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Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Notes: CBSE Civics Chapter 5
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FAQs on Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Notes: CBSE Civics Chapter 5
1. What are the main concepts to revise in Class 10 Civics Chapter 5, Outcomes of Democracy?
For a quick revision of this chapter, you should focus on the three primary aspects used to assess democracy's performance. These are:
- Political outcomes: Evaluating if a government is accountable, responsive, and legitimate.
- Economic outcomes: Analysing democracy's impact on economic growth, and the reduction of inequality and poverty.
- Social outcomes: Understanding how democracy accommodates social diversity and upholds the dignity and freedom of its citizens.
2. How can democracy be summarised as an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government?
A democratic government is considered superior because it embodies these three qualities:
- Accountable: It is a government formed through elections and is answerable to its citizens. It must follow procedures, and citizens have the right to examine the decision-making process, which is known as transparency.
- Responsive: It is expected to be attentive to the needs and demands of the people and work towards meeting their expectations.
- Legitimate: It is a government that is lawfully elected by the people and is seen as their own. Citizens wish to be ruled by representatives they have elected.
3. Why is a democratic government often slower in decision-making, and is this always a disadvantage?
A democratic government's decision-making process is often slower because it is based on deliberation and negotiation. It has to consider the opinions of various groups and build a consensus. However, this is not always a disadvantage. While a non-democratic ruler can make quick decisions, they don't have to worry about public opinion. Decisions made through democratic processes, although time-consuming, are more likely to be accepted by the people and are generally more effective in the long run.
4. What is the key point to remember about economic growth when comparing democracies and dictatorships?
When revising this topic, the key point is that based on studies conducted between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth than democracies. However, economic development doesn't just depend on the form of government. It is also influenced by other critical factors like the country's population size, its global situation, cooperation from other nations, and the specific economic policies it adopts.
5. If dictatorships can show better economic growth, why is democracy still expected to reduce economic inequality?
This is a crucial concept. While democracy may not guarantee the fastest economic growth, it is considered a better system for addressing economic inequality. This is because democracy provides political equality, giving all citizens the right to vote and choose their representatives. This allows them to voice their concerns about poverty and inequality, putting pressure on the government to create policies that ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. The goal is not just growth, but inclusive development.
6. In what two main ways does a democracy accommodate social diversity?
A democracy must fulfill two conditions to successfully accommodate social diversity:
- It must understand that rule by majority does not mean rule by a single majority community (based on religion, race, or language). It means that different persons and groups can and may form a majority in any election or decision.
- The majority must always work with the minority so that the government represents a general view. The opinions of both majority and minority groups should be respected for the government to function smoothly.
7. In what practical ways does democracy enhance the dignity and freedom of the individual?
Democracy enhances individual dignity and freedom in ways that other forms of government do not. The core idea is the passion for respect and freedom. Democracy promotes this by:
- Recognising that all individuals are equal, at least in the political sphere. This principle of political equality gives weight to every citizen's voice.
- Providing a platform for marginalised groups, such as women and disadvantaged castes, to fight for equal status and opportunity. In a democracy, their struggles for recognition have both legal and moral force.
