Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Democracy is far superior to other forms of government in promoting dignity and freedom of individuals. The following arguments support this:

1. Recognises individual dignity: Every individual desires respect. Democracy recognises the principle that all individuals are equal and deserve equal treatment, giving legal and moral force to this idea.

1. Dignity of women: Long struggles by women have made democracy sensitive to equal treatment of women. In a non-democratic setup, such struggles would lack legal and moral backing.

1. Equality for marginalised castes: Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged castes for equal status and equal opportunity. Caste-based atrocities now lack moral and legal foundations.

1. Transforms subjects into citizens: Democracy transforms people from subjects into citizens, making them aware of their rights and able to question those in power.

1. Freedom of expression: People can freely express dissatisfaction, which itself is a testimony to democracy's success.

Source: Dignity and freedom of the citizens, Chapter 5

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• The examiner expects all 5 points to come directly from the "Dignity and freedom of citizens" section of Chapter 5.
• Key phrases to include: legal and moral force, subordination and domination, equal status, subjects into citizens.
• Avoid general knowledge — stick to textbook arguments only.
• Each point = roughly 1 mark; a brief intro sentence sets context.