5.7-Exercises (Outcomes of Democracy)
5.7-Exercises (Outcomes of Democracy) Important Formulae
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Grade 10 → Civics → Outcomes of Democracy → 5.7-Exercises (Outcomes of Democracy)
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Solved Example: 5-7-01
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Solution:
How Democracy Produces an Accountable, Responsive, and Legitimate Government
Democracy ensures accountability through regular elections, allowing citizens to choose and remove representatives. Elected officials must respond to the needs and concerns of the public, fostering a sense of responsibility. Mechanisms like the Right to Information enable citizens to access government data, promoting transparency. Democratic institutions, such as independent judiciary and media, hold the government accountable. Legitimacy arises when governments derive power from the consent of the governed, ensuring policies reflect the electorate's will. This cycle of accountability, responsiveness, and legitimacy is fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy.
Solved Example: 5-7-02
What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Solution:
Conditions Under Which Democracies Accommodate Social Diversities
Democracies accommodate social diversities through several conditions. Firstly, recognition of diverse identities promotes inclusivity. Legal frameworks protecting minority rights ensure equal representation. Political parties must embrace pluralism, representing various social groups. Additionally, decentralization of power allows local governance, catering to specific community needs. Education and awareness about diversity foster mutual respect and understanding. Dialogue and negotiation among different social groups help resolve conflicts. A strong civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for marginalized voices. Together, these conditions enable democracies to effectively manage and celebrate social diversities.
Solved Example: 5-7-03
3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor
need dictatorship to become rich.
Democracy can’t reduce inequality of incomes between
different citizens.
Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty
reduction, health, education and spend more on industries
and infrastructure.
In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that
there is absence of any domination and conflict.
Solution:
Arguments on Various Assertions
Industrialized countries demonstrate that democracy can thrive alongside economic success, while poor countries benefit from inclusive governance. Dictatorships often lead to repression, hindering development. Regarding income inequality, democracies can implement policies to address disparities, but systemic issues can persist. Investing in education and healthcare can uplift poorer citizens. Spending less on poverty reduction undermines social stability; investing in human capital is vital for long-term growth. Lastly, while one vote per citizen promotes equality, power dynamics and social divisions can still lead to domination and conflict, challenging the notion of true equality in democracy.
Solved Example: 5-7-04
4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
Following a High Court directive, a temple in Orissa that had
separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for
all from the same door.
A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different
states of India.
Following an allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara
in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
Solution:
Challenges to Democracy and Suggested Mechanisms
The challenge in the temple entry issue is social discrimination, which undermines equality. To deepen democracy, awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws are essential. In the case of farmer suicides, the challenge lies in inadequate support for farmers. Establishing comprehensive agricultural policies, mental health support, and financial assistance programs can address these issues. Regarding the fake encounter in Gandwara, the challenge is accountability and trust in law enforcement. An independent inquiry commission with civilian oversight can ensure transparency and justice, reinforcing public confidence in democratic institutions.
Solved Example: 5-7-05
5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct– democracies have successfully eliminated:
Conflicts among people
Economic inequalities among people
Differences of opinion about how marginalised sections
are to be treated
The idea of political inequality
Solution:
Democracies and Their Challenges
In democracies, it is incorrect to say that they have successfully eliminated conflicts among people, economic inequalities, or differences of opinion regarding marginalized sections. While democracies provide a platform for dialogue and participation, conflicts can still arise due to diverse interests and beliefs. Economic inequalities often persist, as not all citizens have equal access to resources and opportunities. Additionally, debates about the treatment of marginalized groups continue to exist, highlighting differing perspectives within society. Political inequality, though addressed through democratic processes, is not completely eradicated, as power dynamics still influence governance.
Solved Example: 5-7-06
In the context of assessing democracy, which among the following is the odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:
A. free and fair elections
B. dignity of the individual
C. majority rule
D. equal treatment before law
Solution:
Assessing Democracy: The Odd One Out
In the context of assessing democracy, the odd one out is C. majority rule. While free and fair elections, dignity of the individual, and equal treatment before law are fundamental principles that support democratic governance, majority rule specifically refers to the decision-making process where the majority's preference prevails. This can sometimes lead to the neglect of minority rights, whereas the other three options emphasize individual rights and equality, which are essential for a just and inclusive democracy. Therefore, majority rule does not align as closely with the broader principles of democracy.
Solved Example: 5-7-07
Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that:
A. democracy and development go together.
B. inequalities exist in democracies.
C. inequalities do not exist under dictatorship.
D. dictatorship is better than democracy.
Solution:
Political and Social Inequalities in Democracy
Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy indicate that B. inequalities exist in democracies. While democracies strive for equality and fairness, various forms of inequality—such as economic, social, and political—persist. This shows that even in democratic systems, not all citizens enjoy equal opportunities or rights. Option A, suggesting democracy and development go together, may hold some truth but does not negate the existence of inequalities. Options C and D inaccurately assert that inequalities do not exist under dictatorship or that dictatorship is superior, as both systems can exhibit significant inequalities.
Solved Example: 5-7-08
8. Read the passage below:
Nannu is a daily wage earner. He lives in Welcome Mazdoor Colony, a slum habitation in East Delhi. He lost his ration card and applied for a duplicate one in January 2004. He made several rounds to the local Food and Civil Supplies office for the next three months. But the clerks and officials would not even look at him, leave alone do his job or bother to
tell him the status of his application. Ultimately, he filed an application under the Right to Information Act asking for the daily progress made on his application, names of the officials, who were supposed to act on his application and what action would be taken against these officials for their inaction. Within a week of filing application under the Right to Information Act, he was visited by an inspector from the Food Department, who informed him that the card had been made and he could collect it from the office. When Nannu went to collect his card next day, he was given a very warm treatment by the Food and Supply Officer (FSO), who is the head of a Circle. The FSO offered him tea and requested him to withdraw his application under the Right to Information, since his work had already been done.
What does Nannu’s example show? What impact did Nannu’s action have on officials? Ask your parents their experiences when they approach government officials to attend to their problems.
Solution:
Nannu's Example and Its Impact
Nannu's experience illustrates the importance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in empowering citizens. Initially, he faced indifference from officials regarding his ration card application. However, by filing an RTI request, he compelled the authorities to take action. This not only expedited the processing of his application but also highlighted accountability among officials. Nannu's case emphasizes how informed citizens can influence bureaucratic responsiveness, encouraging officials to act promptly and efficiently. It reflects a shift in the relationship between citizens and government, fostering a more proactive and responsive administrative culture.