Political Science · Chapter 5 · CBSE Board 2027
Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 important questions with answers
The 10 questions to practise first, picked from every CBSE board paper 2023–2026. Each one has the official answer and how to write it for full marks. Then try the free 9-question test.
What comes in the exam
- Outcomes of Democracy is in Political Science (Democratic Politics – II).
- More than half the questions are 5-mark answers, with some MCQs (a few on a cartoon) and 2-mark and 3-mark questions.
- Almost every year you get: how democracy is better than other forms of government, accountable, responsive and legitimate government, dignity and freedom of citizens, handling social differences, democracy and economic growth, and why complaints show democracy's success.
- Transparency, and democracy's role in reducing poverty and inequality, also come almost every year.
Top 10 Outcomes of Democracy questions from board papers
Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.
- Q1 Assertion–Reason · 1 mark CBSE · 2026
A-R: legitimacy of democracy
Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option : Assertion (A) : Democracy is a legitimate form of government. Reason (R) : In a democracy, all groups connect with the governance system through their participation.
- (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
- (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- Test the Assertion. A is true: democracy is a legitimate government, the people's own
- Test the Reason and ask if it explains A. R is true: people take part in governance, so they accept it as theirs ; this explains A
- Both true and R explains A, so pick this option. Answer: (A) Both true and R is the correct explanation 1 mark
Answer: (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Ask 'Does R tell why A happens?' People's participation is why they accept democracy as legitimate.
Where students lose marks: Choosing (B) — participation is the very reason people see democracy as their own government.
CBSE marking scheme
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- Q2 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2024
Features democracy must ensure
Read the following characteristics of democracy and choose the correct option. I. Free and fair elections II. Equality before law III. Dignity of a person IV. Majority rule
- (A) Only I, II and III are correct.
- (B) Only II, III and IV are correct.
- (C) Only I, III and IV are correct.
- (D) Only I, II and IV are correct.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (A) Only I, II and III are correct.
- Check each feature against the book. Free and fair elections, equality before law, dignity of the person are features of democracy
- The book says democracy is not simply majority rule, so drop IV. The majority must work with the minority
- I, II and III are correct, so pick that option. Answer: (A) Only I, II and III are correct 1 mark
Answer: (A) Only I, II and III are correct.
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Remember the book's line: democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion; the majority must work with the minority.
Where students lose marks: Choosing (D) — it keeps 'majority rule' and drops dignity of the person, which the book counts as a key feature.
CBSE marking scheme
(A) Only I, II and III are correct.
- Q3 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2023
Factors in economic development
Which one of the following factors does not play a significant role in the economic development of a country ?
- (A) Co-operation from other countries on globalisation
- (B) Size of the population
- (C) Economic priorities adopted by the Government
- (D) Territorial issues with neighbouring countries
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
Correct option: (D) Territorial issues with neighbouring countries
- Check which factors shape how an economy grows. Global cooperation, population size and government priorities all affect economic development
- Border disputes are not a significant factor here, so pick D. Answer: (D) Territorial issues with neighbouring countries 1 mark
Answer: (D) Territorial issues with neighbouring countries
Marks: Correct option 1
For full marks: Read 'does not' carefully: three options are real factors, and you need the odd one.
Where students lose marks: Choosing (B) population size — population does affect development, so it is a real factor.
CBSE marking scheme
(D) Territorial issues with neighbouring countries
- Q4 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026
Complaints and democracy
"Complaints are the testimony to the success of Democracy." Explain the statement with examples.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Say why people in a democracy keep asking for more. As people get benefits of democracy, they ask for more and have more expectations and complaints. 1 mark
- Explain what these complaints show about the people. Complaints show awareness and the ability to look critically at power holders; subjects become citizens. 1 mark
Answer: More expectations, more complaints ; awareness and critical view of power holders
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Explain what complaints show — awareness and the ability to look critically at power holders. Keep within 40 words.
Where students lose marks: Writing that complaints show democracy has failed; the book says they are a testimony to its success.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (2x1=2): more expectations, more complaints; people ask for more to improve democracy; shows awareness of rights; ability to look critically at power holders; public expression turns subjects into citizens; people believe their vote affects government; any other relevant point.
- Q5 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026
Is democracy the better choice
“Democracy is a better form of government compared with any other alternative.” Examine the statement.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Give the first reason democracy is better. Democracy promotes equality among citizens. 1 mark
- Give a second, different reason. It allows room to correct mistakes, as people can change the government. 1 mark
Answer: Promotes equality ; room to correct mistakes
Marks: Any two points 1 each
For full marks: Two clear points in about 40 words are enough.
Where students lose marks: Comparing with dictatorship without giving any feature of democracy; each point must name what democracy does better.
CBSE marking scheme
Any two (1+1): promotes equality among citizens; enhances dignity of the individual; improves quality of decision-making; method to resolve conflicts; room to correct mistakes; freedom of speech; right to vote — legitimate government, unlike self-interested dictatorships; any other relevant point.
- Q6 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025
Accountable and legitimate rule
How does democracy establish an accountable, responsible and legitimate governance ? Explain.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- For accountable, say who chooses and controls the rulers. People have the right to choose their rulers and have control over them 1 mark
- For responsible, say how decisions are made. Citizens participate in decision-making, and decisions are based on norms and procedures 1 mark
- For legitimate, give the book's key line. Democratic government may be slow and less efficient, but it is people's own government, so it is legitimate 1 mark
Answer: People choose and control rulers ; participation and procedure-based decisions ; people's own government, so legitimate
Marks: Any three points 1 each
For full marks: Cover all three words of the question — accountable, responsible, legitimate — with one point each. Keep to about 60 words.
Where students lose marks: Explaining only accountability and leaving out why democratic government is legitimate, which the question also asks.
CBSE marking scheme
Any three, 1 each: people choose their rulers and control them; citizens participate in decision-making so government is accountable to them; decisions based on norms and procedures; democratic government is legitimate – may be slow, less efficient, not always responsive or clean, but it is people's own government; any other relevant point.
- Q7 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025, 2024 Asked in 2025, 2024
Respect and freedom in democracy
“The passion for respect and freedom is the basis of democracy.” Justify the statement.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Start with how democracies treat this idea. Democracies recognise respect and freedom in principle, achieved in varying degrees 1 mark
- Use the example of women. Long struggles by women made respect and equal treatment of women necessary ingredients of democracy 1 mark
- Say what recognition makes easier. Once the principle is recognised, women can fight what is legally and morally unacceptable 1 mark
- Use the example of caste in India. Democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes to equal status and opportunity 1 mark
- Finish with how citizens see their rights. This recognition makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights 1 mark
Answer: Recognised in principle ; equal treatment of women ; fight what is unacceptable ; claims of disadvantaged castes ; citizens value rights
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: Use both of the book's examples, women and disadvantaged castes. Keep to about 120 words.
Where students lose marks: Saying discrimination has ended; the book says caste inequalities still exist but lack moral and legal foundations.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five (5x1=5): democracies recognise respect and freedom in principle, achieved in varying degrees; democracy rescues societies built on subordination and domination; women's struggles made respect and equal treatment of women necessary ingredients of democracy; once the principle is recognised women can fight what is legally and morally unacceptable; democracy strengthened claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes to equal status and opportunity; fundamental rights (speech, assembly, religion) safeguarded; this recognition makes citizens value their democratic rights; any other relevant point.
- Q8 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2025
Analyse why democracy is better
How is democracy better than other types of government ? Analyse.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Start with the first thing the book says democracy does better. Democracy promotes equality among citizens. 1 mark
- Add how democracy treats each person. It enhances the dignity of the individual. 1 mark
- Say what happens to the way decisions are made. It improves the quality of decision-making, because decisions follow deliberation and procedures. 1 mark
- Show how democracy deals with disputes between people. It provides a method to resolve conflicts peacefully. 1 mark
- End with what democracy allows when a government goes wrong. It allows room to correct mistakes. 1 mark
Answer: Equality among citizens ; dignity of the individual ; better decision-making ; resolves conflicts ; room to correct mistakes
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: 'Analyse' wants each point explained in a line. Five separate points within 120 words earn five marks.
Where students lose marks: Writing that democracy is faster; the book says non-democratic rulers can be quicker, but democracy's decisions are more acceptable.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five (5x1): promotes equality among citizens; enhances the dignity of the individual; improves the quality of decision-making; provides a method to resolve conflicts; allows room to correct mistakes; accountable, responsive and legitimate government; accommodates social diversity.
- Q9 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2024
Democracy as legitimate rule
How is democracy a legitimate government ? Explain with examples.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Define a legitimate government first. A legitimate government is a lawful government formed with the consent of the people. 1 mark
- Give the main example of how people give that consent. Rulers are chosen through regular, free and fair elections. 1 mark
- Say why people accept such a government. It is acceptable to the people because they elect it; it is people's own government. 1 mark
- Add how citizens take part in its policies. There is open public debate on major policies and laws, and citizens take part in decision-making. 1 mark
- End with how the government stays answerable. It is answerable to the people and its decisions are based on norms and procedures. 1 mark
Answer: Formed with people's consent ; free and fair elections ; people's own government ; open public debate ; answerable, follows procedures
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: Begin by defining 'legitimate' — formed with the consent of the people. Then give four more separate points with an example.
Where students lose marks: Saying democracy is legitimate because it is efficient; the book says it may be slow and less efficient but is still legitimate.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five (5×1): a legitimate government is a lawful one formed on the consent of the people; citizens participate in decision making; regular, free and fair elections; acceptable to people as they elect it; open public debate on policies and laws; answerable and responsive to the people; citizens’ right to information about the government; decisions based on norms and procedures.
- Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2023
Support: accountable government
“Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.
Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in DheeAnswer and marking
- Start with what democracy builds for citizens. Democracy develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable and take part in decisions. 1 mark
- Give the first practice that ensures accountability. Regular, free and fair elections are held. 1 mark
- Explain responsiveness: what the government should respond to. Democratic governments are expected to be responsive to the needs and expectations of citizens. 1 mark
- Add how citizens learn about the government. Citizens have the right to information about the government and its functioning. 1 mark
- End with legitimacy. A democratic government is legitimate because it is people's own government. 1 mark
Answer: Mechanisms for accountability and participation ; free and fair elections ; responsive to people's needs ; right to information ; legitimate
Marks: Any five points 1 each
For full marks: Cover accountable, responsive and legitimate — the three words in the statement. Five separate points earn five marks.
Where students lose marks: Leaving out legitimacy, the one respect in which the book says democracy is certainly better than its alternatives.
CBSE marking scheme
Any five, 1 each: mechanisms for citizens to hold government accountable and take part in decisions; based on deliberation and negotiation; regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and laws; citizens' right to information about government; promotes equality; method to resolve conflicts; responsive to people's needs; respects dignity and equal status of women and the disadvantaged; transparent — people know the policies being formed; a democratic government is legitimate; accommodates differences; any other relevant point.
Free 9-question test: Outcomes of Democracy
MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 9 minutes. Your score shows straight away.
Common mistakes in Outcomes of Democracy
Mistake Writing that democracy has ended economic inequality or poverty.
Fix The book says democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequality. For marks, write the scheme's points: political equality (one person, one vote), welfare schemes, reservation in education and jobs. You may end by saying the gap remains.
Mistake Writing that democracies grow faster or are free of corruption.
Fix The book says dictatorships had a slightly higher growth rate (1950 to 2000). It says democracies are not free of corruption, but nothing shows non-democracies are less corrupt. Write the scheme's points on how democracy helps, and end with the book's line that growth depends on many factors.
Mistake Writing 'the majority works with the majority'.
Fix The book's point is that the majority must work with the minority. Add that rule by majority must not become rule by the majority community, and every citizen must have a chance to be in the majority.
Mistake Saying complaints show that democracy is failing.
Fix Complaints show success: people expect more, know their rights and look critically at those in power. This public expression turns subjects into citizens.
Mistake Mixing up accountable, responsive and legitimate.
Fix Accountable: citizens can question decisions and check that procedures were followed. Responsive: the government attends to people's needs. Legitimate: it is the people's own government, chosen by them. Give one line for each when the question names all three.
Mistake Writing only one side in a 'differentiate' question.
Fix Write each point as a pair: the democracy side and the dictatorship side of the same feature, like who chooses the ruler. Give two pairs for 2 marks.
How to write for full marks
- Keep to the word limits printed on the paper: about 40 words for 2 marks, 60 for 3 marks, 120 for 5 marks and 100 in all for the case study.
- For a 5-mark answer, write five separate points, each a full sentence that starts with the book's key phrase, then a reason or an example.
- Use the book's examples: an RTI application for transparency, Belgium for resolving social conflict, the struggles of women and disadvantaged castes for dignity.
- For a cartoon MCQ, read the caption and labels and ask what idea the cartoonist shows; then pick the option that names that idea.
- Where the book says democracy's record is mixed (inequality, growth), give the scheme's points first, then one closing line from the book.
Questions students ask
Which Outcomes of Democracy questions are most important for the Class 10 board exam 2027?
Expect 5-mark answers on why democracy is better, accountable and legitimate government, dignity, social differences and growth, plus 2-mark questions and cartoon MCQs. The 10 questions on this page are real CBSE board questions from 2023–2026, chosen across the chapter's topics and question types.
How many marks does Outcomes of Democracy carry in the Class 10 board exam?
Outcomes of Democracy is part of the Political Science (Democratic Politics – II) unit, which carries 5 of the 80 theory marks in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science paper.
Are these real CBSE previous year questions?
Yes. Each question is printed as it appeared in a CBSE board paper or sample paper, with its source, and the answer follows CBSE's official marking scheme.
All Class 10 Social Science chapters
Questions and answers: CBSE board papers, sample papers and official marking schemes, 2023–2026. Worked steps and tips: Dhee.