DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL - NOIDA

WORKSHEET - POLITICAL SCIENCE

CLASS X ( 2014 -15)
TOPIC: OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
Q1. Why is democracy better than other forms of Governments? (5)
A1. The strengths of a democratic government which makes it a better form of government are
as follows:
(a)Promotes equality among citizens.
(b) Enhances the dignity of the individual.
(c ) Improves the quality of decision making.
(d) Provides a method to resolve conflicts and
(e) Allows room to correct mistakes.
Q2. What are the two important expectations from a democratic government? Why is a
democracy called a legitimate government? ( 2+1=3)
A2. The two important expectations from a democratic government are:
(a) People should have the right to choose their rulers and people should have control over their
rulers. This means that a democratic government must be accountable to its citizens and must be
responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.
(b) People should be able to participate in decision making that affects them all. It should be
largely free of corruption.
Democracy is called a Legitimate government because its norms, procedures, political
institutions and political practices are subject to public scrutiny There are mechanisms available
by which citizens can check the authenticity of the government from time to time. RTI is a
classic example which ensures that democratic governments are transparent in their functioning.
Q3. What is meant by transparency in decision making in a democracy? (3)
A3. (i) Decision making in democracy should be based on norms and procedures about which
citizens should have a right to know. (ii) That is they must have the rights and means to examine
the process of decision making. This is known as Transparency. (iii) Right to Information Act is
a classic example of a law that empowers people to find out what is happening in government
and act as watchdogs of democracy.

Q4. What are the important practices and institutions needed to meet the expected outcomes of
democracy? (3)
A4. The following institutions and practices can be helpful in enhancing the quality of
democratic governments:
(a) Right To Information Act.
(b) Citizens should be vigilant so that democratic government can be made public spirited. This
means creating awareness amongst the citizens to make informed choices.
(c) Strengthening of Institutional mechanisms such as the Parliament proceedings and the
Judiciary:
To improve the role and the responsibilities of a democratic government, efforts should be made
to check the parliamentary practices in order to improve law making. Similarly, to activate
judicial responsibilities , more courts must be set up and justice should be time bound.
Q5. Assess the performance of democracies under the following heads:
Dignity of Women.
Economic inequalities.
Claims of discriminated castes.
(1+1+1=3)
A5. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.
(a) Dignity of Women: (i) Most societies across the world were historically male dominated
societies. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect to and equal
treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society. (ii) That does not mean
that women are actually always treated with respect. But once the principle is recognised, it
becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and
morally.
(b) Economic Inequalities: (i) 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. (ii) Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Their
incomes have been declining.
(iii) 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
ofpoverty
(c ) Claims of discriminated castes: Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the
disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.