Which of the following can be merits of democracy?1. Democratic gover...
1. Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people. A nondemocratic government may and can respond to the people’s needs, but in a democracy it requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
2. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many people, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time, but this reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem. In democracy, no one is a permanent winner. No one is a permanent loser.
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Which of the following can be merits of democracy?1. Democratic gover...
Merits of Democracy:
Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. It provides several merits that contribute to the overall functioning and well-being of a society. The correct answer is option 'D' as all the mentioned statements are true.
1. Democratic government is a more accountable form of government:
- In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people as they have the power to elect and remove their representatives through periodic elections.
- This accountability ensures that the government acts in the best interest of the people and is responsive to their needs and demands.
- It also allows for transparency and reduces the likelihood of corruption and misuse of power.
2. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts:
- In a diverse society, conflicts and differences of opinions are bound to arise. Democracy provides a platform for peaceful resolution of these conflicts.
- Through freedom of speech and expression, individuals can voice their concerns, opinions, and grievances.
- The presence of political parties and multiple interest groups allows for the representation of different viewpoints and ensures that no single group dominates the decision-making process.
3. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making:
- In a democracy, decisions are made through a collective process involving public debate, discussion, and consensus-building.
- This process allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives, leading to more informed and well-rounded decisions.
- It reduces the chances of arbitrary and autocratic decision-making, as decisions are based on the will of the majority, while protecting the rights of minorities.
4. Democracy allows us to correct its own mistakes:
- Democracy is a self-correcting system that allows for the rectification of errors and the adaptation of policies and laws to changing circumstances.
- Through regular elections, citizens have the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable and bring about change if they are dissatisfied with the government's performance.
- The existence of a vibrant civil society, independent media, and a strong judiciary further ensures checks and balances, preventing the concentration of power and enabling course correction.
In conclusion, democracy offers numerous merits including accountability, conflict resolution, improved decision-making, and the ability to correct mistakes. It provides a framework for inclusive governance that respects the rights and voices of the people, making it an essential and desirable form of government.
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