1 Mark Questions
Question 1. What is meant by economic inequality?
Answer : It refers to disparities in the distribution of economic assets and income.
Question 2. In which area does democracy fail to achieve the same results as in dictatorship?
Answer : Economic development.
Question 3. Which system can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of society?
Answer : It is quite true that democracies have a plus point in resolving social differences, diversion and conflicts because they have evolved a mechanism to negotiate the differences.
Question 4. Which form of government is better democratic or non-democratic?
Answer : Democratic government is better.
Question 5. What is meant by transparency?
Answer : To examine the process of decision-making in a democracy is known as transparency.
Question 6. Why is democratic government better than other alternatives?
Answer : (i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual.
Question 7. Which form of government is considered the best?
Answer : Democratic form of government.
Question 8. How does democracy produce an accountable government?
Answer : In an accountable government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form government and if possible, they participate in decision-making process.
Question 9. How can you say that democracies are based on political equality?
Answer : All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives. (Right to Vote)
3 Marks Questions
Question 10. Explain the three factors that are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions.
Answer : Three factors are crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions:
(i) The outcome depends on how people perceive their identities. If people see their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to accommodate. It is much easier if the people see that their identities are multiple and are complementary with the national identity.
(ii) It depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost of another community.
(iii) It depends on the how the government reacts to demands of the different groups. If the rulers are willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country.
Question 11. When is democracy considered successful? Explain.
Answer : Democracy is considered to be successful because:
(i) The rulers elected by the people must take all major decision and not the rich and powerful.
(ii) The election must offer a free choice and opportunity to the people.
(iii) The choice should be available to all the people based on political equality.
Question 12. Establish the relationship between democracy and development.
OR
Explain the relationship between democracy and development.
Answer : Relationship between democracy and development are:
(i) Democracies are expected to produce development.
(ii) Development depends upon many factors, i.e., size of population, global situation, cooperation from other countries, etc. In democracies, time is taken on discussion and reaching at a decision. So, it is slow, but it is not unjust or inappropriate.
Question 13. Examine the political outcome of democracy.
Answer : (i) Right to the citizens to choose their leaders and keep check on them.
(ii) If required people can participate in decision-making either directly or indirectly or through representatives.
(iii) It produces accountable, responsible and legitimate government.
Question 14. “Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : Democratic governments in practice are accountable because:
(i) It is right to expect democracy to form a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
(ii) It is also expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision-making whenever they think it as fit.
(iii) The democratic government is accountable to the people. If it ignores the will of the people, they will not elect their ruler in the next general election.
(iv) The procedures and decision-making process should be transparent for democratic government to be accountable to the people.
Question 15. “Democratic government is legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.
OR
Why is democratic government known as legitimate government?
Answer : (i) A democratic government is called legitimate government because it is people’s own government.
(ii) It maybe slow, less efficient and not very responsive and clean, 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 own country.
(iv) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support makes it more legitimate.
Question 16. “Democracy accommodates social diversities”. Support the statement with examples.
Answer : “Democracy accommodates social diversities”:
(i) Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these 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 conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.
(iv) Example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.
Question 17. State any three merits of democracy.
Answer : Merits of Democracy are:
(i) Democracy assures equality in every spheres of life like political, social and economic.
(ii) It upholds basic individual liberties like freedom of speech, etc.
(iii) Due obedience to laws.
Question 18. Why has political funding become a threat for democracy?
Answer : Most of the political parties are dependent on money given by big business houses. That’s why the poor and middle classes do not agree to participate in electoral process. Hence, a majority of people keep away from politics and have little voice in politics.
Question 19. What are the two conditions to accommodate social diversities in a democracy? Mention any one exception to this.
Answer : (i) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority. The majority always needs to work with minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
(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.
The exception is Sri Lanka where majoritarianism is followed.
Question 20. How is democratic government known as responsive government? Explain with an example.
Answer : A democratic government has to be responsive to the needs of its citizens.
(i) Through pressure groups and public protests, the democratic government can check the popularity of its decisions and mechanism of administering justice.
(ii) A government which is able to respond to grievances faster is able to avoid confrontation and provide good governance.
Question 21. “There is 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:
(i) A democratic government is people’s own government.
(ii) The evidence from South Asia shows that the support exists in countries with democratic regimes.
(iii) People wished to be ruled by representatives elected by them.
(iv) People believe that democracy is suitable for their country.
(v) Democracy has the ability to generate its own support which in itself is an outcome that cannot be ignored.
Question 22. What outcomes can one reasonably expect of democracies?
Answer : The outcomes one can reasonably expect of the democracy are:
(i) In the political sphere — Right to vote, right to contest.
(ii) In the economic sphere — minimised economic inequalities.
(iii) In the social sphere — Equal protection to women, SCs, STs and OBCs.
Question 23. Discuss any three factors that describe the successful working of democracy in India.
Answer : Factors for the success of democracy:
(i) Transparency of democracy.
(ii) It is accountable and responsible of ruling.
(iii) It provides legitimacy.
(iv) It accommodates government of social diversity.
(v) It provides dignity and freedom to the citizens.
Question 24. What are the expected outcomes of democracy? Explain.
Answer : The expected outcomes of democracy are as follows:
(i) A government that is chosen and accountable to the people is called democratic government.
(ii) A government that is responsive to the needs of the people.
(iii) Economic growth and development reducing all forms of inequality and end of poverty.
(iv) Accommodating all social diversities.
(v) Ensuring the dignity and freedom of the individuals.
Question 25. How can a democratic government be made accountable? Explain.
Answer : A democratic government can be made accountable by:
(i) Conducting discussions and negotiations.
(ii) Ensuring transparency.
(iii) Holding regular, free and fair elections.
(iv) Having open public debates.
Question 26. How does a democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : A democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government as:
(i) People have a right to choose their rulers and have control over the rulers.
(ii) Whenever possible and necessary, they should participate in decision-making on issues that affect them all.
(iii) Democracy produces a government which is accountable to the citizens.
(iv) Democracy is based on the idea of liberation and negotiation.
(v) Decision-making is based on norms and procedures and its transparency.
Question 27. ‘It may be reasonable to expect from a democracy a government that is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption.’ Explain this statement in three points.
Answer : Corruption of government:
(i) Democracies often frustrate the needs of people and often ignore the demands of the majority.
(ii) The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince us that democracy is not free from this evil.
(iii) But a democratic government is people’s own government and pays heed to their demands.
(iv) People have believed that democracy will be attentive and make policies that will free the country from corruption.
Question 28. Are democracies based on political and economic equalities? Explain.
Answer : Democracy is based on political equality:
(i) All citizens have equal role in electing representatives.
(ii) Parallel to the process o f bringing individuals into the political arena, we find growing economic inequalities.
(iii) Democracy does not appear t o b e very successful in reducing economic inequalities.
(iv) The ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income.
(v) At the bottom of the society, the people have very little to depend on.
(vi) It is difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health.
Question 29. How democracies have been able to reduce poverty? Elaborate.
Answer : (i) Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. Although majority of voters constitute the poverty ridden group, yet democratically elected government do not appear to be as keen to address the question of poverty as you 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.
Question 30. Explain the condition under which dignity and freedom of the citizens can be promoted.
Answer : The conditions are as follows:
(i) To promote the dignity and freedom of the citizens, all individuals should be treated as equal. Once this principle is recognised, it becomes easier for individuals to wage a struggle against what is not acceptable legally and morally.
(ii) Claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated for equal status and equal opportunity should be strengthened. Inequalities and atrocities lack moral and legal foundations.
Question 31. Describe the favourable conditions generally provided to people under a democratic rule.
Answer : Favourable conditions generally provided to people under a democratic rule are:
(i) It promotes dignity to everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
(ii) It ensures freedom of the individual.
(iii) It provides equal status and opportunity.
(iv) It provides positive reservation for women and other advantages for discriminated groups.
Question 32. Explain any three weaknesses of democracy.
Answer :. (i) Democracies take more time in decision making.
(ii) Democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and subjecting every decision to public debate.
(iii) The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince that democracies are not free of evil.
Question 33. Explain the ways in which democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective.
Answer : Ways in which democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective:
(i) Ensures that views of minority are respected.
(ii) Eliminates caste, religion and gender based discrimination.
(iii) People enjoy extensive rights from right to vote to participate in elections.
(iv) People enjoy social and economic rights.
5 Marks Questions
Question 34. “Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual”. Justify this statement.
OR
“Democracies lead to a peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Justify this statement.
Answer : (i) Democracy stand much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. Democracies throughout the world have recognised this, at least in principle.
(ii) 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.
(iii) 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.
(iv) 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.
(v) Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
OR
(i) It will be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life. Democracy usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these 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 we can also evolve mechanism to negotiate the differences. Democracy is best suited to produce this outcome.
(iii) Non-democratic government 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 government.
(iv) 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.
(v) It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group. 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. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.
Question 35. Describe the role of citizens in a democracy.
Answer : The role of citizens in a democracy are as follows:
(i) Citizens exercise their rights and freedoms and get benefited from democratic set-up.
(ii) They must be aware of their rights and duties.
(iii) They should be aware of the issues and problems the country is facing.
(iv) They must cooperate in maintaining law and order.
(v) People must consider other’s needs and interest also.
Question 36. How are complaints treated as testimony to the success of democracy? Explain.
Answer : To some extent, complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy. We can prove the statement by analysing certain facts like:
(i) Slow and inefficient government: Some people complain that democracy is a less effective government and it is slow in functioning. There is no doubt that non-democratic government can be more effective because they are fast in their decision-making. But it is not certain that decisions are right or wrong.
(ii) Unsuccessful in reducing economic exploitation: There is no denying of the fact that democracies do not appear to have been successful in reducing economic inequality. But, it is only possible in a democracy that people can raise their voice against not only economic inequalities, but also against all types of inequalities. All these facts show that complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy.
Question 37. “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” as:
(i) It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect.
(ii) People look critically at power holders. They want to make democracy better.
(iii) They come up with expressions and complaints.
(iv) They value their democratic rights.
Question 38. “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.
(ii) The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of any democracy.
(iii) Democracies throughout the world have recognized this. It has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
(iv) Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment.
(v) In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time which they have achieved now.
(vi) In India 1/3rd of 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 opportunity.
Question 39. How are the democratic governments better than the other forms of governments? Compare.
OR
“Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government.” Analyse the statement with arguments.
OR
Why do we feel that democracy is a better form of government than any other form? Explain.
Answer : The democratic governments are better than other forms of governments because:
(i) Democratic governments have formal Constitution, while it is not the case in other form of governments.
(ii) They hold regular elections, while it is not the case in other form of governments.
(iii) They have political parties, whereas there is no such thing in other form of governments.
(iv) They guarantee rights to citizens, while it is not the case in the other form of governments.
(v) Such governments allow room to correct mistakes, while it is not there in the other form of government.
(vi) Such government accommodates social diversities, while no such thing is there in other form of government.
Question 40. “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 due to population.
(ii) Basic needs of life, such as food clothing, shelter are difficult to achieve.
(iii) Prevalence of economic inequalities.
(iv) Poverty is still a big issue.
(v) Allocation of resources in few hands.
(vi) Unjust distribution o f goods and opportunities.
Question 41. Evidence shows that in practice, many democracies did not fulfill the expectations of producing economic development in the country. Validate the statement with the help of relevant example.
Answer : (i) If we consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
(ii) Economic development depends on several factors: country’s population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
(iii) However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
(iv) Overall, it cannot be said that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.
(v) With such a significant difference in the rates of economic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes. For example: North Korea has higher rate of economic growth than India.
Question 42. How is democracy accountable and responsible 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 will have control over them.
(ii) Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making that affects them all. This ensures that the working of the government is transparent.
(iii) Everybody expects the government to be attentive to the needs and expectations of the people.
(iv) It is expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government 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.
Question 43. “Some people think that democracy produces a less effective government.” Analyse the statement.
Answer : It is true that some people think that democracy produces a less effective government because:
(i) Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion.
(ii) They can be very quick and efficient in decision-making and implementation.
(iii) But democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. So, some delay is bound to take place.
(iv) Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(v) Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with citizens.
(vi) Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population.
Question 44. “Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives.” Justify the statement.
Answer : Democracy is more effective than its other alternatives:
(i) Democracy promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual.
(iii) It also improves the quality of decision making.
(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.
Question 45. Explain with examples, how the dignity and freedom of citizens are best guaranteed in a democracy.
Answer : (i) Democracies throughout the world have recognized the fact that people should be treated with due respect. The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of democracy.
(ii) Democracies recognize all individuals as equal. This equality is a big thing for the societies which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination.
(iii) Most societies across the world are male dominated but democracies have created sensitivity that equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society.
(iv) Caste-based inequalities and atrocities are also not acceptable to democracies. All these combined together enhance the dignity and freedom of the individual.
Question 46. “Democracy has failed to reduce economic inequality and poverty.” Do you agree? Give arguments in support of your answer.
Answer : In actual life, democracies do not appear to be reducing inequalities.
(i) The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party likes to lose their votes, yet democratically elected governments have not addressed the question of poverty as one would have expected them to.
(ii) The people in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.
Argument in support:
(i) It enhances the dignity of the individuals.
(ii) It improves the quality of decision-making.
(iii) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
Question 47. “A democratic government is efficient and effective.” Analyse the statement.
OR
“The cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.” Justify.
Answer : (i) Imagine a government that may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may, therefore, face problems.
(ii) In contrast, the democratic government will take more time to follow procedure before arriving at a decision.
(iii) However, because it has followed procedure, its decisions may be more acceptable to the people and more effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.
Question 48. “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 principles but not in practice because of the following reasons:
(i) The decision-making process in democracy is time taking, whereby justice delayed is justice denied.
(ii) The tyranny of the majority overrides the will of the minority.
(iii) Corruption and red-tapism dominates the functioning of democracies.
(iv) An illiterate and uninformed electorate fails to give itself a legitimate and accountable government.
(v) The role of charismatic leaders and dynastic politics dominates political cultures
Question 49. “Transparency is the most important feature of democracy?” Analyse.
Answer : Transparency is the most important feature of democracy:
Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on certain norms and procedures.
So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through correct procedures can find this out.
The citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. This is known as transparency.
Question 50. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Support the statement with any three suitable arguments.
Answer : The statement is correct that democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life. Arguments for the statement:
(i) Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
(ii) Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct competitions. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
(iii) No doubt, no society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. We can certainly learn to respect these differences.
Question 51. “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 : The three ideal values of a government are legitimacy, responsiveness and accountability. An ideal government would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority. This can be justified as follows:
(i) Legitimacy: A government elected by the people is expected to work for their welfare. Corruption and black money are sources of social evils like poverty, inflation and poor political ethics.
(ii) Responsiveness: A government is run by the representatives who have the mandates of the people of their constituencies. Such evil practices will demotivate the people to re-elect their representatives.
(iii) Accountability: A government is accountable for the management of the polity and its resources. Corruption and black money hinder the optimum allocation of resources.