Outcomes of Democracy: CBSE Class 10 Politics practice questions

The chapter describes a dilemma (a confusing problem) about democracy. What is it?

1. Democracy works well in practice but is rejected in principle.
2. Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.
3. People prefer dictatorship in principle but support democracy in practice.
4. Democracy suits rich countries in principle but never suits poor ones.

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B. Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.

Most people support democracy against rule by a monarch, the military or religious leaders, yet not so many are satisfied with democracy in practice. This dilemma invites us to think about outcomes. The other options reverse or invent the dilemma.

According to the chapter, what is the first step in thinking carefully about the outcomes (results) of democracy?

1. Believing that democracy can solve every socio-economic and political problem
2. Blaming the idea of democracy whenever expectations are not met
3. Doubting that we live in a democracy when a promise is not kept
4. Recognising that democracy is just a form of government that creates conditions which citizens must use to achieve goals

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D. Recognising that democracy is just a form of government that creates conditions which citizens must use to achieve goals

Democracy can only create conditions for achieving something; citizens have to take advantage of them. The other three options are the mistaken reactions the chapter warns about: expecting everything, blaming the idea, or doubting that we live in a democracy.

In Pakistan, what percentage of people did NOT choose 'democracy is preferable'?

1. 49 per cent
2. 37 per cent
3. 63 per cent
4. 14 per cent

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C. 63 per cent

Add 'dictatorship is sometimes better' (14) and 'doesn't matter' (49) to get 63. Using only 'doesn't matter' gives 49, quoting the preferable share gives 37, and 14 counts only the dictatorship answer.