How do we judge democracy?
Democracy is better than other forms because it promotes equality, improves the quality of decisions, gives a way to settle conflicts, and allows mistakes to be corrected. But we should judge it by its outcomes: what it actually delivers.
Democracy is not magic. It creates conditions, and citizens must use them. So we compare it with what we can expect, not with a perfect dream.
Accountable, responsive and legitimate government
- Accountable: the government answers to the people. Citizens can vote it out.
- Transparent: citizens can find out how and why a decision was taken, for example with the Right to Information (RTI).
- Responsive: it listens to people's needs. Democracies are not always good at this, but they do better than non-democracies.
- Legitimate: it is the people's own government, chosen by them. Even if slow, it is accepted.
Decisions in a democracy can take longer because of discussion and negotiation. But these decisions are more acceptable and effective. Democracies have regular, free and fair elections, open public debate and citizens' right to information.
Economic growth and development
Looking at data from about 1950 to 2000, dictatorships had a slightly higher average rate of economic growth (about 4.4%) than democracies (about 3.9%). The difference is small.
Growth depends on many factors: population size, global conditions, cooperation with other countries and a country's priorities. So democracy alone cannot guarantee growth. Still, democracy gives many other positive outcomes, so it should be preferred.
Inequality and poverty
Democracies are based on political equality: every vote has equal weight. But economic inequality is still large. In many countries the richest 20% get a very large share of income and the poorest get very little. Poor people form a big part of voters, yet governments have not done enough to remove poverty. This is a real weakness.
Accommodation of social diversity
Democracies usually develop ways to handle competition among groups, which reduces the chance of tensions becoming violent. No society can remove conflict fully, but democracy is best at handling it.
Two conditions are needed:
- Democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority must work with the minority so that the government speaks for everyone.
- Rule by majority must not become rule by one religious, racial or language group. The majority should change with each decision or election, so that everyone has a chance to be in it.
Dignity and freedom of citizens
Here democracy is far ahead of any other form of government. Every person wants respect from others; democracy recognises this.
- Women: the long struggle of women for respect and equal treatment got legal and moral support from democracy.
- Caste: democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and opportunity. Cases of discrimination still happen, but they lack legal or moral backing.
When people complain about democracy, it shows its success: they have become aware and expect more. A democracy must always keep trying to give more outcomes.
Key formulas and definitions
- Accountable government: answers to the people for its actions.
- Responsive government: acts on people's needs and demands.
- Legitimate government: people's own government, accepted as rightful.
- Transparency: the right and means to check how decisions were made (e.g. RTI).
- Dictatorship: rule by one person or group without free elections.
- Economic inequality: big gaps in income and wealth among people.
- Report card: accountability and dignity strong; growth similar; inequality weak.
Worked examples
1. Why are decisions slower in a democracy? Is that bad?
Decisions need discussion and agreement. They are slower, but more acceptable and effective, so it is a fair cost.
2. Growth: democracies about 3.9%, dictatorships about 4.4%. What is the difference?
4.4 − 3.9 = 0.5 percentage points: a small difference.
3. Give an example of transparency in India.
The Right to Information Act lets a citizen ask a government office how money for a project was spent.
4. Why must the majority keep changing for democracy to accommodate diversity?
If one group is always the majority, others are always left out and may feel unsafe. A changing majority gives everyone a chance.
5. People in a democracy complain a lot. Does this mean democracy failed?
No. Complaints show people are aware and expect more, which is itself a success of democracy.
Common mistakes
- Thinking democracy guarantees fast economic growth. Growth depends on many other factors.
- Believing majority rule means one community always rules. Democracy needs a changing majority that includes all.
- Thinking democracy has removed inequality. Political equality exists, but economic inequality is still large.
- Taking public complaints as proof of failure. They are a sign of awareness and freedom.