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Outcomes of
Democracy
CH 7 Civics | Class 10
Hand Written Notes
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 ①UTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
*
Why Democracy is better ?
•
Promotes equality citizens
among .

•
Enhances the dignity of the individual .

Improves the quality of decision making .

•
Provides a method to resolve conflicts .

•
Allows room to correct mistakes .

* Most basic Mmes of Democracy o

°

Accountable
Legitimate
Responsive
it Accountable :

4 Citizens have the right to choose their leaders and

take part in decision
making .

4 Citizens have the right to know whether a decision

was taken following the proper norms and
procedure .

iil Responsive :

a Responsive towards the need of people .

4 Citizens have right to hold out protest against the

action of government .

People can hold protest , organise rallies and force

government to respond to them .

Legitimate :

4 As it is elected by the citizens and

enjoys
the confidence and trust of the citizen .
* Economic Growth and Development :

a.a.
Rate of growth of
dictatorship is higher than We can't reject
democracies (9950-2000) .

At Democracy only ,
on
the basis of rate

B.
But there
of growth .

are
many
factors involved like
population size , global situation ,

etc .

* Economic situation in
Democracy :

a.
Development is not guaranteed in

Democracy .

a.
But it can compete with dictatorship
over economic growth .

* Reduction of Inequality and Poverty :

→
Democracies are based on
political equality .

But the case is not same

for the
economy
→ .

The rate
of economic inequality is
increasing
→
.

→
A small number of ultra rich
-

enjoy a highly
disproportionate share of wealth and incomes .

→
Those at the bottom of the society have very little
to depend upon .

In actual life democracies do not to be

appear very
→
,

successful in reducing economic inequalities .

→
Democratically elected governments do not
appear to be
.su
a keen to address the question of poverty as
you
would except them to .

* Accommodation of Social
Diversity :

No society can
foully and permanently resolve conflicts
among different groups .
 But we can certainly learn to respect these
differences .

* Two conditions in order to achieve this outcome :

4 It is necessary to understand that democracy is not

simply rule by majority opinion .

The majority always needs to work with the minority .

4 It is also necessary that rule by majority does

not become rule by majority community in terms of
religion or race or linguistic group ,
etc .

*
Dignity and freedom of the citizens :

Democracy stands much superior to other form

any
•

of government in
promoting dignity and freedom of
the individual .

Democracy provides :

Dignity by giving Freedom to people

rights to Women by Fundamental
giving
and reservation to Rights .

certain cast group .

 1 Mark Questions

1. Give any one example of Social Democracy

[1M, 2020]
A1. Dignity of individual

2. How can you say that democracies are based on political

equality?
[1M, 2015]
A2. Democracies are based on political equality as individuals
. have equal weight in electing representatives.

3. What is ‘transparency’ in a democracy?

[1M, 2015, 2014]
A3. Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on
. norms and procedure. Every citizen has the right and means
 . to examine the process of decision making. This is known as
. transparency.

3 Mark Questions

4. “The assertion of social diversities in a democratic country is

very normal and can be healthy.” Justify the statement with
arguments.
[3M, 2019]
A4. The assertion of social diversities in a democratic country is
. very normal and can be healthy because:

• This allows various disadvantaged and marginal social

groups to express their grievances and get the
government to attend to them.
• Expression of various social diversity results in their
cancelling one another out and thus reducing their
intensity.
• They also help to uplift the marginalised or deprived
section of society which also leads to strengthening of
democracy.
5. “Social divisions affect politics.” Examine the statement.
[3M, 2019]
A5. Yes, social division affect politics in following ways:
• It strengthens the idea of communal politics.
• Government mainly supports the majority community, by
denying the rights of minority community.
• Politics of social division is very normal and can be
healthy, it allows people to express their grievances.

6. Explain the three factors that are crucial in deciding the

outcome of the politics of social divisions
[3M, 2018]
A6. Three factors which determine the outcome of politics of social
. division are:
• Peoples’ perception of their identities: When this is
singular, the accommodation of other identifies becomes
difficult.
• Representation of a community by political leaders: While
representing a community if politicians raise demands
that are constitutional then it is easier to accommodate
those demands.
• The government’s reaction: If the reasonable demands of
a community are suppressed by the government, then it
 leads to social division, which in turn threaten the integrity
of the country.

7. Analyse any three values that make democracy better.

[3M, 2017]
A7. We feel that democracy is a better form of government than
. any other form of government because:

1. Democracy promotes equality among citizens.

2. It enhances dignity of individual. It promotes dignity of
women and strengthens the claims of the disadvantaged.
3. It improves the quality of decision making. There is
transparency in a democracy.

8. “Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the

statement with examples.
[3M, 2016]
A8. “Democracy accommodates social diversities” in the following
. ways:
 1. Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their
competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions
becoming explosive or violent.
2. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among
different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these
differences and can evolve mechanism to negotiate these
differences.
Example, Belgium has successfully negotiated differences
among ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of
tensions.
3. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is
thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.

9. “Democratic government is legitimate government?” Support the

statement with arguments.
[3M, 2016]
A9.
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 an overwhelming support for the idea of
democracy all over the world. People’s wish to be ruled by
representatives elected by them. As a democratic government
is peoples’ own government, they believe that democracy is
suitable for their country as it is a legitimate government.
Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an
outcome that cannot be ignored.
10. How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs
and expectations of the citizens? Analyse.
[3M, 2015]
A10. A democracy is concerned with ensuring that people have
. the right to choose their rulers and have control over the rulers:
• Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able
to participate in decision-making in a democracy.
• Democracy ensures that decision-making is based on
norms and procedures. A citizen has the right and the
means to examine the process of decision-making. Thus
democracy entails transparency.
• For a democracy to produce an accountable, responsive
and legitimate government, it must ensure the following:
o Regular, free and fair elections.
o Open public debate on major policies and legislations.
o Citizens’ right to be informed about government policies.
o A government free from corruption

11. ‘Democracy is seen to be good in principle, but felt, to be not

so good in practice.’ Justify the statement with suitable
arguments.
 [3M, 2014]
A11.
If we look at some of the democratic policies being implemented
in more than one hundred countries of the world, democracy
seems to be good. For example, having a formal Constitution,
holding regular elections, guaranteeing the citizens certain
rights, working for the welfare of the people, etc. make us
advocate that democracy is good.

But if we look in terms of social situations, their economic

achievements and varied cultures, we find a very big difference
in most of the democracies. The vast economic disparities,
social injustice based on discrimination, standard of life, sex
discrimination, etc. create many doubts about the merits of
democracy. Whenever some of our expectations are not met,
we start blaming the idea of democracy. Since democracy is a
form of government, it can only create conditions for achieving
our goals if they are reasonable.

12. “An ideal government would not only keep itself away from
corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a
top priority”. Justify the statement.
[3M, 2013]
A12. The values attached to the above statement signify the
. following practices and institutions:
• Regular free and fair elections, open public debate on
major policies and legislation and citizens’ right to
information about the government and its functions.
 • An ideal government in a democracy follows procedures
and is accountable to the people.
• A citizen has the right and the means to examine the
process of decision making. This is known as
transparency.

13. What are the differences between democracy and dictatorship

in the decision making process?
[3M, 2012]
A13.
 5 Mark Questions

14. “Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing

economic inequalities.” Justify the statement.
[5M, 2019]
A14.
• In most of the democracies, a small number of ultra-rich group
of people enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and
income. The share of rich class is increasing, whereas those
who are at the bottom of the society, have very little to depend
upon. Even in India, the poor constitute a large proportion of
the voters and no party will like to lose their votes. Yet,
democratically elected government do not appear to be keen
on addressing the question of poverty as is expected of them.
The situation is much worse in some other countries, like in
Bangladesh more than half of its population live in poverty.
People in several poor countries are now dependent on the
rich countries even for basic food supplies.

• Democracies are based on political equality. All citizens have

equal right in electing representatives, but this is not so in the
economic field. Economic equality comes by the equitable
distribution of wealth, but this is not true in democracy. The
poor are becoming poorer, and sometimes they find it difficult
to even meet the basic needs of life like food, shelter, health
and education. There can be many factors that are prevailing
in a country that make it incapable to bring about equitable
distribution of wealth.
 • Large population: Rise in population leads to rise in family size.
But, because the family income is less the people have to
adjust and manage with meagre pay.

• Unemployment: Because of the population explosion, the

number of job opportunities are very less compared to the
people. A ‘ large number of still educated people are without
jobs.

• Vicious circle of poverty: Poor people still have to be

dependent on money-lenders to fulfill their basic needs as their
income doesn’t substitute their needs.

• Low literacy rate: Education is still considered to be a dream

for many.

All of these factors make it difficult for a democratic

government to function and work efficiently.

15. “Democracy is a better form of government than any other

form of government.” Justify the statement.
[5M, 2019]
A15. Democracy is better than other forms of government
. because:

• People are their own masters. In a democracy, every

individual has a right to vote and choose his
 representatives in the government. Thus, it is more
representative and popular.
• The government is of the people and the laws are made
by the people (or the chosen representatives) in the
government. Laws are made to protect the liberty and
freedom of the people. Thus, the laws are popular opinion
of the citizens on the whole.
• In a democracy, no particular religion, region, race or
language is given special preference.
All individuals are given equal rights and freedom, and
there is no discrimination.
• The government is not by force. The opposition parties are
allowed to criticise the government. Hence, there is
system of checks and balances in the form of democratic
government.
• Since every individual is given equal rights, there is less
danger of conflicts in society. There are less conflicts
based on caste, religion or region and less social tensions
in society. Equitable distribution of opportunities is
encouraged.

16. Describe the importance of democratic government as an

accountable and legitimate government.
[5M, 2019]
A16.
1. Democracy provides an accountable government because it
facilitates periodic, free and fair elections regularly.
 2. Open discussions are held on all major issues and legislation
and decisions are taken on the basis of popular public opinion.
3. Democracy gives its citizens the right to information about the
government and its functioning.
4. Democracy provides a responsive government as it is formed
by elected representatives of the people. The representatives
also ensure that the programmes for the welfare of the
different groups are implemented.
5. Democracy generates trust among every individual of the
country as it follows the rules given in the constitution.

17. “Democracy stands much superior to any other form of

government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.”
Justify this statement.
[5M, 2018]
A17. In this respect democracy stands much superior to any other
. form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the
. individual.

Following points can support this statement:

• Democracy promotes equality among citizens. Every
citizen has equal rights in a democratic government.
• In improves the quality of decision making because
opposition parties play an important role.
• It provides methods to resolve conflicts. Every citizen has
the right to go to courts. It also enhances the dignity of an
individual.
 • It allows room to correct mistakes and is an accountable,
responsive and legitimate government.
• It reduces poverty. Every citizen has the right to work in a
democratic government, also it accommodates social
diversity as India is a secular state. All religions are equal
here.
• The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of
democracy. It gives dignity also in the case of women.
Equal treatment to women is the necessary ingredients of
a democratic society.

18. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among

citizens.” Justify this statement.
[5M, 2018]
A18. Democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life among
/ citizens:
• Democracy has had greater success in setting up regular,
free and fair elections.
• In democracy, every citizen has equal right to vote, to
profess his/her religion and to get an education.
• In democracy, every citizen can take part in any debate.
• Democracy ensures that the rights of its people are
protected by the state and the government functions
according to the laws.
• In a democratic setup, there in no distinction between
people based on race, religion, caste, colour or birth.
Equal opportunities are provided to all to be educated to
 grow as good citizens and to earn their living.

All mentioned factors prove that democracy leads to

peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.

19. “Democracy is very important for promoting the dignity and

freedom of citizens.” Support the statement with arguments.
[5M, 2017]
A19. Democracy is very important for promoting the dignity and
. freedom of the citizens.

We support the statement through the following argument:

• The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of
democracy.
• Democracy is based on equality, whether rich or poor or
belongs to any religion and caste to be treated equally.
• Respect and equal treatment of women are necessary
ingredients of a democratic society.
• Legal basis which works on the principles of individual
freedom and dignity.
• Democracy in India has strengthened the claim of the
disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status
and equal opportunity.
20. “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and
freedom of the citizens”. Justify the statement.
[5M, 2016]
A20.
(i) Dignity of women :- Democracy recognizes dignity of women
as a necessary ingredient of society. The one way to ensure
that women related problems get adequate attention is to
have more women as elected representatives. To achieve
this, it is legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in
the elected bodies. Panchayati Raj in India has reserved one-
third seats in local government bodies for women. In March
2010, the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Rajya
Sabha ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament
and State legislative bodies.

(ii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged

and discriminated castes. When governments are formed,
political parties usually take care that representatives of
different castes and tribes find a place in it. Some political
parties are known to favour some castes. Democracy
provides for equal status and opportunities for all castes.

(iii) Democracy transforms people from the status of a subject

into that of a citizen. A democracy is concerned with ensuring
that people will have the right to choose their rulers and
people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible
and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in
decision-making that affects them all.

(iv) A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process
of decision-making. There is transparency in a democracy like
 India. In October 2005, the Right to Information (RTI) law was
passed which ensures all its citizens the right to get all the
information about the functions of the government
departments. In a democracy, people also have the right to
complain about its functioning.

21. “There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy

all over the world.” Support the statement.
[5M, 2015]
A21. Over a hundred countries of the world today claim and
. practice some kind of democratic politics.

• They have formal constitutions, hold elections, have

parties and they guarantee rights of citizens.
Thus, in most countries, the democracy produces a
government that is accountable to the citizens and
responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.
• No society can fully and permanently resolve conflict
among different groups. But we can learn to respect these
differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate them.
Democracy is best suited as it develops a procedure to
conduct competitions. Belgium is a successful example of
negotiating difference among ethnic population.
• Passion for respect and freedom is the basis of democracy
and has been achieved in various degrees in various
democracies.
 • The support for democracy is overwhelming all over the
world and is evident from South Asia, where the support
exists in countries with democratic as well as
undemocratic regimes.
• People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by
them as a democratic government is people’s own
government and makes them believe that it is suitable for
their country as it is a legitimate government.

22. “Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so

good in practice.” Justify the statement.
[5M, 2013]
A22.
If we look at some of the democratic policies being implemented
in more than one hundred countries of the world, democracy
seems to be good. For example, having a formal Constitution,
holding regular elections, guaranteeing the citizens certain
rights, working for the welfare of the people etc. make us
advocate that democracy is good.

But if we look in terms of social situations, their economic

achievements and varied cultures, we find a very big difference
in most of the democracies. The vast economic disparities,
social injustice based on discrimination, standard of life, sex
discrimination, etc. create many doubts about the merits of
democracy. Whenever some of our expectations are not met,
we start blaming the idea of democracy. Since democracy is a
form of government, it can only create conditions for achieving
our goals if they are reasonable.
23. “Most destructive feature of democracy is that its examination
never gets over.” Support the statement with appropriate
arguments.
[5M, 2011]
A23. Suitable arguments:
1. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for
more.
2. People always come up with more expectations from the
democratic set up.
3. They also have complaints against democracy.
4. More and more suggestions and complaints by the people
is also a testimony to the success of democracy.
5. A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy
shows the success of the democratic project.

24. Explain the ways in which democracy has succeeded in

maintaining dignity and freedom of citizens.
[5M, 2012]
A24. The passion of respect and freedom are the basis of
. democracy:
1. Economic disparity in society has been minimized to a
great extent.
2. In many democracies women were deprived of their right
to vote for a long period of time. After long struggle they
achieved their right, respect and equal treatment.
3. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the
disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal states
and opportunities, for example, SCs and STs.
4. In democracy all adult citizens have the right to vote.
5. Democracy evolves a mechanism that takes into account
the differences and intrinsic attributes of various ethnic
groups. In a democracy majority always needs to work
taking into account the interest of the minority so that the
minority do not feel alienated.