This chapter assesses what democracy actually delivers compared with non-democratic forms of government. It argues that democracy is a better form of government because it is more accountable, responsive and legitimate, even if it is sometimes slow, messy and given to compromise. Democracies promote transparent decision-making, since citizens have the right to examine the process and to question their rulers. While democracies may not always produce faster economic growth than dictatorships, they handle social differences, divisions and conflicts far better by allowing negotiation, accommodation and a peaceful sharing of power. Democracy enhances the dignity and equality of citizens, giving weaker sections and women a voice, and it allows societies to correct their own mistakes through regular elections, a free press and public debate. The chapter accepts that democracies have not removed economic inequalities entirely, but concludes that the very expectations and complaints people have about democracy are evidence of its success in raising the standard of what people demand.
Assessing the outcomes of democracyAccountability, responsiveness and legitimacyEconomic growth and developmentReduction of inequality and povertyAccommodation of social diversityDignity and freedom of citizens
Key terms
Accountability
The duty of a government to answer to the people for its decisions and actions.
Legitimate government
A government accepted by the people as rightful and lawful.
Transparency
Openness in decision-making that lets citizens examine the process.
Economic inequality
The unequal distribution of income and wealth among people.
Dignity
The respect and equal worth that democracy guarantees to citizens.
Accommodation
Settling differences among groups through negotiation and power-sharing.
Responsiveness
The readiness of a government to attend to people’s needs and demands.
Political equality
Equal political rights and one value for every citizen’s vote.
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Democracy is considered a better form of government mainly because it is:
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