CHAPTER 7 - OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY ( CIVICS SOCIAL SCIENCE CLASS 10)

Explain the role of democratic governments in reducing economic disparities.
Or,
“Democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities”. Examine the statement with examples.

If we consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth. The inability of democracy to achieve higher economic development is a matter of concern. But this alone cannot be reason to reject democracy. Economic development depends on several factors: country’s population size, global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by the country, etc. However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible. Overall, we cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.

The differences in the economic growth in countries under dictatorship and democracy are not very significant it is only marginal therefore democracy is preferred over dictatorship. Perhaps more than development, it is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities. Even when a country achieves economic growth, will wealth be distributed in such a way that all citizens of the country will have a share and lead a better life? It is doubtful in every form of government may it a democracy or a dictatorship.We find growing economic inequalities in all democracies A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. Not only that, their share in the total income of the country has been increasing. Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. Sometimes they find it difficult to meet the basic needs of life, like food clothing shelter and health. In actual life democracies do not appear to be successful in reducing economic inequalities. 

2. An ideal government would not only keep itself away from corruption but also make fighting corruption and black money a top priority”.

Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with Citizens. The records of democracies are not impressive when it comes to transparency and corruption. Democracies sometimes frustrate people and ignore the needs of their citizens. Routine stories of corruption are sufficient to prove that democracy is not completely free of evil, At the same time, there is nothing to show that non-democracies are less corrupt or more sensitive to people’s needs.

There is one respect in which democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives: democratic government is legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic government is people’s own government. That is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world. As the accompanying evidence from South Asia shows, the support exists in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. They also believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to generate its own support itself an outcome that cannot be ignored. 

3. How do democratic governments ensure transparency? Explain any three points.

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. So, they can be very quick and efficient in decision making and implementation. But a democratic government takes time to follow procedures before arriving at a decision. But because it has followed procedures, its decisions may be both more acceptable to the people and more effective. So, the cost of time that democracy pays is perhaps worth it. Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures. Every citizen has the right to know about the process of decision making therefore transparency is ensured. Democratic government develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit. 

If democracies is measured on the basis on the basis of this expected outcome, then the following practices and institutions: regular, free and fair elections; open public debate on major policies and legislations; and citizens’ right to information about the government and its functioning. The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed record on this. Democracies have had greater success in setting up regular and free elections and in setting up conditions for open public debate. But most democracies fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to public debate

4. How is democracy accountable and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens? Analyse

In a democracy, we are most concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making, that affects them all. Therefore, the most basic outcome of democracy should be that it produces a government that is accountable to the citizens, and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.