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OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY - Q&A

Exercises

1. How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?
Democracy produces an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government through several key mechanisms:

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Accountability: Democracy ensures that citizens have the right to choose their rulers and maintain control over them[cite: 63]. [cite_start]It establishes a system where decision-making is based on specific norms and procedures[cite: 81]. [cite_start]If a citizen wants to know if a decision was made correctly, they have the right and the means to examine the process, a feature known as transparency[cite: 82, 83, 84].

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Responsiveness: A basic expected outcome of democracy is a government that is attentive to the needs and expectations of its citizens[cite: 65]. [cite_start]While the record shows that democracies often frustrate these needs, the democratic process provides a platform for citizens to hold the government accountable and participate in decision-making whenever they see fit[cite: 85, 113].

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Legitimacy: A democratic government is a "people’s own government"[cite: 123]. [cite_start]Even if it is slow or less efficient than a dictatorship, it is legitimate because it is elected by the people themselves[cite: 122, 123]. [cite_start]This is why there is overwhelming global support for the idea of democracy[cite: 124].

2. What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Democracies must fulfill two specific conditions to successfully accommodate social differences:

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Majority-Minority Collaboration: Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion[cite: 288]. [cite_start]The majority must always work with the minority to ensure the government represents a general view rather than just a segment of society[cite: 289].

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Inclusive Majority Rule: Rule by majority must not become rule by a specific community based on religion, race, or linguistic groups[cite: 291]. [cite_start]Democracy remains inclusive only as long as every citizen has a chance of being part of the majority at some point in time[cite: 298]. [cite_start]If someone is barred from the majority based on birth, the system ceases to be accommodative for them[cite: 299].

3. Give arguments to support or oppose the following assertions:
• Industrialised countries can afford democracy but the poor need dictatorship to become rich.
[cite_start]Oppose: Economic development depends on many factors, including population size, global situation, and economic priorities, rather than just the form of government[cite: 187, 188]. [cite_start]Evidence shows that the difference in growth rates between poor countries under dictatorship (4.34%) and those under democracy (4.28%) is negligible[cite: 238]. [cite_start]Therefore, the benefits of democracy, like dignity and freedom, outweigh the tiny growth difference[cite: 191].

• Democracy can't reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens.
[cite_start]Support (with caveats): In practice, democracies have not been very successful in reducing economic inequalities[cite: 254]. [cite_start]While individuals have political equality (one vote), a small number of ultra-rich continue to enjoy a disproportionate share of wealth while those at the bottom struggle to meet basic needs[cite: 248, 250, 253]. [cite_start]However, democracy provides the legal and moral framework for the poor to struggle against this inequality[cite: 330, 340].

• Government in poor countries should spend less on poverty reduction, health, education and spend more on industries and infrastructure.
Oppose: Spending on health and education (human capital) is essential for long-term growth. [cite_start]As seen in the text, many people in poor countries find it difficult to meet basic needs like schooling and healthcare[cite: 253]. Without these basics, a population cannot effectively participate in or benefit from industrial or infrastructural growth.

• In democracy all citizens have one vote, which means that there is absence of any domination and conflict.
[cite_start]Oppose: While "one person, one vote" provides political equality, it does not automatically remove social or economic domination[cite: 248, 249]. [cite_start]Conflicts still arise because people feel they are not treated with respect[cite: 309]. [cite_start]However, democracy is superior because it provides a peaceful method to resolve these conflicts and respect differences[cite: 34, 286].

4. Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
• Following a High Court directive, a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
[cite_start]Challenge: Caste-based discrimination and inequality[cite: 339].
[cite_start]Mechanism: Strengthening the legal and moral foundations against caste-based atrocities and ensuring strict judicial enforcement of equal rights to all citizens[cite: 340].

• A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
[cite_start]Challenge: Economic distress and failure of government responsiveness to the needs of the poor[cite: 111, 252].
[cite_start]Mechanism: Establishing mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable and implementing economic priorities that support those at the bottom of the society[cite: 85, 187].

• Following an allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.
[cite_start]Challenge: Violation of individual freedom and dignity by those in power[cite: 308, 336].
[cite_start]Mechanism: Enhancing transparency and the right to examine decision-making processes, ensuring that even "the high and the mighty" are subject to the rule of law[cite: 83, 336].

5. In the context of democracies, which of the following ideas is correct- democracies have successfully eliminated:
A. conflicts among people
B. economic inequalities among people
C. differences of opinion about how marginalised sections are to be treated
D. the idea of political inequality
[cite_start]Answer: D. the idea of political inequality [cite: 248, 389]
[cite_start]Explanation: Democracy is built on the principle of political equality (one vote for one person), even if social and economic inequalities still exist[cite: 248, 249].

6. In the context of assessing democracy, which among the following is the odd one out. Democracies need to ensure:
A. free and fair elections
B. dignity of the individual
C. majority rule
D. equal treatment before law
[cite_start]Answer: C. majority rule [cite: 394]
[cite_start]Explanation: The "odd one out" is "majority rule" because democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion; it must also include the minority and protect individual dignity[cite: 288, 289].

7. Studies on political and social inequalities in democracy show that:
A. democracy and development go together.
B. inequalities exist in democracies.
C. inequalities do not exist under dictatorship.
D. dictatorship is better than democracy.
[cite_start]Answer: B. inequalities exist in democracies. [cite: 398]
[cite_start]Explanation: Evidence shows that despite political equality, growing economic inequalities are found parallel to the democratic process[cite: 249].

8. Read the passage below [about Nannu and the RTI application]:
...What does Nannu's example show? What impact did Nannu's action have on officials?
[cite_start]Answer: Nannu's example illustrates the power of Transparency and the Right to Information (RTI)[cite: 83]. [cite_start]It shows that when a citizen has the means to examine the process of government decision-making, it makes the government accountable and responsive[cite: 65, 83].
[cite_start]Impact: The officials, who previously ignored Nannu, were forced to act quickly once the RTI application was filed[cite: 410, 412]. [cite_start]It transformed their behavior from inaction to efficiency and courtesy because the legal mechanism held them accountable[cite: 413, 414].

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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!

Question

Name one of the five ways democracy is considered a better form of government compared to dictatorship.

Answer

It promotes equality among citizens.

Question

How does democracy affect the dignity of the individual compared to other forms of government?

Answer

It enhances the dignity of the individual.

Question

What impact does democracy have on the quality of decision-making?

Answer

It improves the quality of decision-making through deliberation and negotiation.

Question

In terms of social stability, what does democracy provide that dictatorships often lack?

Answer

A method to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Question

What is the unique advantage of democracy when the government makes a mistake?

Answer

It allows room to correct mistakes.

Question

According to the text, why is there a 'dilemma' regarding democracy?

Answer

It is seen to be good in principle, but often felt to be not so good in practice.

Question

What are three common formal features found in most democratic countries today?

Answer

Formal constitutions, regular elections, and guaranteed rights of citizens.

Question

Why do outcomes vary between different democratic countries despite having common features?

Answer

They differ in their social situations, economic achievements, and cultures.

Question

What is the first step towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy?

Answer

Recognising that democracy is just a form of government that creates conditions for achieving goals.

Question

What is the most basic outcome citizens should expect from democracy regarding their rulers?

Answer

A government that is accountable to the citizens.

Question

Besides accountability, what should a democratic government be in relation to the needs of the citizens?

Answer

Responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

Question

What is the primary trade-off democracy makes to ensure decisions are acceptable to the people?

Answer

It pays a cost in time due to deliberation and negotiation.

Question

Term: Transparency

Answer

Definition: The right and the means for a citizen to examine the process of decision-making.

Question

Which practice do democracies typically use to ensure a citizen can hold the government accountable?

Answer

Developing mechanisms like the Right to Information and open public debates.

Question

How do democracies generally perform regarding the sharing of information with citizens?

Answer

The record is mixed, and they often fall short of sharing complete information.

Question

What is the record of democratic regimes regarding corruption?

Answer

Democracies are not free of corruption and the record is not impressive.

Question

In what specific respect is a democratic government definitively better than its alternatives?

Answer

It is a legitimate government because it is the people's own government.

Question

What does the text identify as democracy's ability that 'cannot be ignored' as an outcome?

Answer

Its ability to generate its own support.

Question

According to data from 1950 to 2000, which regime type had a slightly higher rate of economic growth?

Answer

Dictatorships.

Question

List two factors that affect a country's economic development besides its form of government.

Answer

Population size and global situation.

Question

How does the economic growth rate of poor countries under democracy compare to poor countries under dictatorship?

Answer

The difference is negligible.

Question

In which two countries mentioned do the top $20$ per cent of people take away more than $60$ per cent of national income?

Answer

South Africa and Brazil.

Question

Which two countries are cited as having a better distribution of national income?

Answer

Denmark and Hungary.

Question

What is the core basis of democracy in the political arena?

Answer

Political equality, where all individuals have equal weight in electing representatives.

Question

What happens to the share of total income for the ultra-rich in most democracies?

Answer

It has been increasing, creating a highly disproportionate share of wealth.

Question

What paradox exists regarding poverty and democratically elected governments?

Answer

The poor are a large proportion of voters, yet governments are often not keen to address poverty.

Question

Which country is mentioned as having more than half of its population living in poverty?

Answer

Bangladesh.

Question

How does democracy typically handle social divisions and tensions?

Answer

By developing procedures to conduct competition and negotiate differences.

Question

What is the first condition a democracy must fulfil to achieve social harmony?

Answer

The majority must work with the minority so the government represents the general view.

Question

What does 'rule by majority' mean in a truly democratic sense?

Answer

In every decision or election, different persons and groups can form a majority.

Question

When does democratic rule cease to be 'accommodative' for a person or group?

Answer

When someone is barred from being in the majority on the basis of birth.

Question

What two passions are described as the basis of democracy?

Answer

The passion for respect and the passion for freedom.

Question

How does the legal recognition of equality help women in a democracy?

Answer

It provides a legal and moral basis to struggle against unacceptable treatment.

Question

What has been the impact of democracy on disadvantaged castes in India?

Answer

It has strengthened their claims for equal status and equal opportunity.

Question

Why is the fact that people are 'complaining' seen as a testimony to the success of democracy?

Answer

It shows people have developed awareness and the ability to look critically at power holders.

Question

How does democracy transform the status of an individual?

Answer

It transforms them from the status of a 'subject' into that of a 'citizen'.

Question

The _____ of time that democracy pays for deliberation is often considered worth it for more acceptable decisions.

Answer

Cost

Question

Democracy is not a guarantee of economic development, but it should not _____ dictatorships in this respect.

Answer

Lag behind

Question

In South Asia, which country showed the lowest 'preferable' rating for democracy according to the survey data?

Answer

Pakistan.

Question

According to Table 1, what was the average growth rate for all democratic regimes between 1950 and 2000?

Answer

$3.95$ per cent.

Question

According to Table 2, what is the share of national income for the bottom $20$ per cent in South Africa?

Answer

$2.9$ per cent.

Question

What does the example of Nannu's ration card application illustrate about democratic rights?

Answer

The power of the Right to Information Act to make officials accountable.

Question

Under what condition is democracy considered 'legitimate' despite being slow or inefficient?

Answer

Because it is the people's own government.

Question

Why is democracy's examination described as 'never getting over'?

Answer

As it passes one test, it produces another because people's expectations grow.

Question

Rule by majority becomes undemocratic if it is interpreted as rule by a _____ community.

Answer

Majority (in terms of religion, race, or linguistics)

Question

What does the cartoon 'The Rich Get Buff' suggest about economic growth?

Answer

That the gains of economic growth are often concentrated at the top (the rich).

Question

How does a non-democratic regime typically handle internal social differences?

Answer

They often turn a blind eye to them or suppress them.

Question

What is the primary goal of ensures regular, free and fair elections in a democracy?

Answer

To ensure citizens have the right to choose and control their rulers.

Question

In terms of income inequality, how does the USA compare to the UK according to Table 2?

Answer

The USA has higher inequality, with the top $20$ per cent holding $50$ per cent of income vs $45$ per cent in the UK.

Question

Concept: Deliberation and Negotiation

Answer

Definition: The process of careful discussion and compromise used in democracies to reach decisions.

Question

What evidence suggests that democracy is preferred even in countries without democratic regimes?

Answer

Surveys from South Asia showing people wish to be ruled by elected representatives.

Question

True or False: Democracies have been highly successful in eliminating economic inequalities.

Answer

False.

Question

How does the Right to Information Act (RTI) impact the 'Accountable' aspect of government?

Answer

It provides citizens with the means to examine the process of decision-making and hold officials responsible.

Question

Which country in South Asia has the highest percentage of people who 'Strongly agree' or 'Agree' that they should be ruled by elected representatives?

Answer

Sri Lanka ($98$ per cent).

Question

In a democracy, majority and minority opinions are not _____.

Answer

Permanent