Outcomes of Democracy

OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

OR

‘Democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate form of government.’ Explain.

Ans. (i) Democracy produces an accountable government. 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. A citizen should to able to

participate in decision-making that affects all. Democracy is based on the idea of

deliberation and negotiation.

(ii) Democracy produces responsive government. The democratic government should be

attentive to the needs and demands of the people and be largely free of corruption.

Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a

majority of its population. At the same time, there is nothing to show that non-democracies

are less corrupt or more sensitive to the people.

(iii)Democracy produces legitimate government. A democratic government is people’s own

government. 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 its own

support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

Q.2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

OR

Explain with examples how democracy can accommodate diversity.

Ans. Democratic governments try to keep peace and harmony among its citizens. This they do by

maintaining discipline and accommodating various social divisions. For example, this has been

done in Belgium and our own country. Democratic governments resolve differences, respect

differences, and try to find mechanisms which can negotiate difference like non-democratic

countries.

Q.3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions :

(i) Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become

rich.

(ii) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.

(iii) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty alleviation, health, education

and spend more on industries and infrastructure.

(iv) In democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means there is absence of any domination

and conflict.

Ans. (i) In a finding, comparison between democracies and dictatorship from 1950’s to the year

2000 showed that economic growth was slightly more in dictatorship. For example,

industrialised countries like the USA showed a high degree of inequalities between the

rich and poor, the blacks and white people, etc. However, this growth rate was negligible.

Economic growth rate depends more on other factors than on the kinds of government.

Such factors include:

(a) Population (b) Global situation

(c) Cooperation between countries (d) Economic priorities and policies of a country.

(ii) Expectations from a democracy are always high. One expects economic disparities to be

less in a democracy, as it believes in an equitable distribution of wealth. But in reality

democracy has a growing income inequalities.

There is a wide gap between the rich and the poor. If we look at South Africa, the top 20%

people have more than 60% share of income, the bottom 20% people have less than 3%

share of the income. In Bangladesh, more than half the population lives below the poverty

line. This proves that even though democracy aims at equality of status and income for

everyone, in actual life it has not been very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

(iii) Development of a nation depends on industrialisation but it is not the only means of

development. One needs a population which has a high rate of literacy, wide knowledge

and skills. A population with low literacy rate, poor health is a burden for any country. It

is wrong to say that government should spend more on industries. A balance must be

maintained between investment on food, clothing, health and education, and industries.

The former are a part of human development, without which industrialisation will not

achieve much.

(iv) The principle of one vote does not mean that there is absence of any domination and

conflict in a democracy. Conflicts can happen if demands of one group are against the

demands of other social groups. Democracy only avoids conflicts by accommodating and

negotiating, and avoids any possibility of conflict by giving everyone equal rights and

freedom in the society. One advantage is that since every citizen has one vote, political

parties cannot ignore any social group. They have to promote policies that include all

social groups to win their support during elections.

Q.4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/

institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situation.

(a) Following a High Court directive, a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for

dalits and for all non-dalits allowed entry from the same door.

Ans. (a) The challenge was practising untouchability or casteism, that was banned by our

Constitution. The High Court restored the Right to Equality.

Casteism should be eradicated from India with the help of education and by promoting

national festivals.

(b) A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.

Ans. (b) Here the challenge is poverty. The government has to provide economic equality by

promoting agriculture and diversity in agriculture, so that it raises the economic standard

of the farmers.

(c) Following allegation of killing three civilians in Fulwama in a fake encounter by Jammu

and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.

Ans. (c) Here the challenge is the security of citizens; a fundamental right is violated.

These incidents can be avoided by practising transparency in the police department and

their actions. The government should promote human rights.

Q.5. In the context of democracies, 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 marginalised sections are to be treated

(D) the idea of political inequality

Ans. (D) the idea of political inequality

Q.6. In the context of assessing democracy, which among the following is odd one out.

Democracies need to ensure :

(A) free and fair elections

(B) dignity of the individual

(C) majority rule

(D) equal treatment before law

Ans. (D) equal treatment before law

Q.7. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that

(A) Democracy and development go together

(B) Inequalities exist in democracies

(C) Inequalities do not exist under dictatorship

(D) dictatorship is better than democracy

Ans. (B) Inequalities exist in democracies

Q.8. Read the passage below :

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 & Civil Supplies office for the last 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 & 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.

Ans. Nannu’s example shows that he was aware of his rights. He was denied the right to information

and not given his rights as a citizen because he was poor. Nannu’s application frightened the

officers and they hurried to give him his ration card, which was their duty to do. The officers

were corrupt and fear of disclosure made them perform their duty. This case clearly shows that

everyone has a right to equality. Nannu did not give in to the pressure tactics of the clerks,

exercised his rights and exposed the corruption prevalent in the department. People have to

enforce their rights themselves and not wait for the government to do so.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that :

(a) democracy and development go together

(b) inequalities exist in democracies

(c) inequalities do not exist under dictatorship

(d) dictatorship is better than democracy

Ans. (b)

Q.2. Why is there a delay in decision-making and implementation in a democracy?

(a) The government is afraid of taking 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

Ans. (c)

Q.3. Democracy is a better form of government because it ....

(a) promotes equality among citizens

(b) enhances the dignity of the individual

(c) provides a method to resolve conflicts

(d) all the above

Ans. (d)

Q.4. Which of the following statements is/ are 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)

Ans. (d)

Q.5. Which regime usually develops a procedure to conduct social competition and reduce the possibility of social tension?

(a) Democratic regime

(b) Dictatorial regime

(c) Non-democratic regime

(d) None of these

Ans. (a)

Q.6. Choose the correct statement.

(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) None of these

Ans. (c)

Q.7. Which factor is often missing from a non-democratic government?

(a) Efficiency (b) Effectiveness

(c) Transparency (d) None of these

Ans. (c)

Q.8. 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

Ans. (a)

Q.9. Why is the cost of time that democracy pays for arriving at a decision worthwhile?

(a) Decisions are taken following due procedures

(b) Decisions are always in favour of people

(c) Decisions are more likely to be acceptable to the people and more effective

(d) None of these

Ans. (c)

Q.10. 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?

1 – regular, free and fair elections

2 – public debate on major policies and legislations

3 – citizens’ right to information about government and its functioning

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (d)

Q.11. There is one respect in which a democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives. What is it?

(a) Efficiency (b) Decision-making

(c) Legitimacy (d) None of these

Ans. (c)

Q.12. Which among the following has a higher rate of economic growth and development?

(a) Democracies (b) Dictatorships

(c) All non-democratic regimes

(d) Monarchies

Ans. (b)

Q.13. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the distribution of economic benefits in democracies?

(a) Incomes of both the rich and the poor have been increasing

(b) Incomes of both the rich and the poor have been declining

(c) Incomes of the rich have been increasing and those of the poor have been declining

(d) None of the abvoe

Ans. (c)

Q.14. In which of these countries half of the population lives in poverty?

(a) India (b) Sri Lanka

(c) Bangladesh (d) Pakistan

Ans. (c)

Q.15. Which regime is best suited to accommodate social diversity?

(a) A democratic regime

(b) A non-democratic regime

(c) Only a dictatorial regime

(d) None of these

Ans. (a)

Q.16. Which regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences?

(a) Democratic regimes

(b) Non-democratic regimes

(c) Monarchy

(d) Oligarchy

Ans. (b)

Q.17. Which among the following countries is a perfect example of accommodation of social diversity?

(a) Sri Lanka (b) Belgium

(c) Saudi Arabia (d) Pakistan

Ans. (b)

Q.18. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting

(a) economic growth

(b) dignity and freedom of the individual

(c) economic equality

(d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Q.19. Which of these values have the moral and legal sanctions in a democracy?

(a) Gender equality

(b) Caste-based equality

(c) Economic equality

(d) Both (a) and (b)

Ans. (d)

Q.20. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct? Democracies have successfully

(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

Ans. (d)

 

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

 

Q.1. Which factors help economic growth in the country?

Ans. (i) Economic growth depends on the size of the population of a country. We can see that in

our country economic growth cannot cope with the problem of a bursting population of

more than a billion people.

(ii) It also depends on the global situation and cooperation from other countries. All

developing countries need help of the rich and developed nations to grow.

(iii) The policies of the government also affect economic growth of country.

Q.2. How have democracies fallen short of people’s expectations?

Ans. Democracies have failed to hold elections which give a fair chance to everyone. They have

failed in transparency, i.e. sharing information with citizens. They are also blamed for not

holding public debate. And finally, corruption is the biggest charge against democratic

governments.

Q.3. What is a must for a successful democratic government?

Ans. In a democracy, there must be a government which is accountable to the citizens, responsive

to the needs and expectations of the citizens only then it can be effective and efficient.

Q.4. What do you understand by the term ‘majority’ in a democracy?

Ans. Democracy does not rule simply by majority opinion. ‘Majority’ does not mean a community

in terms of religion, race or linguistic group. Rule by majority means that in case of every

decision, or in case of every election, different people and groups can form a majority.

Q.5. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

Ans. (i) The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to

represent the general views.

(ii) It is necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms

of religion, race, linguistic group, etc. Different persons or groups should be allowed to

form a government as a result of an election conducted.

Q.6. Some people think that democracy produces less efficient and effective government. Do

you agree with their views?

Ans. It is true that some delay is bound to take place in democracy as it is based on deliberation

and negotiation. It is also true that non-democratic rulers can be very quick and efficient in

decision-making and implementation. But they may take decisions that are not acceptable to

the people but are forced on them. On the other hand, because democratic governments follow

procedures, its decisions may be more acceptable to the people and more effective. So I do not

agree with the view that democracy is a less effective and more inefficient form of government.

Q.7. Examine with the help of three examples how the dignity and freedom of citizens are best

guaranteed in a democracy.

Ans. (i) Dignity of women. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that

respect to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society.

(ii) Caste inequalities. Democracy in India have strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged

and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.

(iii)Public expression of dissatisfaction. A public expression of dissatisfaction with

democracy shows the success of the democratic project : it transforms people from the

status of a ‘subject’ to that of a ‘citizen’. Public expression shows that people are aware

and have the ability to look critically at the powerholders.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. “Democracy is a better form of government.” Support the statement with three arguments.

OR

Why do people prefer democracy? Explain with four reasons.

Ans. People prefer democracy because :

(i) People are their own masters. In a democracy, every individual has a right to vote and

choose his representatives in the government. The government is of the people and the

laws are made by the people (or the representatives chosen) in the government. Laws are

made to protect the liberty and freedom of the people.

(ii) In a democracy, no particular religion, region, race or language is given special preference.

All individuals are given equal rights and freedom, and there is no discrimination.

(iii) The government is not by force. The opposition parties are allowed to criticise the

government.

(iv) Since every individual is given equal rights, there is less danger of conflicts in society.

There are less conflicts based on caste, religion or region and less social tensions in

society. In politics, dignity of the individual is cared for.

Q.2. How does democracy lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens? Explain.

Ans. (i) Democracies accommodate various social divisions. For example, Belgium has peacefully

solved her ethnic problems and solved the differences.

(ii) All democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct competition, i.e. conduct

elections, power-sharing, etc. This reduces the possibility of tensions, due to social

divisions, turning violent or explosive.

(iii) Democracy teaches people to respect the differences and resolve conflicts among different

groups peacefully. In non-democratic countries, rulers either turn a blind eye to or suppress

internal differences. For example, Sri Lanka. The plus point in democratic regime is the

ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.

(iv) A democracy is not just a rule by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work

with the minority so that the government represents the general view.

(v) A democratic government ensures that the rule by the majority does not become autocratic

in terms of religion, race or linguistic group etc. It tries that in case of every election,

different persons and groups can form a majority. It tries to see that every citizen has a

chance to be in majority at some point of time and is not barred on the basis of birth.

All these things ensured by a democratic regime lead to a peaceful and harmonious life.

Q.3. What are the differences between democratic and non-democratic governments in the

decision making process?

Ans. The decision making process of the non-democratic rulers is very quick. They are also efficient

in decision making and even in the implementation of the decisions. This all happens because

non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or about the

public opinion.

On the other hand, democratic form of government is based on deliberation and negotiation.

This causes the process slow. They followed procedures, their decisions may be more

acceptable to the people and are more effective.

Q.4. How do political parties shape public opinion? Explain with three examples.

Ans. Political parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues. They have lakhs of

members and activists spread all over the country. Many of the pressure groups are the

extensions of political parties among different sections of society. Political parties sometimes

also launch movements for resolving the problems faced by people. Often opinion in the

society crystallise on the lines parties take.

Q.5. ‘‘There is lack of internal democracy within the political parties.’’ Justify the statement

with three arguments.

Ans. There is lack of internal democracy within parties. All parties having tendency that there is

only one or few leaders should be at top to grab the power. They do not have check on

membership registers. They do not call organisational meetings neither they conduct internal

elections regularly. Not all the members of the party have information regarding internal party

matters. The ordinary member of the party do not have the means or the connections needed

to influence the decisions. Every decision of the party is taken only by few leaders in the name

of party.

Q.6. ‘‘Most negative feature of democracy is that its examination never gets over.” Support the

statement with three arguments.

Ans. The working sphere of democracy –

(i) Promote equality among citizens

(ii) Enhance the dignity of the individual

(iii) Improve the quality of decision making

(iv) Provide a method to resolve conflict.

Democracy is also having the fields of work are – social situations, economic achievement and

the culture of the nation.

It have great responsibilities, huge working area and the high population. So whatever work

is done by democracy seems to be very small in terms of problems. That’s why it is said that

the most negative feature of democracy is that its examination never gets over.

Q.7. What is the main outcome of democracy with reference to reduction of inequality and

poverty? Give any two arguments to support your answer.

Ans. Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal right in electing

representatives. Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on an

equal footing, find growing economic inequalities. A few number of 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 and sometimes they find it difficult to meet their

basic needs of life such as food, clothing, house, education and health.

Q.8. Why is a democratic government considered better than dictatorship ? Explain any three

reasons.

Ans. 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. This is not

true in case of dictatorship.

In a democratic government citizens have fundamental rights and duties but in dictatorship it

is not so.

In a democratic form of government, the decision making process is slow. Because it is follow

by the procedures and its decisions are more acceptable to the people. This is not seen in the

dictatorship type of government.

Q.9. Examine any three features on the basis of which maximum number of countries claim

to practise democratic politics ?

Ans. When any country follows this pattern, then they are able to claim to practise democratic

politics.

(i) Elections are held at regular intervals and are fair and free.

(ii) Freedom of speech, expression and thought is another feature of democracy.

(iii) The dignity of the individual is recognised.

Q.10. ‘‘In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic

inequalities.’’ Support this statement giving three arguments.

OR

Do democracies lead to a just distribution of goods and services. Justify your answer.

Ans. Democracies are based on political equality. All citizens have equal right in electing

representatives. This is not so in the economic field. Economic equality come by the equitable

distribution of wealth, but this is not true in democracy. The poor are becoming poorer and

sometimes they find difficult even to meet the basic needs of life like food, shelter, health and

education.

Q.25. Mention the political outcomes of democracy.

Ans. These are some political outcomes of democracy –

(i) People will have the right to choose their ruler and also have control over the rulers.

(ii) Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making

that affects them all.

(iii) People have the right to stand up for any political post.

 

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

 

Q.1. Look at the two images given below and then answer the questions.

(i) What are the two images depicting about democratic politics?

(ii) Take one example for each image and then write a paragraph each on the outcome of

democratic politics in both situations.

Ans. (i) Image 1 is of a harmonious type irrespective of differences among citizens on the basis of

their colour, or any other social differences.

Image 2 is of a divisive society where there are divisions which can lead to conflicts, and

even civil war.

(ii) The first example we can take up is of Belgium where Dutch-speaking and French speaking

people have learnt to share power and live amicably. Here perfect equality is

maintained and there is no conflict. No group is allowed to dominate in any way, either

in politics or in social and cultural life.

The second example is of Sri Lanka where a civil war continued for decades. The

Sinhalese majority has made Buddhism the state religion and Sinhala the state language,

and has given no rights to the Tamil minority. Ireland suffered for many years with

religious conflict. Only an agreement in 2005 brought peace for the nation.

Q.3. Discuss some merits and demerits of democracy in the light of your study of the chapter.

Ans. Merits :

(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

(v) Allows room to correct mistakes

Demerits :

(i) Takes more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision as compared to a nondemocratic government.

(ii) Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in putting every decision to public debate.

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

(iv) Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population.

 

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTION

 

Q.1. Explain any four features that are common in all democratic set-ups of the government.

Ans. (i) In a democracy, elections are held at regular intervals and are fair and free.

(ii) A democracy has a multi-party system and elections are held on the basis of universal

adult franchise.

(iii) Freedom of speech, expression and thought is another feature of democracy. The media

also helps in building a sound public opinion.

(iv) Democracy gives to its citizens a sound political system based on social equality.

(v) Another feature of a democracy is a strong opposition which keeps in check, the ruling

party or the government.

(vi) Besides these, we also know how in a democracy, the dignity of the individual is

recognised and one can correct one’s mistakes in a democracy and avoid conflicts.

Q.2. How are complaints treated as testimony to the success of democracy? Explain with four

facts.

OR

“The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy.”

Justify the statement with three points.

Ans. Expectations from democracy also function as a criteria for judging any democratic country.

People’s complaints in democracy is itself a testimony to its success as it shows that people

have developed awareness and the ability to expect and look critically at powerholders and the

high and mighty.

Examples of complaint of the following type can prove the point :

(i) Democracy sets up slow and inefficient government.

(ii) It is unsuccessful in reducing economic exploitation.

(iii) It is not free of the evil of corruption.

(iv) It is not able to end social discrimination. There are still caste-based inequalities and

atrocities, although they lack moral and legal foundations.

In all these cases, complaints are there, but so are the efforts made to attack them.