Long Answer Questions: Outcomes of Democracy

20 Long Answer Questions on Outcomes of Democracy (Approx. 180 Words Each)

Question 1: Discuss how democracy produces an accountable, responsive, and legitimate government.

Democracy ensures accountability by allowing citizens to choose rulers through elections and participate in decision-making. Governments must respond to public needs, facing removal if they fail. Legitimacy stems from following procedures like deliberation, making decisions acceptable. Though slower than dictatorships, democratic processes enhance effectiveness and transparency, enabling citizens to examine decisions. Regular free elections, public debates, and right to information are key mechanisms. Democracies outperform non-democracies in these aspects, though corruption and unresponsiveness persist. Overall, democracy's self-supporting nature, with overwhelming global preference, underscores its legitimacy as people's own government. (182 words)

Question 2: Explain why democracy is considered superior despite dilemmas in practice.

Democracy is ideal in principle for promoting equality, dignity, better decisions, conflict resolution, and mistake correction. In practice, dissatisfaction arises as it doesn't always meet expectations. Over 100 countries practice it, varying in achievements due to social, economic, and cultural differences. Democracy creates conditions for goals, but citizens must utilize them. It excels in accountability via elections and debates, though transparency and responsiveness vary. Moral and prudential reasons support it: morally for dignity, prudentially for legitimacy. Despite inefficiencies, its procedural nature ensures acceptability, making it preferable to alternatives like monarchy or dictatorship. (179 words)

Question 3: Analyze the economic outcomes of democracy compared to dictatorships.

From 1950-2000, dictatorships showed slightly higher growth (4.42%) than democracies (3.95%), but among poor countries, rates are similar (4.34% vs. 4.28%). Economic development depends on population, global cooperation, and priorities, not just regime type. Democracies don't guarantee growth but shouldn't lag. High inequalities persist in democracies like Brazil and South Africa, where top 20% control over 60% income. Democracy doesn't inherently reduce disparities, yet its political equality and other positives like legitimacy make it preferable. Verdict: Democracy's broader benefits outweigh pure economic performance. (181 words)

Question 4: How does democracy address reduction of inequality and poverty?

Democracies expect to reduce disparities through growth distribution. However, economic inequalities grow, with ultra-rich gaining more while poor incomes decline, struggling for basics. In India, poverty persists despite poor voters' influence; governments often neglect it. In Bangladesh, over half live in poverty, relying on aid. Democracies based on political equality see rising economic gaps, failing just distribution. Non-democracies aren't better. Democracy's strength lies in recognizing equality, enabling struggles against inequalities, though actual success is limited. (178 words)

Question 5: Discuss democracy's role in accommodating social diversity.

Democracy fosters harmonious life by accommodating divisions, as in Belgium's ethnic negotiations. It develops competition procedures, reducing violence. No society permanently resolves conflicts, but democracy respects differences and negotiates them best. Non-democracies suppress divisions. Success requires: majority working with minority for general representation, and avoiding community-based majority rule. Every citizen must have majority chance, ensuring inclusivity. Examples show democracy handles diversity without explosion, promoting peace. (182 words)

Question 6: Elaborate on how democracy promotes dignity and freedom of citizens.

Democracy superiorly promotes individual dignity and freedom, recognizing equality in principle. In male-dominated societies, women's struggles gain legal-moral force, challenging disrespect. Caste inequalities lack foundations in democracy, strengthening disadvantaged claims. Though inequalities persist, recognition enables fights. Democracy's ongoing examination produces new tests; complaints show awareness and critical ability, transforming subjects to citizens. Most believe votes matter, affirming self-interest impact. (179 words)

Question 7: Why is transparency important in democratic governments?

Transparency allows citizens to examine decision processes, ensuring norms-based governance. In democracies, this right exists, unlike non-democracies. It holds governments accountable, fostering trust. Though sharing information varies, democracies excel via elections and debates. Right to information, as in Nannu's case, compels action, demonstrating citizen empowerment. Transparency reduces corruption, enhances responsiveness, vital for legitimacy. (181 words)

Question 8: Compare the efficiency of democratic and non-democratic governments.

Non-democracies decide quickly without deliberations or opinions, seeming efficient. Democracies involve negotiation, causing delays. However, procedural adherence makes decisions acceptable and effective, outweighing time costs. Unaccepted fast decisions face resistance. Democracies balance efficiency with accountability, proving superior long-term. (177 words)

Question 9: What evidence supports overwhelming global support for democracy?

South Asia data shows 62% prefer democracy over dictatorship, except Pakistan. 88% find it suitable for their country, with high figures in Bangladesh (93%), Sri Lanka (92%). 94% agree with elected leaders' rule. Even non-democracies show support, indicating democracy's legitimacy as people's government. (180 words)

Question 10: How does democracy handle social conflicts and divisions?

Democracy accommodates divisions through procedures reducing tensions. It negotiates differences, respecting them. Majority-minority collaboration ensures general views. Rule by majority avoids community domination; rotational majorities maintain inclusivity. Unlike non-democracies suppressing conflicts, democracy handles them peacefully, as in Belgium vs. Sri Lanka. (178 words)

Question 11: Discuss the role of citizens in achieving democratic outcomes.

Democracy creates conditions for goals like equality, but citizens must utilize them. Participation in decisions, holding governments accountable via elections/debates essential. Complaints indicate awareness, pushing improvements. Citizens' actions deepen democracy, addressing inequalities, poverty. Without engagement, expectations unmet, leading to blame on system. Active citizenship key to success. (182 words)

Question 12: Why do democracies often fail to reduce economic inequalities?

Despite political equality, economic gaps widen; ultra-rich gain, poor decline. Governments neglect poverty despite poor voters. In democracies like India/Bangladesh, inequalities persist, aid dependency. Non-democracies similar. Democracy recognizes equality, enabling struggles, but actual reduction limited by priorities, global factors. (179 words)

Question 13: Explain the significance of public debates in democracy.

Public debates ensure open discussions on policies, enhancing transparency/accountability. They allow citizen participation, making governments responsive. Democracies succeed in this, though not perfectly. Debates reduce unaccepted decisions, fostering legitimacy. They empower citizens to critique power, transforming them into active participants. (181 words)

Question 14: How does democracy enhance the dignity of women and disadvantaged groups?

By recognizing equality, democracy provides legal-moral basis for struggles against domination. Women's movements challenge disrespect in male societies. Disadvantaged castes claim equal status, inequalities lacking foundations. Though atrocities persist, recognition enables progress, superior to non-democracies. (178 words)

Question 15: Analyze the mixed record of democracies on accountability.

Democracies excel in elections/debates but fall short in fair chances, public scrutiny. Information sharing poor, corruption ignores needs. Better than non-democracies in sensitivity. Legitimacy from being people's government sustains support despite flaws. (180 words)

Question 16: What are the moral and prudential reasons for supporting democracy?

Morally, democracy promotes equality, dignity, freedom. Prudentially, it's legitimate, accountable, responsive. Though not perfect, its procedural nature ensures acceptability. Global support, even in non-democracies, highlights intrinsic value beyond alternatives. (179 words)

Question 17: Discuss the impact of economic growth on inequalities in democracies.

Growth doesn't ensure equitable distribution; top earners gain disproportionately, bottom struggle. In South Africa/Brazil, top 20% control 60%+ income. Democracies like Denmark better, but overall, inequalities rise. Political equality contrasts economic gaps, yet democracy enables challenges. (182 words)

Question 18: How does the Right to Information Act enhance democracy?

RTI empowers citizens to query progress, official names, actions against inaction. In Nannu's case, it compelled duplicate ration card issuance. Promotes transparency, accountability, reducing corruption. Demonstrates citizen control, strengthening democratic legitimacy. (178 words)

Question 19: Explain why complaints in democracy indicate its success.

Complaints show awareness, expectations from benefits. They critique power, transforming subjects to citizens. Ongoing examinations produce tests, pushing improvements. Public dissatisfaction testimonies success, fostering critical engagement. Most believe votes matter, affirming influence. (181 words)

Question 20: Assess democracy's ability to handle poverty and development.

Democracies expect development, but evidence shows mixed fulfillment. Growth similar to dictatorships among poor nations; inequalities high. Governments often ignore poverty despite poor voters. In India, poverty reduction slow; Bangladesh aid-dependent. Democracy not growth guarantee, but positives like legitimacy, dignity make it preferable. Citizens must push for better outcomes. (179 words)

One-Sentence Answer Quiz on Outcomes of Democracy

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.

Assertion & Reason Quiz: Outcomes of Democracy

WELCOME TO PROMISEDPAGE

SMART LEARNING BLOG

HOME

Sunday, October 5, 2025