Students should read Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Social Science Notes provided below. These notes have been prepared based on the latest syllabus and books issued by NCERT, CBSE and KVS. These important revision notes will be really useful for students to understand the important topics given in the chapter Outcomes of Democracy in Class 10 Social Science. We have provided class 10 Social Science notes for all chapters.

Revision Notes Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Social Science

Chapter 7 Outcomes of Democracy is an important chapter in Class 10 Social Science. The following notes will help you to understand and easily learn all important points to help you score more marks.

Overview

1. We begin by thinking about how to access the outcomes of democracy.
2. After some clarity on how to think on this subject, we proceed to look at the expected and actual outcomes of democracy in various respects.
3. Our final verdict – positive but qualified.

How do we access democracy’s outcomes?

1. Democracy is the better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative.
2. We felt that democracy was better because of it:
I) Promotes equally among citizens;
II) Enhances the dignity of the individual;
III) Improves the quality of decision – making;
IV) Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and
V) Allows room to correct mistakes.
3. We face a dilemma: democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in its practice.
4. This dilemma invites us to think hard about the outcomes of the democracy.
5. Our interest in and fascination for democracy often push us into taking a position that democracy can address all socio-economic and political problem.
6. The first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government.

Accountable, responsive and legitimate government:

1. 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.
2. Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation.
3. Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.
4. The right and the means to examine the process of decision-making known as transparency.
5. Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with citizens.
6. In substantive terms, 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 to corruption.
7. The record of democracies is not impressive on these two counts.
8. There is one respect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: the democratic government is the legitimate government.
9. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country.

Economic growth and development:

1. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development worries us. But this alone cannot be the reason to reject democracy.
2. The difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
3. We cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development.
4. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.

Reduction of inequality and poverty:

1. Perhaps more than development, it is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities.
2. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.
3. Not only that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing.
4. In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

Accommodation of social diversity:

1. It will be fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life.
2. Ability to handle social differences, divisions, and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.
3. Two conditions in order to achieve the outcome:
I) It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion.
II) It is also necessary that rule by the majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic groups.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens:

1. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
2. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
3. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies.
4. Most societies across the world were historically male dominated societies.
5. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society.
6. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
7. Expectations from democracy also function as the criteria for judging and democratic country.
8. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better.
9. Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-interest.

SUMMARY

Democracy is a form of government where the leaders are elected by the people and elected leaders take major decision. Democracy is considered to be a better form of government because it promotes equality among citizens, enhances the dignity of the individuals, improves the quality of decision making, provides a method to resolve conflicts and allows room to correct mistakes.
But if we want to know the real success of a democratic government we have to examine the outcomes of democracy. These outcomes are the following.

1. POLITICAL OUTCOME

A. Accountable, responsive and legitimate government:
Unlike other forms of governments, democratic governments are more accountable and responsive since they are elected by the people for a period of 4 or 5 years. In a democracy governments are through a regular, free and fair elections, Laws are made and executed with proper procedures and discussions. Hence it is transparent and legitimate.

2. ECONOMIC OUTCOME

A. Economic growth and development:
In practice many democracies did not fulfil this expectation. Dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth than democracies in the last fifty years. But economic growth depends on various factors like the size of the population of the country, global situation, cooperation from other countries and priorities adopted by the country.
B. Reduction of inequality and poverty:
Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have one vote with one value in electing representatives. Parallel to this political equality we find growing economic inequalities too.

3. SOCIAL OUTCOME

A. Accommodation of social diversity:
Democracy helps its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by accommodating various social divisions. Democracy evolves mechanisms to negotiate the differences between various communities and castes.
B. Dignity and freedom of the citizens:
Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.

Democracy- its examination never gets over. As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. People constantly demand more benefits in a democracy.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Question. Read the given table carefully and select the correct statements from the given options:

(a) Dictatorial regimes have a slightly better record of economic growth.
(b) Democratic regimes have better economic growth.
(c) Poor countries under democracy have more economic growth.
(d) It is better to prefer dictatorship as it has better economic development.
Answer : (a) Dictatorial regimes have a slightly better record of economic growth.

Question. The given image shows the effect of democratic politics on social differences. Which options are more appropriate in context of democracy?

(a) Democracy suppresses internal social differences.
(b) Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among Citizens
(c) Democracies accommodate various social divisions
(d) Option (b) and (c)
Answer : (d) Option (b) and (c)

Question. Democracy is considered as a better form of government because
(a) It ensures economic development.
(b) It guarantees economic equality
(c) It provides a method to resolve conflict.
(d) Option (a) and (b)
Answer : (c) It provides a method to resolve conflict.

Question. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in————
(a) Reducing economic inequalities.
(b) Removing corruption.
(c) Bringing higher rate of economic growth.
(d) Promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
Answer : (d) Promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.

Question. Choose the correctly matched pair from the following
(a) Pakistan – Democracy is preferred over dictatorship
(b) Bangladesh – More than half of its population lives in poverty
(c) Belgium – Has failed in negotiating differences among ethnic populations
(d) Sri Lanka – Here majority worked with the minority to produce a harmonious social life
Answer : (b) Bangladesh – More than half of its population lives in poverty

Question. A democratic government is elected by citizens and enjoys the confidence and trust of the citizens. This is known as
(a) A legitimate government.
(b) A transparent government.
(c) A secular government
(d) A stable government.
Answer : (a) A legitimate government.

Question. Which of these factors do not play a role in the economic development of a country?
(a) Size of the population
(b) The language of the country.
(c) Cooperation from other countries.
(d) Economic priorities adopted by the Government.
Answer : (b) The language of the country.

Question. Study the given cartoon. Select the incorrect statements from the given options:

(a) Half of the people in the world are poor and they possess very less resources.
(b) People in several poor countries are now dependent on the rich countries even for food supplies.
(c) In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.
(d) 2% of the poor people possess 50% resources of the world.
Answer : (d) 2% of the poor people possess 50% resources of the world.

Question. Identify the correct statement about democracy.
(a) It is free from corruption
(b) Democracy is free from social conflict.
(c) It is successful in eradicating poverty.
(d) It respects the individual dignity of citizens.
Answer : (d) It respects the individual dignity of citizens.

Question. ‘Equal treatment of women is a necessary ingredient of a democratic society. This means that:
(a) Most societies across the world are now increasingly women dominated.
(b) Women are actually always treated with respect.
(c) It is now easier for women to legally wage struggle for their rights.
(d) Women are not ill-treated anywhere in the world.
Answer : (c) It is now easier for women to legally wage struggle for their rights.

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE QUESTIONS

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 governments run and to their own self-interest
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct.
Answer : (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question. Assertion (A): Democracies are based on political equality.
Reason (R): All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct.
Answer : (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question. Assertion (A): Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences.
Reason (R): They accommodate various social divisions.
(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 correct but R is wrong.
(d) A is wrong but R is correct.
Answer : (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Question. Why is democracy unable to guarantee economic development?
Answer : Economic development depends on several factors: country’s population size, global situation, The Rich Get Buff cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.

Question. List out any two merits of democracy.
Answer : (i) Promotes equality among citizens.
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual.

Question. ‘The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy’ Prove the statement by giving two valid reasons.
Answer : (i) It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look critically at power.
(ii) It shows the it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.

Question. When democracy is considered successful?
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. Read the data in the table given below and answer the question that follows:

Which two democratic countries have very high degree of inequalities?
Answer : South Africa and Brazil.

Question. Why is there an overwhelming support to democracy all over the world?
Answer : (i) Because it is accountable responsive and legitimate government.
(ii) Promotes equality among citizens

Question. What are the common features of democracy in most of the countries of the world?
Answer : They have formal constitutions, they hold elections, they have parties and they guarantee rights of citizens.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Question. “Democratic government is legitimate government?” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer : (a) A democratic government is called legitimate government because it is people’s own government.
(b) It may be slow, less efficient and not very responsive and clean, but it is people’s government.
(c) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support makes it more legitimate. People of South Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal have no doubt about the suitability of democracy for their own country.

Question. Most distinctive feature of democracy is that its examination never gets over.” Support the statement with appropriate arguments.
Answer : (i) As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more.
(ii) People always come up with more expectations from the democratic set up.
(iii) They also have complaints against democracy. The government always has to satisfy their public by fulfilling their demands or else they get removed.

Question. ‘Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the citizens.’ Justify the statement.
Answer : (i) The passion for respect and freedom are basis of democracy.
(ii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
(iii) Long struggles by women have got them respect and equal treatment. In India, l/3rd of seats have been reserved for women in local bodies.

Question. Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.
Answer : (i) Democracies develop a procedure to reduce the possibility of social differences becoming explosive or violent.
(ii) 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.
(iii) Ability to handle social differences divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes iv Example: Belgium – has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population.

Question. What are the differences between democracy and dictatorship in the decision making process?
Answer : Democracy:
(i) Based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation
(ii) Decisions are acceptable to people and are more effective.
(iii) A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. There is transparency.
Autocracy:
(i) Do not have to bother about majorities and/or public opinion, thus can be quick and efficient in decision-making.
(ii) May take decisions not accepted by the people.
(iii) Transparency is missing from a non-democratic form of government. There is no accountability of the government to the people.

Question. Explain any 3 ways in which democracies have been able to reduce inequality and poverty.
Answer : 1. Democracy gives equal rights to the people; it does not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, color, caste etc.
2. Democracy provides equal opportunity for economic activities.
3. In order to reduce poverty and inequality democracies made efforts to promote a more transparent form of government and thus provide people with rights such as Right to Information etc.

Question. How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points.
Answer : (i) Democratic government ensures that the decision-making process is based on proper norms and procedures.
(ii) Citizens have the right to examine the process of decision making.
(iii) 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.

Question. What is the basis of democracy and what are its advantages?
Answer : Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. Deliberation and negotiation have an advantage as they ensure that the decisions taken are acceptable to all the people.
These deliberations and negotiation may make the decision late but they provide quality decisions.

Question. On the basis of which values will it be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life? Explain.
Answer : 1) A democratic country looks into the needs and aspirations of every section of society.
2) It is also able to handle social conflicts, divisions and differences.
3) Accommodating the demands of the underprivileged, the backward sections of the society and the minority communities through democratic principles, helps in building a more inclusive and a harmonious society.

Question. Analyse any three values that make democracy better.
Answer : (i) Provides equality among citizens.
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual.
(iii) Improves the quality of decision making.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Question. ‘‘In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.’’ Explain the statement giving an example.
Answer : (i) The wealth and means are accumulated in hands of a few people and their share in the total income of the country has been increasing.
(ii) However, the people at the bottom of society find it difficult to meet even their basic needs of life such as food, clothing, house, education and health. Not only that, their incomes have been declining.
(iii) The deprived people are a large ratio of voters and no party will like to lose their votes.
(iv) Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be attentive to the cause of the poor.
(v) Thus democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

Question. “Democratic system is better than any other form of government.” Support the statement with examples.
Answer : Democratic system is better than any other form of government because of following reasons.
(i) It promotes equality among citizens. E.g. Rule of law
(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual. E.g. Fundamental rights.
(iv) It improves the quality of decision making. E.g. Discussion and debate in various platforms
(v) It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
(vi) If allows room to correct mistakes.

Question. Explain how democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.
Answer : Only the Democratic government is a form of government which provides accommodation to social differences and conflicts by making everybody learn how to respect every individual’s opinion as differences can never be suppressed completely.
• Democracy ensures inclusion of every group including minorities and its interests in the decision making.
• It reduces the probability of violence due to social differences and conflicts between different kinds of people.
• It provides right to equality, equality before the law, and equal opportunities of work and prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth to every citizen or individual.
• It also ensures various other fundamental rights of the citizen.

Question. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer : Democracy produces an accountable government because it provides regular, free and fair elections regularly. Open discussions are held on all major issues and legislations.
Democracy gives its citizens the right to information about the government and its functioning.
Democracy provides a responsive government as it is formed by elected representatives of the people. These representatives discuss the problems of the society and make policies and programmes accordingly. The representatives also ensure that the programmes are implemented.
Democracies follow a constitution, so they are legitimate. The laws of the country are applicable to everyone, even to the government members. Free and fair elections are held in democracies and the people have the power to eliminate parties they are not happy with, in the next election.

Question. What are the factors which are responsible for the economic development of the country? Does democracy provide guarantee of economic development?
Answer : Economic development depends on several factors: country’s population size, global situation, The Rich Get Buff cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.
Most of the countries were ruled and exploited by big powers.
We cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.

CASE BASED QUESTIONS

Question. Read the case/source given and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct option.

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 elections; open public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functioning. The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record on this. 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.

(i) To measure democracies on the basis of expected outcomes which of the following practices and institutions would one look for?
(a) Regular, free and fair elections.
(b) Open public debate on major policies.
(c) Citizens’ right to information about the government.
(d) All of the above.
Answer : (d) All of the above.

(ii) If a government is sharing information with citizens, then we get which type of government?
(a) An unstable government
(b) A democratic government
(c) A stable government
(d) A transparent government
Answer : (d) A transparent government

(iii) Which among the following out comes do democracies have greater success?
(a) Regular and free elections.
(b) Elections that provide a fair chance to everyone.
(c) Sharing information with citizens.
(D All of the above.
Answer : (a) Regular and free elections.

(iv) Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Democratic governments are very good in sharing information with citizens.
(b) Most democracies succeeded in subjecting every decision to public debate.
(c) The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record in outcomes of democracy.
(d) All the above.
Answer : (c) The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record in outcomes of democracy.

Question. Read the given text and answer the given questions.

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.

(i) Why the decision taken by a democratic government is more acceptable?
Answer : Democratic governments follow procedures before arriving at a decision.

(ii) Which factor is often missing from a non-democratic government?
Answer : Transparency.

(iii) To what extent democracy is transparent? Give reasons.
Answer : Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedure. Every citizen has the right and means to examine the process of decision making.