Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Democracy is considered a better form of government than dictatorship for the following reasons:

1. Accountable Government: Democracy produces a government accountable to citizens. People have the right to choose their rulers and control them through regular, free and fair elections.

1. Transparency: Decision-making is based on norms and procedures. Citizens can examine the process — this transparency is largely absent in non-democratic governments.

1. Legitimate Government: A democratic government is people's own government, chosen by them. It is therefore more acceptable and legitimate than a dictatorship.

1. Better Decision-Making: Though slower, democratic decisions follow deliberation and negotiation, making them more acceptable and effective in the long run.

1. Promotes Equality and Dignity: Democracy promotes equality among citizens, enhances individual dignity, provides methods to resolve conflicts, and allows room to correct mistakes.

1. Economic Growth: While dictatorships show slightly higher growth rates overall, in poor countries the difference is negligible, making democracy preferable given its other advantages.

Source: Chapter 5 — Outcomes of Democracy

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark question; labelling them clearly earns full marks.
• The key contrast with dictatorship should appear — e.g., non-democratic rulers decide quickly but lack accountability and transparency.
• Always include legitimacy — the textbook calls it democracy's most certain advantage.
• Avoid padding; each point should be one to two lines only.