Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Democracy is better than other alternatives — Analysis:

1. Promotes equality and dignity: Democracy promotes equality among citizens and enhances the dignity of individuals, unlike dictatorships that concentrate power in few hands.

1. Accountable and legitimate government: A democratic government is accountable to citizens through free and fair elections, transparency, and the right to information. It is people's own government, making it legitimate.

1. Better decision-making: Though slower, democratic decisions follow proper procedures and are more acceptable to people. Non-democratic rulers may decide quickly but face resistance.

1. Resolves conflicts and corrects mistakes: Democracy provides mechanisms to resolve conflicts peacefully and allows room to correct mistakes through elections and public debate.

1. Economic outcomes: Dictatorial regimes show slightly higher economic growth (4.42% vs 3.95%), but among poor countries the difference is negligible. Hence, economic growth alone cannot justify rejecting democracy.

1. Overwhelming public support: In South Asia, 88% find democracy suitable and most people prefer democracy over dictatorship, showing democracy generates its own support.

Conclusion: Democracy may be slow and imperfect, but it remains better than alternatives because it is legitimate, accountable, and respects human dignity.

Source: Chapter 5 — Outcomes of Democracy

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Examiners expect students to cover multiple dimensions — political, moral, and economic — using specific points from the chapter. Key things to include:

• The five reasons democracy is better (from Class IX discussion)
• Accountability, legitimacy, transparency
• Economic growth comparison (mention figures briefly)
• The fact that democracy is legitimate government — the most important conclusion
• South Asia data on public support for democracy

Avoid writing only about advantages without acknowledging limitations — a balanced answer scores better. Each point should be crisp; do not elaborate excessively on any single point.