Outcomes of Democracy
Short Questions
1. What is the basic outcome of democracy?
Answer: A government that is accountable, responsive and legitimate.
2. Which right allows citizens to check government decisions?
Answer: Right to Information.
3. What slows democratic decision-making?
Answer: Deliberation and negotiation.
4. What key feature makes democratic government legitimate?
Answer: It is chosen by the people through free and fair elections.
5. Which type of regime shows slightly higher economic growth on average?
Answer: Dictatorships.
6. Name one country mentioned with high income inequality despite democracy.
Answer: Brazil.
7. What political principle contrasts with economic inequality in democracies?
Answer: Political equality (one person, one vote).
8. Which country is given as an example of successful social accommodation?
Answer: Belgium.
9. What condition must majority rule satisfy to be democratic?
Answer: Majority must respect minority and allow change of majority.
10. What value of democracy protects women’s rights?
Answer: Dignity and equality of individuals.
11. What does transparency in democracy mean?
Answer: Decisions follow known procedures open to public scrutiny.
12. Which law helped Nannu get his ration card quickly?
Answer: Right to Information Act.
13. Which South Asian country shows lower support for democracy in the survey?
Answer: Pakistan.
14. What outcome of democracy keeps people raising new demands?
Answer: Continuous public awareness and expectations.
15. What does citizens’ dissatisfaction in a democracy indicate?
Answer: Success of democracy in creating critical, active citizens.
Long Questions
1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer: Democracy allows people to choose rulers through free elections and to question them through rights like information and debate. Decisions follow procedures, making the government answerable. Even if slow, it remains legitimate because it is people’s own government.
2. Compare the economic growth of democracies and dictatorships.
Answer: Studies show dictatorships have a slightly higher average growth rate, but the difference is small in poor countries. Economic development depends on many factors like resources and policies. Hence democracy is not a guarantee of growth but does not lag behind dictatorships.
3. Why do economic inequalities persist in democracies?
Answer: While democracy ensures equal votes, wealth remains concentrated in a few hands. The rich gain larger shares of national income, while the poor often struggle for basic needs. Elected governments are slow and sometimes unwilling to reduce these gaps.
4. Explain how democracy accommodates social diversity.
Answer: Democracies create procedures to negotiate differences and prevent violent conflict. Majority opinion must work with minorities and avoid domination of any religion or race. Changing coalitions allow everyone a chance to be in majority over time.
5. How does democracy promote dignity and freedom of citizens?
Answer: Democracy recognises individual equality, giving legal and moral force to struggles against discrimination. Women and disadvantaged castes can demand respect and equal treatment. This recognition strengthens movements for justice even if problems remain.
6. What does the Right to Information example of Nannu show about democracy?
Answer: It proves that legal rights empower ordinary citizens to hold officials accountable. When Nannu used RTI, officials quickly processed his ration card. Such mechanisms improve responsiveness and reduce corruption.
7. Why is democracy preferred despite some shortcomings?
Answer: People value the right to elect leaders and influence policies, even if governments are slow or corrupt. The legitimacy and freedom offered by democracy outweigh the efficiency of dictatorship. Surveys show overwhelming global support for democratic rule.
8. How does democracy handle conflicts better than non-democracies?
Answer: Democratic systems allow peaceful debate, elections and negotiations, reducing chances of violence. Non-democratic regimes often suppress differences, which can explode later. By respecting diversity, democracy maintains social harmony.
9. Why does continuous criticism strengthen democracy?
Answer: Citizens keep raising new expectations and complaints, forcing governments to improve. Public criticism reflects awareness and the belief that their vote matters. This ongoing examination keeps democracy dynamic and progressive.
10. What lesson does the case of women’s struggle teach about democratic outcomes?
Answer: Even in male-dominated societies, democracy provides a platform for legal equality. Recognition of women’s dignity encourages laws and movements for equal status. It shows that democratic principles help oppressed groups fight for their rights.
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