Extra 20 long-answer questions from Chapter:8 Challenges to Democracy (Class 10 CBSE Political Science):
1. What do you mean by challenges to democracy? Explain with examples.
✅ Answer:
Challenges to democracy refer to difficulties that hinder the proper functioning and deepening of democratic values. Some key challenges include:
Foundational Challenge
– Establishing democracy in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes (e.g., Myanmar, Saudi Arabia).
Challenge of Expansion
– Ensuring equal rights, representation, and decentralization (e.g., reservations for marginalized groups).
Deepening of Democracy
– Strengthening institutions like judiciary, media, and election commissions.
Corruption and Political Instability
– Misuse of power and money in politics reduces trust in democracy.
Social Divisions
– Communalism, casteism, and regionalism create divisions in society, affecting democratic unity.
Electoral Reforms
– Ensuring fair elections by reducing money and muscle power in politics.
2. What are the major challenges to democracy in India?
✅ Answer:
Some key challenges faced by Indian democracy are:
Communalism and Casteism
– Politics based on caste and religion weakens democratic values.
Corruption and Criminalization of Politics
– Politicians with criminal records contest elections.
Money and Muscle Power in Elections
– Rich candidates influence elections unfairly.
Gender Discrimination
– Low political representation of women.
Lack of Political Awareness
– Many citizens do not actively participate in governance.
Unfair Electoral Practices
– Vote buying and booth capturing weaken free and fair elections.
3. What are the different types of challenges to democracy?
✅ Answer:
Democracy faces three major types of challenges:
Foundational Challenge
– Establishing democracy in non-democratic countries (e.g., military dictatorships, monarchies).
Challenge of Expansion
– Extending democratic principles to all sections of society (e.g., ensuring women's political participation).
Challenge of Deepening Democracy
– Strengthening democratic institutions and making governance more transparent.
Corruption and Lack of Transparency
– Reducing illegal practices in politics.
Political Instability
– Frequent changes in government reduce policy effectiveness.
Communal and Caste-Based Politics
– Leads to division and conflicts among different communities.
4. What are some measures to strengthen democracy?
✅ Answer:
To strengthen democracy, the following measures should be taken:
Electoral Reforms
– Ensuring free and fair elections by using technology like EVMs and VVPAT.
Transparency in Governance
– Reducing corruption by making government processes more open.
Decentralization of Power
– Strengthening local self-governments.
Political Awareness
– Educating people about their rights and duties.
Women and Minority Representation
– Increasing their participation in politics.
Strict Anti-Corruption Laws
– Ensuring accountability in government offices.
5. How does corruption affect democracy?
✅ Answer:
Corruption weakens democracy in the following ways:
Reduces Public Trust
– People lose faith in democratic institutions.
Unfair Elections
– Money power influences election results.
Weakens Rule of Law
– Laws are not enforced equally for all citizens.
Leads to Policy Manipulation
– Rich individuals and businesses influence government policies.
Affects Public Services
– Corrupt practices lead to poor development.
Increases Political Instability
– Governments may change frequently due to corruption scandals.
6. What is the role of electoral reforms in strengthening democracy?
✅ Answer:
Electoral reforms are necessary for a stronger democracy:
Introduction of VVPAT and EVMs
– Reduces vote tampering.
State Funding of Elections
– Reduces money power in elections.
Strict Rules on Political Funding
– Prevents corruption in donations.
Making Voting Mandatory
– Increases voter participation.
Ban on Criminal Candidates
– Ensures clean politics.
Regular Revision of Electoral Rolls
– Prevents bogus voting.
7. What are the challenges of political participation in democracy?
✅ Answer:
Challenges in political participation include:
Low Voter Turnout
– Many people do not vote in elections.
Influence of Money and Muscle Power
– Wealthy candidates dominate politics.
Lack of Political Awareness
– Citizens are unaware of their rights.
Gender Discrimination
– Women’s participation in politics is low.
Caste and Communal Politics
– People vote based on caste or religion, not policies.
Limited Role of Independent Candidates
– Major parties dominate elections.
8. How do caste and religion pose challenges to democracy?
✅ Answer:
Caste and religion affect democracy in the following ways:
Vote Bank Politics
– Political parties use caste/religion to gain votes.
Communal Riots
– Conflicts weaken national unity.
Discrimination in Policies
– Some groups may be
favoured
over others.
Reservation Conflicts
– Tensions arise over reservation policies.
Underrepresentation of Minorities
– Certain groups lack political representation.
Hindrance to Merit-Based Politics
– Caste-based selection affects governance quality.
9. What is the importance of political awareness in democracy?
✅ Answer:
Political awareness strengthens democracy by:
Encouraging Informed Voting
– Citizens choose better leaders.
Preventing Exploitation
– Educated voters resist manipulation.
Ensuring Accountability
– Governments are held responsible for actions.
Increasing Political Participation
– More people engage in governance.
Reducing Influence of Money and Caste Politics
– People vote based on policies, not personal gain.
Strengthening Democratic Values
– Promotes equality and justice.
10. How can democracy be deepened in India?
✅ Answer:
To deepen democracy, India needs:
Strengthening Local Governments
– Panchayati Raj institutions need more power.
Judicial Reforms
– Faster justice delivery is needed.
Electoral Reforms
– Money and muscle power should be reduced.
Political Education
– People must be educated about democracy.
Reducing Corruption
– Transparency laws must be enforced.
Fair Representation
– More women and minorities in politics.
11. How does media play a role in strengthening democracy?
✅ Answer:
Media is called the "fourth pillar of democracy" because it:
Creates Political Awareness
– Educates people about government policies and elections.
Acts as a Watchdog
– Exposes corruption and wrongdoing in governance.
Provides a Platform for Debate
– Encourages discussion on political issues.
Influences Public Opinion
– Shapes people's views on governance and policies.
Promotes Transparency
– Reports government actions and ensures accountability.
Gives Voice to the Marginalized
– Highlights social issues and rights violations.
12. How does globalization impact democracy?
✅ Answer:
Globalization affects democracy in the following ways:
Encourages Economic Growth
– Countries develop faster with global trade.
Influences Domestic Policies
– International organizations shape national policies.
Increases Cultural Exchange
– Brings diversity but may weaken local cultures.
Increases Corporate Influence
– Large companies affect government decisions.
Creates Economic Inequality
– Benefits some but leaves others behind.
Expands Democratic Movements
– Ideas of democracy spread globally.
13. What are the main electoral challenges in a democracy?
✅ Answer:
Some challenges faced in democratic elections include:
Use of Money Power
– Wealthy candidates influence elections unfairly.
Use of Muscle Power
– Threats and violence during elections.
Unfair Media Influence
– Biased news reporting affects voter decisions.
Low Voter Turnout
– Many eligible voters do not participate.
Booth Capturing and Rigging
– Fake voting reduces fairness.
Lack of Internal Democracy in Parties
– Few leaders control major parties.
14. How does dictatorship differ from democracy?
✅ Answer:
The key differences between dictatorship and democracy are:
Power Distribution
– Democracy allows multiple leaders, while dictatorship has one ruler.
Freedom of Speech
– People can criticize the government in democracy but not in dictatorship.
Elections
– Free and fair elections occur in democracy, while dictators rule without elections.
Citizen Participation
– Citizens have a say in governance in democracy, but not in dictatorship.
Decision-Making
– In democracy, decisions are made collectively, whereas in dictatorship, the ruler decides everything.
Rule of Law
– In democracy, laws apply to everyone equally, but dictators may act above the law.
15. How do social movements help in overcoming challenges to democracy?
✅ Answer:
Social movements play a key role in strengthening democracy by:
Creating Awareness
– Educates people about issues like corruption and discrimination.
Bringing Policy Changes
– Pressures the government to make reforms.
Ensuring Accountability
– Forces leaders to act in the public interest.
Giving Voice to Marginalized Groups
– Helps underprivileged sections get their rights.
Encouraging Public Participation
– Inspires citizens to take part in governance.
Strengthening Democratic Values
– Promotes justice, equality, and human rights.
16. How does criminalization of politics weaken democracy?
✅ Answer:
The presence of criminals in politics harms democracy in several ways:
Reduces Public Trust
– People lose faith in politicians and governance.
Encourages Corruption
– Criminals misuse political power for personal gains.
Threatens Free and Fair Elections
– Muscle power influences voter choices.
Weakens Law and Order
– Politicians with criminal backgrounds misuse authority.
Promotes Violence
– Leads to riots and illegal activities.
Prevents Honest Candidates from Winning
– Capable leaders lose to criminals with money power.
17. What steps can be taken to make democracy more inclusive?
✅ Answer:
To make democracy more inclusive, the following steps are needed:
Ensuring Equal Rights
– No discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion.
Improving Women’s Representation
– More women in leadership positions.
Empowering Minorities
– Providing fair opportunities in governance.
Strengthening Local Governments
– Allowing grassroots participation in politics.
Reducing Economic Inequality
– Welfare programs for poor sections.
Promoting Political Awareness
– Educating citizens about their rights and duties.
18. How does weak opposition affect democracy?
✅ Answer:
A weak opposition party in democracy creates the following issues:
Lack of Checks and Balances
– The ruling party faces no real challenge.
Dominance of One Party
– Leads to authoritarian tendencies.
Poor Policy Debates
– No strong counterarguments to government policies.
Less Accountability
– Ruling leaders become careless about governance.
Reduced Public Participation
– People feel their voices don’t matter.
Unfair Elections
– The ruling party may manipulate elections in its
favour
.
19. Why is decentralization necessary for democracy?
✅ Answer:
Decentralization strengthens democracy in the following ways:
Brings Government Closer to People
– Local bodies understand regional issues better.
Promotes Efficient Governance
– Decisions are made faster at local levels.
Encourages Political Participation
– More people get involved in decision-making.
Reduces Overburdening of Central Government
– Local governments handle local matters.
Ensures Fair Distribution of Resources
– Local governments allocate funds effectively.
Improves Representation
– Different communities have a say in governance.
20. How does money and muscle power affect elections?
✅ Answer:
Money and muscle power negatively impact democracy in the following ways:
Unfair Elections
– Wealthy candidates use money to influence votes.
Threats and Violence
– Muscle power is used to intimidate voters.
Corrupt Politicians Get Elected
– Honest candidates lose due to lack of funds.
Public Trust Reduces
– People feel elections are rigged.
Policies
Favor
the Rich
– Elected leaders work for wealthy donors, not the public.
Weaker Democratic Institutions
– The election process loses credibility.
