(a) Analyse the importance of democracy in accommodation of social diversity.

(i) It will be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life.

(ii) Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among ethnic populations.

(iii) Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.

(iv) No society can completely and permanently resolve conflicts between different groups, but we can learn to respect these differences and develop ways of negotiating harmony between them.

(v) Democracy is best suited to produce a more harmonious outcome.

(vi) Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite advantage of democratic regimes.

(vii) Majority works with minority.

(viii) Democracy develops procedures to conduct competition which ensures equality.

(b) Analyse the importance of democracy in reducing poverty and inequality.

(i) Promotes political equality by supporting universal adult franchise

(ii) Enhances the dignity of individuals by recognizing them as citizens and not subjects.

(iii) Improves the quality of decision making through debate and discussion.

(iv) Allows room to correct mistakes.

(v) Many steps have been taken to reduce disparity through various Central and State government schemes.

(vi) Reservation has also helped to uplift the marginalized sections.