Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy

Important questions — the ones the board asked most (20)

1. Q1Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   32. (a) How is democracy better than other types of government ? Analyse. OR (b) Analyse the role of democracy in reducing inequality and poverty.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · Why democracy is better

   1. 1.Democracy is better than dictatorship or rule by a monarch, the military or religious leaders because it promotes equality among citizens. Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives, so rich and poor alike have one vote each.1 mark
   2. 2.Democracy enhances the dignity of the individual. Every person is treated as an equal citizen with rights, not as a subject of a ruler. People can speak freely and take part in deciding who governs them, and this gives them respect and self-worth.1 mark
   3. 3.Democracy improves the quality of decision-making. Decisions are taken after discussion and debate among the people's representatives, so many views are heard before a decision is made. This makes decisions more careful and more acceptable to people than orders from one ruler.1 mark
   4. 4.Democracy provides a method to resolve conflicts. A society has many groups with different views and interests. Democracy lets these differences be settled peacefully through talks, elections and fair rules, so no single group can force its will on others.1 mark
   5. 5.Democracy allows room to correct mistakes. A democratic government can be questioned openly, and its wrong decisions can be debated and changed. If people are unhappy with a government, they can vote it out in the next election, which a dictatorship does not allow.1 mark

   • Write all five merits using the book's own phrases, such as "promotes equality among citizens" and "allows room to correct mistakes".
   • Give each merit its own paragraph and add one line explaining how democracy does better than dictatorship.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

2. Q2Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   (a) Evaluate the outcomes of democracy in the economic sector of the country. OR (b) Evaluate the outcomes of democracy in the social sector of the country.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · Economic outcomes of democracy

   1. 1.Democracy is not a guarantee of economic development, but it does not lag behind dictatorships. Economic development depends on several factors: country's population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc. Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships had a slightly higher rate of economic growth. Among less developed countries, however, the difference between dictatorships and democracies is negligible.1 mark
   2. 2.Equality is one of the basic principles of democracy, because democracies are based on political equality. So democracies are expected to reduce economic inequalities. In practice they have not been very successful. In South Africa and Brazil, the top 20 per cent of people take away more than 60 per cent of the national income.1 mark
   3. 3.Democracy encourages economic growth through reforms and policies. Elected governments must answer to the people, so they make economic policies that aim to improve the well-being of citizens.1 mark
   4. 4.Democracy promotes initiatives like Make in India, which encourages industries and manufacturing, and MGNREGA, which gives employment to poor people in rural areas.1 mark
   5. 5.The policies of globalization and liberalization adopted by democracies have encouraged international trade. This has opened markets and brought investment, leading to progress of the country.1 mark

   • List all the factors economic development depends on: country's population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries and economic priorities adopted by the country.
   • Name both initiatives, Make in India and MGNREGA, and say what each one does.
   • Write that globalization and liberalization encouraged international trade, leading to progress.

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

3. Q3Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

   (A) How are democratic governments better than other forms of government ? Explain. OR (B) How do democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens ? Explain.

   

   Medha Ma’am

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   Model answer · Why democracy is better

   1. 1.Democratic governments are better than other forms of government because democratic government promotes equality among citizens. It accepts that all individuals are equal. Every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.1 mark
   2. 2.Democratic government enhances the dignity of the individual. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual. For example, it supports respect to and equal treatment of women.1 mark
   3. 3.Democratic government improves the quality of decision-making. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view, and not only the wish of one ruler.1 mark
   4. 4.Democratic government provides a method to resolve conflicts. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent. For example, Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among ethnic populations.1 mark
   5. 5.Democratic government allows room to correct mistakes. Majority and minority opinions are not permanent. In every election, different persons and groups may and can form a majority, so the people can change a wrong decision or a bad government.1 mark

   • Begin each paragraph with the feature in the book's words, for example "Democratic government allows room to correct mistakes."
   • Give each feature one line of explanation, such as the Belgium example for "provides a method to resolve conflicts".

   Marks split as in the board’s published marking scheme

4. Q4Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   (A) "The combination of accountability, responsibility and legitimacy forms the foundation of a democratic government." Examine this statement. Or (B) "The dignity and freedom of citizens is the essence of democracy." Examine this statement.

5. Q5Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   (A) "Democracy is a legitimate government with deep values." Examine the statement. OR (B) "Complaints are itself a testimony to the success of democracy." Examine the statement.

   How the model answer begins

   1. (B) The statement is correct. Complaints come from people's rising expectations from democracy. The examination of democracy never gets over. As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. As people get some…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
6. Q6Long answer5 marksAsked: 2026

   (A) "Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens." Examine the statement. OR (B) "Democracy is based on the idea of deliberations and negotiations." Examine the statement.

   How the model answer begins

   1. Democracies do lead to a peaceful and harmonious life among citizens, because they accommodate social diversities and peacefully resolve conflicts among different social groups. No society can fully and permanently…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
7. Q7Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   32. (a) Explain any five bases for assessing the outcomes of democracy. OR (b) Explain any five values of democracy.

8. Q8Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   (a) "One distinct feature of democracy is that its scrutiny never ends." Explain the statement with appropriate arguments. OR (b) "Democratic system is better than other systems." Explain the statement with appropriate arguments.

9. Q9Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

   (A) "Democratic governance is responsive to the expectations of citizens." Justify the statement with suitable arguments. OR (B) "Democracy accommodates social diversity better than dictatorship." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

   How the model answer begins

   1. Democratic governance is responsive to the expectations of citizens because citizens in a democracy elect their leaders who form the government. People have the right to choose their rulers, so the government owes its…

   The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
10. Q10Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

    (A) "Democracy elevates humans from the status of subject to citizen." Justify the statement with suitable arguments. OR (B) "Democracy and Development go together." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Democracy raises people from the status of a subject to that of a citizen because democratic principles allow people to come up with more expectations. When people are asked how democracy functions, they always come up…

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11. Q11Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

    (A) "Democratic governments are usually attentive to the needs and demands of the people." Justify the statement with suitable arguments. OR (B) "Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual." Justify the statement with suitable arguments.

    How the model answer begins

    1. Democratic governments are usually attentive to the needs and demands of the people because the people choose them. Democracies are successful in setting up regular and free elections. These give a fair chance to all…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
12. Q12Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

    (a) Explain the role of democracy in reducing economic inequalities in India. OR (b) Explain the role of democracy in establishing the dignity of citizens.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (a) Democracy helps to reduce economic inequalities in India in several ways. First, democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives, so the vote of a poor…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
13. Q13Long answer5 marksAsked: 2025

    (a) How is democracy a responsible and legitimate government ? Explain. OR (b) Explain the role of democracy in establishing harmony among social diversities.

14. Q14Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (A) Analyse the positive outcomes of the democracy. OR (B) Analyse the political outcomes associated with democracy.

15. Q15Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (A) Analyse any five values of democracy. OR (B) "The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy." Justify the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The statement is justified because every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Conflicts often arise among individuals because some of them feel they are not treated with due respect.

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
16. Q16Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (a) How is democratic government better than dictatorship ? Analyze. OR (b) How does democracy accommodate social diversity ? Analyze.

17. Q17Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (a) How are democratic governments accountable, responsible and legitimate ? Explain. OR (b) How does democracy promote social justice and equality ? Explain.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (a) Democratic governments are accountable, responsible and legitimate because their decision making is based on deliberation and negotiation. Decisions are discussed in assemblies before they are taken. This causes…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
18. Q18Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (a) 'Dignity and freedom of peoples are the basis of democracy.' Explain the statement. OR (b) 'Democracy is related with deep values.' Explain the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. The passion for dignity and freedom is the basis of democracy. Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Conflicts often arise when some people feel they are not treated with due respect. Democracy…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →
19. Q19Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    32. (a) How do we assess democracy's outcomes ? Explain. OR (b) "Democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate government." Explain the statement.

20. Q20Long answer5 marksAsked: 2024

    (a) "Democracy's ability to generate its own support is also its outcome and it cannot be ignored." Explain the statement. OR (b) "Democratic systems are based on political equality." Explain the statement.

    How the model answer begins

    1. (a) Democracy generates its own support because it is the people's own government. So it is legitimate, and people feel attached to it. Surveys in South Asia show that democracy is preferred over dictatorship everywhere…

    The full answer from Medha Ma’am →

20 more questions of this chapter, each with its model answer, in the Ask Medha app.

Objective questions with the board’s key (10)

1. 1. CBSE 2026

   Look at the given cartoon carefully and answer the question that follow : Which of the following concepts is best illustrated in the cartoon ? Note : The following question is for Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of question no. 21 : Which of the following countries has a democratic government since independence ? (A) Syria (B) Cuba (C) India (D) Afghanistan

   • (A) Inclusive economic growth amongst nations
   • (B) Stagnation of economic development amongst nations
   • (C) Uneven distribution of wealth amongst nations ✓
   • (D) Balanced economic growth amongst nations

   Answer: (C)

2. 2. CBSE 2026

   Look at the given picture carefully and choose the most appropriate option : Which of the following is a strength of democracy highlighted in the cartoon ? Note : The following question is for the Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of Question No. 21. In a democracy, the government is responsible :

   • (A) Avoidance of social conflicts.
   • (B) Quick decision-making
   • (C) Concentration of power with one
   • (D) Thinking accommodation of various demands. ✓

   Answer: (D)

3. 3. CBSE 2026

   20. Look at the given picture carefully and choose the most appropriate option : Which of the following is a strength of democracy highlighted in the cartoon ?

   • (A) Avoidance of social conflicts.
   • (B) Quick decision-making
   • (C) Concentration of power with one
   • (D) Thinking accommodation of various demands. ✓

   Answer: (D)

4. 4. CBSE 2025

   In a democratic country the government adopts environment friendly policies with the help of citizens and experts. Which one of the following is a positive outcome of this process ?

   • (A) The government is capable of determining policies on its own.
   • (B) Citizens feel empowered to determine policies. ✓
   • (C) Corporates protect their own interest in determining policies.
   • (D) Market forces also influence the government for their interests.

   Answer: (B)

5. 5. CBSE 2025

   How is democracy better than other forms of Government ? Choose the most appropriate option.

   • (A) It enhances the dignity of individuals. ✓
   • (B) It promotes equality among elites.
   • (C) It promotes tendency of private ownership only.
   • (D) It increases the individualism.

   Answer: (A)

6. 6. CBSE 2024

   What role do ‘checks and balances’ play in a democratic country ? Choose the most suitable option from the following.

   • (A) To establish a direct form of government without representatives.
   • (B) To create a separation of powers to prevent from authoritarianism. ✓
   • (C) To prevent any change to the Constitution.
   • (D) To ensure absolute power for one branch of government.

   Answer: (B)

7. 7. CBSE 2024

   Read the following characteristics of democracy and choose the correct option. I. Free and fair elections II. Equality before law III. Dignity of a person IV. Majority rule Options :

   • (A) Only I, II and III are correct. ✓
   • (B) Only II, III and IV are correct.
   • (C) Only I, III and IV are correct.
   • (D) Only I, II and IV are correct.

   Answer: (A)

8. 8. CBSE 2024

   Which one of the following is a fundamental principle of democracy ?

   • (A) Rule of single individual
   • (B) Rule with hereditary norms
   • (C) Rule of people with freedom ✓
   • (D) Rule of military chiefs

   Answer: (C)

9. 9. CBSE 2024

   Read the following statements regarding democracy and choose the correct option. I. Promotes equality among citizens II. Government by few individuals III. Protection of human rights IV. Ensures checks and balance system Options :

   • (A) I, II and III
   • (B) II, III and IV
   • (C) I, III and IV ✓
   • (D) I, II and IV

   Answer: (C)

10. 10. CBSE 2023

    Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world ?

    • (A) Dictatorial Government
    • (B) Constitutional Monarchy
    • (C) Military Government
    • (D) Democratic Government ✓

    Answer: (D)

Questions parents and students ask

How many marks does "Outcomes of Democracy" carry in CBSE Class 10 Social Science?

In the CBSE papers of 2023–2026, this chapter carried about 5 marks and about 2 questions a year; by marks it ranks 8 in Social Science.

Which are the most important (VVI) questions of "Outcomes of Democracy"?

The 20 questions above are from the board’s real papers, each with the years it was asked; the most-asked come first with their full model answers. All 40 written questions of this chapter, with answers, are in the Ask Medha app.

Do the answers follow the board’s marking scheme?

Yes. CBSE publishes its marking schemes; every model answer here is written point by point to the marks the board’s own scheme gives, and checked by a second, independent model.