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One-Sentence Answer Quiz: Outcomes of Democracy

Question 1: What does the chapter discuss as we wind up the tour of democracy?

The chapter discusses what outcomes can be reasonably expected from democracy and whether it fulfills these in real life.

Question 2: According to the students in Madam Lyngdoh’s class, why is democracy better?

Democracy is better because it promotes equality among citizens, enhances dignity, improves decision-making, resolves conflicts, and allows correction of mistakes.

Question 3: What dilemma do we face regarding democracy?

Democracy is seen as good in principle but not so good in practice.

Question 4: Why do people support democracy despite dissatisfaction?

People support democracy against alternatives like monarchy, military, or religious rule.

Question 5: How many countries claim democratic politics today?

Over a hundred countries claim and practice some kind of democratic politics.

Question 6: What common features do most democracies have?

Most democracies have formal constitutions, hold elections, have parties, and guarantee citizen rights.

Question 7: What pushes us to think democracy can solve all problems?

Our interest and fascination for democracy pushes us into taking that position.

Question 8: What is the first step in thinking about democracy's outcomes?

Recognize that democracy is just a form of government that creates conditions for achieving goals.

Question 9: What is the most basic outcome of democracy?

It produces a government accountable to citizens and responsive to their needs.

Question 10: Why do some think democratic government is inefficient?

Democratic government is based on deliberation and negotiation, causing delays.

Question 11: What is the cost of time in democracy worth?

The cost is worth it because decisions are more acceptable and effective.

Question 12: What does democracy ensure in decision making?

Democracy ensures decision making based on norms and procedures.

Question 13: What is transparency in democracy?

Transparency is the right and means for citizens to examine the process of decision making.

Question 14: What practices indicate accountable government?

Regular free and fair elections, open public debate, and right to information.

Question 15: How do democracies perform on elections and debate?

Democracies have greater success in setting up regular free elections and open public debate.

Question 16: What is lacking in many democracies?

Many democracies fall short in providing fair chance in elections and subjecting decisions to public debate.

Question 17: Do democratic governments share information well?

Democratic governments do not have a very good record in sharing information with citizens.

Question 18: What can we say about democratic regimes in accountability?

Democratic regimes are much better than non-democratic ones in accountability.

Question 19: What is reasonable to expect in substantive terms?

A government attentive to people's needs and largely free of corruption.

Question 20: How do democracies perform on frustration and corruption?

Democracies often frustrate people's needs and are not free of corruption.

Question 21: In what respect is democracy better than alternatives?

Democratic government is legitimate as it is people's own government.

Question 22: What evidence shows support for democracy?

Overwhelming support in South Asia for democracy, even in non-democratic countries.

Question 23: What do people believe about democracy?

People believe democracy is suitable for their country and prefer rule by elected leaders.

Question 24: Is democracy a guarantee of economic development?

We cannot say democracy guarantees economic development, but it doesn't lag behind dictatorships.

Question 25: What does evidence show about economic growth 1950-2000?

Dictatorships have slightly higher economic growth than democracies.

Question 26: In poor countries, what is the difference in growth?

In poor countries, there is virtually no difference in growth between dictatorships and democracies.

Question 27: What factors affect economic development?

Population size, global situation, cooperation from others, economic priorities.

Question 28: When is difference in growth significant?

Significant difference in growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy prefers democracy due to other positive outcomes.

Question 29: What does Table 2 show about inequalities?

Within democracies, there can be very high degrees of income inequality.

Question 30: In which countries is inequality high?

In South Africa and Brazil, the top 20% take over 60% of income.

Question 31: What is reasonable to expect regarding disparities?

Democracies are expected to reduce economic disparities.

Question 32: What happens to wealth in economic growth?

In democracies, economic growth is accompanied by increased inequalities.

Question 33: Who enjoys disproportionate wealth?

A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth.

Question 34: What happens to bottom society's incomes?

The incomes of those at the bottom have been declining.

Question 35: Do democracies reduce inequalities?

In actual life, democracies do not appear very successful in reducing economic inequalities.

Question 36: What is the situation in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, more than half the population lives in poverty.

Question 37: On what are poor countries dependent?

People in poor countries are dependent on rich countries even for food supplies.

Question 38: What is the basis of democracies?

Democracies are based on political equality.

Question 39: What do we find parallel to political equality?

Parallel to political equality, we find growing economic inequalities.

Question 40: Do poor have votes but no attention?

The poor constitute a large proportion of voters, but governments are not keen on addressing poverty.

Question 41: What expectation about harmonious life?

It is fair to expect democracy to produce harmonious social life.

Question 42: How do democracies accommodate divisions?

Democracies accommodate social divisions by developing procedures for competition.

Question 43: What reduces tensions becoming violent?

Procedures reduce the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.

Question 44: Can societies resolve conflicts permanently?

No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among groups.

Question 45: What can we learn in democracy?

We can learn to respect differences and negotiate them.

Question 46: Why is democracy best for outcome?

Democracy is best suited to handle social differences, divisions, and conflicts.

Question 47: What reminds us of conditions?

The example of Sri Lanka reminds us that democracy must fulfill two conditions.

Question 48: What is first condition for accommodating diversity?

Democracy is not simply rule by majority; majority works with minority for general view.

Question 49: What is second condition?

Rule by majority does not become rule by majority community; every citizen has chance to be majority.

Question 50: What is superior about democracy?

Democracy stands much superior in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.