Outcomes of Democracy
Outcomes of Democracy
Meaning of Outcomes of Democracy
| Aspect | Clear Meaning |
|---|---|
| Outcome of Democracy | Results or effects of democratic governance on people and society |
| Expectation | People expect justice, equality, development and dignity |
| Comparison | Democracy allows correction of mistakes through elections |
- Democracy is judged by how it improves people’s lives
- It gives peaceful change of government
- It respects citizen participation
State = Power, Democracy = People’s Power
In exams, outcomes = results on governance, economy, and society.
Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Accountable | Government answers to people through elections and institutions |
| Responsive | Government listens and reacts to public needs |
| Legitimate | People accept government as rightful and legal |
- Free and fair elections ensure accountability
- RTI and media improve responsiveness
- Unelected governments lack legitimacy
A-R-L = Accountable, Responsive, Legitimate
Questions often ask: Which feature makes government answerable? → Accountability.
Economic Growth and Development
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Growth | Increase in national income and production |
| Development | Improvement in quality of life |
| Comparison | Some non-democracies grow faster but lack freedoms |
- Democracy may be slower in decisions
- But it ensures people’s participation in growth
- It focuses on long-term development, not only profit
Growth = Money, Development = Living
In exams: Democracy does not always give fastest growth but gives safer growth.
Reduction of Inequality and Poverty
| Aspect | Democratic Role |
|---|---|
| Poverty | Government launches welfare programs |
| Inequality | Reservation and social justice policies reduce gap |
| Disadvantaged groups | Special support ensures inclusion |
- Democracy tries to reduce social and economic gaps
- But rich-poor gap still exists in practice
- Requires continuous reforms
Equality is a Goal, Not an Automatic Result
Exams: Democracy aims to reduce inequality but complete equality is still a challenge.
Accommodation of Social Diversity
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Diversity | Different languages, religions, cultures |
| Accommodation | Adjusting and respecting different groups |
| Avoiding conflict | Power sharing reduces community tensions |
- Democracy allows peaceful coexistence of different groups
- Majority cannot dominate minority permanently
- It reduces violent conflicts
Unity in Diversity works best in Democracy
Comparative questions: Democracy > Dictatorship in handling diversity.
Dignity and Freedom of Citizens
| Freedom | How Democracy Supports |
|---|---|
| Expression | Freedom to speak and criticize government |
| Personal liberty | Right to life and liberty protected |
| Dignity | Recognition of equal worth of every person |
- Women and marginalized groups get legal equality
- Citizens can question government actions
- Democracy respects human rights
Democracy = Dignity + Rights + Voice
Typical exam line: One of the best outcomes of democracy is increased dignity of citizens.
Limitations and Challenges of Democracy
| Challenge | Reality |
|---|---|
| Slow decision making | More discussion means more time |
| Corruption | Still exists due to human greed |
| Influence of rich and powerful | Money and media influence elections |
- Democracy does not give perfect results
- But it allows improvement through reforms
- No other system gives better long-term solutions
Democracy = Slow but Correctable System
Exam focus: Even with flaws, democracy is better than other systems.