Outcomes of Democracy — Class 10 MCQs with Answers

Outcomes of Democracy — important questions & MCQs with answers (Class 10 Civics)

6 solved questions from this chapter's difficulty levels, each with its answer and explanation. Tap an option to check yourself.

0 of 6 answered

1. Q1 of 6Easy

   A government that is answerable to its citizens and follows established procedures is best described as a/an ____ government.

   AAuthoritarianBMonarchicalCAccountableDMilitary
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   Answer: Accountable

   Explanation: An accountable government is answerable to the people and works within rules and procedures, a defining feature of democracy.

2. Q2 of 6Easy

   When comparing economic performance, democracies and dictatorships are usually evaluated on the basis of their rates of ____.

   Aliteracy onlyBeconomic growthCpopulationDurbanisation
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   Answer: economic growth

   Explanation: The debate over economic outcomes compares the rates of economic growth achieved under democratic and non-democratic regimes.

3. Q3 of 6Medium

   According to the chapter, how have incomes changed in democracies alongside growing economic inequalities?

   AIncomes of the rich and the poor have risen at the same rateBThe share of the ultra-rich has fallen and bottom incomes have risenCIncomes of all groups have stayed the same since 1950DThe share of the ultra-rich has grown and bottom incomes have declined
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   Answer: The share of the ultra-rich has grown and bottom incomes have declined

   Explanation: The chapter says a small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes and their share has been increasing, while the incomes of those at the bottom of society have been declining.

4. Q4 of 6Medium

   Why is democracy considered better than other forms of government at handling social differences and diversities?

   AIt eliminates all differences among groupsBIt develops mechanisms to negotiate differences and reduce the chance of social conflict turning explosiveCIt forces all groups to adopt one cultureDIt ignores minority groups completely
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   Answer: It develops mechanisms to negotiate differences and reduce the chance of social conflict turning explosive

   Explanation: Democracy accommodates social diversity by evolving ways to negotiate and contain conflicts, so differences do not become permanent violent divisions.

5. Q5 of 6Hard

   Consider the following statements based on the chapter: I. Democracies of the world are very different from each other in their social situations, economic achievements and cultures. II. In holding elections, allowing public debate and sharing information, democratic regimes are much better than any non-democratic regime. III. Transparency is usually stronger in non-democratic governments than in democratic ones. Which of the statements is/are correct?

   AI onlyBI and II onlyCII and III onlyDI, II and III
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   Answer: I and II only

   Explanation: The chapter says democracies differ greatly in their social situations, economic achievements and cultures, and that, though they fall short, democratic regimes are much better than any non-democratic regime in holding elections, allowing public debate and sharing information. III is wrong: transparency is often missing from a non-democratic government.

6. Q6 of 6Hard

   Assertion (A): Arguments about democracy tend to be very passionate. Reason (R): Democracy appeals to some of our deep values.

   ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of ABBoth A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of ACA is true but R is falseDA is false but R is true
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   Answer: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

   Explanation: The chapter says arguments about democracy tend to be very passionate, and this is how it should be, for democracy appeals to some of our deep values. So R explains A.

Outcomes of Democracy notes: key concepts (Class 10 Civics)

This chapter judges democracy by what it delivers: accountable, responsive and legitimate government, economic growth, reduction of inequality and poverty, accommodation of social diversity, and the dignity and freedom of citizens. It weighs expected outcomes against actual achievements to explain why we still prefer democracy.

Accountable government

Democracy produces a government answerable to citizens, that follows set procedures and can be questioned — its clearest and most certain outcome.

Responsive government

A government that attends to the needs and expectations of citizens; democracy is meant to be more responsive than non-democratic rule.

Legitimate government

One that is the people's own government, elected by fair and transparent procedures — democracy's legitimacy is its biggest strength.

Transparency (RTI)

Citizens can examine how decisions are taken; the Right to Information Act lets people check government functioning, e.g. why a road was not built.

Economic growth record

Data for 1950-2000 show dictatorships had a marginally higher growth rate in poor countries; the tiny difference is a poor reason to prefer dictatorship.

Economic inequality

Democracy gives political equality (one person, one vote) but often fails to reduce the gap between a few ultra-rich and the very poor.

Poverty and democracy

Democracies have not been very successful in reducing poverty; in Bangladesh more than half the population lives in poverty, and some poor countries depend on rich ones for food.

Accommodating diversity

Democracy handles social differences best when majority and minority are not permanent and no group is shut out of power forever — two key conditions.

Dignity and freedom

Democracy secures the dignity and freedom of individuals; struggles for women's equality and against caste discrimination are settled through democratic means.

Expected vs actual outcomes

Democracy should be assessed by comparing what it is expected to achieve with what it actually delivers, not by demanding instant perfection.

Complaint as testimony

That citizens openly complain democracy has not solved every problem is itself proof it works — the freedom to criticise is a democratic success.

Deepening of democracy

A democracy that keeps correcting its mistakes and improving over time is said to be deepening — the real test of its quality.