CBSE Class 10 Political Science Outcomes Of Democracy Worksheet Set C

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Which forms of government is responsible towards public welfare.
Answer : Democracy

Question. The most important outcome of democracy is being a _______________
Answer : Accountable and Responsive government

Question. Democracy is based on the idea of _____________
Answer : Deliberation and negotiation

Question. In a democratic government, a citizen has the right and the means to examine the decisions taken by the govt. It is known as _________
Answer : Transparency

Question. “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.” is said by……….
Answer : Abraham Lincoln

Question. Which country in South Asia does not prefer democracy over dictatorship?
Answer : Pakistan

Question. What is the government ruled by a King called?
Answer : Monarchy.

Question. When was democracy introduced in India?
Answer : 1950.

Question. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that :
(i) Democracy and development go together.
(ii) Inequalities exist in democracies.
(iii) Inequalities do not exist under dictatorship.
(iv) Dictatorship is better than democracy.
Answer : (i) Democracy and development go together.

Question. Correct the following statement and rewrite: Democracy remains democracy only as long as some citizens have on opportunity to enjoy economic and political power at some point of time.
Answer : Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has opportunities to contest elections and to develop his/her economic condition.

Question. Do economic inequalities exist in a democratic system ? Explain the extent of such inequalities.
Answer : Yes, economic inequalities can exist in a democratic system. There is a gap between various Social groups. Few rich people have the majority share of wealth and a large section is deprived and poor.

Question. Match the following items given in column A with those in column B. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer : (a) 4, (b) 3, (c) 2, (d) 1

Question. What are the conditions under which demo-cracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer : Democracy accommodates social diversity as it allows for equal and fair representation to all irrespective of caste, creed, colour, gender, language, race or religion. It also ensures that the government should not be formed just by the majority, but it should also have the representation of minorities and the will of the few should not be imposed on many.

Question. Complete the following table with correct information with regard to outcome of democracy:

Answer : (A) To the citizens, (B) To the needs of the people

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE QUESTIONS

Question. In the questions given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct code.
Assertion (A): Democracies are based on political equality.
Reason (R): All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct
Answer. A

Question. Assertion (A): Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences.
Reason (R): They accommodate various social divisions.
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct
Answer. B

Question. Assertion (A) Democracy transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.
Reason (R) Most individuals believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the governments run and to their own self-interest
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct
Answer. A

SOURCE BASED MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Read the case/source given and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct option.

If you wanted to measure democracies on the basis of this expected outcome, you would look for the following practices and institutions:regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies andlegislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government andits functioning. The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record on this. Democracies have had greater success in setting up regular and free elections and in setting up conditions for open public debate. But most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to public debate. Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with citizens.

Question. To measure democracies on the basis of expected outcomes which of the following practices and institutions would one look for?
(a) Regular, free and fair elections
(b) Open public debate on major policies
(c) Citizens’ right to information about the government.
(d) All of the above.
Answer. D

Question. If a government is sharing information with citizens, then we get which type of government?
(a) An unstable government
(b) A democratic government
(c) A stable government
(d) A transparent government
Answer. D

Question. Which among the following out comes do democracies have greater success?
(a) Regular and free elections
(b) Elections that provide a fair chance to everyone
(c) Sharing information with citizens.
(d) All of the above.
Answer. A

Question. Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Democratic governments are very good in sharing information with citizens.
(b) Most democracies succeeded in subjecting every decision to public debate.
(c) The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record in outcomes of democracy.
(d) All the above.
Answer. C

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What are the reasons for which democracy should be supported ?
Answer : The reasons for which democracy should be supported are as follows :
(i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It helps in improving the dignity of an individual.
(iii) It helps in improving the quality of decision making.
(iv) It offers a way for resolving conflicts.
(v) It gives chances for rectifying mistakes.

Question. Is democracy better than dictatorship ? Explain how.
Answer : Yes, democracy is better than dictatorship due to the following reasons :
(i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It helps in improving the dignity of an individual.
(iii) It helps in improving the quality of decision making.
(iv) It offers a way for resolving conflicts.
(iv) It gives chances for rectifying mistakes.
(vi) It offers equal status for women and the discriminated sections of the society.

Question. Democracy accommodates social diversities. Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : Social differences exist in all societies but democracy accommodates social diversities because it gives equal rights and liberties to the people with diverse backgrounds. It also promotes healthy competition. Thus, it reduces the chances of any bloody conflict or tension between diverse social backgrounds. Moreover, it also helps in promoting dignity of an individual, respect for women and equal rights for discriminated sections of the society and make a harmonious society.

Question. How democracy accommodates social diversity?
Answer : 1. 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 governments function to represent the general view.
2. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community. In terms of religion, or race or linguistics groups. Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons or groups may and can form a majority.
3. Democracy remains a democracy only as long as every citizen has a choice of living in majority, at some point of time.

Question. Does democracy ensure dignity and freedom of an individual ? Explain how.
Answer : Yes, democracy ensures dignity and freedom of an individual. Inequal treatment of individuals is a source of conflict. The respect for an individuals' freedom is the basis of democracy. Democracy ensures equal relationship between individuals without any chance for subordination or domination.

Question. Is it right to say that democracies are not very successful in reducing economic inequalities ?
Answer : No, it is not right to say that democracies are not very successful in reducing economic inequalities. However, it has a slow procedure. In every society, wealth is accumulated within the hands of a few rich people, while most people are poor and deprived. However, democracy aims at minimising this gap by offering opportunities for upliftment of economically weaker sections of the society.

Question. How can democratic reforms be carried out by movements?
Answer : The Democratic reforms can be carried out by various movements like party movements or an unofficial uprising of people, candle marches, boycott or other movements by NGOS, political activists, not-for-profit organisations or simply a group of citizens.

Question. Explain how transparency is ensured in a democratic system.
Answer : Transparency is ensured in a democratic system by offering Right to Information (RTI) and E-governance to the citizens, through which they can examine the process of decision making.

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

Question. List the various aspects and qualifications which help in giving a clear definition of democracy.
Answer :
1. The rulers elected by the people must take all the major decisions
2. Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the existing rulers.
3. Choice and opportunity should be available to all the people on an equal basis
4. Besides political rights, some social and economic rights are offered to the citizens by the democracy.
5. Power sharing is the spirit of democracy and is necessary between government and social groups in a democracy.

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

Question. How democracy accommodates social diversity?
Answer :
1. 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 governments function to represent the general view.
2. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community. In terms of religion, or race or linguistics groups. Rule by majority means that in case of every decision or in case of every election, different persons or groups may and can form a majority.
3. Democracy remains a democracy only as long as every citizen has a choice of living in majority, at some point of time.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. “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 of the citizens.' The statement is true. Respect from the fellow being is desired by everyone. Democracy ensures freedom and respect for every citizen. The democratic system offers political equality for all regardless of their caste, gender, class, race, colour or creed. In a democracy people are free to express themselves. The people elect their representatives based on their choices and are free to change the rule in case of dissatisfaction. Democracy ensures equal rights for women and offer many privileges for them in the form of welfare programmes and reservations. Attempts are also made to bring the deprived and discriminated sections of the society into mainstream by offering them with special privileges, welfare schemes and reservations. However, dignity and freedom of the citizens is ignored in other forms of government and decisions are imposed on to them without any room for change or rectification.

Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government? Discuss by giving five reasons.*
Answer :  Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government. Following are the reasons for it:
(i) In democracy, citizens have the right to elect their representatives and participate in the decision making process. Thus, democratic government is accountable to the people. Failure to fulfil their demands means losing their support.
(ii) There are norms and procedures which need to be followed while decision-making. The citizens also get the right to examine the process of decision making, i.e., there is transparency in the system.
(iii) A democratic government pays attention to the needs and demands of the people. Hence, it is responsive to the people.
(iv) Free and fair elections are held regularly. Open debates are conducted on major policies and legislations and the people also get Right to Information (RTI) to view the working of the government.
(v) It is a legitimate form of government. The decision-making procedure may be a slow procedure but the decision is acceptable by all. Hence, it is a legitimate form of government. Though, corruption might influence democracy and their might be delay in the system. Yet, it is people's own government and people trust that the system will provide them with justice.

Question. Arguments about democracy tend to be very passionate.
This is how it should be, for democracy appeals to some of our deep values. These debates cannot be resolved in a simple manner. But some debates about democracy can and should be resolved by referring to some facts and figures. The debate about the economic outcomes of democracy is one such debate. Over the years many students of democracy have gathered careful evidence to see what the relationship of democracy with economic growth and economic inequalities is. The tables and the cartoon here present some of the evidences :
Table 1 : Rates of economic growth for different countries,1950-2000.

Table 2 : Inequality of income in selected count

Answer : Table 1 : It shows that on average dictatorial regimes have had a slightly better record of economic growth. But when we compare their record only in poor countries, there is virtually no difference.
Table 2 : It shows that within democracies there can be very high degree of inequalities. In democratic countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top 20 per cent people take away more than 60 per cent of the national income, leaving less than 3 per cent for the bottom 20 per cent population. Countries like Denmark and Hungary are much better in this respect. You can see in the cartoon, there is often inequality of opportunities available to the poorer sections.

Question. Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows :
Nannu is a daily wage earner. He lives in Welcome Mazdoor Colony, a slum habitation in East Delhi. He lost his ration card and applied for a duplicate one in January 2004. He made several rounds to the local Food and Civil Supplies office for the next three months. But the clerks and officials would not even look at him, leave alone do his job or bother to tell him the status of his application. Ultimately, he filed an application under the Right To Information Act asking for the daily progress made on his application, names of the officials, who were supposed to act on his application and what action would be taken against these officials for their inaction. Within a week of filing application under the Right To Information Act, he was visited by an inspector from the Food Department, who informed him that the card had been made and he could collect it from the office. When Nannu went to collect his card next day, he was given a very warm treatment by the Food and Supply Officer (FSO), who is the head of a Circle. The FSO offered him tea and requested him to withdraw his application under the Right To Information, since his work had already been done.
What does Nannu’s example show? What impact did Nannu’s action have on officials? Ask your parents their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.
Answer : This example shows that democracy has a system in which citizens can demand answer from the officials through Right To Information Act (RTI). The procedure can force the officials to quickly take actions for avoiding release of information under RTI.

Question. Is a democratic system attentive to the needs of the people and free from corruption? Comment.
Answer : Yes, an ideal democratic system is expected to be attentive to the needs of the people and should be free from corruption. However, in practice the situation might not be a utopia. People's needs are often ignored and corruption creeps into the system. Though, people also get the right to participate in the decision-making, yet, their decisions are often ignored. However, such adversities can be found in a non-democratic set up also. This doesn't mean that democratic form of government is less efficient than nondemocratic ones. As people elect their representatives in democracy, they have the power to change the rule by not supporting the ruling government in case of dissatisfaction. In fact, complaints of the people are a testimony of the success of the system as the people believe that the system can be changed. Hence, democracy helps in making the people active citizens instead of being passive subjects.

Question. “Democracy stands much superior to any form of government in promoting dignity and freedom rewrite the answer of the individual.” Justify the statement.
Answer : The statement can be justified by addressing the following points:
(i) Every individual wants to receive respect from their fellowbeings.
(ii) The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of any democracy.
(iii) Throughout the world, the 'concept of respect' has been prioritised. It has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
(iv) Long struggles by women to get respect and equal treatment in society could be taught due to democratic form of government.
(v) In many countries, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time, which they have achieved now.
(vi) In India, 1/3rd of the seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
(vii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunities.

Question. The two images below depict two different kinds of effects democratic politics can have on social divisions. Take one example for each image and write a paragraph each on the outcome of democratic politics in both situations.

Answer :The first image refers to a system where democratic politics is based on caste, religion, race etc. It leads to conflicting situations by further dividing the society. Such a situation is not desirable in a democratic setup. The second image refers to a situation where people join hands by giving up all the differences based on colour, race, caste, creed or language. Such a situation leads to peace and harmony and paves the way for growth and prosperity of the country.

Question. “Democracy is better than any other form of government.” Give arguments in favors of this statement
OR
Explain the merits of democracy.
Answer : Democracy is considered to be the best form of government and most of the countries in the world have adopted it. Following are the merits of democracy-
1. It safeguards the interest of the people
2. Based on the principle of equality
3. Possibility in administration
4. Political education to the people
5. Little chance of revolution
6. Based on public opinion
7. Helps people to become good citizens
8. Accommodate all diversities and differences.

Question. “Evidence shows that in practice many democracies did not fulfil the expectation of producing economic development in the country.” Validate the statement with the help of a relevant example
Answer : Though evidence shows that in practice many democracies did not fulfil the expectation of producing economic development in the country, yet, the form of government is not the only criteria of economic growth. There are several other factors on which economic development of a country depends, like natural sources, level of technology, geographical position, size of the country, population, global situation, cooperation from other countries, its economic priorities, etc. In fact, democracy ensures the path towards economic growth and development. It also ensures lowering of economic inequalities by offering welfare schemes for upliftment of the deprived sections of the society. Democracy aims at developing enlightened and productive citizens who can contribute towards taking the nation to the path of prosperity. India is a concrete example of a democratic country which has experienced tremendous economic growth and progress in the past few decades because the form of government is not the only criteria of economic growth.