Objective Type Questions

Question. Which system can reduce the possibility of tension and conflict among different groups of society?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Anarchy
(c) Communism
(d) Democracy
Answer : (d) Democracy

Question. Why is democratic government better than other alternatives?
(a) It promotes equality among political parties
(b) It helps in economic growth
(c) It helps in creating a pollution-free environment
(d) It promotes equality among citizens
Answer : (d) It promotes equality among citizens.

Question. What is meant by an accountable government?
(a) In an accountable government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form government and if possible they participate in decision-making process.
(b) In an accountable government, people do not have the right to elect the leaders.
(c) In an accountable government, people are a part of decision- making process.
(d) In an accountable government, only privileged section of the society are allowed to vote.
Answer : (a) In an accountable government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form a government and if possible they participate in the decision-making process.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities ?
Answer : Democracy accommodates social diversity as it allows for equal and fair representation to all irrespective of caste, creed, colour, gender, language, race or religion. It also ensures that the government should not be formed just by the majority but it should also have the representation of minorities and the will of the few should not be imposed on many.

Question. Complete the following table with correct information with regard to rates of economic growth for different countries, 1950–2000 : (Table 919)
Answer : (Table 919)

Question. Identify the type of government with the help of following features:
l Government power is transferred from one generation to the next
l Rulers are not accountable to the people 
Answer : Monarchy

Question. Correct the following statement and rewrite.
Democracy was better because it improves the quality of dictatorship.
Answer : Democracy was better because it improves the quality of decision-making.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government ?
Answer : (i) Democracy produces an accountable government : The people has the right to choose their representatives who participate in the decision making process. In case the people are not satisfied with the working of the elected representatives, they have a chance not to elect them in the next elections.
(ii) Democracy produces a responsive government : It is elected by the people and is responsible towards the needs of the people. It promotes the formation of public opinion and take care of the needs and desires of the people.
(iii) Democracy produces a legitimate government : Elections are held regularly and people get a chance to elect their representatives. The party which gets majority votes froms the government rules and it has to resign if it is not able to win majority in the next elections. Moreover, there is transparency in the decision making process.

Question. “Democratic Government in practice are known as accountable.” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable because:
(i) In democracy people have the right to choose their rulers through elections,
(ii) People have control over the rulers e.g. through Parliament in case of India.
(iii) Whenever possible and necessary, citizens participate in decision making, that affects them all.
(iv) A democratic government is responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

Question. Establish the relationship between democracy and development.
OR
Explain the relationship between democracy and development.
Answer : Relationship between democracy and development are :
Democracies are expected to produce development. Development depends upon many factors, i.e., size of the population, global situation, cooperation from other countries, etc. In democracies, time is taken on discussion and reaching at a decision. So, it is slow, but it is not unjust or inappropriate.

Question. When is democracy considered successful? Explain.
Answer : Democracy is considered to be successful when:-
(i) The rulers elected by the people take all major decisions and not the rich and powerful.
(ii) The elections offer a free choice and opportunity to the people.
(iii) The choice available to all the people is based on political equality.

Question. Explain the condition under which dignity and freedom of the citizens can be promoted.
Answer : The conditions are as follows :
(i) To promote the dignity and freedom of the citizens, all individuals should be treated as equal. Once this principle is recognised, it becomes easier for individuals to wage a struggle against what is not acceptable legally and morally.
(ii) Claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated for equal status and equal opportunity should be strengthened. Inequalities and atrocities lack moral and legal foundations.

Question. “Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.
Answer : Democracy accommodates social diversities:
(i) Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of social tensions becoming explosive or violent.
(ii) 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.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.
(iv) Example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.

Question. Explain any three weaknesses of democracy.
Answer : (i) Democracies take more time in decision-making.
(ii) Democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and subjecting every decision to public debate.
(iii) The routine tales of corruption are enough to convince that democracies are not free of evil.

Question. What are the two conditions to accommodate social diversities in a democracy? Mention any one exception to this.
OR
How is social diversity accommodated in democracy ? Explain with examples.
OR
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer : (i) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply ruled by the majority. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
(ii) It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group.
The exception is Sri Lanka where majoritarianism is followed.

Question. ‘‘Transparency is the most important feature of democracy.’’ Analyse.
Answer : Transparency is the most important feature of democracy :
(i) Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on certain norms and procedures.
(ii) So, a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through correct procedures can find this out.
(iii) The citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. This is known as transparency.

Question. “There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.” Support the statement.
OR
How is Democracy a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative government?
Answer : Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative form of government because it:
(i) Promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual.
(iii) Improves the quality of decision making.
(iv) Provides a method to resolve conflicts.
(v) Allows room to correct mistakes.

Question. What are the expected outcomes of democracy? Explain.
Answer : The expected outcomes of democracy are as follows :
(i) A government that is chosen and accountable to the people is called democratic government.
(ii) A government that is responsive to the needs of the people.
(iii) Economic growth and development reducing all forms of inequality and end of poverty.
(iv) Accommodating all social diversities.
(v) Ensuring the dignity and freedom of the

Question. What outcomes can one reasonably expect of democracies?
Answer : The outcomes one can reasonably expect of the democracy are :
(i) In the political sphere—Right to vote, Right to contest.
(ii) In the economic sphere—Minimised economic inequalities.
(iii) In the social sphere—Equal protection to women, SCs, STs and OBCs.

Question. Explain the ways in which democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective.
Answer : Ways in which democracy can be redefined to make democracy more effective :
(i) Ensures that views of the minority are respected.
(ii) Eliminates caste, religion and gender-based discrimination.
(iii) People enjoy extensive rights from right to vote to participate in elections.
(iv) People enjoy social and economic rights.

Question. Describe the favourable conditions generally provided to people under a democratic rule.
Answer : Favourable conditions generally provided to people under a democratic rule are :
(i) It promotes dignity to everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
(ii) It ensures freedom of the individual.
(iii) It provides equal status and opportunity.
(iv) It provides positive reservation for women and other advantages for discriminated groups.

Question. Is there more transparency in democracy in comparison to non-democratic governments ?
Answer : Yes, there is more transparency in democracy in comparison to non-democratic governments. People can examine the process of decision making to check if it has been taken through the right procedure. However, this feature is missing in non-democratic form of governments where decision is imposed on the citizens without allowing them to know why and how it was taken. Moreover, democratic form of government is accountable to the people and there is a mechanism through which people can participate in the decisionmaking process whenever required.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. How far is democracy able to accommodate social diversities ?
Answer : Democracy is able to accommodate social diversities. Social differences exist in all societies, but democracy helps in promoting peaceful and harmonious relationships. It offers political equality to all irrespective of their colour, gender, caste, class or creed. Although, it is not possible to remove conflicts completely from the society, yet, it helps in lowering the chances of tensions, violence or differencesssssss. It helps in promoting dignity of an individual and women and further ensures equality for discriminated and deprived sections of the society. People learn to respect those from different groups and learn to negotiate the social differences.

Question. Complete the following :
Transparency is the system in democracy which allows the ___________.
Answer : Citizens to examine the decision taken by the government.

Question. Democracy: People, Monarchy: Monarch, Dictatorship: _________.
Answer : Dictator

Question. How are complaints treated as testimony to the success of democracy? Explain.
OR
‘Complaints are treated as testimony to the success of democracy.’ Justify this statement.
Answer : Complaints are treated as testimony:
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 status of a subject into that of a citizen.

Question. ‘‘A democratic government is efficient and effective.’’ Analyse the statement.
OR
“The cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.” Justify.
Answer : (i) Imagine a government that may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may, therefore, face problems.
(ii) In contrast, the democratic government will take more time to follow procedure before arriving at a decision.
(iii) However, because it has followed procedure, its decisions may be more acceptable to the people and more effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.

Question. Explain with examples, how the dignity and freedom of citizens are best guaranteed in a democracy.
OR
“Democracy is very important for promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.” Support this statement with arguments.
OR
“Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Justify this statement.
OR
“Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”. Justify the statement.
Answer : Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual –
(i) Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.
(ii) The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
(iv) Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated groups for equal status and equal opportunities.
(v) It provides methods to resolve conflicts.
(vi) Any other relevant point.

Question. Describe the role of citizens in a democracy.
Answer : The roles of citizens in a democracy are as follows :
(i) Citizens exercise their rights and freedoms and get benefited from the democratic setup.
(ii) They must be aware of their rights and duties.
(iii) They should be aware of the issues and problems the country is facing.
(iv) They must cooperate in maintaining law and order.
(v) People must consider other‘s needs and interests also.

Question. “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of democratic project.” Justify the statement.
Answer : “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project” as :
(i) It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect.
(ii) People look critically at power holders. They want to make democracy better.
(iii) They come up with expressions and complaints.
(iv) They value their democratic rights.

Question. “Democracies often frustrate the people,” Substantiate
your answer suitably.
Answer : Democracy is a government by the people, of the people and for the people. Hence, people often expect much from it. However, they get disappointed when their needs and demands are ignored and corruption adversely affects the decision- making process. People also get disappointed due to slower process of decisionmaking and low economic growth. But it is important to note here, that decision- making in democracy is taken through norms and procedures. Hence, there may be delay in the procedure but the decision are acceptable to all efficient. People, also have power to change the rule by not electing the corrupt or inefficient government. Moreover, such adversities are found in non- democratic setup also. However, in democracy people can trust the system that thing will be changed if they bring them into the light, instead of being passive suffers. Hence, frustration of people with democracy
is an indication that they are enlightened and active citizens who can act to bring about changes.

Question. “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.” Justify the statement. Topper’s
Answer : Introduction democracy promote digitally and freedom of individual.
(a) I want resep respect and Disney Disney tea from Philo begins promotion of dignity and the freedom of indivisible is only option stone of democracy.
(b) Moral and legal force in a constitution however no search provision in other form of government.
(c) There is a no discrimination on the basis of religion caste etc.
(d) Women home magnetic for equal rights and opportunity as men democracy has helped in their view and proper support.
(e) This has also helped in a improvement and respect for untouchable by promoting their interest. it is a legitimate government.