8 What is main difference between a pressure group and a political party?
9 Why do political parties involve partisanship?
10 Dynastic succession is one of the most serious challenges before the political
Page | 264 parties.” Analyse the statement.
11 Examine the role of opposition parties in a Democracy.
5 MARKS QUESTIONS
1 State the various functions that Political parties perform in a democracy.
2 What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
3 Lack of internal democracy within parties is a major challenge to political parties
allover the world. How far do you agree with it?
4 Elucidate some of the recent efforts taken in our country to reform political
parties and its leaders.
5 Name the national party which was formed under the leader ship of Kanshi Ram .
Mention any four features of that party.
6 What is a political party? Suggest and explain any four measures to reform
political parties.
7 ‘Modern democracies cannot exist without political parties.’ Examine the
statement.
8 What is one-party system? What are its merits and demerits
9 “Increase in the number of states or regional parties strengthened democracy in
India.” Comment
10 “The growing role of money and muscle power is a major challenge in India.”
Explain.
CHAPTER 5
OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
POLITICAL ECONOMIC OUTCOME SOCIAL OUTCOME
OUTCOME
264
Accountable, Economic Reduction of Accommodatio Dignity and
Responsive and growth and inequality and n of social freedom of the
Legitimate development poverty diversity citizens
government
Page | 265
SUMMARY
Democracy is a form of government where the leaders are elected by the people and elected
leaders take major decision. Democracy is considered to be a better form of government
because it promotes equality among citizens, enhances the dignity of the individuals, improves
the quality of decision making, provides a method to resolve conflicts and allows room to
correct mistakes.
But if we want to know the real success of a democratic government we have to examine the
outcomes of democracy. These outcomes are the following.
4. POLITICAL OUTCOME
C. Accountable, responsive and legitimate government:
Unlike other forms of governments, democratic governments are more accountable and
responsive since they are elected by the people for a period of 4 or 5 years. In a democracy
governments are through a regular, free and fair elections, Laws are made and executed
with proper procedures and discussions. Hence it is transparent and legitimate.
5. ECONOMIC OUTCOME
B. Economic growth and development:
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In practice many democracies did not fulfil this expectation. Dictatorships have
slightly higher rate of economic growth than democracies in the last fifty years. But
economic growth depends on various factors like the size of the population of the country,
global situation, cooperation from other countries and priorities adopted by the country.
D. Reduction of inequality and poverty:
Page | 266 Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have one vote with one
value in electing representatives. Parallel to this political equality we find growing
economic inequalities too.
6. SOCIAL OUTCOME
C. Accommodation of social diversity:
Democracy helps its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by
accommodating various social divisions. Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate the
differences between various communities and castes.
D. Dignity and freedom of the citizens:
Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
Democracy- its examination never gets over. As democracy passes one test, it produces another
test. People constantly demand more benefits in a democracy.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1 Democracy is considered as a better form of government because
E. It ensures economic development.
F. It guarantees economic equality
G. It provides a method to resolve conflict.
H. Option A and B
2 Identify the correct statement about democracy.
E. It is free from corruption
F. Democracy is free from social conflict.
G. It is successful in eradicating poverty.
H. It respects the individual dignity of citizens.
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3
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11. The given image shows the effect of democratic politics on social differences. Which
options are more appropriate in context of democracy?
A. Democracy suppresses internal social differences.
B. Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among
Citizens
C. Democracies accommodate various social divisions
D. Option B and C
4 A democratic government is elected by citizens and enjoys the confidence and trust of the
citizens. This is known as
E. A legitimate government,
F. A transparent government
G. A secular government
H. A stable government.
5
Table 1
Rates of economic growth for different countries (1950-2000)
Type of regimes and countries Growth Rate
All democratic regimes 3.95
All dictatorial regimes 4.42
Poor countries under dictatorship 4.34
Poor countries under democracy 4.28
Read the given table carefully and select the correct statements from the given options:
E. Dictatorial regimes have a slightly better record of economic growth.
F. Democratic regimes have better economic growth.
G. Poor countries under democracy have more economic growth.
H. It is better to prefer dictatorship as it has better economic development.
267
6 Choose the correctly matched pair from the following
A Pakistan Democracy is preferred
over dictatorship
B Bangladesh More than half of its population lives in poverty
Page | 268 C Belgium Has failed in negotiating differences among ethnic
populations
D Sri Lanka Here majority worked with the minority to produce a
harmonious social life
7 Study the given cartoon. Select the incorrect statements from the given options:
E. Half of the people in the world are poor and they possess very less resources.
F. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for
food supplies.
G. In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing
economic inequalities
H. 2% of the poor people possess 50% resources of the world.
8 ‘Equal treatment of women is a necessary ingredient of a democratic society. This means
that:
E. Most societies across the world are now increasingly women dominated
F. Women are actually always treated with respect.
G. It is now easier for women to legally wage struggle for their rights
H. Women are not ill-treated anywhere in the world.
9 Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in------------
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E. Reducing economic inequalities.
F. Removing corruption.
G. Bringing higher rate of economic growth
H. Promoting dignity and freedom of the individual
10 Which of these factors do not play a role in the economic development of a country?
Page | 269 E. Size of the population
F. The language of the country.
G. Cooperation from other countries.
H. Economic priorities adopted by the Government.
ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE QUESTIONS
11 In the questions given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and
Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct code.
Assertion (A): Democracies are based on political equality.
Reason (R): All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.
E. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
F. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
G. A is correct but R is wrong.
H. A is wrong but R is correct
12 Assertion (A): Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal
social differences.
Reason (R): They accommodate various social divisions.
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is correct but R is wrong.
D. A is wrong but R is correct
13 Assertion (A) Democracy transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a
citizen.
Reason (R) Most individuals believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the
governments run and to their own self-interest
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is correct but R is wrong.
D. A is wrong but R is correct
SOURCE BASED MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
14 Read the case/source given and answer the questions that follow by choosing the
correct option.
If you wanted to measure democracies on the basis of this expected outcome, you
would look for the following practices and institutions:
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regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and legislations;
and citizens’ right to information about the government and
its functioning. The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record on this.
Democracies have had greater success in setting up regular and free elections and in
setting up conditions for open public debate. But most democracies fall short of
Page | 270 elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to
public debate. Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes
to sharing information with citizens.
2. To measure democracies on the basis of expected outcomes,
which of the following practices and institutions would one look for?
E. Regular, free and fair elections
F. Open public debate on major policies
G. Citizens’ right to information about the government.
H. All of the above.
2. If a government is sharing information with citizens, then we get which type of
government?
A. An unstable government
B. A democratic government
C. A stable government
D. A transparent government
3. Which among the following out comes do democracies have greater success?
A. Regular and free elections
B. Elections that provide a fair chance to everyone
C. Sharing information with citizens.
D All of the above.
4. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Democratic governments are very good in sharing information
with citizens.
B. Most democracies succeeded in subjecting every decision to
public debate.
C The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record
in outcomes of democracy.
D. All the above.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
15 What are the differences between democracy and dictatorship in the decision making
process?
16 How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points.
17 “Democratic government is legitimate government?” Support the statement with
arguments
18 Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.
19 Explain any 3 ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and
poverty.
20 On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should
produce a harmonious social life? Explain
21 ‘Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.’
Justify the statement
22 Analyse any three values that make democracy better.
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23 Most distinctive feature of democracy is that its examination never gets over.” Support
the statement with appropriate arguments.
24 What is the basis of democracy and what are its advantages?
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
25 “Democratic system is better than any other form of government.” Support the
Page | 271 statement with examples
26 How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
27 ‘‘In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic
inequalities.’’ Explain the statement giving an
example.
28 What are the factors which are responsible for the economic development of the
country? Does democracy provide guarantee of economic development?
29 Explain how democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.
CHAPTER 5
OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
ANSWER KEY
MCQ
1 C.
2 D.
3 D.
4 A.
5 A.
6 B.
7 D.
8 C.
9 D.
10 B.
11 C. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Democracies are based on the principle of political equality.
It provides one vote with equal value to all its adult citizen.
12 D. A is correct but R is wrong.
A is correct because Non democratic regimes do not appreciate social
differences rather they suppress these differences.
R is wrong because they do not accommodate social differences.
13 B. Democracy transforms people from the status of a
Subject into that of a citizen. Thus, most of the
individuals believe in a democracy that their vote
makes a difference to the way the governments run and
their own self-interest. Hence, both A and R statements
justify each other
14 5. D. All of the above
6. D. A transparent government
7. A. Regular and free elections
8. C. The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record in
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outcomes of democracy.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
15 Democracy:
(iv) Based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation
(v) Decisions are acceptable to people and are more effective.
Page | 272 (vi) A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of
decision-making. There is transparency.
Autocracy:
(i) Do not have to bother about majorities and/or public opinion, thus can
be quick and efficient in decision-making.
(ii) May take decisions not accepted by the people.
(iii) Transparency is missing from a non-democratic form of government.
There is no accountability of the government to the people.
16 (iv) Democratic government ensures that the decision-making process is
based on proper norms and procedures.
(v) (ii) Citizens have the right to examine the process of decision making.
(vi) (iii) A democratic government develops mechanisms for the citizens
to hold the government accountable and mechanism for citizens to
take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
17 (I )A democratic government is called legitimate government
because it is people’s own government.
(b) It may be slow, less efficient and not very responsive and clean, but it
is people's government.
(c) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them.
Democracy’s ability to generate its own support makes it more legitimate.
People of South Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal
have no doubt about the suitability of democracy for their own country.
18 i Democracies develop a procedure to reduce the possibility of social
differences 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.
19 1. Democracy gives equal rights to the people; it does not discriminate on
the basis of sex, religion, color, caste etc.
3. Democracy provides equal opportunity for economic activities
3. In order to reduce poverty and inequality democracies made efforts to
promote a more transparent form of government and thus provide people
with rights such as Right to Information etc.
20 1) A democratic country looks into the needs and aspirations of every
section of society.
2) It is also able to handle social conflicts, divisions and differences.
3) Accommodating the demands of the underprivileged, the backward
sections of the society and the minority communities through democratic
principles, helps in building a more inclusive and a harmonious society.
(Any other relevant points)
21 (vii) The passion for respect and freedom are basis of democracy.
(viii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and
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discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
(ix) Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal
treatment. In India, l/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in
local bodies.
Page | 273 22 (i) Provides equality among citizens. (ii) Enhances the dignity of the
individual. (iii) Improves the quality of decision making. (iv) Provides
methods to resolve conflicts. (v) Allows to correct mistakes. (vi)
Guarantees rights of citizens. ( Any three points)
23 (i) As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more.
(ii) People always come up with more expectations from the democratic
set up.
(iii) They also have complaints against democracy. The government
always has to satisfy their public by fulfilling their demands or else they
get removed
24 Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation.
Deliberation and negotiation have an advantage as they ensure that the
decisions taken are acceptable to all the people.
These deliberations and negotiation may make the decision late but they
provide quality decisions.
Long Answer questions
25 Democratic system is better than any other form of government because
of following reasons.
(vi) It promotes equality among citizens. E.g. Rule of law
(vii) It enhances the dignity of the individual. E.g. Fundamental rights.
(x) It improves the quality of decision making. E.g. Discussion and
debate in various platforms
(xi) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
(xii) If allows room to correct mistakes. ( explain with examples)
26 Democracy produces an accountable government because it provides
regular, free and fair elections regularly. Open discussions are held on all
major issues and legislations.
Democracy gives its citizens the right to information about the
government and its functioning.
Democracy provides a responsive government as it is formed by elected
representatives of the people. These representatives discuss the problems
of the society and make policies and programmes accordingly. The
representatives also ensure that the programmes are implemented.
Democracies follow a constitution, so they are legitimate. The laws of the
country are applicable to everyone, even to the government members.
Free and fair elections are held in democracies and the people have the
power to eliminate parties they are not happy with, in the next election.
27 (iii) The wealth and means are accumulated in hands of a few people
and their share in the total income of the country has been
increasing.
(iv) However, the people at the bottom of society find it difficult to
meet even their basic needs of life such as food, clothing, house,
education and health. Not only that, their incomes have been
declining.
(viii) The deprived people are a large ratio of voters and no party will
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like to lose their votes.
(ix) Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be
attentive to the cause of the poor.
(x) Thus democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing
economic inequalities.
Page | 274 28 Economic development depends on several factors: country’s
population size, global situation, The Rich Get Buff cooperation from
other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
We cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development.
But we can expect democracy not to lag behind
dictatorships in this respect
29 Only the Democratic government is a form of government which provides
accommodation to social differences and conflicts by making everybody
learn how to respect every individual’s opinion as differences can never
be suppressed completely.
• Democracy ensures inclusion of every group including minorities and
its interests in the decision making.
• It reduces the probability of violence due to social differences and
conflicts between different kinds of people.
• It provides right to equality, equality before the law, and equal
opportunities of work and prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of
religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth to every citizen or individual.
• It also ensures various other fundamental rights of the citizen.
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