Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Democracy is attentive to the needs and demands of the people — this can be justified through the following points:

1. People are the source of power: In a democracy, all political power rests with the citizens. Everyone has a voice in shaping public policies, ensuring that needs are heard and addressed.

1. Power-sharing arrangements: Power is distributed among legislature, executive, and judiciary, as well as among different levels of government. This ensures checks and balances and prevents any one group from ignoring public demands.

1. Representation of diverse groups: Arrangements like reserved constituencies allow weaker sections, minorities, and women to participate in governance, making the system responsive to their needs.

1. Role of political parties and pressure groups: Competition among parties and influence of interest groups (farmers, workers, traders) ensure that demands of various sections reach the decision-makers.

1. Dignity and freedom: Democracy recognises the dignity of every individual. Citizens transform from passive subjects to active citizens who can question power-holders, demand more, and hold government accountable through their vote.

Source: Outcomes of Democracy, Chapter 5; Power-Sharing, Chapter 1

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Examiners look for 5 distinct, well-labelled points (one per mark) connecting democracy's features — power-sharing, representation, accountability, dignity — to responsiveness toward citizens. Avoid vague statements; use specific examples (reserved constituencies, pressure groups, checks and balances). The conclusion about citizens becoming active rather than passive is a key textbook idea from Chapter 5 and should not be missed.