OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy is expected to produce certain outcomes. These outcomes help us judge whether democracy is successful or not.

Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government

(a) Accountable

• Democratic government is accountable to the people.
• Regular elections, free press, and public debates make leaders answerable.
• Citizens can change the government through elections.

(b) Responsive

• Government responds to the needs and expectations of the people.
• Policies must reflect public opinion and welfare.

(c) Legitimate

• Democratic governments are legitimate because they are elected by the people.
• Even if decisions are slow, people accept them as lawful.

Democracy may be slow, but it is more transparent and legitimate.

 Economic Growth and Development

• Democracy does not guarantee higher economic growth, but it provides better conditions for development.
• Dictatorships may have faster decisions, but democracies ensure:
  • fairness
  • equal opportunities
  • long-term benefits

Thus, democracy promotes sustainable economic development, not just rapid growth.

 Reduction of Inequality and Poverty

Democracy promises equality, but economic inequality remains.

Rich get richer faster; poor may remain poor.

However, democracies try to reduce poverty through:

welfare schemes

reservations

employment programmes

 Accommodation of Social Diversity

• Democracy allows peaceful resolution of social differences.
• In societies with language, religion, and cultural diversity:
  • Democracy ensures minorities are heard.
  • Majority can’t dominate permanently.

Democracy promotes unity in diversity and tolerance.

Dignity and Freedom of Citizens

• Democracy values the dignity of individuals.
• Increased respect for women, minorities, disadvantaged groups.
• Allows freedom of speech, expression, and movement.
• People can protest, criticise, and demand rights without fear.