(a) How is democracy better than other types of government? Analyse.

(i) Democratic government promotes equality among citizens;

(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual;

(iii) It improves the quality of decision-making;

(iv) It provides a method to resolve conflicts;

(v) It allows room to correct mistakes.

(vi) It is accountable, responsive and legitimate form of government

(vii) It accommodates social diversity.

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

(i) Democracy strengthens the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated groups for equal status and equal opportunity.

(ii) Democracies are based on political equality. All individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.

(iii) Democracy discourages discrimination on the basis of economic status, language, religion etc.

(iv) Democratic governments make special provisions like reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for socially and economically weaker sections.

(v) Democratic government put forward schemes to eradicate poverty.

(vi) Democratic governments initiate employment generation programmes.

(vii) Economic inequalities are found in democratic countries.