Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Democratic government is considered a legitimate government for the following reasons:

1. People's own government: Democratic government is formed by representatives elected by the people themselves. People have the right to choose their rulers and control over them.

1. Accountable and transparent: Democracy ensures decision-making is based on norms and procedures. Citizens have the right to examine how decisions are made — this is known as transparency.

1. Responsive to citizens: Democratic government is attentive to the needs and demands of the people and allows citizens to participate in decision-making.

1. Overwhelming public support: As data from South Asia shows, 94% of people agree with rule by elected representatives, proving democracy generates its own support.

1. Better than alternatives: Though democracy may be slow and less efficient, non-democratic regimes are no less corrupt or insensitive. Democracy remains far better in all these respects.

Thus, democracy's ability to generate its own support is itself an important outcome.

Source: Outcomes of Democracy, Chapter 5

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Examiners expect students to use the key term "legitimate" and link it to: people electing rulers, transparency, accountability, and public support data. Don't write a general essay on democracy — focus specifically on why it is legitimate. Mentioning the South Asia survey data adds a factual touch that earns marks. Five clear points match the 5-mark weightage perfectly.