Q1: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
A key outcome of democracy is that it provides an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government. In a democracy, citizens have the right to choose their rulers through elections, and governments are expected to be transparent and responsive to public demands. Unlike in a dictatorship, where decisions are made quickly but without public approval, democratic governments follow proper procedures before making decisions. However, democracy sometimes faces criticism for delays in decision-making and corruption, yet it remains a government "by the people, for the people, and of the people".
i. How does democracy ensure accountability in governance? (1 mark)
ii. Why do democratic governments take longer to make decisions? (1 mark)
iii. What makes democracy a legitimate form of government? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Democracy ensures accountability by allowing people to elect their representatives and question government decisions through public debates, elections, and transparency laws.
ii. Democratic governments take longer to make decisions because they follow legal procedures, consult various stakeholders, and deliberate before implementing policies.
iii. Democracy is a legitimate government because it is based on the consent of the people, allows free and fair elections, and upholds the rule of law and fundamental rights. It ensures that power is exercised in a way that reflects the will of the people, making it more acceptable and justifiable to citizens.
Q2: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
One expectation from democracy is that it should lead to economic growth and development. However, studies show that dictatorships sometimes achieve slightly higher economic growth rates than democracies. Economic development depends on various factors like population size, global situation, government policies, and foreign investments. Although democracy does not guarantee rapid economic growth, it provides stability and equal opportunities for people to contribute to development.
i. What factors influence a country’s economic growth besides democracy? (1 mark)
ii. Why do some dictatorships show higher economic growth rates than democracies? (1 mark)
iii. Why should a country prefer democracy over dictatorship despite slower economic growth? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Economic growth depends on factors like population size, government policies, global economic conditions, and availability of resources.
ii. Some dictatorships show higher economic growth rates because they make quick decisions without public consultation and long legal procedures.
iii. A country should prefer democracy because it ensures political stability, respects citizens' rights, reduces social inequalities, and provides long-term sustainable development. Democracy also allows people to have a voice in governance, ensuring accountability and legitimacy, which are essential for equitable progress.
Q3: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Democracy is expected to reduce economic inequality and poverty by ensuring that resources and opportunities are distributed fairly. However, in many democratic countries, a small section of the population holds a large share of wealth, while the poor struggle for basic needs. Even though democracy promotes equal political rights, economic disparities remain a challenge.
i. Why is democracy expected to reduce economic inequality? (1 mark)
ii. What is a major economic challenge faced by democracies? (1 mark)
iii. How can democratic governments work towards reducing poverty? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Democracy is expected to reduce economic inequality because it gives all citizens equal political rights and ensures policies are made for the welfare of all people, including the poor.
ii. A major economic challenge faced by democracies is the increasing gap between the rich and the poor despite economic growth.
iii. Democratic governments can reduce poverty by implementing welfare schemes, providing education and healthcare, creating job opportunities, and ensuring fair wages. Additionally, progressive taxation and social security programs can help redistribute wealth and improve the living standards of marginalized communities.
Q4: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Democracy is known for its ability to accommodate social diversity. It allows different religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups to coexist peacefully by providing equal rights and representation. However, in some cases, majority rule leads to the suppression of minorities, which can create social tensions. A democracy must ensure that all groups feel represented and have equal opportunities in governance.
i. How does democracy help in accommodating social diversity? (1 mark)
ii. Why is it important for democracy to protect minority rights? (1 mark)
iii. What two conditions must a democracy fulfill to maintain social harmony? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Democracy helps accommodate social diversity by giving all communities equal rights, promoting dialogue, and ensuring fair representation in decision-making.
ii. Protecting minority rights is important because it prevents discrimination, promotes national unity, and ensures all citizens feel included in governance.
iii. Two conditions for maintaining social harmony in democracy:
- Majority rule should not suppress minorities; decisions should represent the interests of all groups.
- Democracy should ensure that the majority is not permanent and that different groups have equal chances to participate in governance.
Q5: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of individuals by ensuring equality and respect for all. In the past, women and marginalized groups faced discrimination and had fewer rights. However, democracy has given them a platform to fight for equal rights and challenge unjust traditions. Although challenges remain, democracy provides a system where social inequalities can be addressed through laws and awareness.
i. How does democracy ensure dignity and freedom for individuals? (1 mark)
ii. Why do marginalized groups benefit from democracy? (1 mark)
iii. What steps can be taken to promote dignity and equality in a democracy? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Democracy ensures dignity and freedom by granting equal rights, protecting fundamental freedoms, and allowing people to express their opinions freely.
ii. Marginalized groups benefit from democracy because it provides them legal protection, political representation, and the opportunity to challenge discrimination.
iii. Steps to promote dignity and equality in a democracy:
- Strengthening laws against discrimination and inequality.
- Encouraging education and awareness programs about human rights.
Q6: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
One of the most significant features of democracy is transparency in governance. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to access government information and question policies through mechanisms like Right to Information (RTI). However, despite these measures, corruption and bureaucratic delays sometimes reduce transparency, affecting the quality of governance.
i. What does transparency mean in a democracy? (1 mark)
ii. How does the Right to Information (RTI) Act help in promoting transparency? (1 mark)
iii. What steps can be taken to improve transparency in governance? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Transparency in democracy means government decisions and processes are open to public scrutiny, ensuring accountability.
ii. The Right to Information (RTI) Act allows citizens to request information about government decisions and actions, preventing corruption and ensuring openness.
iii. Steps to improve transparency:
- Strict enforcement of RTI laws and protection of whistleblowers.
- Use of digital platforms to share government data with the public.
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Case Based Questions: Outcomes of Democracy
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Q7: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Democracy promotes political competition, as different political parties and leaders compete for power through elections. While competition encourages better policies and leadership, it sometimes leads to unethical practices like vote-buying, fake promises, and divisive politics. A balance is needed to ensure that political competition remains healthy and issue-based.
i. How does political competition benefit democracy? (1 mark)
ii. What is one negative impact of political competition? (1 mark)
iii. How can political competition be made more ethical and issue-based? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Political competition benefits democracy by allowing voters to choose among different policies, encouraging better governance, and holding leaders accountable.
ii. One negative impact of political competition is the use of unfair practices like vote-buying and making false promises to mislead voters.
iii. Ways to make political competition more ethical:
- Implement strict monitoring of election campaigns by the Election Commission.
- Encourage debates on real issues such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Q8: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
A key advantage of democracy is that it allows people to protest and demand changes through social movements. In many democratic countries, citizens have fought for their rights through peaceful protests, rallies, and petitions. However, some movements turn violent or face government suppression, raising concerns about freedom of expression.
i. Why are social movements important in a democracy? (1 mark)
ii. What is one challenge faced by social movements? (1 mark)
iii. How can governments ensure that protests and social movements remain peaceful? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Social movements are important in a democracy because they allow citizens to demand justice, policy changes, and protection of their rights.
ii. One challenge faced by social movements is government suppression or excessive use of force against protesters.
iii. Ways to ensure peaceful protests:
- Encouraging dialogue between the government and protest leaders.
- Ensuring law enforcement protects protesters' rights while maintaining public order.
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Q9: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
The media plays a crucial role in democracy by providing information, questioning government policies, and exposing corruption. However, in some cases, media outlets are controlled by powerful business or political groups, leading to biased reporting and misinformation. A free and independent press is essential to keep democracy strong.
i. Why is press freedom important in a democracy? (1 mark)
ii. How can media bias affect public opinion? (1 mark)
iii. What measures can be taken to ensure press freedom? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Press freedom is important because it keeps citizens informed, holds the government accountable, and ensures transparency in public affairs.
ii. Media bias can affect public opinion by spreading misinformation, favoring certain political parties, and influencing voters unfairly.
iii. Measures to ensure press freedom:
- Strengthening laws that prevent government interference in media.
- Encouraging independent journalism and fact-checking mechanisms.
Q10: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
A successful democracy ensures protection of human rights for all citizens. Rights such as freedom of speech, right to equality, and protection against discrimination are fundamental to democracy. However, in some cases, human rights violations still occur, requiring strong legal action and public awareness to address them.
i. Name one fundamental right that is essential for democracy. (1 mark)
ii. How do human rights violations threaten democracy? (1 mark)
iii. What steps can be taken to strengthen human rights protection in a democracy? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Freedom of speech and expression is an essential right in democracy.
ii. Human rights violations threaten democracy by creating fear, suppressing opposition, and limiting people's participation in governance.
iii. Steps to strengthen human rights protection:
- Strict enforcement of human rights laws and legal actions against violators.
- Educating people about their rights and encouraging active participation in governance.
