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7. OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

CONCEPT

HOW DO WE ASSESS OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY?

Why is democracy considered better?

It promotesequality amongcitizens

It recognises andenhances thedignity of theindividual

Improves thequality ofdecision making

Provides a method toresolve conflicts

Allows room tocorrect mistakes

Three Aspects of Democracy|

PoliticalPolitical democracy requiresgovernment by consentand political equality

Social This requires social

equality in thecountry

EconomicThere should be no disparity very rich class of a few and amajority living under the povertyline

zzzzz Over a hundred countries follow thedemocratic form of government. There are manyfeatures of democracy common to all but there aredifferences in social situations, achievements andtheir cultures.

For example, in USA the worlds richestdemocracy, there is a wide gap among the rich andthe poor. The Blacks do not get social justice. But atthe same time, the United States of America, Sweden,Canada and Switzerland, have the most stabledemocratic systems in the world. They have welfareschemes for all and hundred percent literacy.

Let us now think about what we can expectreasonably from democracy and examine the recordof democracy.

Accountable, responsive and legitimategovernment

In a democracy, there must be a governmentwhich is accountable to the citizens and responsiveto the needs and expectations of the citizens. It

should be efficient and effective.Democratic governments are based on the ideaof deliberation and negotiation, so delaystake place

Does that make democratic governmentinefficient?Non-democratic governments do not have tobother about discussions in assemblies. Theydo not worry about public opinion. They arevery quick in decision making andimplementation.

Are non-democratic governments moreefficient?

zzzzz In the first instance : It has taken time, followedall procedures and then come to a decision. Result :More acceptable to the people, more effective.

zzzzz In the second instance, let us consider the costsinvolved. Quick decisions may not win the approvalof the majority of people. Result : Problems

Free and

FairElections

Multi-Party

System

Adult

Other features of a democracy :|

Franchise

Social

Equality

SoundPolitical

System

Freedom of Speech,Expression and

Public Opinion

A StrongOpposition

Assignments in Social Science Class X (Term II)

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Points in favour of democracieszzzzz Decision-making is based on norms and

procedures.zzzzz Transparency a citizen has the right and

the means to examine a decision makingprocess.

zzzzz Government is accountable to people andhas mechanism to hold a governmentaccountable.

zzzzz It has mechanism for citizens to take part indecision-making.

Points against democracy as a form ofgovernment

zzzzz Transparency, rights and means to examinedecision-making process are missing.

zzzzz Government is not accountable.zzzzz No mechanisms to hold it accountable.zzzzz Decision making not based on norms and

procedures.

Democracies have been successful in holdingz regular and free electionsz creating conditions for open public debate

Democracies have fallen short of :z holding elections that provide a fair chance

to everyone.z every decision is not brought forward for a

public debate.z They do not have a very good record in

sharing information with citizens.z Democracies have not been free of corruption

and have not been attentive to peoples needsand expectations.

z In one respect, a democratic government iscertainly better than a non-democratic one.It is a legitimate government. It is a peoplesown government. This is the main reason forits popularity. People all over the world wantto be ruled by representatives elected by them.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

zzzzz One of the failures of democracy is that it lagsbehind dictatorships in economic growth.

zzzzz Economic growth depends on the :(i) Size of the population of a country

(ii) Global situation(iii) Co-operation from other countries(iv) Economic policies adopted by the countryReduction of inequality and povertyThe truth is that what is needed is removal ofeconomic disparities. Development withoutequitable distribution of wealth is not a truedemocracy. Democracies are based on politicalequality. All citizens have equal weight inelecting representatives.But it is not so in the economic field. The poorare becoming poorer and sometimes they find itdifficult to meet the basic needs of life likefood, clothing, higher education and health.Democratic governments have failed in thisarea. In India this is indicated by :(i) Percentage of population below poverty line

in India(ii) The Human Development Index will show

where India stands in the world as far ashealth, education and income are concerned.

Accommodation of Social Diversity

Democracy tries to help its citizens to lead apeaceful and harmonious life byaccommodating various social divisions.Example :- Belgium and India. Democraticgovernments try to resolve differences, respectdifferences and try mechanisms which cannegotiate differences.Democracys plus point is : Ability to handlesocial differences, divisions and reduceconflicts. Non-democratic regimes can ignoreor suppress internal and social differences.Precaution is needed to see that the majorityalways works with the minority and does not tryto dominate it. Sri Lanka is an example.Majority rule means different people, differentgroups participate in decision-making. It doesnot mean the rule of the majority community a religious, racial or linguistic group.No one should be barred from being in amajority group on the basis of birth. Everycitizen should have a chance to be in a majorityat some time.Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens(i) z Democracy promotes dignity and freedom

of the individualz Every individual wants to receive respect

from fellow beings

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zzzzz Democracies have achieved this to acertain degree in many countries

(ii) Dignity of Womenz Women had to fight long battles to receive

their due in society.z Societies across the world have been male

dominated. It is absolutely essential thatwomen should get equal treatment.

z Women can now wage a struggle againstwhat is now unacceptable legally andmorally.In a non-democratic set-up, women wouldnot have a legal basis to fight for equality.

z Societies across the world have been maledominated. It is absolutely essential thatwomen should get equal treatment.

z Of course, women still have to struggle.They are not always given their due

respect even in democracies.(iii) Caste Inequalities : In India, the

disadvantaged and discriminated castes havegained in strength due to democracy. Theyhave now the legal and moral right to fightfor equal status and equal opportunities. Thereare still instances of atrocities and inequalitiessuffered by people because of caste, but theyare not supported by law or moral code.

(iv) A democracy is always striving towards abetter goal. People constantly demand morebenefits in a democracy. There are alwaysmore expectations.

(v) People now look critically at the work ofthose who hold power, the rich, the powerful.They express their dissatisfaction loudly. Itshows they are no longer subjects but citizensof a democratic country.

ASSIGNMENTS FOR SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (1 mark)1. Studies on political and social inequalities in

democracy show that(a) democracy and development go together(b) inequalities exist in democracies(c) inequalities do not exist under dictatorship(d) dictatorship is better than democracy

2. Why is there a delay in decision-making andimplementation in a democracy?(a) The government is afraid of taking

decisions(b) The government is hesitant in taking

decisions(c) Democracy is based on the idea of

deliberation and negotiation(d) A democratic government is not interested

in taking quick decisions3. Democracy is a better form of government

because it(a) promotes equality among citizens(b) enhances the dignity of the individual(c) provides a method to resolve conflicts(d) all the above

4. Which of the following statements is/arecorrect?(a) Most of the democracies have constitutions,

they hold elections, have parties and theyguarantee rights to citizens

(b) Democracies are very much different fromeach other in terms of their social, economic

and cultural achievements(c) All democracies are similar as far as social,

economic and cultural conditions areconcerned

(d) Both (a) and (b)5. Which regime usually develops a procedure

to conduct social competition and reduce thepossibility of social tension?(a) Democratic regime (b) Dictatorial regime(c) Non-democratic regime(d) None of these

6. Choose the correct statement.(a) Democracies can fully and permanently

resolve conflicts among different groups(b) Dictatorships can fully and permanently

resolve conflicts among different groups(c) No regime can fully and permanently

resolve conflicts among different groups(d) None of these

7. Which factor is often missing from a non-democratic government?(a) Efficiency (b) Effectiveness(c) Transparency (d) None of these

8. Decisions taken by which type of governmentare likely to be more acceptable to the peopleand more effective?(a) Democratic government(b) Non-democratic government

(c) Military dictatorship (d) Theocracy

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9. Why is the cost of time that democracy paysfor arriving at a decision worthwhile?(a) Decisions are taken following due

procedures(b) Decisions are always in favour of people(c) Decisions are more likely to be accepatable

to the people and more effective(d) None of these

10. On which of the following practices andinstitutions can the accountability ofgovernment and involvement of people indecision-making process in a democracy bemeasured?

1 regular, free and fair elections2 public debate on major policies and

legislations3 citizens right to information about

government and its functioning.(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

11. There is one respect in which a democraticgovernment is certainly better than itsalternatives. What is it?(a) Efficiency (b) Decision making(c) Legitimacy (d) None of these

12. Which among the following has a higher rateof economic growth and development?(a) Democracies (b) Dictatorships(c) All non-democratic regimes(d) Monarchies

13. Which of the following statements is correctregarding the distribution of economicbenefits in democracies?(a) Incomes of both the rich and the poor have

been increasing(b) Incomes of both the rich and the poor have

been declining(c) Incomes of the rich have been increasing

and those of the poor have been declining(d) None of the abvoe

14. In which among the given countries half ofthe population lives in poverty?(a) India (b) Sri Lanka(c) Bangladesh (d) Pakistan

15. Which regime is best suited to accommodatesocial diversity?(a) A democratic regime(b) A non-democratic regime(c) Only a dictatorial regime(d) None of these

16. Which regimes often turn a blind eye to orsuppress internal social differences?(a) Democratic regimes(b) Non-democratic regimes(c) Monarchy (d) Oligarchy

17. Which among the following countries is aperfect example of accommodation of socialdiversity?(a) Sri Lanka (b) Belgium(c) Saudi Arabia (d) Pakistan

18. Democracy stands much superior to anyother form of government in promoting(a) economic growth(b) dignity and freedom of the individual(c) economic equality(d) None of these

19. Which of these values have the moral andlegal sanctions in a democracy?(a) Gender equality(b) Caste-based equality(c) Economic equality(d) Both (a) and (b)

20. In the context of democracies, which of thefollowing ideas is correct? Democracies havesuccessfully(a) eliminated conflicts among people(b) eliminated economic inequalities among

people(c) eliminated differences of opinion about how

marginalised sections are to be treated(d) rejected the idea of political inequality

II. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 marks)

A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS1. How does democracy produce an accountable,

responsive and legitimate government?2. What are the conditions under which

democracies accommodate social diversities?3. Some people think that democracy produces

a less efficient and effective government. Doyou agree with their view?

4. Democracy is often blamed for providing acorrupt regime. Give your views.

5. Democratic government is a legitimategovernment. Comment.

6. Is democracy best suited to economic growthand development? Substantiate your views.

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7. Democracy is the better form ofgovernment. Support the statement with threearguments.

8. Examine with the help of three examples howthe dignity and freedom of citizens are bestguaranteed in a democracy.

B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS

1. What are the differences between democraticand non-democratic governments in the decisionmaking process? [2011 (T-2)]

2. Democracy is an accountable, responsive andlegitimate form of government. Explain.

[2011 (T-2)]3. Explain with examples how democracy can

accommodate diversity. [2011 (T-2)]4. Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of

citizens. Explain. [2011 (T-2)]5. Explain how does a democracy produce a legitimate

government. Give three points. [2011 (T-2)]6. The fact that people are complaining is itself a

testimony to the success of Democracy. Justifythe statement with three appropriate points.

[2011 (T-2)]7. How do political parties shape public opinion ?

Explain with three examples. [2011 (T-2)]8. There is lack of internal democracy within the

political parties. Justify the statement withthree arguments. [2011 (T-2)]

9. Do democracies lead to a just distribution ofgoods and opportunities? Justify your answerby three suitable arguments. [2011 (T-2)]

10. Democracy stands much superior to any otherform of government in promoting dignity andfreedom of an individual.. Explain.

[2011 (T-2)]11. Explain any three demerits of democracy.

[2011 (T-2)]12. Most negative feature of democracy is that its

examination never gets over. Support thestatement with three arguments. [2011 (T-2)]

13. Why do people prefer democracy ? Explain anythree reasons. [2011 (T-2)]

14. Examine any three conditions under whichdemocracies accommodate social diversities.

[2011 (T-2)]15. What is the main outcome of democracy with

reference to reduction of inequality and

poverty? Give any two arguments to supportyour answer : [2011 (T-2)]

16. Why is a democratic government consideredbetter than dictatorship ? Explain any threereasons. [2011 (T-2)]

17. Explain any three main social outcomes ofdemocracy. [2011 (T-2)]

18. Explain any three conditions that democraciesmust fulfil in order to accomodate diversitiesand divisions. [2011 (T-2)]

19. Examine any three features on the basis ofwhich maximum number of countries claim topractise democratic politics ? [2011 (T-2)]

20. Democracies lead to peaceful and harmoniouslife among citizens. Support your answer withthree appropriate arguments. [2011 (T-2)]

21. In actual life, democracies do not appear to bevery successful in reducing economicinequalities. Support this statement givingthree arguments. [2011 (T-2)]

22. How are complaints treated as testimony tosuccess of democracy ? Explain any threepoints. [2011 (T-2)]

23. The general assessment to find democracybetter than its alternative form of governmentsappears to be exactly correct. Support thestatement with three facts. [2011 (T-2)]

24. In what three ways does democracy maintain thedignity of the citizens ? Explain. [2011 (T-2)]

25. The most basic outcome of democracy shouldbe that it produces a government that isaccountable to the citizens and responsive to theneeds and expectations of the citzens Supportthe statement. [2011 (T-2)]

26. Democracy means delay in decision making.Justify the statement with any three arguments.

[2011 (T-2)]27. Mention the political outcomes of Democracy.

[2011 (T-2)]

III. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4 marks)

A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Ability to handle social differences, divisionsand conflicts is a definite plus point ofdemocratic regimes. How far do you agree with

this idea?2. Explain any four features that are common in

all democratic set-ups of the government.

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3. Discuss the merits and demerits of democracyin the light of your study of the chapter.

4. Democracy stands much superior to any otherform of government in promoting dignity andfreedom of the individual. Discuss.

5. Give arguments to support or oppose thefollowing assertions :

(i) Government in poor countries should spendless on poverty reduction, health andeducation, and spend more on industries andinfrastructure.

(ii) Industrialised countries can afforddemocracy but the poor need dictatorship to

I. PROJECTTopic covered : Outcomes of democracyObjective : Comparative analysis of democracyagainst other alternatives, such as monarchy or ruleby military or dictatorship or theocracy.Skills developed : Analytical understanding ofoutcomes of democracy.Time required : 3-4 daysMethod : (a) Study the outcomes of democracy onvarious parameters such as (i) accountability (ii)responsiveness (iii) legitimacy (iv) economicgrowth and development (v) reduction of

become rich.(iii) Democracy cant reduce social and

economic inequality.(iv) What is most distinctive about democracy is

that its examination never gets over.(v) A public expression of dissatisfaction with

democracy shows the success of thedemocratic project.

(vi) Democracies lead to peaceful andharmonious life among citizens. Supportthis statement with examples.

(vii) Why is democracy known as a better formof government? Explain four reasons.

ASSIGNMENTS FOR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

inequality and poverty (vi) accommodation ofsocial diversity (viii) dignity and freedom of thecitizens

(b) Compare and contrast these outcomeswith those of monarchy, one-party rule,dictatorship, military rule, theocracy.

(c) Reach a conclusion, describe yourassessment.

(d) Give your own personal opinion aboutdemocracy. Is it different from the conclusion youhave arrived at?

II. ACTIVITIES(1) Study and analyse the theme of given cartoon and explain various aspects of democracy.

(2) Overall, we cannot say that democracy is aguarantee of economic development. But we canexpect democracy not to lag behind dictatorshipsin this respect. But in actual life, democracies donot appear to be very successful in reducingeconomic inequalities. The disparities between

the rich and the poor go on increasing. Shouldthe gains of economic growth be evenlydistributed? How can the poor get a voice for abetter share in countrys resources? Analyse theaforesaid questions in light of the themeexpressed in the cartoon below.

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(3) Talk to your neighbours, a shopkeeper and abusinessman. Interview a political scientist, aUnion Minister and a sociologist. What do theysay about democracy? What are their

III. ASSIGNMENTS(1) Analyse outcomes of democracy in relation to

other regimes. What would be your verdict ondemocracy if you had to base it purely oneconomic performance of democratic regimes interms of growth and equal distribution?

(2) Study the given cartoons. The two images depicttwo different kinds of effects democratic politicscan have on social divisions. Take one examplefor each image and write a paragraph each on theoutcome of democratic politics in both situations.

(3) Democracy stands much superior to any otherform of government in promoting dignity andfreedom of the individual. Remember, thedefiance of Rosa Parks which gave great fillip tothe Civil Rights Movement in USA. Study the

cartoon and analyse how democracy stands muchsuperior to other regimes in promoting dignityand freedom of the citizens. Give specificexamples from India to illustrate your point.

IV. GROUP DISCUSSIONDivide the students in five groups each grouprepresenting democracy, monarchy, dictatorship,one-party rule, and theocracy. Each group will

speak in favour of the regime it represents. Holda group discussion on the topic which form ofgovernment is the best?

V. MAKING A COLLAGE/POSTERMake two posters containing collages ofcartoons on different aspects of democracy and

dictatorships/military rule. Paste these postersside by side on your school noticeboard.

expectations and frustrations? List them andanalyse broad patterns. Do you think the analysisabout outcomes of democracy given in yourtextbook is correct?

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