Ans: (c)
The correct answer is (c) because in a democracy, it promotes equality among citizens, protects human rights, and ensures a system of checks and balances to prevent any one group from having too much power. Statement (II), which says "Government by few individuals," does not apply to democracy, as it implies a system like an oligarchy, not a democratic government.
Q2: "Democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate government." Explain the statement. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: (1) Democracy produces an accountable government because in a democracy, people have the right in choosing their representatives through the electoral process.
(2) Elected representatives participate in the decision-making process on behalf of the people. They are accountable to the people who elect them.
(3) If these elected representatives do not work properly, people have a chance to correct them in the next elections. Thus, it is an legitimate government because it is chosen by people through free and fair elections.
(4) Democratic governments are elected by the people and are responsible towards the Constitution and the Parliament.
(5) A democratic government is people’s own government. It is popular and responsible for making favourable laws for the collective good of the society.
Q3: “Accommodation of social diversity is the key feature of democracy.” Explain the statement in the Indian context. (CBSE 2024)
Ans: Accommodation of social diversity is the key feature of democracy because:
(1) Constitutional Framework: All Indian citizens, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or ethnicity, are guaranteed fundamental rights by the Indian Constitution. In order to remedy the past injustices that minority people have endured, it also contains provisions for affirmative action measures like reservations.
(2) Federal Structure: India's federal structure provides for decentralised governance, allowing states to have autonomy in matters pertaining to language, culture, and regional identity.
(3) Representation in Government: India's parliamentary democracy ensures representation of diverse social groups in government institutions.
(4) Reservation Policies: India has implemented reservation policies to ensure the representation of marginalised communities in elected bodies, educational institutions, and government jobs.
(5) Cultural Pluralism: The diversity of languages, faiths, traditions, and customs that makeup India's cultural landscape is remarkable. India's democratic culture promotes cultural plurality, enabling people to freely practice their various cultural identities as individuals and communities.
Q4: Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world? (2023, At 2014)
(a) Dictatorial Government
(b) Constitutional Monarchy
(c) Military Government
(d) Democratic Government
Ans: (d)
The correct answer is (d) Democratic Government because, today, most countries around the world practice democracy, where the people have the power to elect their leaders and make decisions. In contrast, the other options like dictatorial, military, or constitutional monarchy governments are less common and do not give the same level of power to the citizens.
Q5: "Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments. (CBSE 2023)
Ans: Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate Government. This statement can be explained on the following grounds:
Q6: “There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world” Support the statement with examples. (2023)
Ans: Despite any shortcomings that we might witness in a democratic model of governance, it is still the most preferred form of government all over the world including in South Asia. Some reasons for this are given below:
(i) People have the right to choose who governs them through regular elections.
(ii) The elected government is answerable to the people and to ensure its stability, and has to deliver its promises.
(iii) Democracy ensures transparency.
(iv) It accommodates diversity and promotes inclusion and equality.
(v) It gives an equal chance of participation to all the citizens.
(vi) An important pillar of democracy is ensuring the dignity and freedom of people.
(vii) The true power lies with people.
(viii) Lastly, democracy has proven to be a better mode than dictatorship, aristocracy, or any other form ol governance.
Q7: "Democracy stands much superior to any other forms of governments in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. Support the statement with arguments. (CBSE 2023, 18, 14)
Ans: "Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens":
Q8: Which type of government is likely to be more acceptable to the people in the world?
(a) Democracy
(b) Military
(c) Dictatorship
(d) Theocratic (CBSE 2023)
Ans: (a)
Democracy is generally more acceptable to people around the world because it is based on the principles of freedom, equality, and representation. In a democratic government, citizens have the right to participate in decision-making, elect their leaders, and hold them accountable. This form of government promotes human rights, respects diversity, and allows for peaceful transitions of power, making it preferable and more widely accepted than other forms such as military rule, dictatorship, or theocracy.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Democracy.
Ans:
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.
Ans: Democracy's ability to generate its own support is indeed an important outcome that cannot be ignored. Here are three examples to illustrate this:
Therefore, these examples demonstrate that democracy's ability to generate its own support is a significant outcome that cannot be overlooked.
Q11: Democratic government is a legitimate government. Support the statement with suitable arguments. (Term-II, 2021-22 C)
Ans: A democratic government is called legitimate government because it is people's own government.
(i) It may be slow, less efficient and may have other flaws but it is people's government.
(ii) 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 j doubt about the suitability of democracy for their country,
(iii) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy's ability to generate its own support makes it more legitimate
Q12: How is a democratic government known as a responsive government? Explain with examples. (Term-II, 2021-22 C, AI 2014)
Ans: A democratic government has to be responsive to the needs of its citizens.
(i) Through discussions and public opinions 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. Such governments are said to be responsive
Q13: Mention the two conditions that democracy must fulfill in order to achieve a harmonious social life. (Term-II,2021-22)
Ans: 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.
Q14: "Democracy enhances the dignity and freedom of individuals." Support the statement. (Term-II, 2021-22 C)
Ans: Democracy enhances the dignity and freedom of individual. This statement is supported on the basis of
(i) The societies which have been built on the basis of subordination and domination, democracy recognise that all individuals are equal.
(ii) For women, most societies are male dominated. But democracy recognise the equality of women as well.
(iii) Same in the case of caste inequalities. Democracy give equal status and opportunities to all sections of society.
Q15: “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens". Justify the statement.
(Term-ll, 2021-22 C, 2015,2014)
Ans: “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”:
(i) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Democracy provides fundamental rights to every citizen.
(ii) Freedom from coercion is basis of any democracy, where everyone can have faith of choice.
(iii) In a democracy people have equal opportunities so they can come up in life. They are not discriminated on the basis of caste or gender.
(iv) 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 l/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
(v) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
Ans: Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the people:
(i) Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the people.
(ii) It promotes equality among citizen and hence increases respect for each other among citizen.
(iii) Respect and freedom have been recognised as the basis of democracy. (iv) Freedom and equality to women
(v) Strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
(vi) Majority-minority coordination.
Q17: Give any one example of economic development in dictatorial regimes. (CBSE 2020)
Ans: Dictatorships have higher rates of economic growth as compared to democracies. For example, China’s growth rate is higher than most of the other democracies in the world.
Q18: “Democracy is best suited to produce better results.” Examine the statement. (CBSE 2020, 16)
Ans: Democracy produces better results because:
(1) Democracy is a popular form of government. People participate in making decisions that affects them, including chosing of their representatives. This makes results acceptable.
(2) Regular elections offer a chance to the people to change the current rulers. People can vote for other leaders in the following elections.
(3) Democracy provides an efficient method to deal with differences and conflicts, which are bound to arise in a diverse society, in a peaceful manner through negotiations.
(4) Only a democratic setup is able to accommodate various social divisions without violence.
(5) Democratic governments have a formal constitution
Ans: Following are the ways by which democratic government ensures transparency:
(i) Democratic government ensures that the decision i making process is based on proper norms and procedures,
(ii) Citizens have the right to examine the process of decision making.
(iii) A democratic government develops mechanism for the citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
Q20: Describe the importance of democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government. (CBSE Delhi 2019,32/1/1)
Ans: Democratic government can be said to be accountable and legitimate government. The following reasons can be scribed to it:
Accountable government:
(i) When people choose their representatives, they are expected to be accountable, this is the basic outcome of democracy.
(ii) The citizens have the right and also the means to examine the process of decision making, that is high level of accountability is expected.
(iii) The government is expected to practice regular, free and fair elections and open discussions on important issues.
(iv) Democratic government can apparently be less efficient than a non-democratic government. This happens because a non-democratic government does not need to arrive at consensus among a diverse set of people. Democracy functions on the basis of deliberation and negotiation and hence decisions are often delayed. But this does not mean that a democratic government is less efficient.
Legitimate government:
(i) A democratic government is people’s own government. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world and I there is the element of legitimacy attached to it.
(ii) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy's ability to generate support for itself is an outcome that cannot be ignored.
(iii) Though there are many reports of democracies ignoring the demands of people and there are routine tales of corruption but yet chances of governments improving only exists in democratic set-up.
Q21: “Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.” Justify the statement. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Democracies fail to fulfill the expectations of economic development:
(i) Slow economic development and economic growth can be due to large population.
(ii) Basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, shelter are difficult to achieve in certain democracies.
(iii) Prevalence of economic inequalities are often seen.
(iv) Poverty is still a big issue.
(v) Allocation of resources in few hands.
(vi) Unjust distribution of goods and opportunities
Q22: Study the given picture and answer the question that follows:
Which one of the following options best signifies this cartoon?
(a) Demand for separate state from Democratic Government.
(b) Democratic Government is facing territorial issues with the bordering states.
(c) Democratic Government is coping with multiple pressures through accommodation.
(d) Democratic Government accepts demands based on separate state. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: (c)
This cartoon likely illustrates the challenges faced by democratic governments in managing the diverse demands and pressures from various groups within the country. Instead of rejecting these pressures outright, a democratic government seeks ways to accommodate different interests and groups, balancing diverse needs to maintain stability and unity. This approach reflects the flexibility and inclusiveness characteristic of democratic systems.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Democratic Government is coping with multiple pressures through accommodation.
Q23: ‘‘Democracies have had greater success in setting regular free and fair elections.’’ Analyse the statement. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Democracies have had greater success in setting regular free and fair elections:
(1) In a democracy, all people above a certain age have the right to vote as well as contest elections.
(2) Elections are free and fair in a democracy as there is an independent body (Election Commission in India) which monitors all election related activities impartially.
(3) If there are any malpractices during elections, then a re-election is conducted in that constituency. Hence democracy has had greater success in setting up free elections.
Q24: How is democracy a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative government? (CBSE 2018, 17, 15)
View AnswerAns: Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative form of government because it:
(1) Promotes equality among citizens.
(2) Enhances the dignity of the individual.
(3) Improves the quality of decision making.
Q25: ‘‘Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.’’ Support the statement with examples. (CBSE 2018)
Ans: The given statement can be supported using the following points.
(1) Democracy accommodates various social divisions.
(2) Democracy reduces the possibility of social tensions from becoming explosive and violent.
(3) An ability to handle social differences and conflicts among different groups is an advantage of democracy.
(4) Democracy develops procedure to conduct healthy competitions among different groups in a society.
(5) Democracy respects differences and provides mechanism to resolve them.
Ans: 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.
Q27: Explain the meaning of democracy. (Al 2017)
Ans: 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.
Q28: Why is there overwhelming support for democracy all over the world? Explain one reason. (CBSE (AI) 2017)
Ans:
Q29: On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life? Explain. (CBSE (AI) 2017)
Ans: The values that are associated with democracy producing a harmonious social life are;
Q30: 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 2017, 15, 14)
Ans: Democracy promotes equality among citizens as it is the people’s own government.
Q31: “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)
Ans: Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens
Q32: 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)
Ans: Democracy stands better than any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of citizens:
Q33: “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)
Ans: 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:
Q34: 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)
Ans: “Democracy accommodates social diversities”.
Democracy develops a mechanism which successfully negotiates difference among the ethnic population.
Q35: Explain any one difference between a pressure group and a political party. (CASE (AI) 2017)
Ans: 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.
Q36: Explain the meaning of transparency in democracy. (CBSE (AI) 2017)
Ans: 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.
Q37: If you want to extract information about the functions of any government department, which right would you exercise? (CBSE 2017)
Ans: I would exercise my Right to Information (RTI) to extract information about the functions of any government department.
Q38: How is democracy based on political equality in India? (CBSE 2017, 15)
Ans: In India, every citizen above 18 years of age has the right to vote. Every citizen has the right to contest elections irrespective of his/ her caste, religion, creed, economic status, etc. if he/she is 21 years of age. Hence, democracy is based on political equality in India.
Ans: 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.
Q40: What is meant by economic inequality? (2016)
Ans: 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.
Q41: Name any two sectional interest groups. (Al 2016)
Ans: 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.
Q42: Which system can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of society? (2016)
Ans: 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.
Q43: 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)
Ans: Some important political reforms should be done for improving democracy in India. These are:
Thus, the participation of common people in politics is necessary for democracy.
Q44: “Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.” Support the statement with arguments. (CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans: Democratic governments in practice are accountable:
Q45: “No party system is ideal for all countries and in all situations.” Analyse the statement. (CBSE (All) 2017, CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans: Party system is not something any country can choose:
Q46: Complaints are treated as a testimony to the success of democracy.” Justify the statement. (CBSE 2017-18C)
Ans:
Q47: Describe any five characteristics of democracy. (CBSE (Al) 2017)
Ans: Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government:
Q48: “A democracy must look after the interests of all, not just one section.” Support the statement with arguments. (CBSE (F) 2017)
Ans: Democracy must look after the interest of all because:
Q49: “Democracy stands much! superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.” Justify the statement. (CBSE Delhi 2017, CBSE (Al) 2016)
Ans: “Democracy stands much Superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”:
Q50: 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)
Ans: 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.
Q51: “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.” Justify the statement. (CBSE (F) 2016)
Ans: “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project”:
Q52: Mention any two common features of democratic politics. (CBSE 2016, 12)
Ans: Features of a democratic government are:
(1) Free and fair elections are organised.
(2) The principle of ‘one person, one vote, one value’ is followed.
Q53: What is meant by transparency? (CBSE 2015)
View AnswerAns: Transparency means that every citizen belonging to any democratic country has the right to information, the right to examine or investigate whether the laws, plans, action, policies or decisions taken by the government are correct or are beneficial to them or not.
Q54: How does democracy produce an accountable government? (CBSE 2015)
Ans: Democracy produces an accountable government by giving the citizen the right to examine the process by which decisions are made
Q55: Democracy accommodates the social diversities. Support the statement with examples. (CBSE 2015)
Ans: Democracy accommodates social diversities and this can be asserted as follows: (1) Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these social conflicts or tensions becoming explosive or violent. (2) A democratic society learns to respect these differences and can evolve a mechanism to negotiate these differences. (3) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is a benefit of democratic regimes.
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1. What are the key outcomes of democracy that are covered in Class 10? |
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