📘 Outcomes of Democracy – Class 10 Notes Simplified

 

📘 Outcomes of Democracy – Class 10 Notes

Dive into the world of democracy’s real impact with our simplified guide to Outcomes of Democracy – Class 10 Notes! This comprehensive blog is your go-to resource for mastering Chapter 5 of the Political Science syllabus and gearing up for the CBSE 2025 board exams.

We’ve made learning easier and more effective with:

✅ Downloadable PDF notes – Crisp, clear, and ready for offline revision.
✅ Easy-to-understand explanations – Featuring real-life examples to make concepts relatable.
✅ Exam-ready insights – Build a strong foundation and boost your confidence for scoring high.

So, get your pens ready and let’s explore how democracy delivers – from accountability and development to dignity and diversity. Your success starts here!

Subject	Social Science (Political Science)
Class	10
Board	CBSE and State Boards
Chapter No.	5
Chapter Name	Outcomes of Democracy
Type	Notes
Session	2024-25

Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Notes

Table of Contents

• How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?
• Accountable, responsive, and legitimate government
• Economic growth and development
• Reduction of inequality and poverty
• Accommodation of social diversity
• Dignity and freedom of the citizens

How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?

Common features of democracies

• Regular elections: In a democratic government, general elections are held to elect a new government.
• Right to vote: All the citizens of the country, of and above a certain age, have the right to vote.
• Political parties: political parties are an essential part of democracy. They put up candidates who contest the election.
• 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.

Democracy is a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative form of government

• 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.

Accountable, responsive, and legitimate government

The most basic outcome of democracy should be:

• Accountable government
• Responsive government.

A democratic government is efficient and effective Or, The cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it

• Imagine a government that may make decisions very fast. But it may take decisions that are not accepted by the people and may, therefore, face problems.
• In contrast, the democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
• 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.

A democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to take part in the decision-making process. For these free and fair elections, open debate on major policies, legislation, and the right to information is there in good democracies. Therefore, democracies are called accountable governments.

Democracy is a responsive government. It is responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens. It makes policies for the welfare of the citizens.

The right or means to examine the process of decision-making is called transparency.

Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation

• Democracy gives importance to deliberation and public opinion.
• The democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
• Its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
• Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.
• Transparency as persons have the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making.
• It follows procedures and is accountable to the people.
• The democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable.
• The democratic government follows mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision-making whenever they think fit.

A democratic government is a legitimate government. It is elected by the people and people wish to be ruled by the representatives elected by them.

A democratic government referred to as a legitimate government

• 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.

Democracy’s ability to generate its own support is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored

• Democracy ensures that decision-making will be based on norms and procedures.
• Every citizen has the right and means to examine the process of decision-making.
• Democratic governments are accountable, legitimate, and transparent governments.
• People have the right to choose their rulers.
• Democracy gives its citizens the right to information about the government and its functioning.
• A democratic government is the people’s own government and it is run by the people.

Economic growth and development

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.

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.

Reduction of inequality and poverty

• 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.

Accommodation of social diversity

• 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.

Two conditions necessary to ensure that democracy accommodates social diversity

• It is necessary to understand that 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.
• It is also necessary that rule by the majority does not become rule by the majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group, etc.
• Rule by majority means that in the case of every decision or in the case of every election, different persons and groups may and can form a majority.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

Democracy assure the dignity of women and prevent caste inequalities

• 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.

Reasonable outcomes that one may expect from democracy

• A democratic government can be expected to be an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government.
• Democracy accommodates social diversity and ensures peace and harmony in society.
• Democracy promotes the dignity and freedom of the individual.

📘 Chapter 7: Outcomes of Democracy – NCERT Solutions

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🔹 In-text Questions (Page 96–97)

Q1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Answer:
Democracy produces:

• Accountable government – because leaders are elected by the people and can be voted out.

• Responsive government – it responds to public needs through debates, media pressure, and civil society.

• Legitimate government – people participate freely, and elections are held fairly, giving democratic governments moral and legal authority.

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Q2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Answer:
Democracies accommodate social diversity when:

1. They ensure equal representation for all communities.

2. Majority and minority views are respected.

3. They allow peaceful expression of differences.
   India is an example where religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity is respected through democratic structures.

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Q3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
(a) Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
Answer:
Oppose.

• Democracy is not a luxury; it ensures inclusive growth and social justice.

• Many poor countries like India have remained democratic and are progressing.

• Dictatorship may lead to fast growth but lacks freedom, equality, and public participation.

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(b) Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
Answer:
Partly true.

• Democracy offers equal political rights, but economic inequality still exists.

• However, democratic governments implement welfare schemes to reduce the gap, e.g., MNREGA, PDS, scholarships for SC/STs.

• Democracy creates space for public demand for equitable development.

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(c) Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, and education.
Answer:
Strongly oppose.

• These are the basic areas that support human development and long-term economic growth.

• Democracies aim for inclusive development, and neglecting these sectors harms the poor.

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(d) In democracy, all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
Answer:
Partly incorrect.

• One person one vote ensures political equality, but economic and social inequalities still exist.

• Domination by powerful sections may still occur.

• Democracy provides a platform to address these conflicts through debate and law.

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🔹 Exercise Questions (Page 97–98)

Q1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
(Same as In-text Q1 above – Refer above)

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Q2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
(Same as In-text Q2 above – Refer above)

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Q3. Give three arguments in favour of democracy.
Answer:

1. People’s participation – Citizens have a role in decision-making.

2. Accountability – Leaders can be questioned and changed via elections.

3. Freedom and equality – Democracy promotes liberty, rights, and equal status for all.

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Q4. Give three arguments against democracy.
Answer:

1. Slow decision-making – Due to consultations and debates.

2. Unstable government – Frequent changes can disrupt progress.

3. Risk of bad decisions – Uninformed voters may elect inefficient leaders.

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Q5. How does democracy lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens?
Answer:

• Democracy respects differences, and promotes equality and freedom.

• It resolves conflicts through dialogue, not violence.

• Minority rights are protected, ensuring harmony among communities.

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Q6. Democracy is considered better than other forms of government. Why?
Answer:
Democracy is better because:

1. It gives people the right to choose their leaders.

2. It ensures equality, freedom, and dignity.

3. It is transparent and accountable.

4. It allows correction of mistakes.

5. It protects minorities and social diversity.

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Q7. Read the following extract. Does the performance of democracies in poor countries show that democratic governments are less effective?
Answer:

• No, democratic governments face challenges but provide long-term stability and inclusive growth.

• Economic development depends on many factors; democracy allows public involvement and corrects policies through accountability.

• So, even if the growth is slower, democracy ensures justice and participation.

📘 Outcomes of Democracy – CBSE Past Year Questions & Answers

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🟩 1-MARK QUESTIONS (Very Short Answer)

Q1. What is meant by ‘accountable’ government?
📌 (CBSE 2017)
Answer:
An accountable government is one that is answerable to the people and operates transparently. Citizens can question its decisions and change it through elections.

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Q2. Define ‘legitimate government’.
📌 (CBSE 2019)
Answer:
A legitimate government is elected through free and fair elections and is accepted by the people as lawful and rightful.

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Q3. Name one country where democracy has failed to reduce economic inequality.
📌 (CBSE 2020)
Answer:
India is a democratic country where economic inequality still exists despite development.

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🟨 3-MARK QUESTIONS (Short Answer)

Q4. How does democracy produce an accountable government?
📌 (CBSE 2016, 2019)
Answer:

1. In a democracy, the government is elected by the people and is responsible to them.

2. Citizens can question policies and hold leaders accountable through elections, media, and protests.

3. Democratic institutions like Parliament, Judiciary, and Press act as watchdogs to ensure transparency.

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Q5. “Democracy ensures dignity and freedom of citizens.” Explain.
📌 (CBSE 2020)
Answer:

1. Democracy gives equal rights and freedom of speech to all citizens.

2. It promotes respect for individuals, especially for women and marginalized communities.

3. People can express dissent and participate freely in the decision-making process.

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Q6. List any three merits of democratic government.
📌 (CBSE 2017)
Answer:

1. Ensures equality and justice.

2. Promotes participation of people in decision-making.

3. Protects the dignity and freedom of individuals.

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Q7. “Democracies are unable to reduce economic inequalities.” Explain.
📌 (CBSE 2018)
Answer:

1. Wealth remains concentrated among a few rich people.

2. Despite schemes, poor still struggle for basic needs.

3. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen in many democracies.

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🟥 5-MARK QUESTIONS (Long Answer)

Q8. Explain five outcomes of democracy.
📌 (CBSE 2016, 2021)
Answer:

1. Accountable Government: People have the right to elect and replace their leaders.

2. Responsive Government: Listens to the needs of the people.

3. Legitimate Government: Conducts fair elections, accepted by citizens.

4. Accommodation of Diversity: Respects all religions, languages, castes.

5. Dignity and Freedom: Promotes equality, rights, and dignity of individuals.

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Q9. “Democracy is better than other forms of government.” Justify with five points.
📌 (CBSE 2022)
Answer:

1. Ensures political equality among citizens.

2. Allows freedom of expression and dissent.

3. Regular elections allow peaceful power transitions.

4. Provides room for correcting wrong decisions.

5. Accommodates social diversity and protects minority interests.

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Q10. Describe how democracy accommodates social diversity.
📌 (CBSE 2020)
Answer:

1. Gives equal political rights to all communities.

2. Encourages minority participation in governance.

3. Avoids imposition of majority views.

4. Allows peaceful resolution of differences.

5. Democratic practices in India have helped maintain unity in diversity.

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Q11. How does democracy stand better than dictatorship in promoting dignity and freedom of citizens?
📌 (CBSE 2019)
Answer:

1. Democracy gives every individual a voice.

2. Respects and protects fundamental rights.

3. Ensures equal treatment for all.

4. Public opinion shapes decision-making.

5. People can remove leaders who fail to respect their dignity.

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🧠 Bonus: HOTS Question

Q12. “Democracy is not a guarantee of economic development.” Give reasons.
📌 (CBSE 2018 HOTS)
Answer:

1. Development depends on population, resources, and policies.

2. Democracies may face delays in decision-making.

3. Still, democracy ensures equitable distribution and inclusive growth.

4. Non-democratic countries may grow faster but lack public welfare.