NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5 Notes | Dignity And Freedom Of The Citizens
Topic & sub-topics covered: “Dignity And Freedom Of The Citizens” and MCQs Questions: Outcomes of Democracy (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).
We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 5 “Outcomes of Democracy“.
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 5 Outcomes of Democracy PDF Notes
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5 “Outcomes of Democracy” PDF Notes to revise key concepts quickly. This chapter explains how democracy affects a country’s governance, economy, social equality, and citizen rights. It discusses whether democratic systems meet people’s expectations by being accountable, inclusive, and respecting individual dignity. These notes offer a concise summary—perfect for exam prep or quick understanding.
Dignity And Freedom Of The Citizens

1. Democracy and Individual Dignity:
- Democracy is superior to other forms of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of individuals.
- Respect among individuals is a fundamental value of democracy, reducing conflicts arising from a lack of recognition.
- Democratic principles recognise that all individuals are equal and vital in societies built on subordination and domination.
2. Dignity of Women in Democracies:
- Historically, most societies were male-dominated, but democracy has fostered sensitivity towards the need for respect and equality for women.
- Women’s struggles for equality are supported in democratic setups because:
a. Legal and moral principles recognise equal treatment of women.
b. This recognition enables women to fight against discrimination effectively. - In non-democratic setups, the absence of these principles makes it harder to challenge gender-based inequalities.
3. Democracy and Caste Inequalities:
- In India, democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and opportunities.
- Caste-based atrocities continue, but they lack moral and legal justification under democracy.
- The recognition of equality in democratic systems helps citizens value their democratic rights.
4. Continuous Expectations from Democracy:
- Democracy is unique because it undergoes continuous examination by its citizens. As democracy meets one expectation, it raises new demands from people.
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People often complain about democracy, which indicates:
a. Increased awareness of their rights.
b. Ability to critically evaluate power holders and demand accountability.
5. Success of Democracy:
- Public dissatisfaction with democracy is a testimony to its success, transforming individuals from subjects to active citizens.
- People believe in the power of their vote to influence governance and protect their self-interests.
6. Judging Democracies:
- Expectations from democracy act as criteria for evaluating its performance.
- The evolution of democracy lies in its ability to adapt and address newer demands from its citizens.
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy
MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 5 Topic – Dignity And Freedom Of The Citizens
Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. Which feature of democracy is superior to other forms of government?
(a) Promoting economic growth
(b) Promoting dignity and freedom of the individual
(c) Guaranteeing military power
(d) Eliminating all inequalities
Answer: (b) Promoting dignity and freedom of the individual
Question 2. What is the fundamental basis of democracy?
(a) Passion for respect and freedom
(b) Strict obedience to authority
(c) Preservation of traditional hierarchies
(d) Economic competition
Answer: (a) Passion for respect and freedom
Question 3. Why do conflicts arise among individuals in society?
(a) Due to a lack of resources
(b) Because some feel they are not treated with respect
(c) Because of political instability
(d) Due to economic inequalities
Answer: (b) Because some feel they are not treated with respect
Question 4. What has historically been the social structure in most societies regarding gender?
(a) Equal treatment of men and women
(b) Male-dominated societies
(c) Female-dominated societies
(d) Gender-neutral societies
Answer: (b) Male-dominated societies
Question 5. What has enabled women to fight against gender inequality in democratic societies?
(a) Economic policies
(b) Legal and moral recognition of equality
(c) Traditional values
(d) Military interventions
Answer: (b) Legal and moral recognition of equality
Question 6. How has democracy impacted caste inequalities in India?
(a) Eliminated caste discrimination entirely
(b) Strengthened claims of disadvantaged castes for equal status
(c) Widened the gap between castes
(d) Ignored caste-based issues
Answer: (b) Strengthened claims of disadvantaged castes for equal status
Question 7. What makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights?
(a) Economic stability
(b) Recognition of equality and freedom
(c) Cultural traditions
(d) Military protection
Answer: (b) Recognition of equality and freedom
Question 8. What does the presence of complaints in a democracy signify?
(a) Failure of democracy
(b) Success of the democratic project
(c) Decline in democratic awareness
(d) Ineffectiveness of government policies
Answer: (b) Success of the democratic project
Question 9. What is distinctive about democracy compared to other systems?
(a) Democracy solves all issues permanently
(b) Democracy never stops being examined
(c) Democracy eliminates the need for governance
(d) Democracy prevents economic disparities
Answer: (b) Democracy never stops being examined
Question 10. What does a public expression of dissatisfaction in a democracy reflect?
(a) Weakness of governance
(b) Transformation of people from subjects to citizens
(c) Loss of democratic values
(d) Ineffectiveness of electoral systems
Answer: (b) Transformation of people from subjects to citizens
Question 11. What do most individuals believe about their vote in a democracy?
(a) It has no impact
(b) It makes a difference in governance and self-interest
(c) It is only a symbolic gesture
(d) It ensures economic equality
Answer: (b) It makes a difference in governance and self-interest
Question 12. What expectation arises as democracy passes one test?
(a) People become content with existing systems
(b) People demand more and seek improvement
(c) People stop engaging in political processes
(d) The democratic system collapses
Answer: (b) People demand more and seek improvement
Question 13. What does the success of a democratic society depend on?
(a) The absence of criticism
(b) The awareness and active participation of its citizens
(c) Permanent solutions to conflicts
(d) Suppression of dissent
Answer: (b) The awareness and active participation of its citizens
Question 14. How does democracy deal with societies built on subordination and domination?
(a) By ignoring the need for equality
(b) By gradually recognising that all individuals are equal
(c) By imposing strict rules
(d) By prioritising economic development over equality
Answer: (b) By gradually recognising that all individuals are equal
Question 15. What is a key challenge in achieving dignity and freedom in democracies?
(a) Balancing economic growth and equality
(b) Ensuring equal treatment in societies with entrenched inequalities
(c) Eliminating political competition
(d) Controlling dissent
Answer: (b) Ensuring equal treatment in societies with entrenched inequalities