Democratic Politics Ii Chapter 7 Outcomes Of Democracy

(i) Democracy develops mechanism for citizens to hold the goverment accountable.
(ii) Democracy is attentive to the needs and demands of the people.
(iii) Democracy is people's own goverment.

It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority always need to work with the minorrity so that goverment function to represents the general view.

It is also necesary that rule by majority community does not become rule by majority  community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group.

(a) Opposition: Although it is true that rates of economic growth in poor countries under dictatorship are a little bit higher than poor countries under democracy but so far as living with dignity and respect at individual level is concerned better to live poor under democracy than dictatorship.

(b) Support: The statement is wrong that state democracy cannot reduce inequality of incomes between different citizens. Democracy provides political equality i.e., right to vote and other rights but rich people enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes. They dominate the politics of the country. Rich people are becoming more rich and the poor find it difficult to fulfil their basic needs.

(c) Opposition: These are all basic needs to see each citizen has access to them. Hence, priority to expenses on eradication of poverty, food, clothing, health and education is to be given over industries and infrastructure. The latter are for citizens and citizens are not for them. Healthy and educated people naturally will seek out these means of survival when they are brought up to their prime.

(d) Support: I am agree to this statement but it is difficult to arrive at that level of conscience in each individual. The British has infected viruses of domination and subordination within the veins of people in third world countries including India. Everyone here escapes from fundamental duties but each one is tempted to fundamental rights. People here are habitual to live on that earned by others and call it skilled administration. This is the reason, cycle of people here are bound to live rebirth as pauper to taste the fruit of domination they practised on those presently, known as elites.

(a) Democracy enhances the dignity of individual.
Suggestion: It is discrimination on the basis of social hierarchy. Anti-untouchability laws should be implemented strictly.

(b) There is a challenge of poverty.
Suggestion: Farmers' associations, sectional pressure groups and local MLAs and MPs should put pressure on government to run agricultural insurance and credit policy.

(c) It is a challenge to expansion of democracy.
Suggestion : Government should amend in laws conferring right to encounter operations with law enforcing agency.

D.

B.

inequalities exist in democracies

(i) Nannu’s example show that Right to Information Act is very important and useful law which forces the government official and head of the department to take action in time.

(ii) The offcial in Food and Civil Supplies Department addressed the issues promptly and also accorded warm welcome to Nannu at the office.

(iii)Their experience were pathethic as the goverment official were lethargic and not responsive to the request made to them.

B.

Democracy

B.

D.

D.

All of these

A.

Democracy

C.

Belgium

D.

A.

C.

A.

A.

A.

Women

D.

Discriminated castes

B.

D.

Above all

C.

political equality

A.

D.

A.

Demos and Kratia

D.

C.

Equality of citizens

A.

D.

D.

All of these

B.

Monopoly over power

B.

D.

C.

Decision-making is faster and quicker

A.

An accountable government

(a) Authoritarianism: It is a form of government in which the authority is vested in the hands of a dictator.

(b) Civil Liberties: These are freedoms or rights thought to be vital to the functioning of a liberal and democratic society e.g., freedom of spech, freedom of religion and thought, freedom of movement, freedom of association, the right to a fair trial and freedom of the person.

(c) Social dimension of democracy: It includes making a society free from discrimination based on gender, religion, caste or colour etc. The society does not believe in stereotypes and prejudices through righteous and unbiased policies, programmes and schemes.

Merits of democracy:
(i) Promotes equality among citizens
(ii) Enhances the dignity of the indivual
(iii)Improves the quality of decision making

Demerits of democracy:
(i)Quantity preferred over quality.
(ii)Instability 
(iii)Corruptions and malfeasance at each-level.

These prerequisites are required in every sphere:—(i) social, (ii) economic and (iii) political.

(1) Social Conditions: The social conditions comprise social equality of status, equality before law and equality of opportunity; educationally and culturally developed citizenry; absence of all kinds of discrimination and equal opportunities to participate in social, cultural and educational processes.

(2) Economic Conditions: Absence of widespread inequalities; fulfilment of minimum material needs for a dignified human existence; justifiable distribution of resources; equal opportunities for gainful employment, equal pay for equal work and protection against exploitation.

(3) Political Conditions: Political conditions include rule of law; equality of citizens and equal opportunities for participation in political affairs; guaranteed and protected rights-particularly freedom of thought, belief and expression. It also include freedom of participation in civil and political processes; government by the people or their representatives, free and fair elections and respect for dissent and opposition.

(i) It was so because the prevailing conditions of India at that time were not very good. India was a poor country. Economic disparity in the country was at peak and Indian agricultural industry, transports, communications—all were in shambles. Most of the people were illiterate. In that dismal scenario of parliamentary democracy and universal adult franchise gave the Indian masses a sense of identity.

(ii) The very first General Election of 1952 under the new Constitution was hailed as an apex achievement to a country with millions of illiterates. The successful working of a system of popular democratic government based on adult franchise, guaranteed fundamental rights and an independent judicial system was later on appreciated by scholars and observers. General elections at scheduled intervals and the peaceful and relatively efficient manner have demonstrated that inspite of their poverty and widespread illiteracy, people of India have allegiance to their constitutional right.

The impacts are:
1. It has eroded caste system in India. People are no longer bound by hereditary profession. In this way, industrialisation has strengthened the social equality and social justice.

2. Individuals may take birth in a poor family but can grow to be rich. Exploitation need not be a matter of birth. Democracy has provided an environment where untouchability had been abolished. Modern industrialization has helped a lot in this regard.

3. Due to industrialisation social distinction have widened because entire society has divided into two sections-capitalists and industrial workers. Definitely economic inequality is a powerful factor which can check the progress of Indian democracy. People feel that new sources of oppression and exploitation have emerged in the society. Exploitation of poor labourers, children and women workers increasing day-by-day.

A democratic government is certainly better than its alternatives in following ways:

(i) A democratic government is a legitimate government. It may be slow, less efficient, not always very responsive or clean. But a democratic government is people's own government. This is why there is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.

(ii) As the accompanying evidence from South Asia shows, the support exists in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without democratic regimes.

(iii) 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 is itself an outcome that cannot be ignored.

The democracy is better than any form because:
(i) It is a government of the people:  Whether it is direct democracy or indirect democracy,ultimately it is the government of the people. It is run by the people themself directly or through their representatives. This type of government always thinks and acts for the welfare of the people. Therefore democracy is called the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

(ii) Dignity and equality: Democracy enhances dignity of the individual by treating every person equally. Law does not discriminate on the basis of sex, caste, colour, religion or region etc., in a democratic system.

(iii) Universal Adult Franchise and role in decision making process: In democracy every citizen gets the right to vote automatically after a particular age  and choose his/her representative in the government. In this way we can say that democracy involves every citizen in the decision-making process of the lands.

(iv) Room for correctness and resolving conflicts peacefully: Democracy is such an effective form of government which provide room to correct its own mistakes and resolves conflicts amicably.

(i) Democracies are based on political equality. All members have equal weight in electing representatives. Parallel to the process of bringing individuals into the political arena on equal footing, we find growing economic inequalities. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes.

(ii) Those at the bottom of the society have very little to depend upon. There incomes have been declining. Sometime they find it difficult to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, house, education and health.

(iii)The poor constitute a large proportion of our voters and no party will like to lose their vote. Yet democratically elected governments do not appear to be as keen to address the question of poverty as we would expect them to.

As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy even better.

(i) People always come up with more expectation and many complaints in democracy.

(ii)The fact the people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy.

(iii) A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project.

The actual performance of democracies shows a mixed results.

(i) In most countries, the democracy produces a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

(ii) No society can fully and permanently resolve conflict among different groups. But we can learn to respect these differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate them. Democracy is best suited as it develops a procedure to conduct competitions. Belgium is a successful example of negotiating differences among ethnic groups.

(iii) The passion for respect and freedom, which is the basis of democracy, has been recognised throughout the world and has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies. The support for the idea of democracy is overwhelming all over the world and is evident from South Asia.

(iv) People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them as in a democratic government i.e., people’s own government. It makes them believe that it is suitable for their country as it is a legitimate government.

Most distinctive about democracy is that its examination never gets over:
(i) As democracy passes one test, it produces another test. The most positive feature of democracy is that people want to make democracy better at every stage. As people get some benefits of democracy, they ask for more. That is why when we ask people about the way democracy functions, they will always come up with more expectations and many complaints. The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy.

(ii) Democracy has provided the people a chance to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty. A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project: it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen.

(iii) Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self interest.

Merits of Dictatorship: Dictatorship means “rule by a few”. A particular individual has large powers in the government and he exercises his own will while taking the decisions. Dictatorship is admired by some, on the following grounds:

(i) Quick and Decisive Action: The dictators take all the decisions themselves. They do not have to consult anybody before taking decisions. They also don't need to discuss the issue in the parliament before making decisions. This enables them to take quick and decisive decisions. This saves a lot of time and speeds up the process of decision-making.

(ii) Efficiency: Dictatorship regimes are efficient. All the decisions are taken by one individual or a party. The decisions get executed quickly also. This means the orders are carried out as soon as they are passed. This brings speed and efficiency in the system.

(iii) National Cohesion: Dictators do not allow any disagreement in the country. This keeps the people united in the country. All the conflicts and divisive forces are kept in check under dictatorship.

(iv) Stability: There are no competing political parties in the system. There is no competition in the political system to win the elections. Also there are no opposition parties to criticise the ruling government. This ensures stability in the government.

 Demerits of Dictatorship or Authoritarianism: Dictatorship means “rule by a few”. All the powers in the government are with a single person or with a single party. The following are the demerits of dictatorship:

(i) Incorrect Decisions : All the decisions are taken by the dictator himself. He, generally, does not consult anybody before taking the decision. This means that the decisions taken by him can be wrong also. But the cost of such wrong decisions has to be paid by the citizens of the country.

(ii) Violence : Since the masses are not consulted before taking decisions, there is, generally, dissatisfaction among them. This dissatisfaction often results in violent conflicts and protests against the government. Dictatorship curbs individual liberty and leads to violence and tensions in the country.

(iii) Suppression of Civil Liberties: People are not allowed to disagree with the policies and programmes of the government. They have to follow the orders of the government. There is no liberty of thought, speech and writing and strict censorship is exercised over the mass media.

Democracy is seen to be good in principle:
(i)Over a hundred countries of the world today claim and practice some kind of democratic politics. They have formal constitutions, they hold elections, they have parties and they guarantee rights of citizens. Hence, democracy produces a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

(ii)No society can fully and permanently resolve conflict among different groups. But we can learn to respect these differences and evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracy is best suited as it develops a procedure to conduct competitions. Belgium is a successful example of negotiating difference among ethnic population.

(iii)The passion for respect and freedom, which are the basis of democracy, have been recognised throughout the world and has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies. The support for the idea of democracy is overwhelming all over the world and is evident from South Asia, where the support exists in countries with democratic as well as undemocratic regimes.

(iv)People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them as democratic government, i.e. people's own government and makes them believe that it is suitable for their country as it is legitimate government.

The following outcomes can be reasonably expected of the democracy:
(i) Through peaceful means economic disparity in society should be minimised as soon as possible. The problem of poverty and unemployment should be solved. Without economic equality and justice, political democracy has no meaning for ordinary people.
(ii) The local governments in rural as well as urban areas should be given real economic powers.
(iii) We can expect cheap and quick judgement from our democratic judiciary. 

The following factors sustain democracy in India:
(i) Democracy is liked by almost all Indians. It is based on the principle of equality, freedom and brotherhood.

(ii) The framers of the Indian Constitution provided for a representative democracy in a liberal framework. Following are the main characteristics of liberal democracy:
(a) The government is formed by elected representatives of citizens and is accountable and responsible to them.
(b) More than one political parties compete for political power.
(c) There are periodic elections based on universal adult franchise.
(d) The competition for power is open and not secretive. It is through open elections but through secret ballot papers.
(e) Civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion and association, etc., are guaranteed.
(f) Pressure groups and other organised and unorganised groups are also allowed to operate in the system. They are also able to influence government decisions and policies.

1.transparancy

4.Authoritarianism

3.Transparency

4.All of these

3.Within democracies there can be very high degree of inequalities

2.Democratic

1.Democracy

1.Only (i) and (ii)

2.It is people's own goverment elected by the people

2.Individuals have equal weight in electing representatives

3.(i), (ii) and (iii)

equality

legitimate

social diversity

D.

Open to rulers elected by the people

Democracy is people's own government:

 (i) Democracy produces a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

 (ii) Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation.

 (iii) Democratic government develops mechanism for citizen to hold the government accountable.

Democratic reforms are to be carried out mainly by political activities, parties, movements and politically conscious citizens. Any legal change must carefully look at what results it will have on politics. Sometimes results may be counter-productive. Democratic reforms are to be brought about principally through political practices. Therefore, the main focus of political reforms should be on way to strengthen democratic practice.

The values attached to it are:

(i) Legitimacy-It is people’s own government. A government elected by the people is expected to work for their welfare.

(ii) Responsiveness- A government is run by the representatives who have the mandates of the people of their constituencies.

(iii) Accountability- A government is accountable for the management of the polity and its resources.

A. Democracy

B. It takes quick decisions

The ways by which democratic government ensures transparency are-

(i) Democratic government ensures that the decision-making process is based on proper norms and procedures.

(ii) Citizens have the right to examine the process of decision making.

(iii) A democratic government develops mechanisms for the citizens to hold the government accountable and mechanism for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit.

The characteristics of a democracy-

(i) Democracy promotes equality among citizens.

(ii) It enhances the dignity of the individual.

(iii) It improves the quality of decision-making.

Democracy is peoples own government:

(i) Democracy produces a government that is accountable to the citizens and responsive to the needs and expectations of the citizens.

(ii)Democracy is based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation.

(iii)Democratic government develops mechanism for citizen to hold the government accountable.

The democratic form of government is considered the best form of government.

It is an accountable, responsible and legitimate government.

The role of democratic government in reducing economic disparities are-

(i) Democratic government distributes wealth in an equitable manner amongst its population

(ii) Democratic government implements social welfare schemes for poverty reduction.

(iii) Democratic government provides equal opportunities in all sphere without any discriminations.

Democracies accommodates social diversities as-

(i) Provides a method to resolve conflicts.

(ii) Allows room to correct mistakes.

(iii) Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct competition which reduces the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.

D.

Democracy

A democratic government is known as a responsive government as it has greater success in setting up regular and free elections and open public debate. It also shares information with citizens.

Democracy is better than any form of government as it -

(i) Promotes equality among citizens.

(ii) Enhances the dignity of the individual.

(iii) Improves the quality of decision making.

(iv) Provides a method to resolve conflicts.