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Outcomes of Democracy: NBSE class 10 chapter 14 answers
Here you will find all the questions, solutions, answers, and notes of chapter 14 Outcomes of Democracy of Social Science for class 10 students studying under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). However, the study materials should be used only for references and nothing more. The notes can be modified/changed according to needs.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
We have deep faith, a great interest and a fascination for democracy. People consider it as the best alternative vis-a-vis monarchy or dictatorship or one-party rule. But they are not satisfied with its working. They prefer democracy for moral reasons, not for prudential reasons. Many of us blame democracy for all the ills and problems in our society. India and the U.S are the two largest democracies but they are quite different in terms of per capita income, literacy level, health indicators, etc. But there are certain things that we expect from all democracies.
We are led to believe that democracy is the panacea for all socio-economic and political problems. Therefore, if some of our great expectations are not met, we jump to the conclusion that democracy is not a worthy system of government. We obviously forget the fact that democracy is just a form of government. It can simply create a conducive environment for socio-economic development. The citizens’ role is to take advantage of the conditions and achieve these goals. Thus, democracy is one of the best means, not an end in itself, to achieve our goals as an individual, society and nation.
Textual questions and answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which regime usually develops a procedure to conduct the social competition and reduce the possibility of social tension?
Answer: (a) Democratic regime
2. Which factor is often missing from a non-democratic government?
Answer: (c) Transparency
3. Which type of government is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation?
Answer: (b) Democracy
4. What kinds of equality are found in all democracies?
Answer: (c) Political equality
Very Short Answer Questions
1. What should be the most basic outcome of democracy?
Answer: The basic outcome of democracy is that sovereignty lies with the people.
2. Which type of government has a high degree of economic inequalities?
Answer: Democratic form of government has a high degree of economic inequalities.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is transparency?
Answer: A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is called transparency.
2. Which provision of the Indian Constitution grants equal status to all citizens?
Answer: Equality before law for all and provision of equal opportunities to all of the Indian Constitution grants equal status to all citizens.
3. Which measures have been taken by the government of India for improving the status of weaker sections?
Answer: Indian Constitution does not recognise caste inequalities. There have been real efforts to grant equal status and equal opportunity to all caste groups. This has necessitated the provision of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Untouchability is abolished.
Long Answer Questions
1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer: Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government in the following ways:
i. The basic premise of democracy is that sovereignty lies with the people. They elect their representatives to rule on their behalf. Therefore, the representatives should be accountable to the people.
ii. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is called transparency.
iii. For a democracy, the interests and welfare of the people are supreme. Thus, it is correct to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the citizens.
iv. In a democracy, decision making is based on deliberations and negotiations that follow certain norms and procedures.
v. There are regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and legislation.
vi. A democratic government is essentially a legitimate government. It is backed by people’s sanction to rule.
2. “Democracy is the better form of government.” Support the statement with three arguments.
Answer: We generally agree that democracy was better because of the following reasons :
i. It promotes equality in society and enhances the dignity of citizens.
ii. It improves the quality of decision making.
iii. It provides scope and mechanism for the resolution of social conflicts.
3. Discuss the merits and demerits of democracy in light of your study of the chapter.
Answer: Merits of democracy: The basic premise of democracy is that sovereignty lies with the people. They elect their representatives to rule on their behalf. Therefore, the representatives should be accountable to the people. The most basic outcome of democracy it establishes is that the government should be accountable to the citizens, and responsive to their needs and expectations.
Demerits of democracy: The democratic government takes a longer time to arrive at a decision because it follows certain laid down procedures. Democratic governments are not good at sharing information with the public. Corruption has become a way of life in democracies. Those with money and influence are often able to browbeat the law.
4. ‘Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.’ Discuss. [HOTS]
Answer: By nature, human beings like to be ruled as per their wish and desire. This is only possible in a democracy where people elect their representatives to rule on their behalf. All democracies provide political equality to citizens. That is, all adult people, whether rich or poor, educated or illiterate, men or women have the right to vote in periodic elections and elect their representatives. Democracies all over the world have been successful in dealing with social conflicts. Non-democracies have not been successful on this count. Thus, democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of the individual.
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5. Explain the factors that sustain democracy in India.
Answer: There are several factors that sustain democracy in India:
i. Indian democracy successfully balances the principles of centralisation and federalism.
ii. There is a horizontal distribution of power among the three organs of government – legislature, executive and judiciary.
iii. There is a vertical distribution of power among the centre, states and local self-governments.
iv. We have an independent and integrated judicial system that acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
v. The Directive Principles act as a guide and help in the formulation of policies for the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.
vi. Though decision-making takes time, this reduces the chance of rash or irresponsible decisions.
Additional/extra MCQs
1. What is the basic premise of democracy?
A. Sovereignty lies with the king B. Sovereignty lies with the military C. Sovereignty lies with the people D. Sovereignty lies with the bureaucracy
Answer: C. Sovereignty lies with the people
2. What is one of the most common allegations against democracy?
A. It is more efficient than dictatorships B. It is less efficient than dictatorships C. It is as efficient as dictatorships D. None of the above
Answer: B. It is less efficient than dictatorships
3. Which factor is often missing from a non-democratic government?
A. Efficiency B. Effectiveness C. Transparency D. Dictatorship
Answer: C. Transparency
4. What kind of government is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation?
A. Monarchy B. Democracy C. Dictatorship D. Oligarchy
Answer: B. Democracy
5. What kind of equality is found in all democracies?
A. Social equality B. Economic equality C. Political equality D. None of these
Answer: C. Political equality
6. Which of the following practices and institutions would be considered when assessing democracies based on expected outcomes?
A. Regular, free, and fair elections; Denying representation of women in Parliament B. Regular, free, and fair elections; Denying representation of women in Parliament; Open public debate on major policies C. Regular, free, and fair elections; Open public debate on major policies; Citizens’ right to information about the government D. Regular, free, and fair elections; Citizens’ right to information about the government
Answer: C. Regular, free, and fair elections; Open public debate on major policies; Citizens’ right to information about the government
7. Which statement does not apply to non-democratic regimes?
A. Non-democratic regimes are not concerned with public opinion B. The principle of individual dignity has legal force in non-democratic regimes C. Non-democratic regimes make decisions more quickly D. Non-democratic regimes often suppress internal social differences
Answer: B. The principle of individual dignity has legal force in non-democratic regimes
8. What should be the most basic outcome of democracy?
A. Economic growth B. Reduction of poverty C. Government should be accountable to the citizens D. Dignity and freedom of citizens
Answer: C. Government should be accountable to the citizens
9. Which type of government has high degree of economic inequalities?
A. Non-democratic regimes B. Democratic regimes C. Both non-democratic and democratic regimes D. None of the above
Answer: C. Both non-democratic and democratic regimes
10. What is transparency?
A. The right of citizens to examine the process of decision making B. The right of citizens to vote C. The right of citizens to freedom of speech D. The right of citizens to equality
Answer: A. The right of citizens to examine the process of decision making
11. Which provision of the Indian Constitution grants equal status to all citizens?
A. Fundamental Rights B. Directive Principles of State Policy C. Preamble D. Federal structure
Answer: A. Fundamental Rights
12. Which measures have been taken by the government of India for improving the status of weaker sections?
A. Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes B. Abolition of untouchability C. Both A and B D. None of the above
Answer: C. Both A and B
13. How does democracy produce an accountable government?
A. Through regular, free, and fair elections B. Through open public debate on major policies C. Through citizens’ right to information about the government D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
14. Which factor sustains democracy in India?
A. Balancing the principles of centralization and federalism B. Horizontal distribution of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary C. Vertical distribution of power among the center, states, and local self-governments D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
15. What is one of the reasonable expectations from democracy?
A. Economic growth B. Reduction of economic disparities C. Dignity and freedom of citizens D. Both B and C
Answer: D. Both B and C
16. What is the basis of democracy?
A. Recognition of individual freedom and dignity B. Economic growth C. Efficient decision-making D. None of the above
Answer: A. Recognition of individual freedom and dignity
17. Which organ of the government acts as the guardian of the Constitution in India?
A. Legislature B. Executive C. Judiciary D. None of the above
Answer: C. Judiciary
18. What is one of the advantages of democracy?
A. It promotes equality in society B. It enhances the dignity of citizens C. It improves the quality of decision-making D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
19. How does democracy provide scope for correction of mistakes?
A. Through regular elections B. Through open public debate C. Through citizens’ right to information D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
20. What is one of the factors that sustain democracy in India?
A. Independent and integrated judicial system B. Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution C. Directive Principles as a guide for policies D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
21. What is the basic reason why the idea of democracy enjoys overwhelming support from people all over the world?
A. It is an efficient form of government B. It promotes economic growth C. It is a legitimate government backed by people’s sanction to rule D. None of the above
Answer: C. It is a legitimate government backed by people’s sanction to rule
22. Which statement is true about economic growth in dictatorships and democracies?
A. Dictatorships have a significantly higher rate of economic growth B. Democracies have a significantly higher rate of economic growth C. The difference in rates of economic growth is negligible D. None of the above
Answer: C. The difference in rates of economic growth is negligible
23. What is one of the reasonable expectations from democracy?
A. Democracy should allow concentration of wealth in the hands of a small percentage of people B. Democracy should lead to a wide gulf between rich and poor C. Democracy should reduce economic disparities D. None of the above
Answer: C. Democracy should reduce economic disparities
24. What is one of the factors that sustains democracy in India?
A. Indian democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of people B. All differences and conflicts are resolved peacefully by an independent judiciary C. Decision-making takes time, reducing the chance of rash or irresponsible decisions D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
25. What is one of the characteristics of democracy?
A. Recognition of individual freedom and dignity has legal and moral backing B. Individual freedom and dignity are not recognized C. Economic inequalities are encouraged D. None of the above
Answer: A. Recognition of individual freedom and dignity has legal and moral backing
Additional/extra questions and answers/solutions
1. What is the basic premise of democracy?
Answer: The basic premise of democracy is that sovereignty lies with the people.
Q. How do citizens hold the government accountable in a democracy?
Answer: Citizens can hold the government accountable through regular, free, and fair elections.
Q. What does transparency in democracy refer to?
Answer: Transparency in democracy refers to the right and means for citizens to examine the process of decision-making.
Q. What is the strength of democracy?
Answer: Democracy’s strength is the people.
Q. What does political equality in democracies entail?
Answer: Political equality in democracies means that all adult citizens have the right to vote and elect their representatives.
Q. How do democracies promote individual dignity and freedom?
Answer: Democracies provide legal and moral backing to the principles of individual dignity and freedom through fundamental rights.
Q. What is the role of the Directive Principles in Indian democracy?
Answer: The Directive Principles act as a guide and help in formulating policies for the welfare and well-being of citizens.
Q. How does the Indian judiciary contribute to sustaining democracy?
Answer: The independent and integrated judicial system acts as the guardian of the Constitution and settles disputes between various entities.
Q. What is the advantage of taking time in decision-making in democracies?
Answer: Taking time in decision-making in democracies reduces the chance of rash or irresponsible decisions.
Q. How does democracy allow for correction of mistakes?
Answer: Democracy is self-sustaining and allows for the correction of its own mistakes.
Q. What is the expectation from democracies regarding economic disparities?
Answer: The expectation from democracies is that they should reduce economic disparities and not allow the concentration of wealth in a few hands.
Q. How do democracies promote social diversity?
Answer: Democracies recognize and respect social diversity by providing legal and constitutional protections to various groups.
Q. What is the disadvantage of quick decision-making in non-democratic governments?
Answer: Quick decisions in non-democratic governments may not be acceptable to the people and face problems in implementation.
Q. How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?
Answer: Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by granting them fundamental rights and respecting their individual freedom.
Q. What is the basic premise of democracy?
Answer: The basic premise of democracy is that sovereignty lies with the people. They elect their representatives to rule on their behalf. Therefore, the representatives should be accountable to the people.
Q. How does democracy promote equality in society?
Answer: Democracy promotes equality in society and enhances the dignity of citizens. It improves the quality of decision-making and provides scope and mechanism for resolution of social conflicts. It allows ample space for correction of mistakes.
Q. What are the advantages of democracy in terms of accountability and responsiveness?
Answer: A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making in a democracy, which is called transparency. A democratic government should develop mechanisms for citizens to hold it accountable and participate in the decision-making process.
Q. How do democracies perform in terms of economic growth and development?
Answer: Dictatorial regimes have had a slightly better record of economic growth than democracies, but the difference in rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
Q. How successful are democracies in reducing inequalities and poverty?
Answer: Democracies are not very successful in reducing economic inequalities, and a small number of people are very rich while the majority of the population is poor. Poverty is the most noticeable stigma on democracies.
Q. What is the significance of dignity and freedom of citizens in a democracy?
Answer: All human beings desire dignity and freedom, and recognition of these needs and desires is a characteristic of democracy. The principle of recognition of individual freedom and dignity has legal and moral backing in democracies.
Q. What factors sustain democracy in India?
Answer: Indian democracy successfully balances the principles of centralization and federalism, has a horizontal and vertical distribution of power, an independent judiciary, guaranteed fundamental rights, and directive principles that guide welfare policies.
Q. How does the judiciary contribute to sustaining democracy in India?
Answer: We have an independent and integrated judicial system which acts as the guardian of the Constitution. The judiciary settles disputes between people, between the central and state governments, and between two or more state governments.
Q. What is the significance of fundamental rights in sustaining Indian democracy?
Answer: The Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution ensure dignity, freedom, and all-round development of individuals. In case of infringement of these rights, citizens can directly move the Supreme Court and the High Courts for redressal.
Q. What are the major factors that contribute to sustaining democracy in India?
Answer: Indian democracy successfully balances the principles of centralization and federalism. There is a horizontal distribution of power among the three organs of government – legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each organ has its own powers, functions, and jurisdiction assigned by the Constitution. Yet, one organ influences, counteracts, checks, and balances another, working in tandem, never going beyond its domain and authority. There is a vertical distribution of power among the center, states, and local self-governments. The three-tier structure of government ensures participation of people across all regions and sections of society. We have an independent and integrated judicial system which acts as the guardian of the Constitution. The judiciary settles disputes between people, between the central and state governments, and between two or more state governments.
Q. How does the Indian Constitution ensure individual freedom and dignity?
Answer: The Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution ensure dignity, freedom, and all-round development of individuals. In case of infringement of these rights, citizens can directly move the Supreme Court and the High Courts for redressal. The Directive Principles act as a guide and help in formulating policies for the welfare and well-being of citizens. Moreover, Indian democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of people.
Q. What are the advantages of the decision-making process in a democracy?
Answer: Though decision-making takes time in a democracy, this reduces the chance of rash or irresponsible decisions. Moreover, Indian democracy is self-sustaining; it allows us to correct its own mistakes. It throws up problems as well as solutions automatically and simultaneously. All differences and conflicts are resolved peacefully by an independent judiciary.
Q. What is the significance of economic equality in a democracy?
Answer: One of the reasonable expectations from democracy is that it should reduce economic disparities. Democracy is not expected to allow the concentration of wealth in the hands of a small percentage of people. A wide gulf between rich and poor must not be allowed to exist. All citizens should enjoy the benefits of economic development and lead a better life. However, all democracies provide political equality to citizens, but political equality does not guarantee or necessitate economic equality. In fact, we find growing economic inequalities in almost all democracies. A small number of people are very rich and have huge wealth and income, while the majority of the population is poor and has to struggle hard to meet the basic necessities of life.
28. How does democracy promote equality and dignity in society?
Answer: Democracy promotes equality in society and enhances the dignity of citizens. All human beings desire dignity and freedom. All of us want to be respected by our fellow beings, and we also want freedom to do what we want. Recognition of these needs and desires is a characteristic of democracy. This principle of recognition of individual freedom and dignity has legal and moral backing in democracies. Most societies have struggled to secure these rights. Universal adult franchise is one of them. There is an awareness in democratic societies that women must be given equal rights, freedom, and opportunity. Indian Constitution does not recognize caste inequalities. There have been real efforts to grant equal status and equal opportunity to all caste groups.
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