Outcomes of Democracy Class 10 Notes Civics Social Science (S.St)
How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?• Democracy is a better form of government because:
→ It promotes equality among citizens.
→ It enhances the dignity of the individual.
→ It improves the quality of decision-making.
→ It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
→ It allows room to correct mistakes.
Is the democratic government efficient?
• Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion.
• A democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
→ Because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.
Accountable
• A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. This is known as transparency.
Legitimate Government
• In democracy, governments are elected through a regular, free and fair elections.
• Laws are made following proper procedures, after much discussion with the representatives of the people.
• If people feel that government has done something which goes against the Constitution, people can challenge it in the Judiciary.
Economic growth and development
• Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
• Economic growth depends on various factors:
→ Size of the population of a country
→ Global situation
→ Co-operation from other countries
→ Economic policies adopted by the country
• However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
Reduction of inequality and poverty
• Democracies are based on political equality, but we find growing economic inequalities.
Accommodation of social diversity
• Democracy helps its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by accommodating various social divisions.
Dignity and freedom of the citizens
• Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual.
Democracy - its examination never gets over
• A democracy is always striving towards a better goal.
• People constantly demand more benefits in a democracy.