Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Social Science — summary, notes, extra questions & NCERT solutions

Summary

This chapter assesses what democracy actually delivers compared with non-democratic forms of government. It argues that democracy is a better form of government because it is more accountable, responsive and legitimate, even if it is sometimes slow, messy and given to compromise. Democracies promote transparent decision-making, since citizens have the right to examine the process and to question their rulers. While democracies may not always produce faster economic growth than dictatorships, they handle social differences, divisions and conflicts far better by allowing negotiation, accommodation and a peaceful sharing of power. Democracy enhances the dignity and equality of citizens, giving weaker sections and women a voice, and it allows societies to correct their own mistakes through regular elections, a free press and public debate. The chapter accepts that democracies have not removed economic inequalities entirely, but concludes that the very expectations and complaints people have about democracy are evidence of its success in raising the standard of what people demand.

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