Outcomes of Democracy

 

Outcomes of Democracy

Choose the correct option:

1.       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

2.       Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world?
(a) Dictatorship   (b) Monarchy      (c) Military rule    (d) Democracy

3.       Which one of the following features is common to most of the democracies?
(a) They have formal Constitution           (b) They hold regular elections
(c) They have political parties                  (d) All of the above

4.       In which one of the following countries is democracy not preferred over dictatorship?
(a) Bangladesh    (b) Pakistan       (c) Sri Lanka       (d) India

5.       Which one of the following is not the way to resolve a conflict in a democracy?
(a) Mass mobilisation                              (b) Using Parliament

(c) Doing justice                                     (d) Armed revolution

6.       ‘Equal treatment of women’ is a necessary ingredient of a democratic society. This means that:
(a) women are actually always treated with respect.
(b) it is now easier for women to legally wage struggle for their rights.
(c) most societies across the world are now increasingly women dominated.
(d) women are now treated as equals in the political arena.

7.       Democratic government is better than non-democratic because
(a) it is a legitimate form of government.
(b) overwhelming support for the idea all over the world.
(c) it leads to a just distribution of goods and opportunities.
(d) it ensures faster economic growth.

8.       Consider the following statements. Which of these do not hold true for non-democratic regimes?
(a) These do not have to bother about public opinion.
(b) These take less time at arriving at a decision.
(c) Principle of individual dignity has legal force.
(d) These often suppress internal social differences.

9.       In a democracy, a citizen has the right and means to examine the process of decision-making. This is known as
(a) Dictatorship   (b) Transparency                (c) Legitimacy         (d) Equality

10.    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

11.    On which of the following practices and institutions can the accountability of government and involvement of people in decision-making process in a democracy be measured?
(a) Regular, free and fair elections
(b) Public debate on major policies and legislations
(c) Citizens’ right to information about government and its functioning
(d) All of the above

12.    Decisions taken by which type of government are likely to be more acceptable to the people and more effective?
(a) Democratic government                         (b) Non-democratic government
(c) Military dictatorship                                    (d) Theocracy

13.    Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Democracies can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups
(b) Dictatorships can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups
(c) No regime can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups
(d) Both (a) and (b)

14.    Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Most of the democracies have constitutions, they hold elections, have parties and they guarantee rights to citizens
(b) Democracies are very much different from each other in terms of their social, economic and cultural achievements
(c) All democracies are similar as far as social, economic and cultural conditions are concerned
(d) Both (a) and (b)

15.    Why is there a delay in decision-making and implementation in a democracy?
(a) The government don’t want to take decisions
(b) The government is hesitant in taking decisions
(c) Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation
(d) A democratic government is not interested in taking quick decisions

16.    In the context of democracies, what is successfully done by Democracies?
(a) Eliminated conflicts among people
(b) Eliminated economic inequalities among people
(c) Eliminated differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
(d) Rejected the idea of political inequality

17.    What is promoted much superiorly by democracy than any other form of government?
(a) Economic growth             (b) Dignity and freedom of the individual
(c) Economic equality            (d) None of these

18.    Which regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences?
(a) Democratic regimes         (b) Non-democratic regimes
(c) Monarchy                        (d) Oligarchy

19.    In which of these countries half of the population lives in poverty?
(a) India     (b) Sri Lanka       (c) Bangladesh           (d) Pakistan

20.    Which among the following has a higher rate of economic growth and development?
(a) Democracies                                     (b) Dictatorships
(c) All non-democratic regimes                (d) Monarchies

Picture-based Questions:

Question 1.
Look at the given cartoons taken from NCERT Textbook pages 93-96 and 99.

The above cartoons tell us about the disparities between the rich and the poor. Should the gains of economic growth be evenly distributed? How can the poor get a voice for a better share in a nation? What can the poor countries do to receive a greater share in the world’s wealth?

Answer:
In democracy all over the world we find disparities between the rich and the poor. The reason is that the gains of economic growth is not evenly distributed among the people. A smaller number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. But 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.

To get a voice for a better share in a nation the poor need to come together and draw government’s attention towards their problems. If needed, they should start protest movements to get coverage in media.

The poor countries should get united and raise their voice collectively to draw the attention of the rich and powerful countries towards the problems they are suffering from. They should point out how rich countries are accountable to some of their problems and how they exploit natural resources so carelessly. The poor countries should hold meetings and discussions to pressurise the rich countries to stop doing injustices.

2016
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 1.
‘A democratic government is a legitimate government.’ Support the statement with arguments.
Answer:
A democratic government is a legitimate government because of the following reasons.

It may be slow, less efficient or not always responsive or clean, but it is people’s own government.

It has planned institutions and practices for its functioning, such as:

free and fair elections.

regular public debates.

right to information to citizens.

planned legislations.

In a democracy, decisions are taken in a very transparent manner citizens have the chance to examine the process of decision-making.

Question 2.
‘Democracy accommodates social diversities.’ Support the statement with examples.
Answer:
Democracy accommodates social diversities in the following ways.

Democracy develops competitive attitude: Democracy develops a procedure to conduct competition among social classes. This reduces the possibility of conflicts and social tensions.

Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups, but we can certainly learn to respect these difference and can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracies are best suited to produce this outcome.

Democracy represents the general view: Democracy ensures that the government should not be made by the majority but it should have the representation of minority as well.

Question 3.
‘Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.’ Support the statement.
Answer:
Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable because

people have the right to choose their representatives and they have control over the rulers.

if these elected representatives do not work properly, people have a chance to not elect them in the next election.

people have the right to examine the decision-making process. The Right to Information enables the people to run a check on the government.

Long Answer Type Questions [5 Marks]

Question 4.
How are democratic governments better than the other forms of governments? Compare.
Answer:
Democracy is not a mere form of government. It is a form of society as well as a social order. It is always preferable and superior to any other form of government because of the following reasons.

Democracy promotes equality among citizens: In democracy, each citizen is given equal rights and freedoms. There is no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, colour, etc. Democracy aims at equitable distribution of incomes and products among citizens.

Democracy enhances dignity of individuals: Democracy permits political equality for all its citizens. In democracy, there is absence of any domination and conflicts Thus, it implies every citizen enjoys dignity and freedom in democracy.

Democracy improves the quality of decision-making. As democracy is based on deliberation and negotiations, it improves the quality of decision-making. In a democracy, every citizen takes part in the decision-making process, either directly or indirectly through the elected representatives.

Democracy develops competitive attitude: Democracy usually develops a procedure to conduct competition among the social differences. This reduces the possibility of social tensions becoming explosive or violent.

Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups, but we can certainly learn to respect these differences and also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracies are best suited to produce this outcome.

Democracy represents the general view: The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view,

Democracy provides an accountable, responsive and legitimate government: The most basic feature of democracy is that it produces a government which is accountable to the citizens, responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens and its legitimate. {any five)

Question 5.
‘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. 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.

Question 6.
‘Democracies are not appearing to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.’ Analyse the statement.
Answer:
‘Democracies are based on political equality but they are not appearing to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities’. The following points analyse the statement.

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

The have-nots lead a frugal life and they have very little to depend upon. Their incomes have been declining and they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life.

According to a recent report, India is the second most unequal country in the world with 54 per cent wealth controlled by millionaires.

The poor constitute a large population of voters. No party wants to lose their votes but they do not seem very interested in addressing the question of poverty.

People in several poor countries are dependent on rich countries for food with Bangladesh being the worst with half of its population living in poverty.

Question 7.
‘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 democratic project. This statement can be justified giving the following arguments.

When citizens show their dissatisfaction, it clearly shows that they are actively taking part in democratic projects, because this system is their own.

A pubic expression of dissatisfaction shows that people are not just forcefully following or agreeing with whatever they are told.

It shows that they are enjoying their freedom and hence they are no more subjects but are responsible citizens.

Their freedom and transformation from the status of subjects to that of citizens is the main aim of democracy.

As people get benefits, they ask for more. This makes democracy better

2015
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]

Question 8.
How can you say that democracies are based on political equality?
Answer:
Democracies are based on political equality as they provide equal rights to all the citizens to contest elections and cast vote and ensure equal opportunity to be elected. They also subscribe to one vote, one value and equal political rights.

Question 9.
What is meant by transparency?
Answer:
Right or means to examine the process of decision-making is called transparency.

Question 10.
Why is a democratic government better than other alternatives?
Answer:
Democracy is a better form of government because it is legitimate, accountable, responsive, promotes equality among citizens, enhances dignity of the individual, improves quality of decision-making and allows room to correct mistakes.

Question 11.
Which form of government is considered the best?
Answer:
Democratic form of government is considered the best as it enhances dignity of the individual by giving every person equal treatment.

Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 12.
‘Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives.’ Justify the statement.
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

Question 13.
How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyse.
Answer:
There is no denying the fact that democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.Democracy produces an accountable government in the following ways.

A democratic government ensures that people are able to choose their leaders and keep a check on them.

In an accountable government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form government and if possible they participate in the decision-making process.

Citizens also have the right to evaluate the decision-making process. Democracy produces a responsive government in the following ways.

Democracy produces a responsible government which is responsible for satisfying the needs and aspirations of people.

It promotes the formation of public opinion, needs and expectations of the citizens.

There are proper deliberations and negotiations before arriving at any decision.

Question 14.
‘There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.’ Support the statement.
Answer:
There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world because of the following reasons.

A democratic government is people’s own government. People wish to be ruled by the representatives elected by them.

It promotes equality among citizens.

It improves the quality of decision-making.

It provides room for correction of mistakes.

It has the ability to generate its own support. (any three)

Question 15.
‘Some people think that democracy produces a less-effective government.’ Analyse the statement.

Answer:
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.

Long Answer Type Question [5 Marks]

Question 16.
Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form? Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

2014
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 17.
How is a democratic government known as a responsive government? Explain with an example
Answer:
Refer to answer 13

Question 18.
How is a democratic government known as a responsive government? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Refer to answer 13

Question 19.
Why is a democratic government known as a legitimate government? Explain
Answer:
Refer to answer 1

Long Answer Type Questions [5 Marks]

Question 20.
How is democracy a better form of government in comparison with other forms of governments? Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

Question 21.
How do democracies accommodate various social divisions? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Democracies accommodate various social divisions and differences in the following ways.

Democracy usually develops a procedure to conduct competition among social divisions. It reduces the possibility of social tensions becoming violent.

Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. Democracies are best suited to produce this outcome.

Democracy presents the general view. The majority always needs to work with minority so that the government functions to represent the general view. Hence majority and minority views are not permanent.

Democratic regimes do not suppress internal social differences. They do not turn a blind eye to such differences.

Democratic governments have the ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.

Question 22.
‘A democratic government is efficient and effective.’ Analyse the statement.
Answer:
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.

2013
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 23.
‘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.
Answer:
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.

Question 24.
How do you feel that democracy is better than any other form of government? Explain.
Answer:
Refers to answer 4

Question 25.
How are democratic governments accountable? Explain with three examples.
Answer:
Refers to answer 13

Question 26.
Explain any three common features of democracies.
Answer:
The following are the three common features of democracies.

Regular elections: In a democratic government, the general elections are held to elect a new government.

Right to vote: All the citizens of the country, of and above a certain age, have the right to vote.

Political parties: Political parties are an essential part of democracy. They put up candidates who contest the election.

Rule of law: Another common feature of all democracies is that it ensures rule of law. Law is supreme and all the citizens are equal in the eyes of law. No one is above the law.

Question 27.
Explain any three conditions under which democracies are able to accommodate social diversities.
Answer:
Refer to answer 2

Long Answer Type Questions [5 Marks]

Question 28.
‘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 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.

Question 29.
‘Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities’. Examine the statement with examples.
Answer:
Refers to answer 6

Question 30.
‘Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.’ Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
Democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens as it gives to its citizens a sound political system based on social equality. We can prove the statement by citing the following instances.

Democracy provides a conducive political environment to citizens for their popular participation in politics.

Every citizen has the right to vote and right to contest election.

Democracy stands for equal economic status to all citizens.

In democracy, government undertakes extensive social welfare schemes and achieve universal literacy rate.

In the social sphere, democracy tries to help its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by accommodating various social divisions and providing social equality to its citizens.

Democratic governments try to resolve differences, respect differences and try mechanisms which can negotiate differences. (any five)

Question 31.
‘Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.’ Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer:
Refer to answer 5

Question 32.
How does Indian democracy meet the expectations of Indian people regarding democratic outcomes? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Indian democracy meets the expectations of Indian people regarding democratic outcomes in the following ways.

India can claim to be the largest democracy in the world, granting political freedom and equality to all.

People by virtue of fundamental rights participate in the governance of the country.

Indian democracy has ensured power sharing to all the groups and has given adequate representation to women, and diverse and weaker sections of the society. For instances, reservation policy, language policy and principle of secularism.

It provides for smooth and legitimate transformation from one government to another by means of electoral competition.

It is an accountable government, which ensures transparency. It is also responsive to the needs and aspirations of the citizens.

2012
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 33.
Explain any three conditions in which democracies are able to accommodate social diversities.
Answer:
Refer to answer 2

Question 34.
Explain any three ways in which democracy has succeeded in maintaining dignity and freedom of citizens
Answer:
Refer to answer 5

Question 35.
How are democracies able to accommodate social diversities? Explain with three examples.
Answer:
Refer to answer 2

Question 36.
Explain any three merits of democratic governments over dictatorship.
Answer:
The following are the three merits of democratic governments over dictatorship.

Democracy conducts regular, free and fair elections, promotes equality among citizens and allows room to correct mistakes. In a dictatorship, the leader comes to power after a show of force and people are relegated to secondary positions.

In democracy, decision-making is slow but is based on the needs and aspirations of the citizens. Decisions are taken after deliberation and negotiations. In a dictatorship, rulers do not have to consider about deliberations and assemblies or think about public opinion.

Democratic government is a legitimate government, elected by the people (where everyone enjoys the right to vote). It is people’s own government. These factors are missing in a dictatorship.

Long Answer Type Questions [4/5 Marks]

Question 37.
‘Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.’Support the statement with an argument
Answer:
Refer to answer 28

Question 38.
Explain four ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and poverty.
Answer:
Four ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and poverty are as follows.

It ensures political equality by giving equal voting rights to every citizen,

It provides a suitable environment for group activism which leads to equal opportunity to raise the concerns of poor people.

It supports the redistributive mechanism for transferring economic benefits on the basis of requirement of any section of society. This leads to more equitable division of benefits to underprivileged which reduces poverty.

It protects the rights of every citizen without discrimination on the basis of economic status ensuring social equality.

Question 39.
Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government? Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

Question 40.
Explain with examples how democracy leads to a peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.
Answer:
Refer to answer 30

Question 41.
How do democracies stand much better to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens. Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 5

Question 42.
How do democracies stand much superior to any other form of government in reducing inequality and poverty. Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 38

2011
Short Answer Type Questions [3 Marks]

Question 43.
How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points.
Answer:
Democratic governments ensure transparency in the following ways.

They make sure that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.

They allow every citizen to participate in decision-making, directly or indirectly, through representatives.

Citizens can examine and find out about the correctness of the procedure of decision-making using their right to information.

They are accountable to the people. If people are not satisfied with the way the government works, they have the right to change the government in the next general elections.

They provide people with power to demand answers from their representatives and reduce the chances of corruption.

Question 44.
Explain any three characteristics of democracy.
Answer:
Refer to answer 26

Question 45.
Explain the role of democratic governments in reducing economic disparities.
Answer:
The democratic governments play an important role in reducing economic disparities by adopting the following measures.

Government ensures equitable distribution of wealth, so as to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

Government undertakes extensive social welfare schemes and strives to achieve universal literacy rate.

Government takes care to provide equal opportunities to all. It makes sure that no discrimination is being done on the basis of economic status, caste, etc.

Question 46.
How do democracies accommodate social diversity? Explain.
Answer:
Refer to answer 2

Question 47.
‘Constant complaints by people can be seen as a testimony to the success of a democracy.’ Explain.
Answer:
Complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy in the following ways.

Complaints highlight the awareness of the people and their expectations from the system that has been put in place.

It reflects that citizens are not overawed by those in power and can objectively and critically examine the difference they have made.

It is a measure of their participation in public debates which democracy seeks to encourage.

A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.

It shows that people have transformed themselves from being subjects to being citizens.

Question 48.
How is democracy superior to any other form of government? Give three points.
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

Question 49.
Explain any three features of democracy.
Answer:
Refer to answer 26

Question 50.
Explain with three examples how democracy promotes the dignity and freedom of an individual.
Answer:
Refer to answer 35

2010
Long Answer Type Questions [4/5 Marks]

Question 51.
‘Democracy is better form of government than other forms of government.’ Justify the statement
Answer:
Refer to answer 4

Question 52.
Explain any four features that are common in all democratic set-ups of government.
Answer:
Refer to answer 26

 

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