Outcomes of Democracy. Easy Notes of civics for class 10th
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    |   Preeti

Introduction:

From the year when you begin studying Civics, you found what form of government do we have and how it functions through federal system. No individual has given extreme power. But everyone is equally a part of it. Apart from this, you also studied about whole structure thoroughly. This chapter will lead you to the outcome that you came to observe throughout 5 years.

How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?

We got to know from previous year chapter that Democracy is a better alternative since its has features like:

  1. It promotes equality among citizens;
  2. Enhances the dignity of the individual;
  3. Improves the quality of decision-making;
  4. Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and
  5. Allows room to correct mistakes.

Though democracy has these above given features to be seen good in principle, but it is felt not to be good in its practice.

  • In principle, democracy means one person one vote, protection of rights, rule of law, and a government that answers to citizens.
  • Whereas, in practice, leaders consult widely and manage coalitions, so decisions move slower and implementation can lag. Money power, criminal influence, and corruption can distort choices. Social and economic gaps also remain, so benefits do not reach everyone at once.
  • Thus, It depends on democratic country’s governance and practical actions, how the result will turn out.
  • Here, we need to remember two important things:-
    • Democracy’s features or principles do not change but its impact varies from country to country.
      • The factors that create the difference in these democracies are Social situations, political actions, economic achievements and cultures.
    • Secondly, we need not to blame democracy. As it is just a form of government. It can only create conditions for achieving something. What you need to do is to take advantage of those conditions.

Why democracy is better form of government?

  • Democracy is a better form of government because people choose their rulers and can hold them accountable under law. Decisions may take longer due to consultation, yet this process produces fair, widely accepted, and stable policies.
  • As more citizens participate, leaders stay responsive, policies match real needs, and public acceptance rises. This wider participation lowers conflict and strengthens democratic stability.

Difference between democratic and non democratic government

Democratic Government (merits)Non-Democratic Government (demerits)
People choose the rulers through free and fair elections, so authority comes from citizens.People do not choose the rulers freely, so accountability to citizens is weak.
Leaders stay accountable because voters, courts, media, and opposition can question and replace them.Governments may hide failures or manipulate data, which delays correction of bad policies.
Rights and dignity get stronger protection under the Constitution and an independent judiciary.Fundamental rights such as speech, association, and protest are not secure for all citizens.
Democratic Government (demerits)Non-Democratic Government (merits)
Decision making often takes more time because many views are heard.Decisions can be very quick because power is centralised and consultation is limited.
Money and muscle can influence campaigns and policy choices.Governments can push tough measures that may be delayed in electorally sensitive settings.
Public services and welfare schemes may not reach everyone on time or fairly, so poverty and inequality decline slowly.Policy continuity remains high because rulers do not face frequent elections.

Let’s understand what is possible to expect from democracies and how far?

Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate government

In a democracy, we expect a government that is accountable, responsive, and legitimate. People elect and can replace their leaders. The government listens to public needs, improves services, fixes complaints, and explains its decisions. It gains legitimacy by winning free and fair elections and working under the Constitution and rule of law, so citizens accept its authority.

Economic growth and development

It is not necessary that only democracy leads to better Economic growth and development.

The rate of economic development depends on several factors.

  • Country’s population size
  • global situation
  • cooperation from the other countries
  • Economic priorities adopted by the country, etc.

Thus, Democracy does not always give faster growth. But, we do not expect it to lag far behind dictatorships.

Reduction of inequality and poverty

Democracy gives equal political rights, but economic gaps can still widen as the rich take a rising share of income and the poor struggle for food, housing, education, and health. This happens when growth policies ignore distribution and basic services.

Accommodation of social diversity

No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But democracy can reduce the possibility of these tensions to become violent.

There are two conditions that democracy must fulfil.

  • It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. Therefore it must represent general views of both minority and majority
  • It should ensure minority also has the chance to form majority at some point of time. So that different communities can peacefully voice their grievances.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

This is one of the principles of democracy. Everyone seeks for it. This can only be achieved with legal acceptance. Take the case of women. Earlier they had no equal rights. With time they got equal treatment. But it is only through legal recognition of principle, women got the chance to claim. Through this, disadvantaged and discriminated castes also got the chance to claim their equal status and equal opportunity.

  • Thus, democracy must provide the following as an outcome.
    1. Accountability, Responsiveness and Legitimacy:-
      • Accountability: Democracy is accountable because people elect their representatives and can change them in the next election. Citizens monitor the government through RTI, media, courts, and public opinion, so leaders answer for their actions.
      • Responsiveness: In response to the people’s need, it is government who is bound to work on those policies which favours the needs as well as welfare of the people. This is what you will find in democratic countries only.
      • Legitimacy: The government that gets popular support from the people, come to power. Therefore you can say, it is people’s own government. This is what makes it legitimate.
    2. Rule of law and transparency:- Democracy follows clear rules and procedures for making decisions. Citizens have the right to examine how decisions are made through records, RTI, and audits.
    3. Accommodation of social diversity:- Democracy gives space to different regions, religions, languages, and social groups. The majority rules, but the rights of minorities are protected, and conflicts are settled through dialogue and fair laws.
    4. Dignity and freedom of citizens:- Democracy protects every person’s dignity and freedom. The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights like equality, speech, religion, and life. Courts enforce these rights and punish violations.
    5. Peaceful conflict resolution:- Democracy settles disputes through talks, negotiation, and courts. Institutions apply fair rules so groups resolve issues without violence.
    6. Chance to correct mistakes:- Democracy allows people to replace leaders in elections, challenge wrong actions in courts, and press for change through media and peaceful protest.
  • These are the things that we should expect form any democratic government.

Note: We assess democracy by these above given outcomes.

Complaints as a Sign of Democratic Success

“ People are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy ”

People can complain because democracy protects free speech, gives access to information, and offers safe ways to raise issues. Elections, media, RTI, courts, and local bodies let citizens question rulers and demand better services. Open criticism makes leaders answer to people, protects rights, and fixes bad policies. More complaints show active public oversight, not failure.

Conclusion:

We can conclude that democracy is not perfect form of government. It has some shortcomings too. But when we compare it with other forms. We find it the better option. Since we always expect more, sometimes we get dissatisfied with the outcome. But we must not ignore its positive side.