Outcomes of Democracy

How do we assess democracy’s outcomes?

– Democracy is considered better than alternative forms of government like dictatorship due to its promotion of equality, enhancement of individual dignity, improved decision-making, conflict resolution, and capacity for self-correction.
– However, many people feel dissatisfied with the practice of democracy despite supporting it in principle.
– We need to evaluate the outcomes of democracy and determine if our preference for it is based solely on moral reasons or if there are practical reasons as well.
– Different democracies around the world vary in terms of social situations, economic achievements, and cultures, leading to different outcomes.
– Democracy can only provide the conditions for achieving goals, and citizens must actively utilize those conditions to bring about desired outcomes.
– To assess the record of democracy, we need to examine the expectations we can reasonably have from it.

Accountable, responsive and legitimate government

– In a democracy, the most basic outcome should be a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to their needs and expectations.
– Some argue that democracy is less efficient compared to non-democratic forms of government due to the deliberative nature of decision-making. However, democracy’s adherence to procedures and inclusivity can lead to more acceptable and effective decisions.
– Transparency is a key aspect of democracy, allowing citizens to examine the decision-making process and hold the government accountable.
– Expected outcomes of democracy include regular, free, and fair elections, open public debate on major policies, and citizens’ right to information about the government.
– Democracies have had mixed success in achieving these outcomes, with greater success in setting up elections and public debate but shortcomings in ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and information sharing.
– Substantively, democracy should aim to be attentive to people’s needs, demands, and largely free of corruption. However, democracies often fall short in these areas.
– Despite its imperfections, democratic government is considered legitimate because it is the people’s own government, which generates overwhelming support for democracy worldwide.
– People desire to be governed by representatives elected by them and believe that democracy is suitable for their country. Democracy’s ability to generate support is an important outcome in itself.

Economic growth and development

– Democracy is expected to produce a government that is accountable and responsive to citizens.
– Non-democratic governments may be more efficient, but democracy ensures decisions are more acceptable and effective.
– Transparency is a key feature of democracy, allowing citizens to examine decision-making processes.
– Democracies should have regular, free, and fair elections, open public debates, and provide citizens with information about the government.
– Democracies often fall short in ensuring fair elections, public debates, and sharing information with citizens.
– Democracy should strive to be attentive to the needs of the people and tackle corruption.
– Democratic governments are legitimate, as they are chosen by the people and enjoy widespread support.
– Democracy does not guarantee economic development, but its positive outcomes make it preferable despite potential economic differences between democracies and dictatorships.

Reduction of inequality and poverty

– Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities and ensure a just distribution of wealth and opportunities.
– However, despite political equality, economic inequalities have been growing in democracies.
– A small number of ultra-rich individuals enjoy a disproportionate share of wealth, while those at the bottom struggle to meet basic needs.
– Democratically elected governments have not been successful in addressing poverty adequately, even in countries with a large proportion of poor voters.
– Poverty remains a significant issue in many countries, with some relying on rich countries for food supplies.

Accommodation of social diversity

– Democracies should aim to produce a harmonious social life by accommodating social divisions and resolving conflicts through negotiation.
– Democracies develop procedures to manage competition and reduce the likelihood of tensions escalating into violence.
– Democracies are better suited to handle social differences and conflicts compared to non-democratic regimes.
– Democracy requires understanding that it is not just rule by majority opinion, but also working with and representing the minority.
– Rule by majority should not be based on community divisions such as religion, race, or language.
– Sri Lanka serves as an example that highlights the need for fulfilling these conditions to achieve a harmonious outcome in democracy.

Dignity and freedom of the citizens

– Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the individual.
– Democracies recognize the importance of respect and freedom in principle.
– Recognition of dignity and equality has led to progress in areas such as women’s rights and caste inequalities.
– Democracy provides a legal and moral basis for addressing unacceptable treatment.
– Expectations from democracy continually evolve, leading to demands for improvement.
– Complaints and dissatisfaction with democracy indicate people’s awareness and critical evaluation of power holders.
– Expressing dissatisfaction signifies the success of democracy, transforming individuals from subjects to citizens.
– People believe that their vote has an impact on government and their own self-interest.