Class 10 Civics Chapter 5 Extra Question Answers - Outcomes of Democracy

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Short Answer Questions

Q1. “Democracy is a better form of government.” Support the statement with three arguments. 
OR 
Why do people prefer democracy? Explain with three reasons.

Ans: People prefer democracy for several reasons:

• Empowerment: In a democracy, every individual has the right to vote and choose their representatives. This means the government is accountable to the people, and laws are created to protect their liberty and freedom.
• Equality: Democracy ensures that no specific religion, region, race, or language is favored. All individuals enjoy equal rights and freedoms, promoting a society free from discrimination.
• Freedom of Expression: In a democratic system, opposition parties can criticize the government without fear. This fosters a healthy political environment where different viewpoints can be expressed.
  
  

Q2. How does democracy lead to a peaceful and harmonious life among citizens? Explain.

Ans: Democracy leads to a peaceful and harmonious life among citizens through several key mechanisms:

• Accommodating diversity: Democracies can manage various social divisions. For instance, Belgium has effectively addressed its ethnic differences.
• Respect for differences: Democracies encourage people to acknowledge and respect differences, promoting peaceful conflict resolution. In contrast, non-democratic regimes often ignore or suppress these differences, as seen in Sri Lanka.
• Majority and minority collaboration: Democracy is not merely about majority rule; it requires the majority to engage with the minority to ensure that the government reflects the broader public opinion.
  
  

Q3. What are the differences between democratic and non-democratic governments in the decision-making process?

Ans: The decision-making process in non-democratic governments is typically:

• Fast and efficient.
• Not influenced by public opinion or assembly deliberations.
• May lead to decisions that lack public acceptance, causing potential issues.

In contrast, democratic governments operate through:

• Deliberation and negotiation, which can slow down the process.
• Procedures that ensure decisions are more acceptable to the public.
• A focus on transparency, allowing citizens to understand decision-making processes.
  
  

Q4. How do political parties shape public opinion? Explain with three examples.

Ans: Political parties play a significant role in shaping public opinion through various methods:

• Highlighting Issues: They raise awareness about important topics that affect society.
• Mobilising Members: With a large number of members and activists, they engage communities across the country.
• Launching Movements: Political parties often initiate movements to address public concerns and problems.
  
  

Q5. ‘There is a lack of internal democracy within the political parties.’ Justify the statement with three arguments.

Ans: There is a lack of internal democracy within political parties. Here are three key arguments supporting this statement:

• Concentration of Power: Most parties tend to have one or a few leaders at the top, limiting broader participation.
• Lack of Transparency: There is often no proper check on membership registers, leading to unclear party structures.
• Limited Member Engagement: Ordinary members are usually uninformed about internal matters and lack the connections to influence decisions. Most decisions are made by a small group of leaders.
  
  

Q6. ‘Most negative feature of democracy is that its examination never gets over.” Support the statement with three arguments. 

Ans: The most negative feature of democracy is that its examination never truly ends. Here are three key arguments to support this statement:

• Continuous Improvement: As democracy evolves, it faces new challenges and demands for improvement from its citizens.
• High Expectations: People often have high expectations from democracy, leading to ongoing scrutiny and criticism.
• Awareness and Accountability: The act of questioning and complaining reflects a growing awareness among citizens, demonstrating their ability to hold leaders accountable.
  
  

Q7. What is the main outcome of democracy concerning the reduction of inequality and poverty? Give any two arguments to support your answer.

Ans: Democracies are built on the principle of political equality, where every individual has equal rights to elect their representatives. However, this political equality often coexists with significant economic inequalities.

• A small number of wealthy individuals hold a disproportionate share of the nation's wealth, while the incomes of those at the bottom are declining.
• Many people struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing, education, and health care.
  
  

Q8. Why is a democratic government considered better than a dictatorship? Explain any three reasons.

Ans: A democratic government is generally considered better than a dictatorship for several reasons:

• Legitimacy: A democratic government is seen as a people's government, which means it has the support and consent of its citizens.
• Fundamental Rights: Citizens in a democracy enjoy essential rights and responsibilities, unlike in a dictatorship where such rights are often restricted.
• Decision-Making Process: Although decision-making in a democracy may be slower due to procedures, it tends to be more acceptable to the public, fostering trust and participation.
  
  

Q9. Examine any three features based on which a maximum number of countries claim to practice democratic politics.

Ans: Countries that claim to practice democratic politics typically exhibit the following features:

• Elections are conducted regularly and are both free and fair.
• There is a strong emphasis on freedom of speech, expression, and thought.
• The dignity of the individual is acknowledged and respected.
  
  

Q10. ‘In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.’ Support this statement by giving three arguments. OR Do democracies lead to a just distribution of goods and services? Justify your answer.

Ans: Democracies often struggle to reduce economic inequalities for several reasons:

• Political equality does not guarantee economic equality. While all citizens can vote, wealth distribution remains uneven.
• A small group of the ultra-rich continues to accumulate wealth, while many at the bottom face declining incomes.
• Despite being a majority, the poor often lack adequate representation, leading to insufficient action on poverty from elected governments.
  
  

Long Answer Questions

Q1. Explain any four features that are common in all democratic setups of the government.

Ans: Features Common in Democratic Setups

• Regular Elections: Democracies hold elections at regular intervals, ensuring they are free and fair.
• Multi-Party System: A democracy supports a multi-party system, allowing citizens to vote based on universal adult franchise.
• Freedom of Expression: Citizens enjoy the freedom of speech, thought, and expression, with the media playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
• Social Equality: Democracies promote a political system that values social equality and recognises the dignity of individuals.
  
  

Q2. How are complaints treated as a 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: Complaints in a democracy serve as a strong indicator of its success. They reflect the public's awareness and their ability to critically assess those in power. Here are some key points supporting this view:

• Public Engagement: The act of complaining signifies that citizens are engaged and care about their rights.
• Expectations of Improvement: Complaints highlight the desire for better governance and accountability from leaders.
• Recognition of Issues: Complaints about issues such as corruption, economic exploitation, and social discrimination show that people recognise these problems and seek change.

While there are ongoing challenges, the presence of complaints indicates a functioning democracy where citizens feel empowered to voice their concerns.

Q3. Explain any four areas where democracy has failed.

Ans: If democracies are expected to produce effective governance, it is reasonable to anticipate that they would also foster development. However, evidence shows that many democracies have not fulfilled this expectation. Here are four areas where democracy has failed:

• Economic Development: Many democracies struggle to achieve significant economic growth. In fact, some dictatorships have shown slightly higher growth rates.
• Wealth Inequality: Democracies often fail to reduce economic disparities. A small number of ultra-rich individuals hold a disproportionate share of wealth, while those at the bottom face declining incomes and limited resources.
• Poverty Reduction: Despite the majority of voters being poor, democratically elected governments often neglect poverty alleviation, leading to persistent poverty in many regions.
• Corruption: Corruption remains a significant issue in democratic systems, indicating that democracy is not immune to unethical practices.
  
  

Q4. How does democracy assure the dignity of women and prevent caste inequalities?

Ans: Democracy plays a crucial role in promoting the dignity of women and addressing caste inequalities.

• Historically, many societies were male-dominated, which undermined women's dignity.
• Women’s ongoing struggles have led to a better understanding that equal treatment is vital in a democratic society.
• While recognition of these principles does not guarantee respect, it provides a foundation for women to challenge unacceptable practices.
• In India, democracy has empowered disadvantaged castes to demand equal status and opportunities.
  
  

Q5. How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points.

Ans: Democratic governments ensure transparency through several key mechanisms:

• Regular Elections: They conduct free and fair elections to allow citizens to choose their leaders, ensuring accountability.
• Public Debate: Open discussions on important policies and legislation enable citizens to participate in the decision-making process.
• Access to Information: Citizens have the right to obtain information about government actions and operations, promoting scrutiny.

This transparency is essential for a government to be accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens. By following established norms and procedures, democratic systems empower individuals to verify that decisions are made correctly.