CBSE Class 10 Social Science Outcomes of Democracy Notes Set 05

How do we judge a democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which people choose their rulers through free and fair elections. Some people expect it to deliver quick prosperity and equality, while others judge it by the way it takes decisions. To assess it fairly, we must look at its outcomes in several areas: the nature of government, economic growth, inequality and poverty, social diversity, and the dignity and freedom of citizens.

Accountable, responsive and legitimate government

Democracy gives citizens the right to choose rulers and to question them. A democratic government is accountable because it must answer to the people, and it is responsive because it must respond to their needs and expectations. It follows procedures, norms and discussion, so decisions may take more time, but they are more likely to be accepted. It is transparent: citizens have the right to know how decisions were made, for example through the Right to Information Act. Above all it is legitimate, because it is the people's own government.

Critics point out that democracies can be slow, can be affected by corruption and sometimes ignore the views of those who are not in the majority. Non-democratic rulers can decide quickly, but they need not worry about public opinion and decisions made behind closed doors can go badly wrong.

Economic growth and development

Economic growth depends on many factors: population size, global conditions, cooperation from other countries and the economic priorities adopted by the country. Dictatorships have sometimes achieved slightly higher growth, but the difference is small, and democracy performs well when we compare overall outcomes. Rather than expecting democracy to guarantee growth, we should say that it does not lag behind other forms of government in the long run.

Reduction of inequality and poverty

Democracy is based on political equality, with one person having one vote and every vote having equal value. Yet economic inequality is growing: a small group of rich people enjoys a large share of national income, while the poorest have a very small share. Many people in democracies still cannot meet basic needs. Governments have tried to respond through measures such as minimum needs programmes, distribution of surplus land, reservation of jobs for backward classes, and social security such as old-age pensions, free medical aid and subsidised housing.

Accommodation of social diversity

Democracy is not just rule by the majority. The majority must work with the minority so that governments represent the general view. Further, majority and minority must not be fixed. A majority must be made up of different people and groups, not on the basis of religion, race or language. A democracy remains a democracy as long as every citizen has a chance of being in the majority at some point. Belgium's power-sharing arrangement shows how conflicts can be handled peacefully, while the experience of Sri Lanka shows what happens when the majority ignores the minority.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

Every person wants to be treated with respect by others. Democracy promotes equality among citizens and recognises that all individuals have equal dignity. Freedom to express expectations and complaints is itself a sign that democracy is working. Struggles by women and by disadvantaged groups for equal treatment have gained moral force from this democratic idea.

Why is democracy better than the alternatives?

1. It promotes equality among citizens.
2. It enhances the dignity of the individual.
3. It improves the quality of decision making through consultation and discussion.
4. It provides a method to resolve conflicts peacefully.
5. It allows room to correct mistakes, since rulers can be changed.

Worked examples

Example 1. Why is democracy called a legitimate government?
Answer: Democracy may be slow and imperfect, but it is the people's own government. That is why support for it is high all over the world.

Example 2. State two ways in which governments have tried to reduce inequality.
Answer: They have reserved jobs for backward classes and distributed surplus land. They have also provided social security such as old-age pensions and free medical aid.

Example 3. Explain why a democratic government is more likely to be accepted by the people.
Answer: Decisions are taken after consultation, discussion and following norms. As a result, people feel the decision is theirs and are more willing to follow it.

Quick Check Questions