1.
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and
legitimate government?
● Democracy produces an accountable government because it is answerable to
the people. If they do not work according to the wishes of the people, then the
people have the right to change their representatives at the time of next
general elections.
● Democracy produces a government, which is responsive to the needs and
expectations of the people. It can be said that before taking any decision the
government has to keep in mind the views expressed by the people.
● A democratic government is a legitimate government because it is elected by
the people and is formed under the norms provided by the constitution of the
country. It may be slow of less efficient but it is people’s own government.
2. Why democracy is a better form of government than any other form?
Explain.
Democracy is regarded as a better form of government compared to others due
to its good values and mechanisms that prioritize citizen welfare and
participation.
● Promotes Equality: Democracy fosters equality among citizens by ensuring
that every individual has an equal say in political decisions, regardless of their
background or status.
● Enhances Individual Dignity: By valuing each person's voice and rights,
democracy upholds the dignity of individuals, empowering them to express
their opinions and participate actively in governance.
● Improves Decision-Making: Democratic systems encourage diverse
perspectives and open discussions, leading to more informed and effective
decision-making processes.
● Conflict Resolution: Democracy provides peaceful methods for resolving
conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, reducing the likelihood of violence
and unrest.
● Opportunity for Correction: Democratic governments allow for the correction
of mistakes through elections and ensuring accountability in governance.
3. “In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in
reducing economic inequalities.” Explain the statement giving an
example.
● Democracy does not guarantee economic development. Even when countries
achieve economic growth, will wealth be distributed among all is a question to
be asked.
● In most of the democracies, a small number of ultra rich enjoy a highly
disproportionate share of wealth and income.
● In countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top 20% people take away more
than 60% of the national income.
4. 4.“Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.”
Support the statement with examples.
● Accommodating Social Divisions: Democracies provide mechanisms to
manage and negotiate social divisions, such as ethnic or religious differences.
For example: Belgium successfully handled its ethnic diversity by
accommodating various groups.
● Reducing Violent Conflict: Democracies often develop procedures to manage
competition and resolve conflicts peacefully, reducing the risk of tensions
escalating into violence.
● Respect for Differences: Democratic systems encourage respect for
differences, fostering a culture of negotiation and compromise, which helps
resolve conflicts in a more peaceful manner.
● Avoiding Suppression: Unlike non-democratic regimes that often suppress
internal differences, democracies are more inclusive and open to addressing
social conflicts through dialogue rather than force.
● Majority-Minority Balance: Democracies ensure the majority works with
minorities, preventing dominance by one group and allowing everyone the
chance to be part of the majority at different times
5. “Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in
promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Justify the
statement.
● Discrimination and conflicts among different social groups is very common in
both democratic and non-democratic countries, however in democratic
countries such conflicts are recognised and resolved at least in principle.
● The case of the Dignity of women : After long struggles by women,
democracy throughout the world has recognised equal treatment and respect
to women.
● Thus in democracy it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against
what is now unacceptable legally and morally.
● Democracy in India strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and
discriminated castes for equal status and opportunity, which is not possible in
any non-democratic country.
● Perhaps it is the recognition in the democracy that makes ordinary citizens
value their democratic rights
