Accountable Government MCQs Quiz | Class 10

This quiz on ‘Accountable Government MCQs’ is designed for Class X Political Science students from the ‘Outcomes of Democracy’ unit. It covers essential concepts related to democracy vs development, focusing on how democratic governments ensure accountability to their citizens. Test your knowledge, submit your answers, and download a detailed PDF of your results!

Understanding Accountable Government and Democracy’s Outcomes

A fundamental expectation from any democratic government is that it should be accountable to its citizens. This means the government must be responsible for its actions and decisions, and citizens must have ways to hold it in check. This section delves into the essence of an accountable government and its interplay with economic development.

Key Outcomes of Democracy

Democracy, as a form of government, aims to produce a set of desirable outcomes for its citizens. While not always perfect, these are the goals:

  1. Accountable Government: A democratic government is accountable because its leaders are elected by the people and are answerable to them. Citizens have the right to information and can question government decisions.
  2. Responsive Government: It is expected to respond to the needs and demands of the populace. This involves listening to public opinion, addressing grievances, and implementing policies that serve the public interest.
  3. Legitimate Government: A democratic government is considered legitimate because it is elected by the citizens through free and fair elections. This legitimacy provides it with the moral authority to govern.
  4. Transparency: Democracies strive for transparency, meaning that government decisions are made in an open manner, and citizens have the right to know how decisions are taken and implemented.

Democracy vs. Development: A Balancing Act

One common critique of democracies is their perceived slowness in decision-making compared to authoritarian regimes. This often leads to questions about their efficiency in driving economic development.

  • Democratic Process: Democracies involve extensive debates, consultations, and negotiations, which can delay policy implementation. However, this ensures broader consensus and legitimacy, leading to more sustainable policies.
  • Authoritarian Regimes: Dictatorships can make quick decisions, potentially leading to faster economic growth in some specific cases, especially when focusing on specific sectors. However, this often comes at the cost of civil liberties, social justice, and equitable distribution of wealth.
  • Long-term vs. Short-term: While some authoritarian states might show impressive economic figures in the short term, democracies, with their emphasis on rights, participation, and accountability, tend to foster more stable and inclusive growth over the long run. They are better equipped to handle diverse demands and prevent large-scale social unrest through peaceful means.

Comparison: Decision-Making in Different Regimes

Feature Democratic Government Authoritarian Government
Decision-Making Slower due to deliberation, public debate, consensus building Faster, decisions made by a single leader or small group
Accountability High; leaders answerable to citizens through elections and rights Low; leaders not formally accountable to the public
Transparency Aims for openness, Right to Information (RTI) Generally low, decisions often made in secrecy
Public Participation High; citizens can influence policy through various means Low to none; dissent is often suppressed
Legitimacy Derived from popular mandate (elections) Derived from force, tradition, or perceived efficiency

Quick Revision Checklist

  • Accountability means the government is responsible for its actions to the public.
  • Democracies ensure accountability through elections, public debate, and right to information.
  • Responsive governments act on citizen needs and demands.
  • Legitimacy in democracy comes from being elected by the people.
  • Democracies might be slower but ensure inclusive and legitimate decisions.
  • Authoritarian regimes can be faster but lack accountability and transparency.

Practice Questions

  1. What is the primary mechanism through which citizens can hold a democratic government accountable?
  2. Explain why democratic governments are considered more legitimate than other forms of government.
  3. In what ways can a government demonstrate responsiveness to its citizens’ needs?
  4. Discuss the trade-off, if any, between economic efficiency and democratic accountability.
  5. Why is transparency crucial for an accountable government?