Outcomes of Democracy

Studying the concept of Democracy, you will get to learn about the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens as well as the powers and duties of a citizen as per the constitution. To familiarise students with the basic overview of this topic, CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus comprises a detailed chapter on Outcomes of Democracy. In this blog, we will briefly discuss various aspects related to the outcomes of democracy and the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities.

Overview of Outcomes of Democracy

Before going on to the outcomes of democracy, we first need to understand the key aspects of what is Democracy. To put it simply, a democracy is a system wherein people of the country have the right to elect their government through a system of representation, usually involving periodically held elections. India is referred to as the largest democracy while the USA is the oldest democracy in the world. Further, democracy is considered as the better form of government as compared to dictatorship or any other alternative.

Various Advantages of Democracy

The chapter further describes on the advantages of democracy. Let’s go through them briefly:

• It helps to promote equality amongst citizens of the country.
• It helps in establishing a systematic decision-making process in the country.
• It provides a system of resolving conflicts.
• It allows space for correcting mistakes.
• It allows for the participation of every citizen in the government through their elected representatives.

To know more, check out our blog on Features of Democracy!

Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government

In the chapter on outcomes of democracy, it has been elucidated that the most important aspect of democracy is that it forms a government that is accountable to the people who elected it and responsive to the needs and problems of the people. Since a democratic government is ‘for the people’ and ‘by the people’, it works for the ‘benefit of the people’. In a democracy, the government is elected through a system of timely held, free and fair elections. The democratic government takes decisions after following the systematic procedure of discussions and voting with the elected representatives of the people. 

If people find any decision of the government to be wrong, they can challenge it in the judiciary. There is a huge difference between democracy and dictatorship as democracy provides a more accountable, responsive, and legitimate government than dictatorship or any other alternative

Economic Growth and Development

Democracy does not guarantee higher economic growth and development, but a reasonable assurance exists that democratic governments will work more efficiently towards the economic and social betterment of the country. Economic growth and development of a country do not depend solely on the form of government but also on other factors such as geographical conditions of the country, size of the population, natural resources in the country, relations with global countries, etc.

Reduction of Inequality and Poverty

The chapter on Outcomes of Democracy also explores the factor of reduction of inequality and poverty as the most important motive of a democratic government. But many governments have failed in doing so in real terms. Income inequality has been increasing all over the world. In fact, in the world’s oldest democracy, i.e., the USA, there exists a huge difference in income and wealth between the rich and the poor. In India, there is a vast difference between the income of the rich and the poor as well.

This difference is increasing day by day. Only a small group of rich people enjoy the maximum proportion of wealth and income. This is the major drawback of democracy that it has failed in reducing inequalities among the income of its citizens. Although democratic governments try hard to frame policies and laws for equality of wealth, income, and resources among citizens of the country, in real terms, they fail to do so.

Accommodation of Social Diversities

Social differences do exist among various sections of society in the country. No country can achieve social and economic development if there are social conflicts and differences among the people of the country. There must be a proper mechanism and procedure for resolving social disputes and conflicts. As stated in the chapter on Outcomes of Democracy, democracy can only provide the best possible solution to this problem. But democracy must follow these two conditions to achieve this outcome:

• There must be active participation by both the majority and minority in the democracy. It is not that the majority of people only are running a democracy.
• It must be ensured that rule by the majority does not become a rule by the majority in terms of caste, religion, race, etc.

Dignity and Freedom of Citizens

As stated in the chapter on Outcomes of Democracy, here are some of the important points regarding dignity and freedom of the citizens of the country:

• Democracy is much better than any other form of government in ensuring the dignity and freedom of its citizens. No country can prosper without ensuring the respect and freedom of its citizens.
• Respect and freedom of citizens of the country are the basis of democracy. Democracies consider all individuals as equal.
• From ancient times males have dominated society. Women’s long struggles for equalities have created some sort of awareness that respectful and equal treatment of women is necessary for a democratic society.
• Inequalities and injustice towards the underprivileged sections of the society are not acceptable in the democratic country. This factor ensures the dignity and freedom of citizens in the country. Democracy in India has acknowledged the claims of underprivileged and discriminated sections of society for equal opportunity and participation.  

Outcomes of Democracy Practice MCQs

• On what does economic growth depend?
  (a) Size of the population of the country
  (b) Territory or area of the country
  (c) Global scenario
  (d) Co-operation among various nations

• What is the basic outcome of democracy?
  (a) Political, social and economic outcome
  (b) Military outcome
  (c) Restricted and limited welfare policies.
  (d) Elimination of poverty

• What do democracies ensure regarding decision making?
  (a) Process of transparency
  (b) Decisions taken by the head of the country
  (c) Decision by the Council of Ministers
  (d) Restricted popular participation in decision making

• Which of the following is not true about democracy?
  (а) It always worries about majorities and public opinion.
  (б) It improves the quality of decision making.
  (c) Decision making is faster and quicker.
  (d) It allows a room to correct mistakes.

• Why is democracy considered as the better form of government than dictatorship?
  (a) Promotes equality and enhances dignity of the individual.
  (b) Never allows room to correct mistakes.
  (c) Majority community rule
  (d) Provides methods to resolve conflicts

• A government that takes decision by following norms and a proper procedure is:
  (a) An accountable government
  (b) A responsible government
  (c) A transparent government
  (d) A stable government

• When was democracy introduced in India?
  (a) 1952
  (b) 1950
  (c) 1947
  (d) 1949

Answers: d, a, a, c, a, c, b

Outcomes of Democracy MCQs

Outcomes of Democracy PPT

Outcomes Of Democracy from Siddharth Chandrasekar

Thus, this blog summarized the major aspects of the Outcomes of Democracy and its related factors. If you are clueless about choosing the right stream after class 10th? Get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu and we will help you in making an informed decision towards a rewarding career! Sign up for a free session with us today!