OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY CLASS 10

 CHAPTER 5:OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

Q. No. 1) Explain the common features of democracies.

Ans. The following are the common features of democracies:

I)Regular elections: In a democratic government, general elections are held to elect a new government.

ii)Right to vote: All the citizens of the country, of and above a certain age, have the right to vote.

iii)Political parties: political parties are an essential part of democracy. They put up candidates who contest the election.

iv)Rule of law: Another common feature of all democracies is that it ensures rule of law. Law is supreme and all citizens are equal in the eyes of law. No one is above the law.

Q. No. 2) “Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation.” Examine the statement.

Ans.

I)Democracy gives importance to deliberation and public opinion. 

ii)To the democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.

iii)Its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.

I)Democracy ensures that decision-making wil tel be based on norms and procedures.

Q. No. 3) “A democratic government is efficient and effective.” Analyze the statement.

Or,

“The cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.” Justify.

Ans.

I)Non democratic government  may take decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may, therefore, face problems.

Ii) In contrast, the democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.

iii)However, because it has followed procedure, its decisions may be more acceptable to the people and more effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it.

Q. No. 4) Why is a democratic government referred to as a legitimate government?

Ans.

•A democratic government is called a legitimate government because it is the people’s own government.

•There is great popular support for the idea of democracy all over the world.

•People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them.

•Democratic government is attentive to the needs and demands of the people.

Q. No. 5) How can we measure democracy based on expected outcomes?

Ans. To measure a democracy based on its expected outcomes we have to observe the following practices and institutions:

•In a democracy, there should be free and fair elections.

•There should be open criticism and debate on major policies and legislation.

•Citizens should have the right to information about the functioning of government.

Q. No. 6) What is the relationship between democracy and the economic growth of a country?

Ans. Relationship between democracy and the economic growth of a country:

•During the last 50 years, dictatorships have shown a slightly higher rate of economic growth compared to democracies.

•But many other factors determine the economic growth of a country like – population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.

•So even when there is a nominal difference in the rate of economic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes like dignity and freedom of citizens.

Q. No. 7) Explain the relationship between democracy and development.

Ans. Relationship between democracy and development:

•Democracies are expected to produce development.

•Development depends upon many factors, i.e., the size of the population, global situation, cooperation from other countries, etc. In democracies, time is taken to discuss and reach a decision. So, it is slow, but it is not unjust or inappropriate.

Q. No. 8) ‘There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy in South Asia.’ Support the statement with examples.

Ans.

•Democratic government is the people's own government.

•Countries from South Asia want democratic rights for people.

•Countries want to elect their representatives by themselves.

•Democracy provides dignity and freedom to its citizens.

•Democracy accommodates social diversity.

•Democracy is based on the idea of discussion and negotiation.

•For example India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Q. No. 9) Differentiate between democratic and non-democratic government.

Ans.

•Democratic governments are transparent, legitimate, and accountable whereas non-democratic governments are selected and formed at their own discretion.

•The democratic government provides dignity and freedom to all without any discrimination.

•Conflicts are resolved through debate, discussions, and negotiation rather than discretion.

•Minority and majority cooperation are common phenomena in the democratic government.

•Enhances the dignity of all without any discrimination.

Q. No. 10) How is Democracy a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative government?

Ans. Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative form of government because it:

•Promotes equality among citizens.

•Enhances the dignity of the individual.

•Improves the quality of decision-making.

•Provides a method to resolve conflicts.

•Allows room to correct mistakes.

Q. No. 11) Are democracies based on political and economic equality? Explain.

Or,

Does democracy lead to a reduction of inequality and poverty? Explain.

Ans.

•Democracies are based on political equality and all individuals have an equal role in electing representatives.

•However, parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena, we find growing economic inequalities.

•A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes, while the poor find it difficult to fulfill their basic needs of life like food, shelter, and clothing.

•The poor constitute a high proportion of our voters and no party would like to lose their votes.

•However, democratically elected governments do not appear to be keen to address the problem of poverty as people may expect.

Q. No. 12) “Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.

Ans.

•Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.

•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.

•The ability to handle social differences, divisions, and conflicts is a definite plus point of democratic regimes.

•Example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.

Q. No. 13) Do democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens? Clarify.

Ans. i. Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences. The ability to handle social differences, divisions, and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes.

ii. But, the example of Sri Lanka exhibits that democracy must fulfill two conditions in order to achieve this outcome:

iii)Democracy is not simply ruled by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.

iv)Rule by the majority does not become rule by the majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group, etc.

Q. No. 14) How does democracy assure the dignity of women and prevent caste inequalities?

Or, Explain the message shown in the cartoon below.

Ans.

•In the case of the dignity of women, most societies across the world were historically male-dominated societies.

•Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect for and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society.

•That does not mean that women are actually always treated with respect. But once the democratic principle is recognized, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally.

•Democracy in India has strengthened the claim of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.

•There are still instances of caste-based inequalities and atrocities, but these lack moral and legal foundations.

Q. No. 15) Explain any four areas where democracy has failed.

Ans.

•If democracy is expected to produce good government then it is fair to expect that it would also produce development. Evidence shows that many democracies did not fulfill this expectation. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development worries us.

•Democracy is a government of the people. Hence one can expect it to reduce economic disparities. But, it is a bitter truth that even when a country achieved economic growth, wealth is not distributed in such a way that all citizens of the country will share and lead a better life.

•Democracy has also failed on the issue of poverty reduction. A smaller number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income. Those at the bottom of society have very little to depend upon. The income has been declining.

•Democracies often frustrate the need of the people and often ignore the demands of the majority of their population. The routing talks of corruption are enough to convince us that democracy is not free of evil.

Q16.How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Answer:

•Democracy produces an accountable government as all the citizens of the country have the right to choose their representatives. If the government does not work in a proper way then people have the right to remove it in the next elections. That is why the elected government is accountable to the people. People are also the part of decision-making process of the country.

 •Democracy produces a responsive government in a country as people elect the governments and that government is responsible to the people and parliament. Democratic government generally takes care of the needs and opinion of the people.

 •Democratic government is legitimate as it is people’s own government. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

Q. No. 17) Constant complaints by people can be seen as a testimony to the success of democracy. Explain.

Ans.

•Complaints highlight the awareness of the people and their expectations of the system that has been put in place.

•It reflects that citizens are not overawed by those in power and can objectively and critically examine the difference they have made.

•It is a measure of their participation in public debates.

•A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.

•It shows that people have transformed themselves from being subject to being citizens.

Q. No. 18) A think tank has been given the task of designing an outline to measure how successful has democracy been in any country.

Discuss the key indicators that the think tank should consider while designing this outline and explain why these factors are crucial in assessing the outcomes of democracy.

Ans.

•Free and fair elections: this represents a healthy democratic process in place.

•Citizen's right to information: this is important since only after having the right information can the citizens hold the government accountable.

•Protection of minority rights: this represents a strong commitment to democratic principles as this would enable the minority community to participate in the decision-making processes.

•Poverty: reduction in poverty over the years would indicate the successful implementation of democracy.

•Rule of law: presence of institutions like an independent judiciary helps uphold law and ensures fairness, justice, and equal treatment to citizens.

POLITICAL PARTIES CLASS 10

 Q1: State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

Ans:  The various functions of political parties in a democracy are:

(i) In most democracies, political parties take part in elections by choosing and supporting a person as their candidate.

(ii) Voters choose a party that matches their views and opinions. To gain support, parties offer different policies and programmes so that more people feel connected to them.

(iii) Parties play a key role in making laws. The winning party's candidates become members of the legislature and executive, and they usually make laws based on their party’s earlier promises and ideas.

(iv) Parties also form and run the government. Important decisions are made by political leaders who belong to these parties. Parties train leaders, give them responsibilities, and help them become ministers to carry out their plans.

(v) Parties that do not win and do not form the government become the opposition. They keep a check on the ruling party and share different opinions to balance power.

(vi) Parties help to shape public opinion by talking about issues that matter to people and bringing them to the attention of the government.

(vii) Party members help connect people to the government by making them aware of government schemes and helping them access benefits. Since parties depend on public support during elections, they try to be more helpful and approachable than government officials.

Q2: What are the various challenges faced by political parties?
Or
Examine the main ‘challenges’ before ‘political parties.’
Ans:  Main challenges before political parties:

(i) Lack of internal democracy: 

Every member of the party does not have a chance to take part in decision-making process.
• Every member is not consulted before taking a decision.
• There is no proper organisation or registration of members.
• Power remains in the hands of a few top leaders, who do not consult ordinary members.

 Ordinary members have no information about the internal working of the party.

Ii)Money and Muscle Power:
• Money is needed to organise demonstrations, public meetings and speeches to publicise the image of the party. Parties choose those candidates who can raise money for the party and win elections with their money.
• Sometimes parties also support criminals candidates because they can win elections.

Iii)Dynastic Succession: With power in the hands of a few top leaders, all party positions go to their family members. These members may not be qualified or have the ability to hold their positions.

(Iv) Casteism and religion have always been challenges. People prefer to vote for the representatives of their own caste and religion

Q3: Suggest some reforms to strengthen parties so that they perform their functions well?
Ans: 
(i) Internal Affairs: 
(a) A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.
(b) There should be open elections for all posts.
(c) Parties should maintain a register of members.
(ii) Women candidates: 
(a) It should be mandatory to give one-third tickets to women candidates.
(b) The women should be given adequate representation in the decision-making bodies.
(iii) State funding of elections: To curb money power, there should be state funding of elections. This funding could be in kind, such as petrol or cash, as decided by the parties.
(iv) The above suggestions have not been accepted by the political parties. In such a situation, there are two other ways to reform political parties as given below:
(a) There should be pressure from the people through petitions, publicity and agitations to make political parties more serious about reforms.
(b) People should join political parties in large numbers to reform them. It is easier to reform a party from within than from outside.

Q4: What is a political party?
Ans: A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. A political party has three important components:
(i) Party leadership
(ii) Party members
(iii) Party followers.
Political parties contest elections and occupy political offices to exercise political power.

Q5: What are the characteristics of a political party?
Ans:  Characteristics of a political party

(i) A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government.
(ii) They agree on some policies & programmes for the society to promote the collective good.
(iii) Since there can be different views on what is good for all, parties try to persuade people why their policies are better than others.
(iv) They seek to implement these policies by winning popular support through elections.
(v) Parties reflect fundamental political division in a society, parties are about the part of a society & thus involve partisanship.
(vi) Thus, a party is known by which part it stands for, which policies it supports & whose interests it upholds.

Q6: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a ___________.
Ans: A group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government is called a political party.

Q7: Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

 

Ans:

 

Q8: Who among the following is the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party?
Α. Kanshi Ram
Β. Sahu Maharaj
C. Β.R. Ambedker
D. Jotiba Phule
Ans: Α. Kanshi Ram

Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984. He established the party with the goal of representing and empowering the marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society, particularly those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. 

Q9: What is the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
A. Bahujan Samaj
B. Revolutionary democracy
C. Integral humanism
D. Modernity
Ans: C. Integral humanism.

The main idea behind the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is called Integral Humanism, shared by its founder Deendayal Upadhyaya. This idea says that people should grow both spiritually (in values and character) and materially (in things like money and comfort). It supports a balanced way of development that follows Indian culture and tries to create a fair and peaceful society.

Bhartiya Janta Party

Q10: Consider the following statements on parties.
(a) Political parties do not enjoy much trust among the people.
(b) Parties are often rocked by scandals involving top party leaders.
(c) Parties are not necessary to run governments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A and B
(c) B and C
(d) A and C
Ans: (b) A and B

People sometimes lose trust in political parties because of problems like corruption, poor leadership, or scandals. These issues can make parties look less honest or capable. But it's not true that we don't need political parties. In a democracy, they are very important. Political parties help to organise elections, form governments, and speak for different groups of people in the country.

Q11: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
Muhammad Yunus is a famous economist of Bangladesh. He received several international honours for his efforts to promote economic and social development for the benefit of the poor. He and the Grameen Bank jointly, received the Nobel Peace Prize for the 2006. In February 2007, he decided to launch a political party and contest in the parliamentary elections. His objective was to foster proper leadership, good governance and build a new Bangladesh. He felt that only a political party different from the traditional ones woxild bring about new political culture. His party would be democratic from the grassroots level.
The launching of the new party, called Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power), has caused a stir among the Bangladeshis. While many welcomed his decision, some did not like it. "Now I think Bangladesh will have a chance to choose between good and bad and eventually have a good government”, said Shahedul Islam, a government official. "That government, we hope, would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority.”
But leaders of traditional political parties who dominated the country’s politics for decades were apprehensive. “There was no debate (over him) winning the Nobel, but politics is different - very challenging and often controversial”, said a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Some others were highly critical. They asked why he was rushing into politics. “Is he being planted in politics by mentors from outside the country”, asked one political observer.
(a) Do you think Yunus made the right decision to float a new political party?
(b) Do you agree with the statements and fears expressed by various people?
(c) How do you want this new party organised to make it different from other parties?
(d) If you were the one to begin this political party, how would you defend it?
Ans: 
(a) He has made the right decision. In a democracy, every citizen has the right to form a political party or join a political party.
(b) No, the statements and fears expressed by various people and apprehensions of the traditional political parties are baseless. Yunus has established the Grameen Bank for the welfare of the people. He knows about the welfare of the people and will be successful in politics too.
(c) The new party should be organised on democratic lines. Organisational elections should be held regularly. There should be transparency in the working of the party. Due representation should be given to all sections of the society, including women and minorities.
(d) I would defend the formation of the party on the ground that in a democracy, every citizen has a right to join or form a political party of his choice.

ELECTORAL POLITICS CLASS 9

 EXTRA QUESTIONS 

Q1.What is general election?

Answer: Election held after every five year is termed as general election.

Q2.What are Electoral Constituencies?

Answer: The country is divided into different areas for purposes of elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies. 

Q3.What is mid-term election?

Answer: If the Lok Sabha or any State Legislative Assembly is dissolved before the expiry of its normal term, the election held to constitute a new House is known as mid-term election. 

 Q4.How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Schedule Tribe (ST)  in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: Currently, in the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes. (SCs)and 47 for Schedule Tribes (ST).

Q5.How many seats are reserved for women at local bodies?

Q6.What does the term rigging mean?

Answer: The term ‘rigging’ means fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes. 

Q7. When does the by-election occur?

Answer: When any vacancy occurs due to death or resignation of a candidate, election becomes necessary and it is known as by-election. 

Q8.What is meant by ‘reserved constituency‘?

Answer 

In a reserved constituency, only someone who belongs to the SC/ST or voter section can stand for election.

Q9

Why do some states have a large number of constituencies?

Answer: Some states have a large number of constituencies because of their population, i.e., large number of voters. 

Q10.What is a Democratic Election? 

Answer: Election should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish and this type of election is known as Democratic Election.

Q11.What is an election manifesto?

Answer 

The pamphlet or the booklet issued by a political party that tells people about its programmes and policies.

Q12.What is ‘Defection?

Answer: Changing party allegiance from the party for which a person got elected to a different party is called ‘Defection’.

 Q13.What is a ballot paper?

Answer: A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with party name and symbols are issued. 

Q14What do you mean by ‘Turn out’.

Answer: Turnout indicates the percent of eligible voters who actually caste their vote.

Q15.What is the Election Photo Identity Card System?

Answer: Every voter is issued this photo identity card by the Election Commission. The voters are required to carry this card when they go out to vote, so that no one can vote for someone else. 

Q16

Describe the rules and regulations regarding election campaign in India? 

Answer

No party or candidate should do the following: 

• Use government resources for campaigning. 

• Bribe or threaten voters.

• Appeal to voters in the name of caste or religion 

• Spend more than the prescribed amount more than 10 lakh in assembly election.

• If any candidate violates the above laws or rules his election can be rejected by the court. 

Q17.What legal declaration is required to be submitted by each candidate who wishes to contest an election?

Answer: Every candidate has to make a legal declaration, giving full details of the following:
(i) Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate.
(ii) Details of the assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family.
(iii) Educational qualifications of the candidate. This information helps voters to make their decisions

Q18..What is the ‘Model code of Conduct’ for election campaign?
Answer:
According to the medal code of conduct, no party or candidate can:

• Use any place of worship for election propaganda. ‘
• Use government vehicles, aircrafts and officials for election.
• Once elections are announced, the Ministers shall not lay foundation stones of any projects, take any big policy decisions or make any promises of providing public facilities.

Q19.What are the minimum conditions needed for a democratic election?
Solution:
There are five minimum conditions needed for a democratic election. They are :

• Everyone should have the right to vote and every vote should have equal value.
• Parties and candidates should be free to contest elections and they should offer some real choice to the voters.
• Elections must be held regularly .
• Candidates preferred by the people should be elected.
• Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner.

Q20.Mention a few successful slogans that were used during election campaigns.
Solution:
The most successful slogans used during election campaigns were:

• Garibi Hatao or Remove poverty: This slogan was used by the Congress party led by Indira Gandhi in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971. The party promised to remove poverty from the country.
• Save Democracy: This slogan used by Janata Party in the Lok Sabha election held in 1977. The party promised to undo the excesses committed during Emergency and restore civil liberties.
  Land to the Tiller: This slogan was used by the Left Front in the West Bengal Assembly elections held in 1977.
• Protect the Self Respect of the Telugus: This slogan used by N. T. Rama Rao, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in 1983.

Q21.What powers are exercised by the Election Commission of India?

Answer:  (i) The Election Commission (EC) controls the elections right from the announcement of the elections to the declaration of the result.
(ii) It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it

(iii) During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent the use and misuse of government power to enhance its chances to win the elections or to transfer some government officials.
(iv) If the EC comes to know that the polling was not fair in some booths or even an entire constituency, they order a repoll.

Q22.What is system of elections in India?



• following steps involved for elections in India 

Electoral Constituencies

• The country is divided into different areas based on population for the purpose of elections which are called electoral constituencies.

• For Lok Sabha elections, the country is divided into 543 constituencies.

• Similarly, each state is divided into a specific number of Assembly constituencies.

Reserved Constituencies 

• Some constituencies are reserved for people who belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Voter’s List

• The list of people who are eligible for voting is prepared by the Election Commission of India before election.

• In India, all the citizens aged 18 years and above has the right to vote, regardless of his or her caste, creed, colour, religion or gender.

Nomination of Candidates

• Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate in elections.

• However, minimum age of in order to be a candidate the minimum age is 25 years.

Election Campaign

• The campaigns take place for a two-week period between the announcement of the final list of candidates and the date of polling.

Polling and Counting of Votes

• The final stage of an election is the day when the voters cast or ‘poll’ their vote.

Q. What are the legal declarations of a party candidate?

Answer:   Details of assets and liabilities of the candidate and his or her family and Educational qualifications of the candidate.

Q.