AMITY INTERNATIONAL School

PUSHP VIHAR, NEW DELHI

Notes
(outcomes of democracy)
Grade – X Subject -Political.sc

How do we assess democracy?

Democracy -The word democracy is derived from the Greek word ‘Demo + kratia’ meaning the power or
rule of people. It is a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected
representatives. In India there is representative democracy.

Democracy is better than other forms of Govt. because-

• It promotes equality among citizens

• Enhances the dignity of the individual Board Questions:

• Improves the quality of decision making 1. How are the democratic
governments better than the other
• Provides a method to resolve conflicts forms of governments? Justify the
statement. (2019)
• Allows room or mechanism to correct mistakes OR

• It can address well the socio-economic and political “Democracy is a better form of
government than the other forms of
problems government.” Analyse the statement
with arguments. (Delhi 2016)
• Provides an accountable, responsive, and legitimate govt.
OR
• Best suited to accommodate social-diversity,
Bring out any three arguments to
dignity and freedom of citizens are best guaranteed in a show that democracy is better form
democracy government as compared to
dictatorship. (2012, 15)
• Democracy has the ability to generate its own support 2.Describe any five characteristics of
among people democracy. (2017)
3. When is democracy considered
• It is people’s own govt successful? (2016)
4. State any three merits of Democracy.
(2015)
• Any other form of government like dictatorships do
5. How can the success of Democracy
nothave these democratic values. be assessed? Explain. (2012)
6. 'There is overwhelming support for
There is overwhelming support of Democracy all over the worldthe idea of Democracy all over the
world.' Support the statement.
(2015)
• It has many Merits which make it most popular form of government (See the points above)
• People find it the only govt which can be called as ‘people’s own government ‘.
• The evidence from South Asia shows that democracy has its support in democratic as well as non-
democratic regimes like China and North Korea.
• People wish to be ruled representatives elected by them and think that democracy is suitable for
their country
Common features of a Democratic Politics
• Formal Constitutions
• Regular elections
• Political Parties
• Fundamental Rights to citizens

Factors affecting the achievements of democracies

• Social situations
• Economic achievements and Culture

Expectations from a Democracy (outcomes of democracy)

Democracy is just a form of Govt which creates suitable conditions for achieving something. The citizens
must make use of these conditions to achieve their goals.

The democracies are expected to provide the basic outcomes –

Political outcomes: Accountable, responsive, and legitimate
govt.Economic outcomes: Economic growth and development

Social outcomes: Reduction of inequality and poverty

I. Political Outcomes of Democracy

1. An Accountable Government Board Questions:

1. Describe the importance of

• It is the most basic outcome of a democracy as democracies democratic government as an
are based on political equality accountable and legitimate
government. (Delhi 2019)
• People have the rights to choose and exercise control over 2. Explain the meaning of
transparency in democracy. (2017)
their rulers 3. Examine the political outcomes of
Democracy. (2016)
• People should be involved in decision making 4. How can a democracy produce an
accountable, responsive, and
• Norms and procedures should be followed in decision legitimate government? (2012)
making 5. ‘Democratic governments in
practice are known as
• Transparency: Citizens should have the rights and means accountable.’ Support the
statement with arguments. (2016)
to find out and examine the process of decision making. It is 6. How can a democratic government
be made accountable? Explain.
called transparency (2012)

• The decision-making process may be slower than non-

democratic regimes but the delay is compensated by a more worthy, correct and suitable decisions.

• Govt should develop mechanisms for citizens to hold the Govt Accountable. It is right to expect
democracy to produce a govt that follows and is accountable to people
2. A Responsive Government
It is expected from a democracy that

• Govt is attentive to the needs and demands of the people

• Govt is largely free from the evil of Democracy
• People should feel that Govt listens to their grievances and
properly addresses them.

But the record of democracies is not impressive.

• Democracies often frustrate the needs of people

• Ignore demands of the majority
• Democracies are not free from the evil of corruption

3. A legitimate government

• A Democratic government is legitimate govt because, Board Questions:

ultimately it is people’s own Govt. ‘Democratic government is a
legitimate government.’ Support the
• Rule of law is applicable equally to all citizens statement with arguments with
examples. (2014, Delhi 2016, 17)
• All powers are drawn from the Constitution
• A Democratic Govt may be slow, less efficient, not always responsive, or clean but still it is
betterthan other forms of Govt.
• People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them
• Democracy itself generates support for itself which makes it the most popular form of government

II. Economic Outcomes of Democracy

1. Relationship between democracy and development
Board Questions;
• Democracies are expected to produce economic development Establish the relationship
between democracy and the
• Inability of Democracy to achieve higher economic development is a development. (2012, 16)
matter of worry
• The economic development depends on several factors like-
▪ Population size of the country
▪ Global situations
▪ Cooperation from other countries
▪ Economic priorities and policies of govt
• The dictatorships are slightly better from democracies in terms of economic achievements. But it is
better to prefer democracy because it has many other positive outcomes.
 2. Economic growth in democracies is accompanied by inequalities among people
Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities. There should be just distribution of goods and
opportunities. But democracies are not able to provide economic justice to people.

But the democracies are not successful in reducing economic inequalities

Board Questions:
• We find growing economic inequalities with some very rich and
1. ‘Democracies are not appearing
some very poor to be very successful in reducing
economic inequalities. Justify the
• A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share
statement. (2016, 2019)
of wealth. Their share in the total income of the country is has 2. Evidence shows that in practice,
many democracies did not fulfil
been rising the expectations of producing
economic development in the
• Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend on. country. Validate the statement
with the help of relevant
Their income is declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet
examples. (2016)
the basic needs of life-food, clothing, house, education 3. Democracy has failed to reduce
economic inequality and poverty.
• The political parties do not appear keen to address the questions ‘Do you agree? Give arguments in
support of your answer. (2014)
of poverty.
• Example- In Bangladesh more than half of people lives in poverty
• It is also true that several poor countries are dependent on the rich countries for food supplies.
Example- In S. Africa and Brazil the top 20% people share more than 60% of the national income and the
bottom 20 % people share less than 3% in the national income.
We can say that economic disparities and inequalities are increasing in democracy. The governments do
not appear to be successful in providing economic justice.

III. Social Outcomes of Democracy (accommodation of social-diversity)

• It is expected that democracy should produce a peaceful and
harmonious social life Board Questions:

1. ‘Democracy stands much superior

• Democracy is best suited to negotiate and accommodate the to anyone other form of government
social diversity in promoting dignity and freedom
of the individual.’ Justify the
• Negotiations and deliberations reduce the possibilities of tensions statement. (2011,12,13, 16, 17)
2. On the basis of which values will it
becoming explosive or violent
be a fair expectation that
democracy should produce a
• No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among harmonious social life? Explain.
different groups. But Democracy teaches us to respect the (2017)
differences and adjust accordingly 3. ‘Democracy accommodates social
diversities.’ Support the statement
with examples. (2016, 17)
• Ability to handle social differences and conflicts is a plus point of 4. ‘Democracies lead to peaceful and
Democracy harmonious life among citizens.’
Support this statement. (2012, 13)
 1. Two conditions necessary to accommodate the social diversity

I. Democracy is not simply the rule of majority

• Majority and minority should work together to produce a general view for the government
• Majority and minority opinions are not permanent

II. Rule by majority does not mean rule by majority community in terms of
religion or race or linguistic group
• Rule by majority means different persons or groups have a chance to form a majority
• The true democracy creates conditions for every citizen to be part of
amajority at some point of time
• The democratic rule ceases (stops working) to be accommodative (sab ko
Board Questions:
saath le ke chalna) when it bars someone from being a part of a majority.
1. What are the
• An exceptional example of Sri Lanka- Here the policy of majoritarianism is two conditions to
followed. accommodate
social diversities in
2. Dignity and freedom of the citizens a democracy?
Mention any one
Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government for promoting exception to this.
dignity and freedom of the individuals. (2015)

• Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. 2. Explain with
examples, how the
• The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy and dignity and
democracies recognise this, at least, in principle. freedom of citizens
are best
guaranteed in a
Dignity of Women and democracy democracy. (2014)

• Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity that respect to women and equal
treatment of women are necessary ingredients (elements or parts) of a democracy.
• Once the principal of equality of women is recognised, it becomes easier for women to struggle
fortheir Rights and place in society.
• The recognition of the principal of individual freedom renders legal and moral force to struggle by
women.
• There are several laws and provisions in Constitution to recognise the equal status of women

Caste inequalities and democracy

• Democracy in India had strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for
equal status and equal opportunity.
• Now caste-based inequalities and atrocities lack moral and legal foundation.
• People are aware and now they value their democratic rights. Such benefits and considerations may
not be available in non-democratic regimes.
Public dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of democracy
• People have ever-increasing expectations from democracy
Board Questions:
• The most distinctive about democracy is that its examination is never
over. 1. How are complaints by
people treated as testimony
• Benefits of democracy make people ask for more and it makes to the success of
democracy even better. democracy? Explain. (2016)
• The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony (witness or 2. ‘A public expression of
dissatisfaction with
sakshya) to the success of democracy. democracy shows the
• People are aware of their rights to criticize the Govt and it keeps the success of democratic
power holders in check project.’ Justify the
statement. (2016)
• Public dissatisfaction with government shows the success of the
democratic project
• People are aware of the power of their votes to make the Govt function to their own self-interest.

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

practice
(Criticism or demerits of democracy)
Some people think that democracy produces a less effective government because there is delay in decision
making.
Board Questions:
• Democracy is based on the idea of deliberations and negotiations and
some delay is bound to take place 1. 'Democracy is seen
to be good in
• Non-democratic rulers do not bother about debates, deliberation in principle but felt to
assemblies or public opinion and therefore they are able in quick decision be not so good in
making and implementation practice.’ Justify the
statement. (2013,
• The democracies follow norms and procedures to arrive at decisions. The 16)
decisions taken are likely to be more acceptable to the people and more 2. ‘Some people think
effective. that democracy
produces a less
• Non-democratic regimes take decisions very fast but it may not be effective
acceptable to the people. government.’
analyse the
The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record. statement. (2015)

• Democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to every citizen.
• Democratic governments do not have good record regarding sharing information with citizens.
• Democracies often frustrate the needs of people
• Ignore demands of the majority
• Democracies are not free from the evil of corruption
Democracies not successful in reducing economic disparities. (for detail see above related topics)

Some other demerits

• Unstable governments, inefficient governments, red-tapism, role of money in democracy etc.

 Board Question: Describe any five outcomes of democracy. (2019)

(Hint: Try to mention points from all outcomes of democracy)

MCQs – Chapter: Outcomes of Democracy

1. Which of the following is a reason why a democratic government is better than a non-democratic one?

• A) Response time

• B) People’s own government

• C) Efficiency

• D) Time taken for decision-making

2. A newly elected representative wants to promote the concept of sustainable environment in her constituency. Which of the
following would be the most democratic method to achieve this?

• A) Impose heavy fines on certain activities

• B) Ask the opposition party to bring reforms

• C) Invite suggestions from the people

• D) Make harsh laws against certain products

3. Which two elements of rule by majority are critical in a democracy to accommodate social differences?

• A) Rule by majority in democracy gives power to the majority community for a certain period.

• B) Rule by majority does not imply that there should collaboration between the communities.

• C) Rule by majority does not imply majority community rule.

• D) Democracy involves changing the balance of power by giving power to the minority.

• E) Democracy is more than rule by majority opinion.

4. Which of the following parameters would you use to determine whether a government is truly democratic or not?

• A) Rights of citizens

• B) Financial resources managed directly by people

• C) Power given to bureaucrats

• D) Good monarchy

5. Why do you need the right to express your culture in society?

• A) Democracy does not give unnecessary importance to cultures as a part of secularism.

 • B) Democracy promises dignity and freedom of the individual.

• C) Democracy aims at bringing exotic cultures into mainstream society.

• D) Democracy guarantees freedom to ancient and indigenous cultures.

6. Which one of the following countries failed to accommodate differences among ethnic populations?

• A) The Netherlands

• B) Sri Lanka

• C) Belgium

• India

7. Read the extract and answer the questions given below.

“Now look at the other side – democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures. So, a citizen who wants
to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. She has the right and the means to examine the
process of decision making. This is known as transparency. This factor is often missing from a non-democratic government.” (NCERT,
Outcomes of Democracy, Pg. No. 91)

i. . What is the central theme of the extract?

• A) Accountability

• B) Transparency

• C) Decision-making

• D) Freedom of press

ii. Can you name the Indian law which relates to the core idea of the extract?Select the correct answer

• A) Right to Intervention Act

• B) Information and Technology Act

• Right to Privacy

• D) Right to Information Act

8. Which one of the following is not an advantage of democratic regimes?

• A) Ability to resolve ethnic differences

• B) Ability to raise economic growth rate

• C) Ability to resolve internal conflicts

• D) Ability to resolve social divisions

9. Every day in India, we see demonstrations, marches and campaigns against various policies, acts, decisions and leaders. So,
why do we consider ourselves a good democracy if people are dissatisfied with the government?

• A) A good democracy looks beyond the protests.

• B) Paid protests by the opposition should be ignored.

• C) Dissent is the essence of democracy.

• D) It requires strong leaders to handle democracy.

10. Which one of the following is the most common form of government in the world?

• A) Monarchy

• B) Democracy
 • C) Military rule

• D) Aristocracy

11. Which one of the following is not a primary feature of democracy?

• A) Legitimacy

• B) Efficiency

• C) Transparency

• D) Equality

12. What difference would be seen if a citizen asked the same question in a democratic and a non-democratic country?

• A) The non-democratic government will have to respond.

• B) The democratic government may take time, but it will respond.

• C) The democratic government will respond quickly.

• D) Citizens cannot raise questions in non-democratic countries.

13. Which of the following principles does a democratic government adhere to in the process of decision making?

• A) Deliberation and negotiation

• B) Majorities and public opinion

• C) Practices and institutions

• D) Acceptance and effectiveness

14. Which one of the following is not a primary feature of democracy?

• A) Equality

• B) Transparency

• C) Efficiency

• D) Legitimacy

15. Which one of the following is the most common form of government in the world?

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• C) Aristocracy

• D) Military rule

16. Which principle of the Indian Constitution would you pick to show that the Constitution chose not to institute rule by a
religious majority?

• A) Fraternalism

• B) Socialism

• C) Republicanism

• D) Secularism

17. What serves as the best possible testimony of democracy’s success?

• A) Incumbent government’s speeches

• B) Approval by the UN
 • C) Complaints and criticism by people

• D) Praise by neighbouring countries

18. Which one of the following factors does not affect the economic development of a democratic nation?

• A) Economic policies

• B) Global situation

• C) Population size

• D) Welfare policies

19. ‘More than achieving economic development, it is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities.’
In the above statement, what does the term economic disparities in a democracy imply?

• A) Uneven distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society

• B) Wealth distribution based on education and gender in a democracy

• C) Unavailability of basic needs such as food, clothing, house, education and health

• D) Poor countries dependent on rich countries for basic supplies

20. Certain practices, such as exploitation, inequality and discrimination, are not permissible in society. Why does this social
rejection not become a law in a non-democratic setting?

• A) The unacceptable practices and legality are irrelevant to the non-democratic form of governance.

• B) There is no legal backing to the concept of individual freedom and dignity.

• C) This unacceptability is not foundational by nature.

• D) Exploitation, inequality, and discrimination have legal sanctions in the non-democratic setting.

21. “Democracies are based on political equality.” What does this statement mean?

• A) Every person can dictate to the political executive.

• B) Every person is a part of the government.

• C) Every person has equal voting rights.

• D) Every person has control over political administration.

22. What prevents ethnic differences from escalating into an explosive or violent conflict in democracies?

• A) Financial aids from governments

• B) Strict laws and regulations

• C) A system to negotiate and resolve differences

• D) Political representation

23. Which facts or ideas contribute to democracy’s success as a form of government? (Choose three correct answers.)

• A) Enhancement of citizens’ dignity

• B) Conflict resolution

• C) Room to correct mistakes

• D) Sustainable environment

• E) Economic growth

24. What helped women gain some recognition, though societies have historically been male-dominated?
 • A) Struggles for their rights

• B) Emergence of democracies

• C) Movement for civil rights

• D) Principles of fraternity and liberty

25. For the 50 years between 1950 and 2000, which type of government had a higher economic growth rate?

• A) Aristocracy

• B) Democracy

• C) Direct democracy

• D) Dictatorship

26. Which of the following widespread problems do democratic governments of India seem to neglect?

• A) Poverty

• B) Electoral conflicts

• C) Illiteracy

• D) Political inequality

27. Democracy is based on majority rule. The poor make up a large part of the population. In theory, democracy should be a
pro-poor system. What indicates that this is not the case?

• A) Rule by majority means rule by the major religion.

• B) Rule by majority means rule by the major regional power.

• C) Rule by majority means rule by the majority of common views.

• D) Rule by majority means rule by the major ethnicity.

28. Which of the following is a reason why a democratic government is better than a non-democratic one?

• A) People’s own government

• B) Government policies respect majority

• C) A Constitution gives power to government

• D) An independent election commissions

Answers:

1. B) people’s own government

2. C) Invite suggestions from the people

Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures that have been laid down as per the will of the people.
Hence, if a newly elected representative wants to promote the concept of sustainable environment in her constituency in the most
democratic method, she should welcome people’s suggestions and act on them accordingly.

3. C) and D)

4. A)

5. B) Democracy promises dignity and freedom of the individual.

Because democracy guarantees individual dignity and freedom, every individual has the right to express his or her culture in society.

6. B) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has historically failed to accommodate ethnic differences and attempted to enforce majoritarian laws, which resulted in civil
war.

7.

i. B) Transparency

ii. D) Right to Information Act

The extract’s central idea is transparency. In 2005, the Indian parliament passed the Right to Information Act, which enabled citizens
to obtain information from the government about policies, actions, and decision-making, among other things.

8. B)

9. C) Dissent is the essence of democracy.

Dissent is the essence of democracy. The demonstrations, marches and campaigns against various policies, acts, decisions and leaders
work as feedback for the rulers, which they cannot overlook. This helps citizens keep a check on the government’s decision-makers,
making India more democratic.

10. B)

11. B)

12. B)

13. A)

14. C)

15. A)

16. D)

In a secular country the people are free to follow the faith and religion of their choice.

17. C)

18. D)

19. A)

20. B) There is no legal backing to the concept of individual freedom and dignity.

Certain practices, such as exploitation, inequality, and discrimination, are not outlawed in a non-democratic setting because the
concept of individual freedom and dignity does not have the legal and moral power that it does in a democratic setting.

21. C) Every person has equal voting rights.

“Democracies are based on political equality” means that the principle of ‘one person, one vote and one value’ is followed, and every
person has equal political rights.

22. C) A system to negotiate and resolve differences

Democracies offer a sphere and process for groups to express themselves and compete; this mechanism of confronting ethnic
differences prevents ethnic differences in democracies from escalating into explosive or violent conflict.

23. A), B), C)

A). Conflict resolution

The space and atmosphere that democracy provides to resolve conflicts are some of the biggest factors in democracy achieving success
as a form of government.

B). Enhancement of citizens’ dignity

Democratic principles enhance citizens’ dignity, which makes it a successful form of government.

C). Room to correct mistakes

Democracy allows leaders and citizens to correct their mistakes, and it has largely contributed to democracy’s success as a form of
government.

24. A) Struggles for their rights

Despite the fact that societies have traditionally been male-dominated, women’s long struggles helped them generate awareness that
respect for and fair treatment of women are essential components of a democratic society.

25. D)

26. A) Poverty

The poor constitute a large proportion of voters in India and no party would like to lose their votes. Yet, democratically elected
governments do not appear to be as keen to address the question of poverty as one would expect them to.

27. D) Rule by majority means rule by the majority of common views.

Yes, democracy is founded on ‘rule by majority’ and the poor make up a large part of the population. But ‘rule by majority’ refers to
rule by the majority of citizens who hold a similar point of view. That is why, despite the fact that the poor constitute a large part of the
population, democracy is not a pro-poor system.

28. A)