Test: Outcomes of Democracy - 3 - Class 10 MCQ

Assertion: Democratic government takes longer period before arriving at a decision.
Reason: Decision making in democracy is based on norms and procedures.
The correct answer is option A: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Assertion: Democratic government takes longer period before arriving at a decision.
Reason: Decision making in democracy is based on norms and procedures.
- Democratic government involves a larger number of stakeholders who have the right to participate in decision making.
- The decision-making process in a democracy involves discussions, debates, and consultations among various individuals and groups.
- Norms and procedures are followed to ensure that decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner.
- Democratic decision-making emphasizes inclusivity and giving voice to all members of society.
- This inclusivity and emphasis on participation can sometimes lead to longer decision-making processes.
- In a democracy, decisions are not made unilaterally by a single individual or a small group of people.
- Instead, decisions are made through a collective process that takes into account the views and opinions of different stakeholders.
- This democratic process of decision making may take longer as it requires consensus-building and the consideration of multiple perspectives.
Therefore, the reason provided in the assertion is a correct explanation for why democratic government takes a longer period before arriving at a decision.

Explanation:
To understand why the answer is (d) "all of the above," let's break down each option and explain why it is important for people to be vigilant and participate actively:
Representation:
- Vigilance and active participation in the process of representation ensure that individuals are properly represented in government bodies or organizations.
- By actively participating, individuals can voice their concerns, opinions, and needs, which helps shape policies and decisions that affect them.
- Vigilance is necessary to hold representatives accountable and ensure they are acting in the best interest of the people they represent.
Governance:
- Active participation in governance allows individuals to have a say in the decision-making processes that impact their lives.
- By being vigilant, people can monitor the actions of government officials, hold them accountable, and ensure transparency and integrity in governance.
- Active participation in governance also promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social justice.
Choosing party:
- Participating actively in the process of choosing a political party helps individuals align themselves with the party that best represents their values, beliefs, and interests.
- Vigilance is important to evaluate the ideologies, policies, and track records of different parties, enabling individuals to make informed decisions.
- Active participation in party politics allows individuals to influence party platforms and contribute to the democratic process.
All of the above:
- Being vigilant and actively participating in all these areas ensures a well-functioning democracy.
- It allows individuals to have a voice, hold representatives accountable, contribute to policy-making, and shape the direction of their communities and nations.
- By participating actively, people can work towards a more inclusive, just, and responsive society.
In conclusion, being vigilant and actively participating in the processes of representation, governance, and choosing a political party are all crucial for individuals to have a voice, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to the development of a better society.

To answer this question, we need to understand the definitions of the given options and determine which one aligns with the scenario described. Let's analyze each option:
A. A transparent government:
- Transparency refers to openness, clarity, and accessibility of information.
- In this context, if a government provides its citizens with the right and means to examine the decision-making process, it is considered transparent.
- Transparency allows citizens to understand how decisions are made and promotes accountability.
B. A responsible government:
- Responsibility implies that the government is accountable for its actions and decisions.
- While providing citizens with the right and means to examine the decision-making process is a responsible act, it doesn't fully capture the essence of the scenario described.
C. An accountable government:
- Accountability means that the government is answerable for its actions and decisions.
- By allowing citizens to examine the decision-making process, the government promotes accountability.
- Citizens can hold the government accountable if they have the means to understand and evaluate decisions.
D. A stable government:
- Stability refers to the ability of the government to maintain order and continuity.
- While transparency and accountability can contribute to stability, they are not the defining factors.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is option A: A transparent government. Providing citizens with the right and means to examine the process of decision-making fosters transparency, which is crucial for an open and accountable government.

The political parties and democratic government are accountable to the people.
Explanation:
The accountability of political parties and democratic government lies primarily with the people they represent. Here's why:
1. Representative democracy: Political parties and democratic governments are formed through a process of elections where the people choose their representatives. These representatives are accountable to the people who elected them.
2. Mandate from the people: Political parties and democratic governments derive their power and authority from the people's mandate. They are responsible for fulfilling the promises made during elections and delivering on the expectations of the people.
3. Public scrutiny: The actions and decisions of political parties and democratic governments are subject to public scrutiny. The people have the right to question and hold their representatives accountable for their actions, policies, and performance.
4. Democratic principles: The foundation of democracy is built on the idea of government by the people, for the people. This implies that political parties and democratic governments should act in the best interest of the people and be responsive to their needs and concerns.
5. Checks and balances: The democratic system incorporates checks and balances to ensure accountability. This includes mechanisms such as independent judiciary, media, and civil society organizations that play a crucial role in holding political parties and democratic governments accountable.
In conclusion, political parties and democratic governments are ultimately accountable to the people. The power and legitimacy of these institutions are derived from the people, and they are expected to serve the interests of the people and be answerable to them.

Reasons why democracy is a better form of government:
1. Promotes equality among citizens: Democracy ensures that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities. It promotes social and political equality, giving everyone a voice in decision-making processes.
2. Enhances the dignity of the individual: Democracy recognizes and respects the dignity and worth of each individual. It protects individual rights and freedoms, allowing people to express their opinions, participate in political activities, and live their lives with dignity.
3. Provides methods to resolve conflicts: Democracy provides peaceful and non-violent ways to address conflicts and disagreements. It establishes a system of laws, courts, and institutions that can mediate and resolve disputes, ensuring stability and harmony in society.
4. Encourages active citizen participation: Democracy encourages citizens to actively participate in the decision-making process. It allows people to vote, express their opinions, and hold elected representatives accountable, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
5. Allows for diverse perspectives and ideas: Democracy recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and ideas in shaping policies and laws. It allows for open debates, discussions, and the inclusion of different viewpoints, leading to well-informed and balanced decisions.
Not an appropriate reason:
- Creates economic equality: While democracy promotes social and political equality, it does not guarantee economic equality. Economic systems and policies play a significant role in determining economic equality, and democracy alone cannot ensure equal distribution of wealth and resources.
Therefore, option D is not an appropriate reason for considering democracy as a better form of government.

What do democracies ensure regarding decision making?

Democracies ensure the following regarding decision making:

• Process of transparency: Democracies aim to have a transparent decision-making process where information is accessible to the public.


• Decisions taken by the head of the country: In a democracy, decisions are not solely made by the head of the country, but involve a broader system of checks and balances.


• Decision by the Council of Ministers: In many democracies, decisions are made collectively by the Council of Ministers, who represent different departments and sectors of the government.


• Restricted popular participation in decision making: Democracies encourage and value the participation of the general public in decision making, allowing for diverse perspectives and opinions to be considered.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Process of transparency. Democracies prioritize transparency, collective decision making, and popular participation to ensure a fair and inclusive decision-making process.

Democracy ensures decision-making based on norms and procedures:
- Norms: Democracy ensures that decision-making is guided by societal norms and values. These norms can include principles such as equality, justice, and respect for human rights. By adhering to these norms, democracy promotes fairness and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
- Procedures: Democracy also emphasizes the use of established procedures and mechanisms for decision-making. These procedures can include voting, debates, consultations, and the rule of law. By following these procedures, democracy ensures that decisions are made through a transparent and accountable process.
- Both (a) and (b): Democracy combines the use of norms and procedures to ensure decision-making. It is not solely based on either norms or procedures but rather a combination of both. This combination allows for a balance between the principles and values of society and the practical mechanisms through which decisions are made.
- None of the above: This option is not correct because democracy does ensure decision-making based on norms and procedures. It is a fundamental characteristic of democratic systems.
In conclusion, democracy ensures decision-making based on norms and procedures. By upholding societal norms and following established procedures, democracy promotes fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the decision-making process.

Democracy and Missing Elements in Non-Democratic Governments:
Transparency:
- Transparency is often missing from non-democratic governments.
- Non-democratic governments tend to lack transparency in their decision-making processes and the actions of their leaders.
- The lack of transparency can lead to corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power, as there is no accountability or public scrutiny.
High economic growth rate:
- High economic growth rate may or may not be missing from a non-democratic government.
- Some non-democratic governments may prioritize economic growth and implement policies that promote it.
- However, in many cases, non-democratic governments may prioritize political stability or the interests of a few elites over economic growth, leading to slower or stagnant economic development.
Economic equality:
- Economic equality is often missing from non-democratic governments.
- Non-democratic governments may prioritize the interests of a small group or ruling elite, leading to income and wealth disparities.
- Lack of equal opportunities, limited social mobility, and unequal distribution of resources are common features of non-democratic governments.
Conclusion:
In summary, transparency is often missing from non-democratic governments, while the presence or absence of high economic growth rate and economic equality can vary depending on the specific government and its policies.

The correct answer is C: Decision making is faster and quicker.
- Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.
- While democracy has many advantages, it is important to note that it is not always perfect and has its limitations.
- One of the key features of democracy is that it always considers the opinions and preferences of the majority. This is important as it ensures that the decisions made reflect the will of the majority of the people.
- Democracy aims to improve the quality of decision making by allowing different perspectives and ideas to be considered. This leads to more informed and well-rounded decisions.
- However, it is not true that decision making in a democracy is always faster and quicker. In fact, the democratic process can sometimes be slow and cumbersome due to the need for extensive debates, discussions, and consensus-building among different stakeholders.
- Democracy also allows room for correcting mistakes. Through regular elections, the people have the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable and bring about change if they are dissatisfied with the decisions made by the government.
- It is important to remember that democracy is a complex system that requires active participation, compromise, and respect for the rule of law to function effectively.
- While it has its flaws, democracy remains one of the most widely accepted forms of government due to its emphasis on individual rights, representation, and accountability.

Evil Practices in Democracy:
There are several evil practices that can be observed in a democratic society. Some of these include:
1. Corruption:
- Corruption refers to the misuse of power or authority for personal gain.
- It involves bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and other illegal or unethical practices.
- Corruption undermines the principles of fairness, justice, and equality in a democracy.
2. Favouritism:
- Favouritism is the practice of showing undue preference or bias towards certain individuals or groups.
- It can lead to unfair advantages for those who are favored and disadvantages for others.
- Favouritism undermines the principles of equal opportunity and meritocracy in a democracy.
3. Both (a) and (b):
- The correct answer to the question is option C, which states that both corruption and favouritism are evil practices in democracy.
- This option acknowledges that these practices can coexist and have a negative impact on the functioning of a democratic system.
4. None of the above:
- Option D is incorrect as it denies the existence of corruption and favouritism as evil practices in democracy.
- Such practices have been observed in democracies around the world and have been a cause for concern.
In conclusion, corruption and favouritism are two significant evil practices that can be found in a democratic society. These practices undermine the principles of fairness, justice, and equality, which are the foundations of a healthy democracy. It is essential for citizens, institutions, and governments to work together to combat and eliminate these practices in order to strengthen democracy.