Case Based MCQs
Read the cases/sources given and answer the following questions.
Source A Democracy is Accountable There are some things that democracy must provide. In a democracy, we are most concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Therefore, 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.
Question. Evaluate the effectiveness of accountability of democracy.
Answer : Democracy produces a government that is accountable to its citizenas as in democracy people have the right to choose their rulers and have control over them. In this way, citizen are able to participate in decision making procedure. Source B Transparency in Democracy Let us think in terms of costs. Imagine a government that may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may therefore face problems. In contrast, the democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision. But because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective. 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. Therefore, when we are trying to find out the outcomes of democracy, it is right to expect democracy to produce a government that follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
Question. To what extent democracy is transparent? Give reasons.
Answer : Democracy is transparent as it provide citizen the rights and means to examine the process of decision making. This is not available in non-democratic state. In democracy, government develops mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making when it is possible. Source C Democracy is Better than Non-Democracy 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 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. All one can say in favour of democratic regimes is that they are much better than any non-democratic regime in these respects.
Question. To what extent democracy is better than non-democracy?
Answer : Democracy is better than the non-democratic government as in democracy people get free and fair elections through which they apply their rights to choose their leaders.
2. Read the case/source given and answer the following questions.
Perhaps more than development, it is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities. Even when a country achieves economic growth, will wealth be distributed in such a way that all citizens of the country will have a share and lead a better life? Is economic growth in democracies accompanied by increased inequalities among the people? Or do democracies lead to a just distribution of goods and opportunities? Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives. Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on an equal footing, we find growing economic inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Not only that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing. Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Their incomes have been declining. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health. In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities. The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party will like to lose their votes. Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be as keen to address the question of poverty as you would expect them to. The situation is much worse in some other countries. In Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.
Question. Why it is expected that democracy will reduce the economic disparities?
Answer : It is expected that democracy will reduce the economic disparity among its citizens as it is a rule of majority and is based on political equality.
Question. Infer the reason of inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development.
Answer : Democracy is unable to achieve higher economic development as economic development of a country depends on several factors like country’s population size, global situation, economic priorities, cooperation from other countries etc and democracy can not control all these factors.
Question. Why do some poor countries depend on the rich countries ?
Answer : People in poor countries depends on the grants of rich countries as democratically elected government`is not interested to remove the disparity between the rich and poor in the society. Sometimes the poor find it difficult to meet their basic needs, like, food, clothing, house, etc. Poor people in some countries are even dependent on the rich countries for food supplies.
Read the case/source given and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct option.
If democracies are expected to produce good governments, then is it not fair to expect that they would also produce development? Evidence shows that in practice many democracies did not fulfil this expectation. If you consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development worries us. But this alone cannot be reason to reject democracy. As you have already studied in economics, 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, we cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect. When we find such significant difference in the rates of economic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes.
(i) How can the poor get a voice for a better share in a nation? Identify the correct option.
(a) When they will be given proper representation.
(b) When they will get a chance to participate in decision-making process.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) When they will be given adequate resources and facilities.
Answer : (c) The poor will get their voice heard for a better share in a nation if they are provided with proper representation and get a chance to participate in decision-making process.
(ii) On which of the following factors the economic growth of a country depends? Identify from the given options.
(a) Territory or area of the country
(b) Global Scenario
(c) Size of the country’s population
(d) Cooperation among the various nations
Answer : (d) The economic growth of a country depends on cooperation among the various nations.
(iii) Why should the gains of economic growth be evenly distributed? Identify the reason from the given options.
(a) To make an economically even society
(b) To promote the idea of social justice
(c) To reduce inequality in the society
(d) All of the above
Answer : (a) The gains of economic growth should be evenly distributed to make an economically even society.
(iv) What can poor countries do to receive a greater share in the world’s wealth? Choose the correct option with reference to the above context.
(a) They should take initiatives to strengthen their internal democracy.
(b) They should get united to fight for the cause.
(c) They should exploit their own available natural resources.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer : (d) To receive a greater share in the world’s wealth, poor countries should take initiatives to strengthen their internal democracy and they should get united to fight for the cause.
(v) Democracy appeals to some of our deep values. Why democracy is favored more than any other form of government?
(a) It strives to promote equality and social justice.
(b) It provides solutions to all problems.
(c) It provides scope for correction of mistakes.
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer : (d) Democracy is favoured more than any other form of government because it strives to promote equality and social justice and it provides solutions to all problems. (vi) Why economic growth is essential for a country?
Choose the correct option:
(a) As it increases state capacity and the supply of public goods.
(b) As it benefits the marginal sections of the society.
(c) Help in reduction of economic disparities in a country.
(d) All of the above
Answer : (a) Economic growth is essential for a country as it increases state capacity and the supply of public goods.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question. Does a democratic system help in accommodating social diversity ?
Answer : Yes, a democratic system helps in accommodating social diversity. People learn to respect social differences and there are also ways to negotiate the differences.
Question. Is it right to say that non-democratic governments are quick and efficient in decision making process ? Explain how.
Answer : No doubt that the decision-making process is quicker in non-democratic governments as leaders don’t have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or about majorities and public opinion. But such a decision is in no way efficient as it may not be acceptable by the people.
Question. What is the most basic outcome of democracy?
Answer : 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.
Question. 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 government is run and to their own self-interest.
Codes:
(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 true and, but R is false
(d) A is false but R is True.
Answer : (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Question. Correct and Rewrite the following :
Dictatorship enhances the dignity of the individual.
Answer : Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual.
Question. “Democracy accommodates social diversities”- Explain with examples.
Answer : a) In a democratic government, differences among communities are respected.
b) People mechanisms are devised to resolve differs. For e.g.:- Belgium.
Question. How democracy is considered best to accommodate social diversity?
Answer : In a democracy, we can certainly learn to respect social differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences.
Question. What do you understand by transparency in democracy?
Answer : In democracy, decision are based on norms and procedures. The citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision making this is known as transparency.
Question. Correct and Rewrite the following :
Monarchical Government is a legitimate government.
Answer : Democratic Government is a legitimate government.
Question. Which are the values that make democracy letter than other forms of government?
Answer : a) Promotes equality.
b) Improves decision- making.
c) Resolves conflicts.
Question. Does a democratic system help in promoting the dignity of a citizen ? Explain how.
Answer : Yes, a democratic system helps in promoting the dignity of the citizens. Mostly, conflicts exist in society as individuals feel that they are not treated with respect. However, respect for dignity of a citizen is the basis of a democratic system.
Question. Do economic inequalities exist in a democratic system ? Explain the extent of such inequalities.
Answer : Yes, economic inequalities exist in a democratic system also. There is a lot of gap between various income groups. Few rich people have the majority share of wealth and a large section is deprived and poor.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question. “There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.” Support the statement.
Answer : There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world because ! Democracy can address all socio-economic and political problems. ! In democracy, there are regular and free election and there is always a scope for open public debate. ! Democracy is a people’s own government where rulers are elected by the people. People wish to be ruled by the representatives elected by them. ! Democracy is a legitimate government.
Question. ‘‘Democracies have had greater success in setting regular free and fair elections.’’ Analyse the Statement.
Answer : Democracies have had a greater success in setting regular free and fair elections in the following ways ! Every democracy holds elections and it has different political parties and guarantees the voting right of its citizens. ! Every citizen in democracy has the right to elect his leader and has the control over the rulers. ! In democracy whenever possible and necessary citizens participate in decision making that affects them. ! Democracy should practice regular, free and fair election. This differentiates democracy from other form of governments.
Question. How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain.
Answer : Democratic Governments ensures transparency through the following ways ! In a Democracy, people have the right to choose their representatives and exercise control over them. People have the right to participate in the process of decision making that affects them all. A democratic form of governance, thus, produces a government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens. ! Democracy allows discussion, which may delay the process of implementation, but in the long run, it serves as a healthy and productive way of decision making. ! Democracy also ensures that decision making is based on a set of norms and procedures. Therefore, in case, a citizen wishes to know if a decision was taken through correct and unbiased procedures, he/she has the opportunity to discover and find it out by examining the procedure in detail, thus, ensuring transparency.
Question. “Democratic government is a legitimate government.” Explain.
Answer : Legitimate government is a government under which law and action of the government are revealed to the people and government function in a transparent manner. The features of a democratic government that make it a legitimate government are ! In a democracy, the laws are applicable to all the citizen whether rich or poor. ! In a democracy, there is a political equality i.e. every vote counts equally. ! People have the right to challenge the government policies and actions. If the people are not satisfied with the working of the government they have the right to change it.
Question. When is democracy considered successful? Explain.
Answer : The democracy is considered successful when ! the rulers are elected by the people and take all major decision in favour of all people. ! elections offer a free choice and opportunity to the people. ! choice available to all the people is based on political equality.
Question. List the various aspects and qualifications which help in giving a clear definition of democracy.
Answer : The various aspects and qualifications which help in giving a clear definition of democracy are ! The rulers elected by the people must take all the major decisions. ! Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the existing rulers. ! Choice and opportunity should be available to all on an equal basis.
Question. List out some of the merits of democracy.
Answer : Democracy is considered to be the best form of government. The merits of democracy are ! It safeguards the social, economic and political interests of the individuals. ! It assures equality in all social, political and economic rights of the citizens. ! It improves the quality of decision making as decisions are taken by following a procedure.
Question. ‘‘Non-democratic rulers can be very quick and efficient in decision-making and implementation.’’ Do you think with this feature of non-democratic government is a better government than other government? Explain.
Answer : Non-democratic rulers can be very quick and efficient in decision–making and implementation. But it is not a better government than other government. For example, ! A democratic government can take more time to take a decision as compared to other forms of government. The non-democratic governments can take decisions quickly. But there is a possibility that it is not accepted by all, as no procedure has been followed here. ! In democracy ‘transparency’ is very necessary. Here, the citizens has the rights to know the process of decision-making. This factor would often be missing from a non-democratic government. Thus, non-democratic government is not regarded as a better government than others.
Question. How is poverty a major challenge to Democracy? Explain.
Answer : Poverty is a major challenge to democracy as the democracies could not produce expected development. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development is one of the major challenges. If we consider all democracies and dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have a slightly higher rate of economic growth. Within democracies, there is a very high degree of inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Yet, democratically elected governments do not appear to address the question of poverty.
Question. “Some people think that democracy produces a less effective government.” Analyse the statement.
Answer : Some people think that democracy produces a less effective government because ! Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of majority of a population. ! Most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and is subjecting every decision to public debate. ! Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing of information with citizens. ! Democracy is unable to achieve higher economic development. ! Democratically elected governments do not appear to address the question of poverty as expected by the citizens.
Question. ‘‘Democracies accommodate various social divisions.’’ Support the statement.
Answer : Democracies accommodate various social divisions in the following ways ! Various disadvantaged and marginal social groups can express their grievances by which the government know about the injustice faced by these groups and can initiate some necessary steps to rectify it. ! Expressing various kinds of social division in politics can reduce the intensity of the differences. This leads to strengthen the democracy. ! Marginalised people can express their demands in a peaceful and constitutional way. In this way, they seek a fair position through elections. Thus, democracy becomes a best way to fight for recognition and accommodates diversity.
Question. Explain any four ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and poverty.
Answer : The ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and poverty are
(i) Women have been given equal rights as those of men in most of the democratic countries like India.
(ii) Special efforts have been made to uplift the weaker sections of the society (like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), so that they could live with dignity and honour.
(iii) Democracies everywhere try to provide a fair share to every citizen in the natural resources of the country.
(iv) In almost all democratic countries of the world, poor people are given many concessions but richer classes are made to pay more income tax. ! Long Answer (LA) Type Questions
Question. “Democratic system is better than any other form of government.” Support the statement with examples.
Answer : Democracy or democratic system is a better form of government when compared with any other form of government because ! Democracy promotes equality among citizens. Every citizen of the country has equal rights before the law. All individuals have equal rights in electing their representatives. ! Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual. By giving its citizens equal rights, it enhances dignity and freedom of the individual. Democracy gives equal treatment and respect to women, disadvantaged and discriminated castes in our society. ! Democracy improves the quality of decision making. As there is open debate in major issues in democracy, quality of decisions is improved. ! Democracy provides a method to resolve conflicts. Democracy reduces the possibility of social tension which leads to peaceful social life. It allows room to correct mistakes. ! Democracy is a legitimate government. Democracy gets the popular support of the people by regular, free and fair elections.
Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Or
“Democracies produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate governments.” Support the statement with suitable examples.
Answer : Democracies produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate governments in the following ways ! Accountable Government Democracy produces an accountable government as the people have the right to choose their representatives through the electoral process. These elected representatives form the government and participate in the decision-making process on behalf of the people. This is known as transparency. If these elected representatives do not work in a proper way, people have a chance to not elect them in next election. ! Responsive Government Democracy produces a responsive government. As democratic government is elected by the people, it is people’s own government. It promotes the formation of public opinion and take care of the needs and expectation of the people. ! Legitimate Government Further, democratic government is a legitimate government because regular election after a fixed time is its key feature. It may be slow, less efficient but it is the people’s own legitimate government.
Question. Why is democracy not considered simply a rule of majority?
Answer : The democracy is not considered simply a rule of majority because ! In democratic set-up, the majority always needs to work with the minority, so that governments represent the general view. ! Majority and minority opinions are not permanent in democracy. ! The rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion, race, linguistic groups, etc. ! Democracy remains democracy only when every citizen of a country has a chance of being majority at some point of time. ! If someone is barred from being in majority on the basis of birth, i.e. on the basis of caste and religion then the democratic rules are not applicable for that persons or groups.
Question. What are the demerits of democracy. Explain in detail.
Answer : The demerits of democracy are ! Unstable Government Lots of political parties are allowed to criticise the government and its policies. Sometimes, it leads to the downfall of the ruling party and re-elections in the country. This gives instability to the government. ! Slow and Inefficient Government The most common demerit of democracy is that, it is slow in its functioning. The decision-making process involves long debates and deliberations in the Parliament. This takes a lot of time before the decisions are actually taken. ! Incompetence Democracy gives every individual the right to voice his concern. As a result, everybody focusses on his personal interests and not the collective interests. This sometimes leads to incompetent and wrong selections of the candidates in the government. ! Role ofMoney in a Democracy Money plays an important role at the time of the elections. A lot of money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings and speeches. Those candidates are chosen in the elections, who can raise lot of money for the party.
Question. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Justify this statement.
Answer : Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens in the following ways ! It is expected from democracy that it should produce a harmonious social life. Country like Beligium successfully negotiated difference among its ethnic populations. Democracy develops a procedure to conduct the competition which reduces the possibility of tensions becoming violent. ! Democracy tries to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts. Non-democratic regimes often neglects these problems and tries to suppress internal social differences. ! Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. Majority and minority opinions are not permanent things. The majority needs to work with the minority which is performed in democracy. ! In democracy every citizen has the freedom in terms of religion, race or linguistic group etc. Here rule by the majority does not denote rule by the majority community. ! In democracy every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time. Nobody can be barred from being in majority on the basis of birth in democracy.
Question. ‘‘In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.’’ Explain the statement giving an example.
Answer : In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities because the democracy does not guarantee economic development. In most of the democracies, a small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income. For example, ! In countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top 20% people take away more than 60 % of the national income. Unfortunately, those who are at the bottom of the society have a very little share (less than 3 %) to depend upon. ! In India, the elected government looks reluctant to take necessary steps for the upliftment of the large section of poor in our society. ! In Bangladesh, more than half of its population lives in poverty. People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.
Question. ‘‘Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.’’ Justify this statement.
Answer : A democratic form of government standsmuch superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual in the following ways (i) Often conflict arises among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with equal respect in comparison to others. It is very common in non-democratic countries. However, in democratic countries such conflicts are recognized and resolved atleast in principle. (ii) Most societies were historically male dominating. The status of women was not satisfactory. After long struggles by women, democracy throughout the world has recognised equal treatment and respect to women at least in principles. Thus in democracy, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally for them. (iii) Democracy in India strengtened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and opportunity, which is not possible in any non-democratic country. Thus, it can be concluded that democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
Question. Should democracy be judged by its outcome?
Answer : Democracy should be judged by its outcome because it opens the path of expectations, which is one of the criteria for judging any democratic country. The examination procedure of democracy is eternal, as it passes one test, it produces another test. It automatically gives rise to expectations as well as complaints by the people when they want to know about the functioning of democracy. The fact that people also complaint about democracy indicates the awareness and the ability of people to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty. 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.
Question. Why is economic growth better in dictatorship than in democracy ?
Answer : In dictatorship, economic growth can apparently be better, but democracy helps in ensuring economic growth and reducing economic inequalities. Moreover, there are several other factors on which economic growth depends, like resources and development of technology.
Question. What is democracy? What are its characteristics?
Answer : a) Democracy is the system of government where citizens choose their representatives.
b) People take part in decision- making process.
Characteristics
a) Promotes equality.
b) Resolves conflicts.
c) Enhances dignity of individual.
Question. “What is most distinctive about democracy is that its examination never gets over”- Comment.
Answer : a) Democracy needs to pass many test and seek for perfection.
b) People’s expectations from democracy is very high.
c) The very fact that people are complaining is a testimony to the success of democracy.
d) This gives testimony to the fact that people have risen from the status of subject to citizen.
Question. “In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities” Explain.
Answer : a) Democracies do not guarantee economic justice, here, the ultra-rich enjoy a large share of wealth and income.
For e.g.: South Africa and Brazil.
b) In India, though poor constitute important voters, the elected government do not try to improve the condition of the poor.
c) More than half of the population in Bangladesh are poor. They have to depend on other countries for their basic needs.
Question. What outcomes are expected of a democracy?
Answer : a) Ability to choose representatives.
b) Regular elections on the basis of universal suffrage.
c) The government should be accountable to the people.
d) Dignity and freedom to individuals.
e) To settle conflicts among communities.
f) To improve decision making process.
Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : a) Accountable government which is responsive to the needs of the people.
b) Decisions based on norms and produces.
c) All aspects and spirit of democracy duly fulfilled.
d) It is legitimate as it is people’s own government.
Question. How much time is taken in a democracy to take decisions as compared to other government?
Answer : a) A non-democratic government can take decision fast as they do not have to bother about procedures and deliberations like that of a democratic government.
b) Through more time is taken, decisions are effective and accepted by the people.
Question. What are our expectations from Democracy?
Answer : A. Right to choose rulers.
B. Ability to participate in decision- making process.
C. The government should be accountable and responsive.
Question. “Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens”-Explain.
Answer : a) Every person deserves respect in a democracy.
b) Respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
c) Women’s rights have been given due importance.
d) Reservation of seats for women in local bodies.
e) The disadvantaged have been given equal respect.
Question. How does democracy stand better to any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of the citizen ? Explain with example.
Answer : Democracy stands better to any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of the citizens.
(i) The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
(ii) Respect and equal treatment to women is necessary ingredients of a democratic society. In a nondemocratic set up, the principle of individual freedom and dignity would not have the legal and moral force there.
(iii) Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
Question. Why is democracy encouraged all over the world ?
Answer : Democracy is encouraged all over the world due to the following reasons :
(i) It is the government that is elected by the people.
(ii) It is a legitimate form of government which runs according to the rules and regulations provided by the constitution.
(iii) It is the government where the people have chosen their representatives as per their choice and they have the power to not to elect these representatives again if they are not working in the desired ways.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question. Explain the statement, “What is most distinctive about a democracy is that its examination never gets over.”
Answer : The statement means that when a democratic system is able to clear one exam, the expectation of the people rises and they expect more and more to make the
system even better. This is the reason for which people often complaint about a democratic system, as they expect it to become even better. In fact, the complaints of the people are a testimony of the success of the system as they have awareness about what’s happening around them and trust that the system can improve if they approach higher authorities. Thus, a democratic system empowers the people from being mere subjects to enlightened citizens.
Question. How are the democratic governments better than the other forms of governments ? Compare.
OR “Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government.” Analyse the statement with arguments.
Answer : “Democracy is a better form of government than any other form of government,” due to the following reasons :
(i) It promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) It helps in improving the dignity of the individual.
(iii) It helps in improving the quality of decision making.
(iv) It offers a way for resolving conflicts.
(v) It gives chances for rectifying mistakes.
(vi) It ensures the creation of an accountable, legitimate and responsive government.
(vii) It helps in accommodating social diversities.
(viii) It helps in lowering economic inequalities and poverty.
(ix) It ensures upliftment of the discriminated sections of the society.
(x) It offers transparency in the process of decision making.
Question. Describe the importance of democratic government as an accountable and legitimate government.
Answer : (i) Democracy provides an accountable government because it facilitates periodic, free and fair elections regularly.
(ii) Open discussions are held on all major issues and legislations and decisions are taken on the basis of popular public opinion.
(iii) Democracy give its citizens the right to information about the government and its functioning.
(iv) Democracy provides a responsive government as it is formed by elected representatives of the people. The representatives also ensure that the programmes for the welfare of the different groups are implemented.
(v) Democracy generates trust among every individual of country as it follows the rules given in the constitution.
