outcomes of democracy
TRANSCRIPT
Outcomes of Democracy
By Mr. Siddharth Chandrasekar
Why is Democracy a better form of Government ?
1. Democracy promotes equality among people
2. Enhances the dignity of the individual3. Improves the quality of decision
making4. Provides a method to resolve conflicts5. Allows room to correct mistakes
Why is Democracy a better form of Government ?
6. It is a legitimate Government7. It is slow, less efficient and not very
responsive or clean8. It is people’s own Government9. It has its own ability to generate its
own support
What are the outcomes of Democracy ?
• Democracy is just a form of Government• It can only create conditions for
achieving something• Citizens have to take advantage and
achieve goals
What are the things that a Democracy must provide?
1. People have the right to choose rulers and people have control over rulers
2. People’s participation in decision making3. Government should be accountable to
citizens, responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens
4. Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiations
5. Cost of time that democracy pays is worth it
What are the things that a Democracy must provide?
6. Government has to follow procedures and its decisions must be both more acceptable and effective
7. Democracy develops mechanisms for citizens to hold the Government accountable and take part in decision making
8. Democracy ensures that decision making will be based on norms and procedures
9. Democracy provides transparency
Measurement of Democracy as per their Outcome…
• Regular, free and fair elections• Open public debate on major policies and
legislations • Citizen’s right to information about the
Government and its functioning
Tainted Records…
• Fall short of elections that provide a fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to public debate
• Sharing information with citizens
• Frustrate the needs of the people
• Corruption
What can we expect from the Government?
• We can expect the Government to be attentive to the needs of the people and their demands and at the same time the Government has to be free of corruption
Economic Growth & Development…
• 1950 – 2000 : Dictatorships have higher rate of Economic growth
Economic development depends on several factors:
• Country’s population size
• Global situation
• Cooperation from other countries
• Economic priorities adopted by the country
Democracy does not appear to be successful in reducing economic inequalities...
• A small number of ultra rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and income
• Their share in total income is increasing• People at the bottom of society have very
little to depend on
Outcomes of Democracy…
Political equality• All individuals have equal weight in electing
representatives
Accommodation of Social Diversity• Democracy is the best government to respect
differences and evolve a mechanism to negotiate differences
• Example : Belgium
Outcomes of Democracy…
Majority to work with Minority• Rule by majority means that in case of every
election, different persons and groups may and can form majority
• No discrimination
Dignity & freedom of individuals• Passion for respect and freedom are the
basis of democracy
Outcomes of Democracy…
Dignity of Women• Gaining some sensitivity due to long
struggles• Respect to and equal treatment of women
are necessary• Once if it is recognised, it is easier for women
to wage a struggle
Mention the steps taken to reduce the effects of casteism in Democracy…
• In India, democracy has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and opportunity
• Reservation in jobs and in educational institutions
• Constitutional provisions for safeguarding the interests of minorities, weaker sections and backward classes
• It is the recognition that makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights
Outcomes of Democracy…
• Success of democracy comes with more expectations and complaints from people which indirectly indicates participation
• People have developed awareness and ability to expect and look critically at power holders