Question 1

Why can short-term popularity become a criticism of democracy?

Accepted Answer

Leaders may choose immediately popular decisions over long-term interests Electoral pressure can push leaders toward popular but less useful policies. In exams write short-termism as a criticism.

Question 2

What is the democratic difference between open criticism and false propaganda?

Accepted Answer

Open criticism helps improvement while false propaganda can mislead voters Criticism can be a strength of democracy but misinformation is a challenge. In exams distinguish criticism from misleading information.

Question 3

Equal political status strengthens which side of democracy?

Accepted Answer

Citizen dignity and equality Equal political status is a basis of dignity and equality in democracy. In exams write equality as an argument in favour.

Question 4

How can the possibility of power change affect rulers' behaviour?

Accepted Answer

They may remain more careful and answerable to people Possibility of change in power puts pressure of accountability on leaders. In exams connect power change with accountability.

Question 5

How can decision quality and public acceptance increase together in democracy?

Accepted Answer

Through consultation more sides can be included and decision can become more acceptable Consultation can make decisions balanced and acceptable. In exams write quality and acceptance together.

Question 6

How can excessive political competition affect quality of governance?

Accepted Answer

It can turn governance into power struggle Excessive power struggle can weaken policy and public interest. In exams treat excessive politics as a criticism.

Question 7

If citizens do not participate in decision making why does the dignity argument weaken?

Accepted Answer

Because dignity is linked with citizens' voice and role The direct answer is A: dignity is linked with citizens' voice and role. Human dignity means that each person deserves respect and should not be treated as a silent object of rule. In democracy, participation gives citizens a chance to express needs, influence decisions, question authorities, and be recognised as equal members of society. If they are excluded from decision making, their formal status may remain, but their practical voice and role are missing; therefore the dignity argument becomes weaker. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because dignity is not limited to wealth; poor citizens also possess equal dignity. Option C is wrong because democracy strongly supports dignity through equality and participation. Option D is wrong because citizens do not always want silence; the statement is an unsupported generalisation. Exam cue: dignity becomes meaningful when people have voice, respect, and participation.

Question 8

Which positive argument can balance the criticism of slow decisions?

Accepted Answer

Deliberation can reduce chances of mistakes Discussion takes time but can reduce hasty mistakes. In exams look at both speed and quality of process.

Question 9

By what can the risk of emotional public opinion be corrected in democracy?

Accepted Answer

Through open and informed debate Open debate can bring emotional opinion under reasoned examination. In exams write debate as a corrective element.

Question 10

Giving final importance to people's vote in democracy is based on which idea?

Accepted Answer

People are the source of legitimacy of rule In a democracy, the legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the people, expressed through elections and voting. Therefore, people’s vote is given final importance. The army, a dynasty, or wealth cannot provide democratic legitimacy to a government. Exam tip: Remember that the basis of legitimate authority in democracy is ‘consent of the people’.

Question 11

Why is it not correct to reject democracy completely despite the possibility of corruption?

Accepted Answer

Because in democracy people can challenge and change corrupt leaders Corruption is a challenge but democracy has a path of accountability and change. In exams write a balanced answer.

Question 12

Why is it wrong to limit people's participation only to voting?

Accepted Answer

Because democracy also includes public discussion criticism and watchfulness Direct answer: A, democracy also includes public discussion, criticism, and watchfulness. Voting is one important form of participation, but citizens can participate before, during, and after elections. Step by step: citizens learn about public issues; they discuss them with others; they criticize harmful decisions; they monitor whether representatives keep promises; they contact officials, join lawful groups, use media, and vote. These activities help make government responsive and accountable. Option A is correct because it includes the wider civic role needed in a democracy. Option B is wrong because elections are clearly a part of democracy. Option C is wrong because silencing citizens is contrary to freedom and participation. Option D is wrong because participation helps identify problems, influence policy, and hold rulers accountable, so it has great value. Do not confuse participation with voting alone. Exam cue: democracy means vote plus discussion, criticism, monitoring, and lawful action.

Question 13

How does the principle of equal vote strengthen dignity in democracy?

Accepted Answer

It treats every citizen as politically important Equal vote means that every adult citizen’s vote has the same value, regardless of wealth, education, caste, religion, or social position. It gives each person equal importance in political decision-making and therefore strengthens individual dignity. Option B is contrary to this principle because democracy does not give richer people extra votes or greater voting weight. Exam tip: Link ‘one person, one vote, one value’ with political equality and citizen dignity.

Question 14

What type of pressure can public criticism create on government in democracy?

Accepted Answer

Corrective pressure Public criticism can push government to improve policy. In exams write criticism as a tool of accountability.

Question 15

Why do critics consider participation of ordinary people weak?

Accepted Answer

Because ordinary people may not be experts in every policy This criticism is based on lack of expert knowledge. In exams treat it as a limitation not total rejection.

Question 16

When can lack of quick decision making in democracy become a serious problem?

Accepted Answer

When urgent action is necessary in a crisis The direct answer is A: when immediate action is necessary in a crisis. Democratic decisions often involve consultation, debate, procedures, and agreement. These processes can improve decisions, but they may also take time. Step by step: a crisis such as a sudden danger requires a rapid response; representatives may need to debate or obtain approval; delay may allow the danger or damage to grow; therefore slow decision-making becomes a serious criticism in that situation. Option A is correct because urgency makes delay costly. Option B is wrong because discussion that improves a decision is normally a democratic advantage, not the stated problem. Option C is wrong because taking public consent is a democratic value, even if it can require time. Option D is wrong because peaceful resolution of differences is a strength of democracy. The balanced lesson is that speed is useful in emergencies, while consultation is valuable for ordinary and complex decisions. Remember: delay is most dangerous when every minute matters.

Question 17

Discussion in democracy is slow but which risk can it reduce?

Accepted Answer

Risk of one-sided and hasty decision The direct answer is Option A: the risk of one-sided and hasty decisions. Discussion can appear slow because many people must listen, question, compare, and respond. Its value is that it creates a check before action. Step by step: a proposal is made; citizens or representatives ask questions; evidence and different interests are considered; weaknesses are exposed; the final decision is less likely to be one-sided or rushed. Option A is correct because it names both dangers that discussion can reduce. Option B is wrong because people’s participation is the process being protected, not a danger. Option C is wrong because public discussion usually improves accountability by requiring explanations. Option D is wrong because hearing different groups can support equality rather than threaten it. Do not assume every delay is bad; a careful decision may be better than a quick harmful one. Memory cue: consultation takes time but reduces haste.

Question 18

If minority views are also heard in democracy which side becomes stronger?

Accepted Answer

Inclusive and peaceful governance Hearing minority views helps handle differences peacefully. In exams write inclusiveness as a benefit.

Question 19

Policy instability becomes a criticism of democracy due to what reason?

Accepted Answer

Change in government and leadership after elections Change of government can affect policy continuity. In exams treat policy instability as a criticism.

Question 20

Treating citizens as participants in democracy challenges what?

Accepted Answer

Treating citizens only as order following subjects Democracy does not treat people as silent subjects who merely obey orders. It regards citizens as active participants with rights, opinions, and a role in public decisions. This idea challenges the old belief that rulers command while ordinary people only follow. It also supports dignity, equal political importance, and public discussion rather than weakening them.

The wording asks what treating citizens as participants challenges. The direct opposite of an active citizen is a subject expected only to obey authority. Therefore option A is correct. Options B, C, and D are values strengthened by democratic participation: citizens gain dignity, political equality matters, and public debate becomes important.

Question 21

How should accountability and criticism of corruption be understood together?

Accepted Answer

Corruption is possible but accountability gives a way to challenge it Direct answer: A, corruption is possible, but accountability gives a way to challenge it. Democracy does not automatically remove every weakness. Corruption may still occur, yet elected governments, public institutions, courts, media, citizens, opposition parties, and elections can question misuse of power. Step by step: a corrupt act may happen; citizens or institutions gather attention and ask for an explanation; officials face investigation, criticism, legal action, or electoral consequences; pressure may lead to correction. Option A is correct because it gives a balanced view: corruption is a problem, while accountability is a mechanism for confronting it. Option B is wrong because corruption is not a benefit of democracy. Option C is wrong because accountability is intended to control corruption, not always increase it. Option D is wrong because citizens, journalists, institutions, and opposition can question suspected corruption, subject to lawful procedures. The lesson is not that democracy is perfect, but that it provides peaceful tools for correction. Memory cue: democracy may have faults, but accountability makes questioning possible.

Question 22

What is the most balanced conclusion about arguments for and against democracy?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is not perfect but accountability dignity and corrective capacity make it strong Democracy has limitations but its corrective qualities are important. In exams keep the conclusion balanced.

Question 23

Despite criticisms why can democracy be considered a better option?

Accepted Answer

Because it gives accountability participation and chance for correction The strength of democracy lies in people's role and corrective capacity. In exams write democracy as a better option despite limitations.

Question 24

If democracy has weaknesses but citizens can openly challenge them which quality does it show?

Accepted Answer

Capacity for self correction Democracy's strength lies in its ability to tolerate criticism and improve. In exams write self correction as a strong point of democracy.

Question 25

Which idea best shows an expert-level balanced view on democracy?

Accepted Answer

Democracy has limits yet accountability and citizen dignity make it superior A balanced view accepts both weaknesses and strengths of democracy. In exams write accountability dignity and corrective capacity in conclusion.

Arguments for and against democracy

Practice questions

01 Why can short-term popularity become a criticism of democracy?

02 What is the democratic difference between open criticism and false propaganda?

03 Equal political status strengthens which side of democracy?

04 How can the possibility of power change affect rulers' behaviour?

05 How can decision quality and public acceptance increase together in democracy?

06 How can excessive political competition affect quality of governance?

07 If citizens do not participate in decision making why does the dignity argument weaken?

08 Which positive argument can balance the criticism of slow decisions?

09 By what can the risk of emotional public opinion be corrected in democracy?

10 Giving final importance to people's vote in democracy is based on which idea?

11 Why is it not correct to reject democracy completely despite the possibility of corruption?

12 Why is it wrong to limit people's participation only to voting?

13 How does the principle of equal vote strengthen dignity in democracy?

14 What type of pressure can public criticism create on government in democracy?

15 Why do critics consider participation of ordinary people weak?

16 When can lack of quick decision making in democracy become a serious problem?

17 Discussion in democracy is slow but which risk can it reduce?

18 If minority views are also heard in democracy which side becomes stronger?

19 Policy instability becomes a criticism of democracy due to what reason?

20 Treating citizens as participants in democracy challenges what?

21 How should accountability and criticism of corruption be understood together?

22 What is the most balanced conclusion about arguments for and against democracy?

23 Despite criticisms why can democracy be considered a better option?

24 If democracy has weaknesses but citizens can openly challenge them which quality does it show?

25 Which idea best shows an expert-level balanced view on democracy?

Was this question useful?

Student Reviews

Add Muft Shiksha to your Home Screen