NCERT Political Science Class 10 Chapter 5 Notes | How Do We Assess Democracy’s Outcomes?
Topic & sub-topics covered: “How Do We Assess Democracy’s Outcomes?” 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 “How Do We Assess Democracy’s Outcomes?” 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 quickly revise key concepts. 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 clear, concise summary—perfect for exam prep or quick understanding.
How Do We Assess Democracy’s Outcomes?
1. Democracy vs. Other Forms of Government:
- Democracy is considered better than alternatives like dictatorship, monarchy, or rule by military/religious leaders.
- Reasons why democracy is preferred:
a. Promotes equality among citizens.
b. Enhances the dignity of individuals.
c. Improves decision-making quality.
d. Provides methods to resolve conflicts.
e. Allows room to correct mistakes.
2. The Dilemma of Democracy:
- Principle vs. Practice:
a. Democracy is seen as good in principle but not always effective in practice.
b. Many support democracy morally but are dissatisfied with its practical outcomes.
Questions About Democracy:
Question 1. Do we support democracy only for moral reasons?
Question 2. Are there prudential (practical) reasons to support democracy?
4. Global Presence of Democracy:
- Over 100 countries claim and practice democratic politics.
- Common features of democracies worldwide:
a. Formal constitutions.
b. Regular elections.
c. Political parties.
d. Citizen rights guaranteed. - Democracies differ due to:
a. Social situations.
b. Economic achievements.
c. Cultural variations.
5. The Role and Limitations of Democracy:
- Democracy is a form of government, not a solution to all socio-economic and political problems.
- It creates conditions for achieving goals but relies on citizens to leverage those conditions.
- Expectations from democracy must be reasonable, understanding its role and limitations.
6. Critical Thinking on Democracy:
- Democracy cannot address all issues independently.
- Citizens must actively participate and take responsibility to achieve societal goals under a democratic framework.
- Evaluating democracy requires examining its outcomes, not just its principles.
7. Conclusion:
- Democracy provides a framework for equality, dignity, and decision-making but demands active citizen involvement for success.
- Examining democracy requires balancing moral ideals with practical outcomes.
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy
| Topics No. | Topics Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | How do we assess democracy’s outcomes? |
| 2 | Accountable, responsive and legitimate government |
| 3 | Economic growth and development |
| 4 | Reduction of inequality and poverty |
| 5 | Accommodation of social diversity |
| 6 | Dignity and freedom of the citizens |
MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 5 Topic – How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?
Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. Which of the following is NOT an expectation from democracy?
A) Promotes equality among citizens
B) Enhances the dignity of the individual
C) Improves the quality of decision-making
D) Eliminates all forms of government opposition
Answer: D) Eliminates all forms of government opposition
Question 2. What method does democracy provide for dealing with conflicts?
A) Violence
B) Legal procedures
C) A method to resolve conflicts peacefully
D) Avoidance of issues
Answer: C) A method to resolve conflicts peacefully
Question 3. Why is democracy considered better than dictatorship or monarchy?
A) It guarantees economic success
B) It promotes equality and dignity, and allows room to correct mistakes
C) It eliminates opposition entirely
D) It avoids the need for elections
Answer: B) It promotes equality and dignity, and allows room to correct mistakes
Question 4. What happens if some expectations are not met in a democracy?
A) People start supporting dictatorship
B) People begin doubting the idea or practice of democracy
C) Governments are abolished
D) Elections are permanently canceled
Answer: B) People begin doubting the idea or practice of democracy
Question 5. What dilemma does democracy face, as highlighted in the text?
A) It is good in theory but challenging in practice
B) It guarantees success in all countries
C) It is always morally and prudentially correct
D) It eliminates all socio-economic problems
Answer: A) It is good in theory but challenging in practice
Question 6. Why do many people feel dissatisfied with democracy in practice?
A) It fails to hold elections
B) It does not meet all expectations
C) It lacks a constitution
D) It does not allow freedom of speech
Answer: B) It does not meet all expectations
Question 7. Which of the following is a prudential reason to support democracy?
A) Moral superiority over other forms of government
B) Its ability to promote peaceful conflict resolution
C) Its guarantee of economic success
D) Its eradication of social inequality
Answer: B) Its ability to promote peaceful conflict resolution
Question 8. What is a common feature of democracies worldwide?
A) Absence of political parties
B) Formal constitutions and elections
C) Uniformity in socio-economic achievements
D) Guarantee of complete equality
Answer: B) Formal constitutions and elections
Question 9. Why are democracies different from each other despite having common features?
A) Differences in social situations, economic achievements, and cultures
B) Different political leaders
C) Variations in literacy rates
D) Lack of constitutions in some democracies
Answer: A) Differences in social situations, economic achievements, and cultures
Question 10. What can we reasonably expect from every democracy?
A) Resolution of all socio-economic problems
B) Equal conditions for achieving goals
C) Uniformity in political outcomes
D) Immediate economic growth
Answer: B) Equal conditions for achieving goals
Question 11. What is the first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy?
A) Recognizing it as the ultimate solution to all problems
B) Blaming the citizens for its failure
C) Recognizing it as just a form of government
D) Avoiding criticism of democratic practices
Answer: C) Recognizing it as just a form of government
Question 12. Who is responsible for achieving the goals set under democratic conditions?
A) The government alone
B) Citizens
C) International organizations
D) Judiciary
Answer: B) Citizens
Question 13. What does democracy primarily create for achieving socio-economic goals?
A) Permanent solutions
B) Conditions and opportunities
C) Guarantees of success
D) Centralized decision-making power
Answer: B) Conditions and opportunities
Question 14. What happens when citizens fail to utilize the opportunities provided by democracy?
A) The government collapses
B) Socio-economic goals remain unachieved
C) Democracy is replaced with monarchy
D) All democratic rights are revoked
Answer: B) Socio-economic goals remain unachieved
Question 15. How many countries claim to practice some kind of democratic politics today?
A) Over fifty
B) Over a hundred
C) Over two hundred
D) Over five hundred
Answer: B) Over a hundred
Question 16. Which of the following is NOT an essential feature of democracy?
A) Existence of political parties
B) Guarantee of citizens’ rights
C) A formal constitution
D) Uniform culture and traditions
Answer: D) Uniform culture and traditions
Question 17. Why is democracy often expected to solve all socio-economic problems?
A) It is seen as a utopian ideal
B) It promotes centralized decision-making
C) It provides a method to resolve conflicts
D) Citizens often have unrealistic expectations
Answer: D) Citizens often have unrealistic expectations
Question 18. What often leads people to question the practice of democracy?
A) Failure to meet all expectations
B) Absence of a constitution
C) Lack of political parties
D) Frequent elections
Answer: A) Failure to meet all expectations