OUTCOMES OF

DEMOCRACY
 INDEX
How Do We Assess
1
Democracy’s Outcomes?

Accountable, Responsive And

2
Legitimate Government

3 Economic Growth And Development

4 Reduction Of Inequality And Poverty

5 Accommodation Of Social Diversity

6 Dignity And Freedom Of The Citizens

HOW DO WE ASSESS
DEMOCRACY’S
OUTCOMES?
Democracy is a better form
of government when
compared with other forms.
 Why democracy is better?

● Promotes equality among citizens;

● Enhances the dignity of the individual;

● Improves the quality of decision making;

● Provides a method to resolve conflicts;

and

● Allows room to correct mistakes.

But, are these
expectations
realised under
democracies?
 Most people support
democracy against other
alternatives, such as rule
by a monarch or military
or religious leaders.

But most people are

dissatisfied with
democracy in practice.
Democracy is seen to be good in
principle but not so good in its
practice.
Over a 100 countries of the world today
claim and practice some kind of
democratic politics:

➔ they have formal constitutions,

➔ they hold elections,

➔ they have parties and

➔ they guarantee rights of citizens.

While these features are common to

most of them, these democracies are
very much different from each other.
Democracies are very much different from
each other in terms of their social, economic
& cultural achievements.

Democracy in different countries have varied

outcomes. It can only create conditions for
achieving something.

The citizens have to take advantage of those

conditions and achieve those goals.
Analyse three values that make
democracy better.

CBSE 2017

Values that can make democracy better are:

1. Providing equality among citizens.

2. The dignity of an individual can be

enhanced only in a democracy.

3. A democratic government improves the

quality of decision making it may be both
more acceptable to the people and more
effective.

4. It provides a method to resolve conflicts

and produce a harmonious life among
citizens.
 ACCOUNTABLE,
RESPONSIVE AND
LEGITIMATE
GOVERNMENT
1. Democracy is concerned with people
choice.

2. In democracy citizens should be able

to participate in decision making, that
affects them all.
Most basic outcome of democracy

It produces a government that is

accountable to the citizens, and
responsive to the needs and
expectations of the citizens.
Is Democratic Government
Efficient?
● Some people think that democracy
produces less effective government.

● It is, of course, true that non-democratic

rulers do not have to bother about
deliberation in assemblies or worry about
majorities and public opinion.

● Hence, their decision making &

implementation is quick & effective.

However, democracy is based on the idea

of deliberation & negotiation.
 ACCOUNTABLE

Democratic government
ensures that all the decisions
are made following proper
norms and procedures.

Allowing citizens to know if

a decision was taken
through the correct
procedures .
 TRANSPARENCY

It means that the government must

provide information about its
activities and governance to its
citizens that is accurate, complete
& made available in a timely way.
Transparency enables
accountability.
 EXAMPLE

In India- Right to Information Act,

2005. The act empowers citizens to get
timely response from the government.
It promotes transparency &
accountability in the working of
government.
● Democracy develops a mechanism
for citizens to hold the government
accountable and to take part in
decision making whenever they think
fit.

● To measure democracy on this

outcome we should look for the
following practices:

- Regular, free & fair election;

- Open Public Debates;
- Right to information

● However, democracies seldom

disappoints in furnishing the
information with the citizens.
Actual Performance of Democracy

➔ Democracy shows a mixed record:

though it has greater success in
holding regular & fair elections &
setting up open public debates, it
however fails in providing a fair
chance to everyone & subjecting
every decision to public debates.

➔ Democratic governments do
not have a very good record
when it comes to sharing
information with citizens.
 RESPONSIVE

It is reasonable to expect a
democratic government to be
attentive to the needs and
demands of the people & that it is
corruption free.
The record of democracies not impressive

Frustrate
the needs
of the
people
Ignores the
demand of
majority the
population
Democracy is not
free from the evil
of corruption.

There is nothing to show

that non-democracies
are less corrupt or more
sensitive to the people.
 LEGITIMATE

Democracy is people’s
government and hence
legitimate.

People wish to be ruled by

representatives elected by
them.

Democracy’s ability to
generate its own support
is itself an outcome that
cannot be ignored.
 Democracy is preferred over
dictatorship everywhere except
Pakistan
South Asia
28

62
10
 Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation
and negotiation’. Examine the statement.

CBSE 2019
Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and
negotiation

1. Democracy gives importance to deliberation &

public opinion.

2. The democratic government will take more time

to follow procedures before arriving at a
decision.

3. Its decisions may be both more acceptable to

the people & more effective.

4. Democracy ensures that decision making will be

based on norms & procedures.

5. Transparency as persons have the right & the

means to examine the process of decision
making.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT
 If democracies are expected to
produce good governments, then is
it not fair to expect that they would
also produce development?
 Evidence shows that in
practice many democracies
did not fulfil this
expectation.
❏ Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have
slightly higher rate of economic growth.
However, this cannot be the sole reason to
reject democracy.

❏ Country’s economic growth depends on

the following reasons:

-Country’s population size;

-Global situation;
-Cooperation from other countries, etc.

❏ However, the difference in the rates of

economic development between less
developed countries with dictatorships
and democracies is negligible.
 Table shows that within democracies there can be very high
degree of inequalities. In democratic countries like South Africa
and Brazil, the top 20% people take away more than 60% of the
national income, leaving less than 3% for the bottom 20%
population. Countries like Denmark and Hungary are much better
in this respect.
 Rates of economic growth for different
countries, 1950-2000

Types of regimes and countries Growth rate

All democracies regimes 3.95

All dictatorial regimes 4.42

Poor countries under dictatorship 4.34

Poor countries under democracy 4.28

Table shows that on an average dictatorial regimes

have had a slightly better record of economic growth.
But when we compare their record only in poor
countries, there is virtually no difference.
 REDUCTION OF
INEQUALITY AND
POVERTY
 More than development, democracies are
expected to reduce economic disparities:

Reduce economic
disparities.

Equitable distribution of
wealth

Just distribution of goods &

opportunities
 EQUALITY

Political equality Economic equality

All individuals have Provision of equal

equal weight in opportunities to all
electing so they may be able
representatives. to make their
economic progress.
Democracies are based on political equality.

Democracies fails in reducing economic

inequality.

Small number of ultra-rich enjoy

disproportionate share of income & wealth.

Those at the bottom of the society have

declining income & unable to meet their basic
needs.
In actual life, democracies
do not appear to be very
successful in reducing
economic inequalities.
 EXAMPLE
● Poor constitute a large proportion of
voters.

● No party wants to lose their votes.

● Yet, the democratic government turns

a blind eye towards the poverty issue.

● Situation more worse in other

countries.

● In Bangladesh, more than half of its

population lives in poverty.

● Poor completely depends on rich for

food & supplies.
World’s Wealth Owned by a Few
ACCOMODATION OF
SOCIAL DIVERSITY
Do democracies
lead to peaceful
and harmonious
life among
citizens?
 It will be a fair expectation
that democracy:

It produce a
harmonious
social life.

Accommodate
various social
divisions.

Provides
mechanism to
resolve conflicts
among different
groups.
❖ Democracy is best suited to accommodate
different social groups.

❖ It develops certain mechanism to reduce the

tensions between various social divisions.

❖ Non-democratic regimes turn a blind eye to

or suppress internal social differences.

❖ Ability to handle social differences, divisions

and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of
democratic regimes.
But do you remember the
example of Sri Lanka, it
reminds us that a
democracy must fulfil two
conditions in order to
achieve this outcome.
 1. Democracy is not simply rule by
majority opinion.

The majority always needs to work with the

minority.

Majority and minority opinions are not

permanent.
 2. Rule by majority does not become
rule by majority community.

It means that in case of every decision or in case of

every election, different persons and groups may &
can form a majority

Democracy remains democracy only as long as every

citizen has a chance of being in majority at some
point of time.

If someone is barred from being in majority on the

basis of birth, then the democratic rule ceases to be
accommodative for that person or group.
 DIGNITY AND
FREEDOM OF THE
CITIZENS
 Democracy stands much
superior to any other form of
government in promoting
dignity and freedom of the
individual.

The passion for respect

and freedom are the basis
of democracy.
● Democracies throughout the world
have recognised this, at least in
principles.

● This has been achieved in various

degrees in various democracies.

● For societies which have been built

for long on the basis of
subordination and domination, it is
not a simple matter to recognize
that all individuals are equal.
 Case of Dignity of Women

Most societies across the world were historically

male dominated societies.

Struggle by women- created some sensitivity

today that respect & equal treatment of women
are necessary ingredients of a democratic
society.
➔ This does not mean that women are
actually always treated with respect.

➔ But once the principle is recognised, it

becomes easier for women to wage a
struggle against what is now
unacceptable legally and morally.

➔ In a non-democratic set up, this

unacceptability would not have legal
basis because the principle of
individual freedom and dignity would
not have the legal and moral force
there.

The same is true of caste inequalities.

❖ Democracy in India has strengthened the
claims of the disadvantaged and
discriminated castes for equal status and
equal opportunity.

❖ There are still instances of caste based

inequalities and atrocities, but these lack the
moral and legal foundations.

❖ Recognition makes ordinary citizens value

their democratic rights, which is absent in
non-democratic regimes.
● One distinctive feature of democracy is
that it’s examination never gets over as it
passes one test it produces another one.

● As people get some benefits of democracy,

they ask for more and want to make
democracy even better, resulting in higher
expectations & complaints.

● The fact that people are complaining is

itself a testimony to the success of
democracy.
❏ People have developed awareness and the
ability to expect and to look critically at
power holders and the high and the
mighty.

❏ A public expression of dissatisfaction with

democracy shows the success of the
democratic project: it transforms people
from the status of a subject into that of a
citizen.

❏ Most individuals today believe that their

vote makes a difference to the way the
government is run and to their own
self-interest.
Do democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life
among citizens? Clarify.

CBSE 2017
1. Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or
suppress internal social differences. Ability to handle
social differences, divisions & conflicts is thus a definite
plus point of democratic regimes.

2. But the example of Sri Lanka exhibits that a democracy

must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this
outcome:

● That democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion.

The majority always needs to work with the minority so
that governments function to represent the general view.
● That rule by majority does not become rule by majority
community in terms of religion or race or linguistic
group, etc.

It also provides:
1. Methods to resolve conflicts
2. Certain rights to citizens
3. Protects minorities.
PYQs
‘There is an overwhelming support for
the idea of democracy all over the
world.’ Support the statement.

CBSE 2015
1. A democratic government is people’s own
government. Thus it is legitimate form of
government.

2. It promotes equality among citizens.

3. It improves the quality of

decision-making.

4. It provides room for correction of

mistakes.

5. It has the ability to generate its own

support.
 NCERT
Questions
How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Democracy produces an accountable government in the following ways.

1. A democratic government ensures that people are able to choose their leaders
and keep a check on them.

2. In an accountable government, people have the right to elect the leaders to form
government and if possible they participate in the decision-making process.

Democracy produces a responsive government in the following ways.

1. Democracy produces a responsible government which is responsible for

satisfying the needs and aspirations of people.

2. It promotes the formation of public opinion, needs and expectations of the

citizens.

Democracy produces an legitimate government in the following ways.

3. A democratic government is a legitimate government, as it is elected by citizens

and enjoys the confidence and trust of the citizens.

4. People have the right to choose their rulers and they have control over their
rulers. Citizens can participate in decision making.
What are the conditions under which democracies
accommodate social diversities?

Democracy is more than just majority rule. The majority

must constantly work for the minority.

1. Minority and majority must work together to

express general opinions in democratic
government.

2. It is critical that majority rule does not become

majority rule in terms of linguistic group, colour, or
religion, etc.

3. One of the primary goals of democracies should be

to foster a harmonious social life.

4. Democracy rejects all forms of discrimination

against citizens based on caste, religion, colour,
sex, race, and so on. It caters to all social
differences.

5. Democratic Governments are in a better position to

reduce and handle conflicts, divisions and
differences.
Homework
Questions
1. Democracy can lead to

A. Handle social differences

B. Secular society

C. Harmonious social life

D. All of the above

2. Assertion: Democracy is a legitimate
government.
Reason: Regular free and fair elections are
the spirit of democracy.

A. Both A & R are true and R is correct

explanation of A

B. Both A & R are true, but R is not the correct

explanation of A

C. A is true, but R is false

D. A is false, but R is true

 Rule of law is the feature of which form of
government?

A. Democracy

B. Dictatorship

C. Monarchy

D. Aristocracy
 Rule of law is the feature of which form of
government?

A. Democracy

B. Dictatorship

C. Monarchy

D. Aristocracy
 Which of these do not hold true for
non-democratic regimes?

A. These do not have to bother about public

opinion

B. Principle of individual dignity has legal

force

C. These take less time at arriving at a

decision

D. These often suppress internal social

differences
 Which of these do not hold true for
non-democratic regimes?

A. These do not have to bother about public

opinion

B. Principle of individual dignity has legal

force

C. These take less time at arriving at a

decision

D. These often suppress internal social

differences
 Which among the following countries is the
perfect example of accommodation of
social diversity?

A. Sri Lanka

B. Saudi Arabia

C. Pakistan

D. Belgium
 Which among the following countries is the
perfect example of accommodation of
social diversity?

A. Sri Lanka

B. Saudi Arabia

C. Pakistan

D. Belgium
 On which of the following pair of factors,
economic development does not depend?

A. Country’s population size and global

situation

B. Cooperation from other countries and

country’s economic priorities

C. Global situation and resources available in

the country

D. Both (A) & (B)

 On which of the following pair of factors,
economic development does not depend?

A. Country’s population size and global

situation

B. Cooperation from other countries and

country’s economic priorities

C. Global situation and resources available in

the country

D. Both (A) & (B)

 Which country tops in the inequality of
income?

A. UK

B. Hungary

C. Russia

D. South Africa
 Which country tops in the inequality of
income?

A. UK

B. Hungary

C. Russia

D. South Africa