Outcomes of Democracy Summary Class 10 Social Science Chapter 5

How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?

• Democracy is a better form of government because:
  • It promotes equality among citizens.
  • It enhances the dignity of the individual.
  • It improves the quality of decision-making.
  • It provides a method to resolve conflicts.
  • It allows room to correct mistakes.

Is the democratic government efficient?

• Non-democratic rulers do not have to bother about deliberation in assemblies or worry about majorities and public opinion.
• A democratic government will take more time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision.
  • Because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective.

Accountable

• A citizen who wants to know if a decision was taken through the correct procedures can find this out. This is known as transparency.

Legitimate Government

• In democracy, governments are elected through a regular, free and fair elections. 
• Laws are made following proper procedures, after much discussion with the representatives of the people.
• If people feel that government has done something which goes against the Constitution, people can challenge it in the Judiciary.

Economic growth and development

• Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth. 
• Economic growth depends on various factors:
  • Size of the population of a country
  • Global situation
  • Co-operation from other countries
  • Economic policies adopted by the country
• However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.

Reduction of inequality and poverty

• Democracies are based on political equality, but we find growing economic inequalities.

Accommodation of social diversity

• Democracy helps its citizens to lead a peaceful and harmonious life by accommodating various social divisions.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

• Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual.

Democracy - its examination never gets over

• A democracy is always striving towards a better goal. 
• People constantly demand more benefits in a democracy.