CIVICS (Democratic Politics-II) - 10 - Social Science solution
Class 10 - Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy
1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer:
Democracy is considered the best form of government because it makes rulers accountable to the people and ensures that government policies reflect the needs and aspirations of citizens.
Accountable Government
- In a democracy, leaders are elected by the people.
- Governments must answer to citizens for their actions and decisions.
- Regular elections enable people to remove governments that do not perform well.
- Opposition parties, media and courts keep a check on the government.
Responsive Government
- Democratic governments respond to public demands and grievances.
- Citizens can express opinions through elections, protests and public discussions.
- Policies are often modified according to public needs.
Legitimate Government
- Governments are formed through free and fair elections.
- People accept democratic governments because they are chosen by the citizens themselves.
- Democratic decisions enjoy greater public support and legitimacy.
Hence Democracy produces governments that are accountable, responsive and legitimate because authority ultimately rests with the people.
2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer:
Democracies successfully accommodate social diversities when certain conditions are fulfilled.
Conditions
- The majority should work with the minority and not dominate it.
- Different communities should respect each other's beliefs, cultures and traditions.
- Political leaders should promote unity rather than division.
- Equal rights and opportunities should be available to all citizens.
- Power should be shared among different groups and regions.
- Constitutional safeguards should protect minority interests.
When these conditions exist, democracy becomes more inclusive and stable.
3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions.
(i) Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
Answer:
I oppose this assertion.
Economic development and democracy can go together. Several democratic countries have achieved significant economic progress while protecting citizens' rights. Dictatorship does not guarantee economic development. Democracy ensures participation, accountability and protection of human rights.
(ii) Democracy can't reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
Answer:
I partially agree.
Democracies have not completely eliminated income inequalities. However, democratic governments can introduce welfare schemes, reservations, subsidies and social justice programmes that help reduce inequalities. Therefore, democracy can reduce inequality to some extent, though it may not eliminate it entirely.
(iii) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health and education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
Answer:
I oppose this assertion.
Health, education and poverty alleviation are essential for human development. A healthy and educated population contributes to economic growth. Therefore, governments should invest in both social welfare and infrastructure development.
(iv) In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
Answer:
I oppose this assertion.
Although every citizen has one vote, social and economic inequalities may still exist. Conflicts and domination can continue in society. Democracy provides peaceful methods to address these problems but cannot completely eliminate them.
4. Identify the challenges faced by democracy in the following situations. Also suggest policy or institutional mechanisms to deepen democracy.
(i) Separate entry doors for Dalits and non-Dalits in a temple in Orissa.
Challenge:
Social inequality and caste discrimination.
Suggested Measures:
- Strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
- Promotion of social equality and awareness programmes.
- Strengthening constitutional safeguards.
(ii) Large number of farmers committing suicide in different states.
Challenge:
Economic inequality and agrarian distress.
Suggested Measures:
- Provide affordable agricultural credit.
- Crop insurance schemes.
- Better irrigation facilities.
- Fair prices for agricultural produce.
(iii) Allegation of fake encounter killings by police in Jammu and Kashmir.
Challenge:
Violation of rule of law and lack of accountability.
Suggested Measures:
- Independent judicial enquiries.
- Strengthening human rights institutions.
- Greater police accountability.
- Transparent investigations.
5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct?
A. Democracies have successfully eliminated 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.
Answer:
Correct Option: (C) Differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated.
Explanation:
Democracies encourage debate and discussion. Citizens may differ in their views regarding policies and treatment of disadvantaged groups.
6. In the context of assessing democracy, which among the following is the odd one out?
A. Free and fair elections
B. Dignity of the individual
C. Majority rule
D. Equal treatment before law
Answer:
Correct Option: (C) Majority rule
Explanation:
Democracy is not merely about majority rule. It also requires protection of rights, dignity and equality of all citizens.
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.
Answer:
Correct Option: (B) Inequalities exist in democracies.
Explanation:
Although democracies promote equality, social and economic inequalities still persist in many democratic countries.
8. Read the passage and answer the questions.
(i) What does Nannu's example show?
Answer:
Nannu's example shows the importance and effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. It demonstrates how ordinary citizens can demand transparency and accountability from government officials.
The RTI Act empowers citizens to obtain information regarding government actions and decisions, thereby reducing corruption and administrative delays.
(ii) What impact did Nannu's action have on officials?
Answer:
Nannu's RTI application created pressure on government officials to act responsibly.
- The concerned department processed his application quickly.
- Officials became more accountable.
- The ration card was issued without further delay.
- Government employees realised that citizens could question their actions.
(iii) Ask your parents about their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.
Answer:
Sample Answer:
My parents told me that government offices sometimes involve delays due to lengthy procedures and paperwork. However, services have improved in recent years because of digitisation, online portals, grievance redressal systems and laws such as the Right to Information Act. Citizens today have greater opportunities to seek accountability from public officials.
Important Exam Points
- Democracy produces accountable, responsive and legitimate governments.
- Social diversity can be accommodated through equality, tolerance and power sharing.
- Democracy cannot completely eliminate inequalities but provides peaceful methods to address them.
- The Right to Information Act strengthens transparency and accountability.
- Free and fair elections alone are not sufficient; democracy must also ensure dignity, equality and justice.
- Democratic governments are answerable to the people through elections and constitutional institutions.