Previous Year Questions: Outcomes of Democracy - Social Studies (SST) Class 10

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Mention the two conditions that democracy must fulfill in order to achieve a harmonious social life.   [Term-II,2021-22]

Democracy must fulfill two conditions to achieve a harmonious social life. Firstly, there should be a respect for the principles of equality, justice, and human rights. This means that all individuals should have equal opportunities, equal protection under the law, and their basic rights and freedoms should be safeguarded. Secondly, there should be a culture of dialogue, inclusiveness, and compromise. This involves fostering an environment where different opinions and perspectives are respected, conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, and consensus is built through open and constructive discussions.

Q2: "Democracies are based on political equality."    [Term-ll, 2021-22 C]

The statement suggests that democracies are founded on the principle of political equality, where every citizen has an equal voice and influence in the decision-making process. This means that regardless of factors such as gender, caste, religion, or race, each citizen's vote holds the same value. Political equality ensures that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in shaping the policies and laws that govern the society.

Q3: Explain the meaning of 'sectional interest group'.    [Foreign 2017]

A 'sectional interest group' refers to an organized association or organization that represents the common interests of a specific section or segment of society. These interest groups advocate for the concerns and issues that are specific to their particular section, such as labor unions representing workers' rights or farmer associations advocating for agricultural policies. Sectional interest groups aim to protect and promote the welfare of their members and influence decision-making processes that affect their respective sections.

Q4: Explain the meaning of democracy.    [Al 2017]

Democracy is a system of government in which the entire population or all eligible members of a state have the power to participate in decision-making processes. This can be done directly, through direct voting on policies and laws, or indirectly, by electing representatives who make decisions on behalf of the people. In a democratic system, the government is accountable to the people, and citizens have the right to express their opinions, criticize the government, and participate in the political process.

Q7: In which area does democracy fail to achieve the same results as in dictatorship?   [2016]

Democracy may fail to achieve the same results as dictatorship in terms of efficiency and speed of decision-making. In a democracy, decision-making often involves extensive discussions, debates, and consultations, which can be time-consuming. On the other hand, in a dictatorship, decisions are made by a single ruler or a small group of individuals, allowing for quick and decisive actions. However, it is important to note that democracy provides greater transparency, inclusivity, and protection of individual rights, which are crucial for a just and equitable society.

Q8: What is meant by economic inequality?   [2016]

Economic inequality refers to the disparities and uneven distribution of economic assets and income within a society. It is characterized by a significant gap between the wealthy and the poor, where a small portion of the population possesses a large share of wealth and resources, while the majority struggles with poverty and limited economic opportunities. Economic inequality can result from various factors such as unequal access to education, employment opportunities, social privileges, and discriminatory practices.

Q9: Name any two sectional interest groups.   [Al 2016]

Two examples of sectional interest groups are Labor Unions and Farmer Associations. Labor Unions represent the collective interests and rights of workers, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved labor laws. Farmer Associations, on the other hand, represent the interests of farmers and agricultural workers, focusing on issues related to farming practices, agricultural policies, and rural development.

Q10: Which system can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of society?   [2016]

Democracy is a system that can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of society. Through democratic processes such as open dialogue, inclusive decision-making, and respect for individual rights and freedoms, democracy provides a platform for different groups to express their opinions, negotiate their differences, and work towards common goals. By ensuring equal participation and representation, democracy encourages cooperation, compromise, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, thereby fostering social harmony and stability.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: “Democracy's ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.” Analyse the statement with three examples.    [Term-II, 2021-22]

Democracy's ability to generate its own support is indeed an important outcome that cannot be ignored. Here are three examples to illustrate this:

• Example 1: The United States of America
  In the United States, democracy has been able to generate its own support through the electoral process. The citizens have the right to vote and choose their representatives, which gives them a sense of ownership and participation in the government. The high voter turnout during elections is evidence of the support democracy receives from the people.
• Example 2: India
  India is the world's largest democracy and has successfully generated its own support through a vibrant electoral system. Despite its diverse population and numerous challenges, democracy has been able to sustain itself in India. The regular elections, where millions of people participate, reflect the support and belief in the democratic system.
• Example 3: South Africa
  South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy is a remarkable example of how democracy can generate its own support. The majority of South Africans fought for the end of racial segregation and the establishment of a democratic government. The democratic system in South Africa has been able to address historical injustices and promote equality, garnering support from the people.

Therefore, these examples demonstrate that democracy's ability to generate its own support is a significant outcome that cannot be overlooked.

Q2: Democratic government is a legitimate government. Support the statement with suitable arguments.    [Term-II, 2021-22 C]

Ans: A democratic government is considered legitimate for several reasons:

• People's Government: In a democracy, the government is formed through the consent of the governed. The citizens have the power to elect their representatives through free and fair elections. This makes the democratic government a legitimate one as it is the people's own government, chosen by them to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf.
• Popular Support: Democracy enjoys widespread support globally. People across different countries and cultures believe in the principles of democracy, such as individual rights, equality, and participation. The overwhelming support for democracy demonstrates its legitimacy as a form of government that reflects the will of the people.
• Checks and Balances: Democratic governments are structured with checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power and protect individual rights. The separation of powers, independent judiciary, and free press ensure that the government operates within the boundaries set by the constitution. These institutional mechanisms contribute to the legitimacy of a democratic government.

Therefore, the legitimacy of a democratic government lies in its foundation on the consent of the governed, popular support, and the presence of checks and balances to protect individual rights.

Q3: How is a democratic government known as a responsive government? Explain with examples.   [Term-II, 2021-22 C, AI 2014]

A democratic government is known as a responsive government due to the following reasons:

• Public Opinion: In a democratic system, the government is responsive to public opinion. Through discussions, surveys, and feedback mechanisms, the government can gauge the popularity of its decisions and policies. For example, a government may conduct opinion polls to understand public sentiment on important issues before making a decision.
• Accountability: Democratic governments are accountable to the people. The elected representatives are responsible for fulfilling the promises made during elections and addressing the concerns of their constituents. If the government fails to meet the expectations of the people, they can express their dissatisfaction through protests, demonstrations, or ultimately by voting them out of power.
• Grievance Redressal: A responsive government promptly addresses the grievances of its citizens. It provides mechanisms for citizens to voice their concerns and seek justice. For instance, a democratic government may establish ombudsman offices or human rights commissions to investigate and address complaints against public officials or institutions.

Overall, a democratic government is known as a responsive government because it values public opinion, remains accountable to the people, and ensures the timely redressal of grievances.

Q4: "Democracy enhances the dignity and freedom of individuals." Support the statement.    [Term-II, 2021-22 C]

Democracy indeed enhances the dignity and freedom of individuals. Here's how:

• Recognition of Equality: Democracy recognizes that all individuals are equal. In societies that have been built on the basis of subordination and domination, democracy promotes the idea that every person has inherent dignity and should be treated with respect. Regardless of their social status, gender, or background, individuals in a democratic society have the right to participate in decision-making processes and have their voices heard.
• Women's Empowerment: In many societies, women have historically faced discrimination and lack of opportunities. However, democracy recognizes the equality of women and gives them the freedom to participate in politics, education, and the workforce. Through democratic processes, women can advocate for their rights, challenge gender norms, and contribute to the development of society.
• Elimination of Caste Inequalities: Caste inequalities have long been prevalent in certain societies. However, democracy aims to give equal status and opportunities to all sections of society, irrespective of their caste. By providing equal political rights and representation, democracy helps in reducing social divisions and promoting the dignity and freedom of individuals belonging to marginalized castes.

In conclusion, democracy enhances the dignity and freedom of individuals by recognizing equality, empowering women, and addressing caste inequalities. It provides a platform for individuals to exercise their rights, express their opinions, and participate in shaping the society they live in.

Q5: Modern democracies maintain a check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement. 

(a) Central government, state government, and local bodies. 
(b) Legislature, executive, and judiciary. 
(c) Among different social groups. 
(d) Among different pressure groups.     [CBSE 2020]

Correct Answer is Option (b)
 Horizontal power sharing:  Legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Q6: “Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.” Justify the statement. [CBSE 2019, 32/2/3]

It is true. The following points justify that:

• A small number of the ultra-rich enjoy a disproportionate share of wealth and income. The wealth and means are accumulated in the hands of a few people and along with that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing.
• Those at the bottom of society have very little to depend upon.
• Sometimes, they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and health. Moreover, their incomes have been declining as well.
• The deprived people are a large ratio of voters and no party will like to lose their votes

In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

Q7: Describe any five outcomes of democracy. [CBSE Delhi 2019 32/1/32]

The first step towards evaluating the outcome of democracy is to recognize that democracy is just a form of government. It means democracy provides an opportunity and it is the citizens who can take advantage of it.

• The most basic outcome of democracy is that it is accountable to citizens and responsive to their needs and expectations.
• Another outcome of democracy is that it is a legitimate government. It means all decisions are taken as per the constitution only.
• Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation, though it results in delays. It ensures that decision making is based on norms and procedures and allows transparency. Develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable.
• Set up the following practices and institutions: regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functioning.
• Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities, more than provide for development. Democracies are based on political equality where all individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.

Q8: Why is there overwhelming support for democracy all over the world? Explain one reason. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

• It is because democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate government. The most basic outcome of democracy should be that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.
• Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures and a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out.
• The actual performance of democracies shows that democracies have had greater success in setting up regular and free elections and in setting up conditions for open public debate.

Q9: On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life? Explain. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

The values that are associated with democracy producing a harmonious social life are; 

• Equality among all human beings.
• Respect for individual freedom.
• Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
• Democracies reduce the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.
• Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.

Q10: How can you say that democracy is better than dictatorship?
OR
Which values make democracy better than any other form of government? Explain. [CBSE (F) 2017]
OR
Analyse any three values that make democracy better. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

• Democracy promotes equality among citizens as it is the people’s own government.
• It enhances the dignity of the individual.
• It also improves the quality of decision-making.
• It provides methods to resolve conflicts if any.
• Only democracy allows room to correct mistakes.
• It is a legitimate government.
• Gives equal status and respect to women and weaker sections.
• It promotes transparency.
• Values of social justice, equality, fraternity.
• It gives importance to public opinion.
• It provides rights to people.
• It gives the feeling of collective belonging.
• It encompasses the feeling of integrity secularism and tolerance.
• It inculcates the feeling of integrity and dutifulness.
• It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. A democratic government is the people’s own government.
• There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world—in countries with democratic regimes as well as non-democratic regimes.

Q11: “Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.” Evaluate the statement. [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]
OR
“Democratic government is known as responsive government.” Assess the statement. [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]

Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens

• The most basic outcome of democracy is that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. 
• Economic growth and development -level of economic development is slow because of delays in decision making. 
• Accommodation of social diversity - the majority should work with the minority. 
• Dignity and freedom of citizens-every individual want to receive respect from fellow beings. Equality for women.

Q12: How does democracy stand better than any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of the citizens? Explain with examples. [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]

Democracy stands better than any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of citizens:

• Respect and Freedom: The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of democracy which is recognized throughout the world in principle.
• Dignity of women: Democracy provides dignity to women by giving them the freedom to fight for their rights.
• Right to equality: equal status and equal opportunity have a legal sanction in democracy.
• Individual freedom: In a democracy, every individual has the freedom to pursue his goal.

Q13: “Democratic government is legitimate government”? Support the statement with arguments. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
OR
How is a "democratic government" a "legitimate government"? Explain with examples. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

Democratic government is a legitimate government: It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic government is peoples’ own government. That is why there is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. People wished to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.
Democratic Government is known as legitimate government:

• Democracy produces a government that follows and is accountable to the people.
• It provides a mechanism for citizens to hold the government accountable and allows citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
• If you wanted to measure democracies on the basis of this expected outcome you would look for the following practices and institutions regular free and fair election, open public debate on major policies.

Q14: Democracy accommodates social diversities. Support the statement with examples. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
OR
How is social diversity accommodated in democracy? Explain with examples. [CBSE (Al) 2017]

“Democracy accommodates social diversities”.
Democracy develops a mechanism which successfully negotiates difference among the ethnic population.

• Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
• 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. 
• The ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. Democracy accommodates social diversity as it allows for equality, fair representation to all irrespective of their caste, creed, colour, race, religion, language or place of residence. 
• Democracy also ensures that the government should not be made by the majority but it should have the representation of minorities as well.  
• For example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among the ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.

Q15: Explain any one difference between a pressure group and a political party. [CASE (AI) 2017]

One difference between a pressure group and a political party is that political parties contest elections and hold power in the government while pressure groups attempt to influence government policies.

Q16: Explain the meaning of transparency in democracy. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

In a democracy, decision making is based on norms and procedures. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as transparency.

Q17: Suggest some broad guidelines that can be kept in mind while devising ways and means for political reforms in India. [C-BST Sample Paper 2016]

Some important political reforms should be done for improving democracy in India. These are:

• A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. Political parties should maintain a register of its members, to hold open elections, to follow its own Constitution, etc.
• Political parties can be monitored by ordinary citizens, pressure groups, media, etc. Pressure on political parties can be done through petitions, publicity and agitation.
• The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation. It is difficult to reform politics if ordinary citizens do not directly participate in politics and simply criticize it from outside. 

Thus, the participation of common people in politics is necessary for democracy.

Q18: “Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.” Support the statement with arguments. [CBSE (F) 2016]

Democratic governments in practice are accountable:

• It is right to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
• It is also expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think it is fit.
• 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.
• The procedures and decision-making process should be transparent for democratic government to be accountable to the people.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: "Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.      [2023]

Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate Government. This statement can be explained on the following grounds:

• The government can be responsible when people start taking actions when the government becomes insensitive about their aspirations. People can hold protests, carry out campaigns and organise rallies and force the government to respond to them.
• A democratic government is a legitimate government, as it is elected by citizens and enjoys the confidence and trust of the citizens.
• People have the right to choose their rulers and they have control over their rulers. Citizens can participate in decision making.
• Democracy makes the point that decision making is based on norms and procedures. So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures, can find out this information.
• A democratic government is the people's own government and it is run by the people. People are ruled by representatives elected by them.

Q2: "Democracy stands much superior to any other forms of governments in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. Support the statement with arguments.        [2023]

"Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens":

• Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracy provides fundamental rights to every citizen.
• Freedom from coercion is the basis of any democracy, where everyone can have faith in choice.
• In a democracy, people have equal opportunities so they can come up in life. They are not discriminated against on the basis of caste or gender.
• Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment. In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time which they have achieved now. In India, 1/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
• Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.

Q3: Analyse the reason for the overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. [2022]

1. Promotes freedom: Democracy is based on the principle of individual freedom and liberty. People in democratic societies have the freedom to express their opinions, choose their leaders, and participate in decision-making processes.

2. Ensures equality: Democracy provides equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It ensures that everyone has an equal voice in decision-making processes.

3. Allows peaceful transitions of power: In a democratic system, power is transferred through elections, which provides a peaceful way for people to change their leaders and express their opinions.

4. Protects human rights: Democracy promotes the protection of human rights and ensures that citizens have access to justice and equality before the law.

5. Fosters stability and development: Democracy provides a stable and predictable environment for businesses, investors, and individuals to operate in. It also encourages economic growth and development.

6. Reflects popular will: In a democratic system, the government is accountable to the people and reflects the will of the majority. This ensures that policies and decisions made by the government reflect the needs and desires of the people.

Overall, the overwhelming support for democracy all over the world can be attributed to its ability to promote individual freedom, equality, peaceful transitions of power, human rights protection, stability, development, and reflect the popular will.

Q4: 'A democratic system is better than any other form of government.’ Support the statement with examples.  [CBSE 2020, CBSE Delhi 2016]

Democracy is undoubtedly better than other forms of government. We can give the following arguments in its favour:

(i) Democracy improves the quality of decision making:
 Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people, discussions, and meetings. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time, but there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions.

(ii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts:
In any society, people are bound to have differences in opinions and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours, which has an amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practice different religions, and have different castes. They look at the world differently and have different preferences. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other groups. This conflict can be solved peacefully in a democratic set-up. In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner, and no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can live with one another peacefully.

(iii) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens:
Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves.

(iv) Democracy allows us to correct our own mistakes:
 Another advantage in a democracy is that if mistakes are made, they cannot be hidden for long. There is a space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rules can be changed. This cannot happen in a non-democratic government.

(v) Democracy is more accountable form of government:
 Democracy responds to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government may and can respond to the people's needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.

Q5: How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government? Discuss by giving five reasons. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016 ]
OR
Describe the importance of democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government. [CBSE Delhi 2019,32/1/1]

• Government is accountable to citizens: In a democracy, people have the right to elect their rulers and participate in decision making that affects them all. The government thus is accountable to the citizens and responsive to their needs and expectations. 
• Effective Decision Making: Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation, though it results in delays. It ensures that decision making is based on norms and procedures and allows transparency. Develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable.
• Set up the practices and institutions: Regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functioning.
• Pays attention to the needs of citizens: It may be reasonable to expect from democracy a government that is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. Though the record of democracies is rioting impressive on these two counts.
• Democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean, but is people’s own government. People wish to be ruled by representatives clicked by them

Q6: How are democratic governments better than the other forms of governments? Justify the statement. Delhi 2016, 2019 32/1/3, 32/2/3]

Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative form of government because:

• Democratic governments have formal constitute, while not in other forms of government.
• They hold regular elections, while not in other forms of government.
• They have political parties, unlike other forms of government.
• Democracy guarantee the rights of citizens.
• Democratic governments allow room to correct misses, while not in the other forms of government.
• Such government accommodates social diversities, that is not in other forms of government.
• Promotes equality among citizens.
• Enhances the dignity of the individual.
• Improves the quality of decision making.
• Provides a method to resolve conflicts.

Q7: Complaints are treated as a testimony to the success of democracy.” Justify the statement. [CBSE 2017-18C]

• Complaints are treated as a testimony to the success of democracy as they highlight the awareness of people and their expectations from the system that has been put in place.
• In a democracy, the scrutiny is ongoing. As democracy passes over one test, it produces another test. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better.
• People always come up with more expectations and complaints.
• A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project. It transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen. 
• Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-interest.

Q8: Describe any five characteristics of democracy. [CBSE (Al) 2017]

Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government:

• Democracy promotes equality among citizens: In democracies, every citizen vote has the same value irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or race. This ensures political equality among its citizens.
• Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual:  Democracy is based on the the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated.
• Democracy improves the quality of decision making: Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meeting. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. Even though this takes time but taking time over important decisions is a must 
• Provides a method to resolve conflicts: Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts as different people have different opinions and interests. However, there are free and fair elections. In a democracy, no one is a permanent loser or a permanent winner. Different groups can live with one another in harmony and peace. 
• Accountable, responsive and legitimate government: In a democracy, the Government is always held accountable. If any of the policies, and laws are not implemented properly, then the citizens have the right to vote them out in the next elections. Moreover, in a democracy, citizens can approach the Judiciary, if the Government has taken any actions which are counter productive to the well-being of citizens. 
• Reduction of inequality and poverty: Governments can intervene to promote equity, and reduce inequality and poverty, through the tax and benefits system. This means employing a progressive tax and benefits system which takes proportionately more tax from those on higher levels of income, and redistributes welfare benefits to those on lower incomes. 
• Democracy promotes transparency:  Democratic government ensures that the decision-making process is based on proper norms and procedures. Citizens have the right to examine the process of decision making. A democratic government develops mechanisms for the citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.

Q9: “A democracy must look after the interests of all, not just one section.” Support the statement with arguments.  [CBSE (F) 2017]

Democracy must look after the interest of all because:

• Democracy believes in and work for equality.
• It has the ability to handle social differences irrespective of religion or race or linguistic group, etc.  
• It gives equal treatment to women.
• It cares equally for the majority and minority.
• Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged.
• It tries to provide equal opportunities to minority and depressed classes.
• Ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.
• Democracy shows that people have developed awareness.
• It has the ability to expect and look critically at power holders.

Q10: “No party system is ideal for all countries and in all situations.” Analyse the statement. [CBSE (All) 2017, CBSE (F) 2016]

Party system is not something any country can choose:

• It evolves over a long time, depending on the nature of society.
• It depends on social and regional divisions.
• It depends on the history of politics and its system, of elections.
• These cannot be changed very quickly.
• Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances.

Q11: “Democracy stands much! superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.” Justify the statement. [CBSE Delhi 2017, CBSE (Al) 2016]

“Democracy stands much Superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”:

• Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.
• The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
• Democracies throughout the world have recognized this. It has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
• Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment and now accepted as necessary ingredients of a democratic society.
• In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time which they have achieved new.
• In India, 1/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
• Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
• Legal basis which works on the principle of individual freedom and dignity.

Q12: Evidence shows that in practice, many democracies did not fulfil the expectation of producing economic development in the country. Validate the statement with the help of a relevant example. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

If we consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth.
Economic development depends on several factors: country's population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible. 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.
When such a significant difference in the rates of ectopic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes.

Q13: “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.” Justify the statement. [CBSE (F) 2016]

“A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project”:

• As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. As people get some benefits of democracy they ask for more and want to make democracy even better.
• That is why when we ask people about the way democracy functions, they will always come up with more expectations, and many complaints.
• The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy; it shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty.
• A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project; it transforms people from the states into citizens.
• Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-interest.