Outcomes of Democracy – Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 10 — Political Science (Civics)
Chapter: Democratic Politics – II | Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy — Very Short Answer Questions (50–60)
Use: Quick revision — NCERT-aligned
Each Q–A is concise for rapid recall and board exam revision.
Content Bank
- Assessment criteria: accountability, responsiveness, legitimacy.
- Outcomes: economic growth, inequality reduction, social accommodation, dignity and freedom.
- Examples, indicators and short evaluative notes for exams.
Topic 1 — Meaning & Assessment (10 Qs)
1. What are 'outcomes of democracy'?
The practical results of democratic governance—what citizens get in terms of services, rights and welfare.
2. Name one procedural and one outcome-based criterion to assess democracy.
Procedural: free elections. Outcome-based: reduction of poverty.
3. What does 'accountability' mean?
Rulers being answerable to citizens and explain their actions.
4. Define 'responsiveness'.
When government reacts to people's needs and solves public problems promptly.
5. What is 'legitimacy' in a democracy?
Citizens' acceptance of the authority and rightfulness of their government.
6. Why assess outcomes and not only procedures?
Procedures matter, but outcomes show if people's lives actually improve under democracy.
7. Give one indicator of accountability.
Regular free and fair elections where rulers can be voted out.
8. Give one indicator of responsiveness.
Quick government relief after disasters or timely policy action on public demand.
9. How can legitimacy be measured?
By public trust surveys, peaceful acceptance of election results and low protest levels against the system.
10. What is the NCERT’s approach to assessing democracy?
Use concrete criteria—accountability, growth, inequality reduction, accommodation and dignity/freedom.
Topic 2 — Economic Growth & Development (10 Qs)
11. What is economic growth?
Increase in a country's total output measured by GDP.
12. What is economic development?
Broader improvement in living standards, health, education and quality of life.
13. Can democracy guarantee economic growth?
No—democracy may promote growth but does not guarantee rapid growth in every case.
14. Name one way democracy may support growth.
By ensuring policy stability and protecting property rights which attract investment.
15. Name one limitation of democracy for growth.
Short electoral cycles can lead to populist, short-term policies harming long-term investment.
16. What is human development?
Expansion of people's capabilities—education, health and economic choices.
17. Give an example of a pro-development policy.
Investing in public education and infrastructure to boost productivity.
18. How do parties influence economic policies?
Through manifestos, elected governments and policy decisions reflecting their priorities.
19. What is short-termism?
Prioritising immediate voter-pleasing measures over long-term investment due to electoral pressure.
20. Should development be the only measure of democracy?
No—development matters but must be combined with dignity and freedom indicators for a full assessment.
Topic 3 — Reduction of Inequality & Poverty (12 Qs)
21. What is inequality?
Unequal distribution of income, wealth and opportunities among people.
22. How is poverty measured?
By income thresholds or multidimensional indicators like health, education and living standards.
23. Name one redistributive policy.
Progressive taxation where richer pay higher tax rates.
24. What is a targeted welfare scheme?
A programme aimed specifically at disadvantaged groups to reduce poverty (e.g., food subsidy).
25. How can elections help reduce inequality?
Politicians may promise welfare policies to win votes from poorer groups, leading to redistribution.
26. What is clientelism?
Exchange of goods/services for political support, often benefiting particular voters over public interest.
27. Why might democracy fail the poor?
Because of unequal influence, corruption and weak implementation of welfare programmes.
28. Give one success indicator for poverty reduction.
Decrease in poverty headcount ratio over time (fewer people below poverty line).
29. What role do civil society groups play in reducing inequality?
They advocate for policies, monitor implementation and support disadvantaged communities.
30. How can public education reduce inequality?
By improving skills and opportunities for poorer children, enabling social mobility.
31. What is universal basic service?
Providing basic services (health, education) universally to reduce exclusion and inequality.
32. Why is monitoring important for welfare schemes?
To ensure funds reach beneficiaries and reduce leakages/corruption.
Topic 4 — Accommodation of Social Diversity (10 Qs)
33. What is social diversity?
Existence of different languages, religions, cultures and identities within a society.
34. Why must democracies accommodate diversity?
To maintain peace, inclusion and prevent marginalisation or conflict.
35. Give one institutional method to accommodate diversity.
Federalism that gives states power to address local needs.
36. How does decentralisation help diversity?
By allowing local governments to tailor policies to local identities and needs.
37. What is minority protection?
Legal and policy measures ensuring rights and representation for minority groups.
38. Name one constitutional safeguard for diversity in India.
Fundamental rights, like freedom of religion and equality before law.
39. What is affirmative action (reservation)?
Policies that reserve seats or jobs for disadvantaged groups to promote inclusion.
40. How can dialogue reduce communal tensions?
Forums and negotiations build trust, clarify misunderstandings and find compromises peacefully.
41. Give an example of peaceful accommodation.
Creation of linguistic states to respect language identities while maintaining nation unity.
42. What is the danger of identity politics?
It can polarise society and prioritise narrow group interests over common good.
Topic 5 — Dignity & Freedom of Citizens (10 Qs)
43. What are basic civil liberties?
Freedom of speech, assembly, religion and movement guaranteed to citizens.
44. How does rule of law support dignity?
By ensuring fair treatment, protection of rights and predictable legal remedies.
45. Give one indicator of freedom in a country.
Press freedom and plurality of media voices.
46. What is human dignity in democratic terms?
Respectful treatment, access to basic needs and ability to live without humiliation.
47. How can democracy protect minority rights?
Through constitutional safeguards, independent judiciary and political representation.
48. Why is freedom of expression important?
It allows people to criticise government, share ideas and hold rulers accountable.
49. What is media plurality?
Existence of diverse and independent media sources representing varied viewpoints.
50. How do courts help secure dignity and freedom?
By protecting rights, checking state overreach and providing legal remedies for violations.
51. What is civil society’s role in protecting freedom?
NGOs and citizen groups monitor rights, support victims and campaign for reforms.
52. Why might rights be restricted during emergencies?
Governments may limit rights to maintain order, but such restrictions should be lawful and proportionate.
Topic 6 — Quick Revision & Exam Tips (6 Qs)
53. Name three key words to remember from this chapter.
Accountability, legitimacy, dignity.
54. How to structure a 4-mark answer?
Definition + 2–3 brief points + a short example or conclusion.
55. Give a one-line evaluation of democracy’s outcomes.
Democracy delivers many benefits but outcomes vary due to institutions, implementation and social inequalities.
56. Suggest one example to use in the exam for diversity accommodation.
Formation of states on linguistic lines in India after independence.
57. How to mention indicators in answers?
List specific measurable indicators like GDP growth, poverty rate, human development index, press freedom scores.
58. Final quick tip for revision.
Practice writing short definitions and one example for each key term to save time in exams.
Prepared strictly as per NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 5. Use these very short Q&A for quick revision before board exams.