SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
Question 1: What is the primary outcome of democracy?
Answer:
The primary outcome of democracy is accountable, responsive, and legitimate government.
Question 2: How does democracy ensure accountability?
Answer:
Democracy ensures accountability through regular, free, and fair elections where citizens can choose their representatives.
Question 3: What is transparency in a democracy?
Answer:
Transparency means that government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny and the government operates in a visible and understandable manner.
Question 4: How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?
Answer:
Democracy enhances dignity by ensuring equal treatment and respect for all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status.
Question 5: What is the role of public opinion in a democracy?
Answer:
Public opinion influences government decisions and policies, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.
Question 6: How does democracy promote social equality?
Answer:
Democracy promotes social equality by providing equal opportunities and rights to all citizens and by implementing policies to reduce social and economic disparities.
Question 7: Why is political equality important in a democracy?
Answer:
Political equality ensures that all citizens have an equal right to vote and participate in political processes, making the system fair and just.
Question 8: How does democracy handle conflicts and differences?
Answer:
Democracy handles conflicts and differences through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, ensuring peaceful and constructive resolutions.
Question 9: What is the impact of democracy on economic growth and development?
Answer:
Democracy’s impact on economic growth varies, but it often leads to inclusive development policies that aim to benefit all sections of society.
Question 10: How does democracy ensure social justice?
Answer:
Democracy ensures social justice by protecting the rights of minorities, implementing affirmative actions, and creating laws against discrimination.
Question 11: Why is democratic decision-making considered legitimate?
Answer:
Democratic decision-making is considered legitimate because it is based on the consent of the governed and follows established procedures and laws.
Question 12: How does democracy encourage political participation?
Answer:
Democracy encourages political participation by providing platforms for citizens to express their views, engage in debates, and influence policy-making.
Question 13: What is a limitation of democratic governments in addressing economic inequality?
Answer:
Democratic governments often struggle to address economic inequality due to competing interests and the influence of wealthy groups.
Question 14: How does democracy promote education and awareness among citizens?
Answer:
Democracy promotes education and awareness by ensuring free access to information, encouraging public debate, and providing educational opportunities.
Question 15: What is the significance of freedom of speech in a democracy?
Answer:
Freedom of speech is significant in a democracy as it allows citizens to express their views, hold the government accountable, and foster open dialogue.
LONG QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
Question 1: How does democracy ensure a responsive government?
Answer:
- Democracy ensures a responsive government by making it accountable to the people through regular elections and various forms of public participation.
- Elected representatives must consider public opinion and address the needs and concerns of citizens to stay in power. Mechanisms such as public hearings, consultations, and citizen feedback enable governments to understand and respond to issues effectively.
- Additionally, freedom of the press and active civil society organizations play a crucial role in monitoring government actions and pressuring authorities to be more responsive and transparent in their functioning.
Question 2: Discuss the role of democracy in promoting economic growth and development.
Answer:
- Democracy plays a significant role in promoting economic growth and development by fostering a stable and predictable environment for economic activities.
- Democratic governments are more likely to implement policies that consider the welfare of all sections of society, leading to inclusive development.
- Transparent decision-making processes and accountability reduce corruption and mismanagement of resources. Additionally, democracies encourage investment in human capital, such as education and healthcare, which are essential for sustainable economic growth. However, the impact of democracy on economic growth can vary based on the effectiveness of governance and policy implementation.
Question 3: How does democracy contribute to reducing social inequalities?
Answer:
- Democracy contributes to reducing social inequalities by promoting equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.
- Democratic policies often focus on affirmative action, social welfare programs, and legal frameworks that protect marginalized groups from discrimination.
- By ensuring political equality through universal adult franchise, democracy empowers disadvantaged communities to voice their concerns and influence policies.
- Education, healthcare, and employment schemes are implemented to bridge social and economic gaps.
- Although challenges remain, democratic systems provide mechanisms for continuous efforts towards achieving social justice and equality.
Question 4: What are the limitations of democracy in addressing economic inequality?
Answer:
- While democracy aims to provide equal opportunities, it faces limitations in addressing economic inequality. Wealthy individuals and groups often exert significant influence on political processes, leading to policies that favor their interests.
- This can result in unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. Additionally, short-term electoral considerations may lead to populist measures that do not address the root causes of economic disparity.
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption can also hinder the effective implementation of poverty alleviation programs. Thus, despite its principles, democracy sometimes struggles to achieve equitable economic outcomes.
Question 5: Explain the importance of transparency in a democratic government.
Answer:
- Transparency is crucial in a democratic government as it allows citizens to be informed about government actions and decisions. This openness fosters trust between the government and the public, ensuring accountability.
- Transparent governance helps in reducing corruption and misuse of public resources by making information accessible and scrutinizable. It also empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in the political process and hold officials accountable.
- Mechanisms such as the Right to Information Act and public disclosure norms are essential in promoting transparency, thereby strengthening democratic governance and public confidence in the system.
Question 6: How does democracy enhance the dignity of citizens?
Answer:
- Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by ensuring that all individuals are treated equally and their rights are respected. It provides a platform for every citizen to express their opinions and participate in decision-making processes, thus valuing each person’s voice.
- Democratic principles uphold fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, and protection against discrimination.
- This inclusive approach affirms the inherent worth of every individual, promoting self-respect and mutual respect among citizens. By fostering a culture of respect and equality, democracy elevates the dignity of all its members.
Question 7: Discuss how democracy ensures political equality among citizens.
Answer:
- Democracy ensures political equality by granting every citizen the right to vote and run for public office, irrespective of their social or economic status. This universal adult franchise means that each vote carries equal weight in electing representatives.
- Democratic systems also provide equal access to political participation through political parties, civil society organizations, and free media. Legal frameworks and institutions are in place to protect citizens’ political rights and ensure that elections are free and fair. By enabling equal participation and representation, democracy upholds the principle of political equality.
Question 8: Analyze the impact of democracy on social justice.
Answer:
- Democracy positively impacts social justice by implementing policies that aim to reduce social disparities and protect the rights of marginalized groups.
- Democratic governments are accountable to their citizens and must address social injustices to maintain legitimacy and public support. Measures such as affirmative action, social welfare programs, and anti-discrimination laws are often introduced to promote equity and protect vulnerable populations.
- Furthermore, democratic systems encourage active civil society and advocacy groups that push for social justice reforms. Although challenges persist, democracy provides a framework for ongoing efforts towards achieving a just and equitable society.
Question 9: What role does public opinion play in a democracy?
Answer:
- Public opinion plays a critical role in a democracy by shaping government policies and actions. It reflects the preferences and concerns of the citizens, guiding elected representatives in decision-making processes.
- Public opinion is expressed through various means such as voting, protests, media, and public discourse. Governments, to remain in power, must be responsive to these opinions, leading to policies that align with the public’s interests.
- Additionally, a well-informed public opinion can act as a check on governmental power, ensuring accountability and transparency. Thus, public opinion is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Question 10: Explain the concept of legitimate government in a democracy.
Answer:
- A legitimate government in a democracy is one that is elected through free and fair elections, with the consent of the governed.
- Legitimacy is derived from the people’s mandate, ensuring that the government’s authority is recognized and accepted by the majority.
- This legitimacy is reinforced by adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
- A legitimate government respects and protects fundamental rights and freedoms, fostering trust and confidence among the populace.
- By reflecting the will of the people and upholding democratic principles, a legitimate government ensures stability and effective governance.
🌟 Why Choose CBSEJanta.com for Class 10 Social Science? 🌟
- ✔ Complete NCERT Solutions: Step-by-step solutions for all subjects!
- ✔ Chapter Summaries & Notes: Simplified explanations for quick understanding.
- ✔ Extra Practice Questions: Test yourself with additional exercises and questions.
- ✔ Interactive Learning: Engaging content to make learning Social Science fun!
📲 Download the CBSEJanta App NOW for instant access to Class 10 Social Science solutions, chapter notes, and practice materials. Ace your Social Science exams with CBSEJanta.com—your all-in-one learning guide! 🌟📖