Previous Year Questions: Outcomes of

Democracy

Previous Year Questions: Outcomes of

Democracy
Short Answer Questions

Q.1. Modern democracies maintain a check and balance system. Identify the
correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement.

(a) Central government, state government, and local bodies.

(b) Legislature, executive, and judiciary.
(c) Among different social groups.
(d) Among different pressure groups. [CBSE 2020]
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Horizontal power sharing: Legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Q.2. “Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic
inequalities.” Justify the statement. [CBSE 2019, 32/2/3]

It is true. The following points justify that:

A small number of the ultra-rich enjoy a disproportionate share of wealth and
income.The wealth and means are accumulated in the hands of a few people and
along with that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing.
Those at the bottom of society have very littleto depend upon.
Sometimes, they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food,
clothing, housing, education and health. Moreover, their incomes have been
declining as well.
The deprived people are a large ratio of voters and no party will like to lose
their votes
In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic
inequalities.

Q.3. Describe any five outcomes of democracy. [CBSE Delhi 2019 32/1/32]
The first step towards evaluating the outcome of democracy is to recognize that
democracy is just a form of government. It means democracy provides an opportunity
and it is the citizens who can take advantage of it.
The most basic outcome of democracy is that it is accountable to citizens and
responsive to their needs and expectations.
Another outcome of democracy is that it is a legitimate government. It means all
decisions are taken as per the constitution only.
Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation, though it results
in delays. It ensures that decision making is based on norms and procedures
and allows transparency. Develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the
government accountable.
Set up the following practices and institutions: regular, free and fair elections;
open public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to
information about the government and its functioning.
Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities, more than provide
for development. Democracies are based on political equality where all individuals
have equal weight in electing representatives.
Q.4. Why is there overwhelming support for democracy all over the world?
Explain one reason. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

It is because democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate

government. The most basic outcome of democracy should be that it produces a
government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and
expectations of the citizens.
Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and
procedures and a citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the
correct procedures can find this out.
The actual performance of democracies shows that democracies have had greater
success in setting up regular and free elections and in setting up conditions for
open public debate.

Q.5. On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy
should produce a harmonious social life? Explain. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

The values that are associated with democracy producing a harmonious social life are;
 Equality among all human beings.
Respect for individual freedom.
Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
Democracies reduce the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.
Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts.
Q.6. How can you say that democracy is better than dictatorship?
OR
Which values make democracy better than any other form of government?
Explain. [CBSE (F) 2017]
OR
Analyse any three values that make democracy better. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

Democracy promotes equality among citizens as it is the people’s own

government.
It enhances the dignity of the individual.
It also improves the quality of decision-making.
It provides methods to resolve conflicts if any.
Only democracy allows room to correct mistakes.
It is a legitimate government.
Gives equal status and respect to women and weaker sections.
It promotes transparency.
Values of social justice, equality, fraternity.
It gives importance to public opinion.
It provides rights to people.
It gives the feeling of collective belonging.
It encompasses the feeling of integrity secularism and tolerance.
It inculcates the feeling of integrity and dutifulness.
It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. A democratic
government is the people’s own government.
There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world—in
countries with democratic regimes as well as non-democratic regimes.
Q.7. “Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of
the citizens.” Evaluate the statement. [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]
OR
“Democratic government is known as responsive government.” Assess the
statement. [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]
Democracy is accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens
The most basic outcome of democracy is that it produces a government that is
accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the
citizens.
Economic growth and development -level of economic development is slow
because of delays in decision making.
Accommodation of social diversity - the majority should work with the minority.
Dignity and freedom of citizens-every individual want to receive respect from
fellow beings. Equality for women.
Q.8. How does democracy stand better than any other form of government in
promoting the dignity and freedom of the citizens? Explain with examples. [CBSE
(Comptt) 2017]

Democracy stands better than any other form of government in promoting the dignity
and freedom of citizens:
Respect and Freedom: The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of
democracy which is recognized throughout the world in principle.
Dignity of women: Democracy provides dignity to women by giving them the
freedom to fight for their rights.
Right to equality: equal status and equal opportunity have a legal sanction in
democracy.
Individual freedom: In a democracy, every individual has the freedom to pursue
his goal.
Q.9. “Democratic government is legitimate government”? Support the statement
with arguments. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
OR
How is a "democratic government" a "legitimate government"? Explain with
examples. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

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 overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all
over the world. People wished to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They
also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to
generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.Democratic
Government is known as legitimate government:
Democracy produces a government that follows and is accountable to the
people.
It provides a mechanism for citizens to hold the government accountable and
allows citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.
If you wanted to measure democracies on the basis of this expected outcome you
would look for the following practices and institutions regular free and fair
election, open public debate on major policies.
Q.10. Democracy accommodates social diversities. Support the statement with
examples. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
OR
How is social diversity accommodated in democracy? Explain with examples.
[CBSE (Al) 2017]

“Democracy accommodates social diversities”.Democracy develops a mechanism which

successfully negotiates difference among the ethnic population.
Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces
the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
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.
The ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite
plus point of democratic regimes. Democracy accommodates social diversity as it
allows for equality, fair representation to all irrespective of their caste, creed,
colour, race, religion, language or place of residence.
Democracy also ensures that the government should not be made by the majority
but it should have the representation of minorities as well.
For example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among the ethnic
population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.
Q.11. Explain any one difference between a pressure group and a political party.
[CASE (AI) 2017]

One difference between a pressure group and a political party is that political parties
contest elections and hold power in the government while pressure groups attempt
to influence government policies.
Q.12. Explain the meaning of transparency in democracy. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

In a democracy, decision making is based on norms and procedures. A citizen has the
right and the means to examine the process of decision making. This is known as
transparency.

Q.13. Suggest some broad guidelines that can be kept in mind while devising
ways and means for political reforms in India. [C-BST Sample Paper 2016]

Some important political reforms should be done for improving democracy in India.
These are:
A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
Political parties should maintain a register of its members, to hold open elections,
to follow its own Constitution, etc.
Political parties can be monitored by ordinary citizens, pressure groups, media,
etc. Pressure on political parties can be done through petitions, publicity and
agitation.
The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation. It is
difficult to reform politics if ordinary citizens do not directly participate in politics
and simply criticize it from outside.
Thus, the participation of common people in politics is necessary for democracy.
Q.14. “Democratic governments in practice are known as accountable.” Support
the statement with arguments. [CBSE (F) 2016]

Democratic governments in practice are accountable:

It is right to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures
and is accountable to the people.
It is also expected that the democratic government develops mechanisms for
citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think it is fit.
The democratic government is accountable to the people. If it ignores the will of
the people, they will not elect their ruler in the next general election.
The procedures and decision-making process should be transparent for
democratic government to be accountable to the people.
Long Answer Questions

Q.1. 'A democratic system is better than any other form of government.’ Support
the statement with examples. [CBSE 2020, CBSE Delhi 2016]

Democracy is undoubtedly better than other forms of government. We can give the
following arguments in its favour:
(i) Democracy improves the quality of decision making: Democracy is based on
consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people,
discussions, and meetings. When a number of people put their heads together, they are
able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time, but there is a big
advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or
irresponsible decisions.
(ii) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts:In any
society, people are bound to have differences in opinions and interests. These
differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours, which has an amazing social
diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practice
different religions, and have different castes. They look at the world differently and have
different preferences. The preferences of one group can clash with those of other
groups. This conflict can be solved peacefully in a democratic set-up. In a democracy,
no one is a permanent winner, and no one is a permanent loser. Different groups can
live with one another peacefully.
(iii) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens:Democracy is based on the principle
of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least educated have the
same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are
the rulers themselves.
(iv) Democracy allows us to correct our own mistakes: Another advantage in a
democracy is that if mistakes are made, they cannot be hidden for long. There is a
space for public discussion on these mistakes. And there is a room for correction. Either
the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rules can be changed. This cannot
happen in a non-democratic government.
(v) Democracy is more accountable form of government: Democracy responds to
the needs of the people. A non-democratic government may and can respond to the
people's needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. A democracy
requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.
Q.2. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate
government? Discuss by giving five reasons. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016
]ORDescribe the importance of democratic government as an accountable and
legitimate government. [CBSE Delhi 2019,32/1/1]

Government is accountable to citizens: In a democracy, people have the right to

elect their rulers and participate in decision making that affects them all. The
government thus is accountable to the citizens and responsive to their needs and
expectations.
Effective Decision Making: Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and
negotiation, though it results in delays. It ensures that decision making is based
on norms and procedures and allows transparency. Develops mechanisms for
citizens to hold the government accountable.
Set up the practices and institutions: Regular, free and fair elections; open
public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information
about the government and its functioning.
Pays attention to the needs of citizens: It may be reasonable to expect from
democracy a government that is attentive to the needs and demands of the
people and is largely free of corruption. Though the record of democracies is
rioting impressive on these two counts.
Democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less
efficient, not always very responsive or clean, but is people’s own government.
People wish to be ruled by representatives clicked by them
Q.3. How are democratic governments better than the other forms of
governments? Justify the statement. Delhi 2016, 2019 32/1/3, 32/2/3]

Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any

other alternative form of government because:
Democratic governments have formal constitute, while not in other forms of
government.
They hold regular elections, while not in other forms of government.
They have political parties, unlike other forms of government.
Democracy guarantee the rights of citizens.
 Democratic governments allow room to correct misses, while not in the other
forms of government.
Such government accommodates social diversities, that is not in other forms of
government.
Promotes equality among citizens.
Enhances the dignity of the individual.
Improves the quality of decision making.
Provides a method to resolve conflicts.
Q.4. Complaints are treated as a testimony to the success of democracy.” Justify
the statement. [CBSE 2017-18C]

Complaints are treated as a testimony to the success of democracy as they

highlight the awareness of people and their expectations from the system that
has been put in place.
In a democracy, the scrutiny is ongoing. As democracy passes over one test, it
produces another test. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for
more and want to make democracy even better.
People always come up with more expectations and complaints.
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.
Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the
government is run and to their own self-interest.

Q.5. Describe any five characteristics of democracy. [CBSE (Al) 2017]

Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government:

Democracy promotes equality among citizens: In democracies, every citizen
vote has the same value irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or race. This
ensures political equality among its citizens.
Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual: Democracy is based on the
the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and the least
educated has the same status as the rich and the educated.
 Democracy improves the quality of decision making: Democracy is based on
consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons,
discussions and meeting. When a number of people put their heads together,
they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. Even though this
takes time but taking time over important decisions is a must
Provides a method to resolve conflicts: Democracy provides a method to deal
with differences and conflicts as different people have different opinions and
interests. However, there are free and fair elections. In a democracy, no one is a
permanent loser or a permanent winner. Different groups can live with one
another in harmony and peace.
Accountable, responsive and legitimate government: In a democracy, the
Government is always held accountable. If any of the policies, and laws are not
implemented properly, then the citizens have the right to vote them out in the
next elections. Moreover, in a democracy, citizens can approach the Judiciary, if
the Government has taken any actions which are counter productive to the well-
being of citizens.
Reduction of inequality and poverty: Governments can intervene to promote
equity, and reduce inequality and poverty, through the tax and benefits system.
This means employing a progressive tax and benefits system which takes
proportionately more tax from those on higher levels of income, and redistributes
welfare benefits to those on lower incomes.
Democracy promotes transparency: Democratic government ensures that the
decision-making process is based on proper norms and procedures. Citizens have
the right to examine the process of decision making. 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.

Q.6. “A democracy must look after the interests of all, not just one section.”
Support the statement with arguments. [CBSE (F) 2017]

Democracy must look after the interest of all because:

Democracy believes in and work for equality.
It has the ability to handle social differences irrespective of religion or race or
linguistic group, etc.
It gives equal treatment to women.
 It cares equally for the majority and minority.
Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged.
It tries to provide equal opportunities to minority and depressed classes.
Ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.
Democracy shows that people have developed awareness.
It has the ability to expect and look critically at power holders.
Q.7. “No party system is ideal for all countries and in all situations.” Analyse the
statement. [CBSE (All) 2017, CBSE (F) 2016]

Party system is not something any country can choose:

It evolves over a long time, depending on the nature of society.
It depends on social and regional divisions.
It depends on the history of politics and its system, of elections.
These cannot be changed very quickly.
Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special
circumstances.
Q.8. “Democracy stands much! superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the
citizens.” Justify the statement. [CBSE Delhi 2017, CBSE (Al) 2016]

“Democracy stands much Superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”:
Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings.
The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
Democracies throughout the world have recognized this. It has been achieved in
various degrees in various democracies.
Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment and now
accepted as necessary ingredients of a democratic society.
In many democracies, women were deprived of their right to vote for a long time
which they have achieved new.
In India, 1/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.
Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated
castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
Legal basis which works on the principle of individual freedom and dignity.
Q.9. Evidence shows that in practice, many democracies did not fulfil the
expectation of producing economic development in the country. Validate the
statement with the help of a relevant example. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
If we consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and
2000, dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth.Economic
development depends on several factors: country's population size, global situation,
cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country,
etc.However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less
developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible. Overall, it cannot
be said that democracy is a guarantee of economic development But we can expect
democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.When such a significant
difference in the rates of ectopic growth between countries under dictatorship and
democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes.

Q.10. “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of

the democratic project.” Justify the statement. [CBSE (F) 2016]

“A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the

democratic project”:
As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. As people get some
benefits of democracy they ask for more and want to make democracy even
better.
That is why when we ask people about the way democracy functions, they will
always come up with more expectations, and many complaints.
The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of
democracy; 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 states into citizens.
Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the
government is run and to their own self-interest.