Unit Test (Solutions): Outcomes of Democracy | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M.: 30

Instructions:

• Attempt all questions.
• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. Which of the following is a common feature of democracy? (1 Mark)

a) Rule by a single party
b) Absence of elections
c) Rule of law
d) Power in the hands of one leader

Ans: c) Rule of law

Rule of law ensures that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is a fundamental principle of democracy. The other options reflect authoritarian practices.

Q2. Which of these is considered a sign of a legitimate democratic government? (1 Mark)

a) Use of military force
b) Power acquired by inheritance
c) Government elected by the people
d) One-party rule

Ans: c) Government elected by the people

A government elected by the people is a hallmark of a legitimate democracy, as it reflects the will of the citizens. The other options indicate undemocratic practices.

Q3. In which of the following countries has democracy successfully managed ethnic diversity? (1 Mark)

a) Sri Lanka
b) Belgium
c) Pakistan
d) China

Ans: b) Belgium

Belgium has successfully managed ethnic diversity through a federal system that accommodates different linguistic groups, unlike the other countries listed.

Q4. What is meant by transparency in a democracy? (1 Mark)

a) Openness in government actions
b) Secrecy in decision-making
c) Control of information
d) Limited access to public records

Ans: a) Openness in government actions

Transparency refers to the openness in government actions, allowing citizens to be informed and hold their leaders accountable. The other options contradict this principle.

Q5. State one reason why people often complain about the functioning of democratic governments. (1 Mark)
Ans: One reason people often complain about democratic governments is their inefficiency in addressing public needs.

• Democratic governments may take longer to make decisions due to the need for deliberation and negotiation.
• This can lead to frustration among citizens who expect quick responses to their demands.

Q6. Mention any two outcomes that show democracy is accountable and responsive. (2 Marks)
Ans: Democracy is expected to deliver certain outcomes that reflect its accountability and responsiveness to citizens. Here are two key outcomes:

• Regular Elections: Democracies hold frequent, free, and fair elections, allowing citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
• Public Participation: Citizens have opportunities to engage in decision-making processes, ensuring that their needs and expectations are considered.

Q7. Explain two challenges faced by democracies in reducing economic inequality. (2 Marks)
Ans: Democracies face significant challenges in reducing economic inequality. Two key challenges include:

• Political Influence of the Wealthy: Wealthy individuals and corporations often have more influence over political decisions. This can lead to policies that favour the rich, making it difficult for governments to implement measures that would benefit the poorer segments of society.
• Voter Priorities: Many voters may prioritise other issues over economic inequality, such as security or employment. As a result, elected officials may focus on these issues rather than addressing the needs of the economically disadvantaged.

Q8. What does the term 'accommodation of social diversity' mean in a democratic context? Give one example. (2 Marks)
Ans: The term accommodation of social diversity in a democratic context refers to the ability of a democracy to recognise and respect various social differences, such as ethnicity, religion, and language. This concept is crucial for maintaining harmony within a diverse society. Key points include:

• Democracy promotes respect for different social groups.
• It encourages dialogue and negotiation among diverse communities.
• Effective accommodation helps prevent conflicts and promotes social stability.

For example, in Belgium, the government has successfully managed differences between its Dutch-speaking and French-speaking populations through power-sharing arrangements, ensuring that both communities feel represented and valued.

Q9. Describe any three ways in which democracy promotes the dignity and freedom of citizens. (3 Marks)
Ans: Democracy promotes the dignity and freedom of citizens in several ways:

• Equal Representation: Every citizen has the right to vote, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
• Protection of Rights: Democracies uphold individual rights, allowing citizens to express themselves freely and pursue their interests without fear.
• Accountability: Elected officials are accountable to the public, which helps prevent abuse of power and promotes transparency in governance.

Q10. How does democracy ensure the participation of citizens in decision-making? Mention three methods. (3 Marks)
Ans: Democracy ensures citizen participation in decision-making through several methods:

• Regular Elections: Citizens vote in free and fair elections, allowing them to choose their representatives.
• Public Debates: Open discussions on policies and issues enable citizens to express their views and influence decisions.
• Right to Information: Citizens have access to information about government actions, promoting transparency and accountability.

Q11. Give three reasons why democracy is considered better than other forms of government like dictatorship. (3 Marks)
Ans: Democracy is considered better than dictatorship for several reasons:

• Promotes equality: In a democracy, every citizen has an equal say in decision-making, ensuring that all voices are heard.
• Enhances dignity: Democracies respect individual rights and freedoms, allowing people to live with dignity.
• Improves decision-making: Democratic processes encourage diverse opinions, leading to better decisions that reflect the needs of the population.

Q12. Discuss the relationship between democracy and economic development. Why is democracy still preferred despite slower economic growth? (5 Marks)
Ans: Democracy and economic development are closely linked, but the relationship is complex. While it is often assumed that democracies will foster good governance and economic growth, evidence shows that this is not always the case. Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships had a slightly higher rate of economic growth compared to democracies.

Economic development is influenced by various factors, including:

• Population size
• Global economic conditions
• International cooperation
• National economic priorities
• The difference in economic growth rates between democracies and dictatorships is often negligible.

Despite slower economic growth, democracy is preferred for several reasons:

• It promotes political equality and accountability.
• Democracies tend to provide better protection of individual rights and freedoms.
• They allow for public participation in governance, which can lead to more equitable policies.

Q13. How does democracy accommodate social diversity? Explain with reference to both successful and unsuccessful examples. (5 Marks)
Ans: Democracy accommodates social diversity through various mechanisms, although its effectiveness can vary.

Successful Example: Belgium

• Belgium has effectively managed ethnic differences between the Flemish and Walloon communities.
• It established a federal system that allows for regional autonomy, ensuring representation and respect for diverse identities.

Unsuccessful Example: Sri Lanka

• In Sri Lanka, ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority escalated into a prolonged civil conflict.
• The government's failure to address minority rights led to violence and division, highlighting the need for inclusive policies.

Democracy provides a framework for:

• Negotiating differences and fostering dialogue among diverse groups.
• Encouraging respect for minority opinions, which is crucial for social harmony.
• Creating mechanisms to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than through violence.

However, challenges remain:

• Democracies must ensure that majority rule does not marginalise minority communities.
• Effective representation and participation of all groups are essential for true democratic practice.