Political Science Chapter-7
Outcomes of Democracy
1. Democracy means delay in the decision making. Which one is
preferable-quick decision making process of dictatorship or slow
decision making process of democracy?
Ans. Democracy involves debates and deliberations in the parliament before
making a law. The views of all the members of parliament are taken into
consideration before taking the final decision. Dictatorship means decisions
taken by one person or one party. Different views of other members of the
government or public are not considered. Democracy means delay in the
decision making process as the debates take a long time. It means that the
implementation will also take time. Dictatorship means quick decisions. But
those decisions are orders of the government and people are not allowed to
disagree with them. Even citizens are not supposed to criticize the decisions
made by the government. Democracy is better even if it takes more time in
making the decisions. At least, the views of the citizens are considered and
they are not ordered to just follow them. Individuals can disagree with the
policies of the government and show their protest against the government.
2. How can democracy accommodate the dignity of women and caste
discrimination in one system?
Ans. In case of dignity of women, 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. 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 claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for
equal status and equal opportunity. There are instances still of caste-based
inequalities and atrocities, but these lack the moral and legal foundations.
Perhaps it is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens values their
democratic right.
3. Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.”
Support this statement with suitable arguments.
Ans. 1. Democracy develops a harmonious social life. Democracies
accommodate various social divisions.
2. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition.
This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
3. In democracies people learn to respect the differences and also evolve
mechanism to negotiate the differences.
4. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that government
functions to represent the general view.
5. Democracy has ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflict.
4. Do you believe that democracy can reduce economic disparities?
Give reasons to support your answer.
Ans. Yes, this is far of following reasons;
1. A democracy believes in equitable distribution and makes efforts to serve
the poor at the root level.
2. A democracy believes in providing equal opportunity to all. Democratic
governments have been supporting poor people through various schemes to
uplift their economic level.
3. Poor people are being provided food and shelter at a subsidized rate and
also free medicines and treatment facilities.
4. They are being insured for any unhappenings so that their families do not
get crushed.
5. They are being provided free education, reservation in educational
institution and government jobs, etc.
5. “Corruption is a serious problem faced the Indian Democratic
System”. Explain.
Ans. 1. It has now become an accepted fact that leaders use money to win
favour of the votes. This reason lessens the very sprit of democratic values.
2. There is an ever increasing tendency among the political parties to give
tickets to those who are rich. The parties think that they could win not only
their own seats but also help the party monetarily.
3. Now scams by leaders and governments have become a routine tale in the
Indian democracy. Many of the popular leaders are facing trials for corruption
charges against them.
4. It has been seen that the wards of the prominent leaders of party easily get
tickets for election. The party workers keep serving for years but sometimes
outsiders get tickets.
5. It has now become a traditional in many of the popular political parties that
the chair is inherited.
6. How do people take part in decision making in democracy? Explain.
Ans. 1. Decisions are made by the representatives elected by the people.
These representatives represent the ideas and opinions of those voters who
have elected them to take decisions on their behalf.
2. In a democracy, people want to know if a decision was taken through
correct procedure, can find this out. In this way, they have some degree of
control over the whole process of decision making.
3. In a democracy people have the right and mean to examine the process of
decision making.
4. Sometimes important issues are put forward by the government for public
debate before a decision is taken.
5. Demonstration, movement, pressure groups, etc. provide means in the
hands of people to influence decision making.
7. Which factors sustain democracy in India?
Ans. 1. Democracy is based on the principles of equality, liberty and
brotherhood. To achieve the prescribed goal the framers of our constitution
adopted the aims like secularism, socialism democratic republic.
2. The framers of our constitution provided for a representative democracy in
a liberal framework in order to sustain democracy.
3. In our country there are periodic elections for all levels of the government.
4. All elections are based on secret ballot and universal adult franchise.
5. Our Constitution has given complete liberty to pressure and other organized
or unorganized.
8. How do we assess democracy’s outcome?
Ans.
1. Comparative analysis between democracy and dictatorship.
2. It provides accountable, responsible, representative and legitimate
government.
3. It develops mechanism for the people’s participation in the decision
making process.
4. It promotes economic development. At the same time democracy has
the characteristics of economic inequality and disparities.
5. We can also assess its outcome on the basis of the way it
accommodates the social diversities.
It also promotes dignity and freedom of the citizens
