Chapter: Outcomes of Democracy

• Introduction

  • How do we assess democracy?
  • Democracy is a better form of government compared to dictatorship, but is it perfect?

• How do we assess democracy's outcomes?

  • Expectations vs Reality: Democracy often falls short of expectations, yet it remains popular.
  • Legitimate Government: People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them.
  • Core Features
    • Regular, free, and fair elections.
    • Open public debate on major policies.
    • Right to information for citizens.

• Accountable, Responsive, and Legitimate Government

  • Accountability: Governments answerable to citizens.
  • Responsiveness: Meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.
  • Legitimate Government: A government that follows procedures and is accepted by the people.
  • Comparison with non-democratic regimes (efficiency vs representation).
  • Delays in decision-making due to procedures vs quality of decisions.

• Economic Growth and Development

  • Does democracy guarantee high economic growth?
  • Evidence shows dictatorial regimes had slightly higher growth rates historically.
  • Economic development depends on:
    • Country's population size.
    • Global situation.
    • Cooperation from other countries.
    • Economic priorities adopted by the country.
  • Conclusion: Economic growth is not exclusive to democracy, but democracy is preferred due to other socio-political benefits.

• Reduction of Inequality and Poverty

  • Economic Disparities: Wealth concentrated in a few hands.
  • Role of democracy in wealth distribution vs actual ground reality.
  • Poverties and marginalized sections waiting for a fair share.
  • Universal adult franchise does not automatically eliminate poverty.

• Accommodation of Social Diversity

  • Democracies develop a procedure to conduct competition.
  • Reduces the possibility of violent social conflicts.
  • Conditions for Accommodation
    • Majority must work with the minority (power-sharing).
    • Rule by majority should not become religious or linguistic majority rule.
  • Example: Belgium's successful accommodation of diversity.

• Dignity and Freedom of the Citizens

  • Democracy stands much superior to any other form in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.
  • Claims of the disadvantaged (women, marginalized castes) for equal status.
  • Shift from "subjects" to "citizens".
  • Moral appeal of democracy: Individuals demand respect and freedom from fellow beings.