An Overview of Democracy and the Outcomes of Democracy
By learning this chapter, you will get to know how we can assess democracy’s outcomes and much more. There are details provided about the actual and expected outcomes of democracy according to different aspects such as economic well-being, social differences, inequality, and government quality and so much more.
With our notes on democracy and its outcomes, you can really have a lot of information about the topic in the best way.
How Do We Assess Democracy Outcomes?
As we define democracy, it can be said that it is basically a better form of running the government than some other options such as dictatorship. We reach this conclusion through these aspects:
Democracy helps in promoting equality amongst the citizens of the country
It also enhances an individual’s dignity above anyone else
The quality and implementation of decision-making abilities are also improved
There are several methods suggested for the resolving of conflicts all throughout the country in the best way
In a democracy, there is always room for correcting the mistakes that are made by people in the government.
Democracy and its Outcomes: An Understanding of the Topic
When it comes to the outcomes of democracy, there are some details that people need to know about. Here we are providing some details on that so that you can develop a deeper understanding of the topic in the best way.
Democracy is Responsible For Producing Responsive And Accountable Government
In a democracy, the people of the country are provided with the right to make a selection of the rulers. So, it can be said that these people have certain rights over the rulers that they choose as well. Citizens are allowed to take part in the making of decisions. So, democracy is responsible for producing a particular government that is more accountable and also responds to the expectations and requirements of the citizens.
Democracy also ensures that decision-making is done after taking care of the different procedures and norms that are a part of the constitution. So, when there is a person who wants to know if a decision will be taken through some correct procedures, then they will be allowed to access the information. This probably answers your question on how do we assess democracy’s outcomes?
Democracy is Responsible For Development and Growth
The development of the country in an economic sense is basically dependent on different factors. For example, the population size of the country, the global situation, and the cooperation that is received from other countries tend to play a very important role in that aspect. Not to mention that there are some economic practices that are adopted by every single country that also has a very important role to play in the development. Hence, having a democracy can actually be one of the best things for development for sure. Having a democracy would mean that people would have equal rights to all the different developments that are happening in the country.
Democracy Plays an Important Role in Reducing Poverty and Inequality
When we are talking about democracy, there are certain equal rights and weight provided to all the citizens. For example, the individuals are provided with equal weight when they are electing their representatives for the elections. Not to mention that there are some economic inequalities which are found which can easily be mitigated when there is a democracy present in the country. Democratic countries are not supposed to have such inequalities where the rich and the people belonging to better economic classes get to enjoy all the benefits.
Democracy Helps in Establishing Social Diversity
For a society to fully resolve the conflicts and live in a harmonious manner, there are certain measures that need to be taken. It is impossible to permanently resolve all the conflicts that tend to happen between several of these groups. It is imperative that these groups learn to respect each other and resolve all the differences that it has. In other words, democracy can be defined as the true solution to that problem. Democracy provides people with abilities to handle certain social differences and divisions in the best way. It also helps in the establishment of certain conflict-resolving norms and procedures
Democracy Ensures the Freedom and Welfare of Citizens
Compared to all the other forms of government, democracy has a much better chance of improving the country and resulting in its development. The core values of democracy reside in the welfare and freedom of people as they are provided with their individual choices.
FAQs on Democracy
1. What is the basic definition of democracy?
Democracy is a form of government where the supreme power is vested in the people, who exercise it either directly or through elected representatives. The most common definition, by Abraham Lincoln, describes it as a 'government of the people, by the people, and for the people.' This system is based on the principle of free and fair elections, where citizens have the right to choose their leaders.
2. What are the main features of a democratic government?
The main features that distinguish a democratic government from other forms of government include:
Elected Representatives: Rulers are elected by the people and are accountable to them.
Free and Fair Elections: Elections are held regularly, offering a fair chance for the ruling party to be defeated.
Universal Adult Franchise: Each adult citizen has one vote, and each vote holds equal value.
Fundamental Rights: Citizens' rights are protected by the constitution, including freedom of speech, expression, and assembly.
Rule of Law: The government operates within the limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights.
3. What are the different types of democracy?
Democracy can be broadly classified into two main types:
Direct Democracy: In this system, citizens directly participate in day-to-day decision-making and the creation of laws. This is only practical in small communities or organisations. Ancient Athens is a classic example.
Representative Democracy: This is the most common form, where citizens elect officials to represent them in government. These representatives then make policy decisions on behalf of the people. India, the USA, and the UK are examples of representative democracies.
4. How does a democratic government ensure it is accountable, responsive, and legitimate?
A democratic government achieves these qualities through several mechanisms. It is accountable because it must answer to the people through regular elections. It is responsive because it is expected to address the needs and demands of the citizens; if it fails, it can be voted out. Finally, it is legitimate because it is the people's own government, elected by them, which gives it the authority to rule.
5. Why is democracy considered a better form of government than a dictatorship?
Democracy is considered superior to dictatorship primarily because it is a more accountable form of government. Unlike a dictator who is not answerable to anyone, a democratic government must respond to the needs of its people or risk losing power. Furthermore, democracy enhances the dignity of citizens by treating them as political equals, provides a method for resolving conflicts peacefully through discussion, and allows room to correct mistakes, none of which is guaranteed in a dictatorship.
6. How can we assess the outcomes of democracy in a country?
Assessing the outcomes of democracy involves looking beyond the principle of elections. We must evaluate its performance in several key areas:
Political Outcomes: Is the government accountable, responsive, and legitimate?
Economic Outcomes: Does it lead to economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality?
Social Outcomes: Does it successfully accommodate social diversity, uphold the dignity of individuals, and ensure gender equality?
A successful democracy shows positive results across these political, economic, and social spheres.
7. Does democracy guarantee economic development and reduction of inequality?
No, democracy does not automatically guarantee rapid economic development or the complete reduction of economic inequalities. While many of the world's most developed countries are democracies, historical data shows that dictatorships have sometimes shown slightly higher rates of economic growth. However, democracy provides a better platform for long-term, sustainable development and creates the political conditions to address inequality, even if the results are not always immediate or perfect.
8. In what ways does democracy help accommodate social diversity?
Democracy is uniquely suited to accommodate social diversity by providing a peaceful framework for competition among different social groups. It ensures that no single group can dominate permanently, as power is shared and negotiated. Through principles like majority rule with respect for minority rights, constitutional protections, and public debate, democracy allows different identities (based on language, religion, or ethnicity) to coexist and express themselves without resorting to violent conflict.
