully and then answer the questions that follow:
(i) Do you agree to the above statement? Give a suitable reason.
(ii) Democracies are based on political equality. What does this mean?
(iii) Are democracies successful in reducing economic inequalities? If not, why?
Answer : (i) Yes, I agree to the above statement. Democracies promote dignity and freedom of the individual.
(ii) All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.
(iii) No, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. The reason behind this is that political parties are so indulged in their own selfish goals that they get no time to address the question of poverty. The rich remain rich and the poor miserably fail to meet their basic needs of life. 

25. How can democracy be successful in bringing social harmony?
Or
Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Support this statement with examples.
Or
Explain how democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.
Answer : No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and we can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracy is best suited to produce this outcome. 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. Democracy continues to be democracy as long as all citizens have a chance to be part of majority at any point of time. If someone is debarred from being part of majority on the basis of birth then democracy is said to be concentrated in few hands. Example of Sri Lanka reminds us that a democracy must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this outcome:
(i) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that government can function to represent the opinion of common people.
(ii) The rule of majority does not become rule by majority on the basis 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 form a majority. 

Points to remember for Democratic Politics Chapter 07 Outcomes of Democracy

The most basic outcome of democracy is to provide political and social quality to the citizens. The democracy is expected to produce a government that works according to the needs and expectations of citizens.

Assessment of Outcomes of Democracy
The expected and actual outcomes of democracy can be assessed by quality of government, economic well-being, inequality, social differences, freedom and dignity. After assessing outcomes of democracy, it can be recognised that democracy is a form of government which can create conditions for achieving its goal. The citizens can take advantage of those conditions and achieve their goals.
Democracy has been considered a better form of government than other alternatives because it
• promotes equality among citizens
• enhances the dignity of an individual
• improves the quality of decision-making
• provides a method to resolve conflicts
• allows room to correct mistakes

Political Outcomes
The political outcomes of democracy are to produce accountable, responsive and legitimate government.

Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government
In a democracy, accountable and responsive government is the one that is answerable to its citizens. It is responsible for making all decisions on behalf of its citizens and according to their needs and expectations. Before taking any decision, it is the responsibility of the government to follow procedures. If the government has made wrong decision then it has to accept and correct it immediately.
On the other hand, non-democratic governments do not care about complains of citizens. They are also not worried about public opinions. It takes decision very fast and decisions which are not acceptable to the citizens. Therefore, the outcome of democracy is to produce a government that follows procedure and is accountable to the people.

Transparency and Decision-Making
Transparency means openness, communication and accountability of the government. It means that government should be operated in such a way that it is easy for citizens to see what actions are performed while decision-making.

The democratic government should develop mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think it is possible.
Transparency is considered missing in non-democratic government. But in reality, democratic governments also do not have very good record to share information of decision-making with its citizens.
Democracy can be measured by the regular, free and fair elections, open public debate on major policies and the legislation. Most democracies do not have regular elections that provide a fair chance to all in participating in public debate. Moreover, it is believed that democracy is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. But there is nothing to prove that these two are available in democracy.

Legitimate Government
In democracy, a legitimate government is a government where all the laws of the country are equally applicable to all its citizens. In this government, people are governed without fear or favour as well. A legitimate government should be attentive to the needs and demands of the people.
A democratic government may be slow, less efficient and not always responsive but it is people’s own government. That is why, there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. Thus, it is certainly a better and more legitimate form of government.

Economic Outcomes
Economic growth, development, reduction of poverty and inequality are the prominent economic outcomes of democracy.

Economic Growth and Development
It is expected from a government that it should bring economic growth and development. However, many democracies of the world are unable to fulfil this expectation. It is because of population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities, etc.
There are some significant differences between rates of economic growth among countries which are under dictatorship and democracy.

Reduction of Inequality and Poverty
Democracy is based on political equality and all individuals have equal right to choose their representative. Along with political equality there is a growing economic inequality among the individuals.

A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly
disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Due to this reason, their share in total income of the country is increasing. On the other hand, the income of poor is declining.

Sometimes the poor find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health. Poor constitute a large proportion of voters, but still the democratic governments are not serious enough to improve their conditions.

The situation is much worse in some countries. In Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People of poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries for food supplies.

Social Outcomes
The social outcomes of a democracy should be accommodating social diversity and providing dignity and freedom to the citizens.

Accommodation of Social Diversity
Democracies usually develop a procedure to accommodate various social divisions. This reduces the possibility of social tensions becoming explosive or violent. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But democracy is best to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.
A democracy must fulfil the following two conditions in order to achieve its goal (i) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply ruled by majority opinion. The majority always needs to protect the interest of the minority, thus the government’s function is regarded as representation of general interest.
(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.
Thus, democracy remains 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. Non-democratic regimes often suppress internal social differences.

Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens
Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government for promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Sometimes conflict arises among individual as they 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 and achieved this (respect and freedom) in various
degrees. But it is not a simple matter to recognise that all individuals are equal.

Dignity and Freedom of Women
The long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect and equal treatment of women are necessary for democratic societies.
But women are not always treated with respect. Once the ‘respect’ is recognised, it becomes easier for women to struggle for it. In a non-democratic set-up, the principle of individual freedom and dignity sometimes have no legal force.

Dignity and Freedom of Disadvantaged Groups
Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
There are still cases of caste-based inequalities and atrocities, but these lack the moral and legal foundations. It is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens to value their democratic rights.

Conclusion
The most distinctive feature about democracy is that, its examination never ends. As people get some benefits, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better. Thus, people always come up with more expectations and many complaints. It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect.
Democracy transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen. Today most of the individuals believe that their vote definitely makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-interest.

Questions -

1. In the context of democracy, which of the following ideas is correct?
- Democracies have successfully eliminated:
   a. Conflicts among people
   b. Economic inequalities among people
   c. Differences of opinion about how marginalized sections are to be treated
   d. The idea of political inequality

2. In the context of accessing democracy which among the following is odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:
  a. Free & Fair elections
  b. Dignity of individuals
  c. Majority rule
  d. Equal treatment before law

3. Studies on political & social inequalities in democracy show that:
  a. Democracy & Development go together
  b. Inequalities exist in democracies
  c. Inequalities donot exist under dictatorship
  d. Dictatorship is better than democracy