Summary and Quick Revision

Chapter Summary

This is a concise recap of Chapter 5 - Outcomes of Democracy. Use it for last-minute revision before the Board examination.

1. How to assess democracy's outcomes. Democracy is seen as good in principle but not always good in practice. We support it for moral and prudential reasons. The first step in judging it is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government - it creates conditions, and citizens must use them. Over a hundred countries are democracies, differing in society, economy and culture.

2. Accountable, responsive and legitimate government. Democracy may be slower (deliberation causes delay), but its decisions are more acceptable and effective, and it ensures transparency. It should be accountable and responsive. Its record is mixed on accountability and poor on corruption - yet much better than non-democracies. Its certain strength is legitimacy: it is the people's own government.

3. Economic growth and development. Between 1950 and 2000, dictatorships grew slightly faster (4.42) than democracies (3.95); among poor countries the difference (4.34 vs 4.28) is negligible. Growth depends on many factors, so democracy is no guarantee of development but does not clearly lag behind.

4. Reduction of inequality and poverty. Democracy gives political equality (equal votes) but has not reduced economic inequality. In South Africa and Brazil the top 20 per cent take over 60 per cent of income. Though the poor are a majority, governments seem less keen to fight poverty; over half of Bangladesh is poor.

5. Accommodation of social diversity. Democracy develops procedures to handle differences peacefully (Belgium). Two conditions (from Sri Lanka): majority must work with minority, and majority rule must not become rule of one community; every citizen must have a chance of being in the majority.

6. Dignity and freedom of citizens. Democracy is superior in promoting dignity and freedom. It strengthens the claims of women and disadvantaged castes for equal status, giving them legal and moral force. Its examination never gets over; complaints show its success by turning subjects into citizens.

Key Terms to Remember

• Legitimate Government: the people's own government, chosen by them and accepted as rightful.
• Accountable Government: one that must answer for its decisions and can be questioned by citizens.
• Responsive Government: one attentive to the needs, demands and expectations of citizens.
• Transparency: the citizen's right and means to examine the process of decision-making.
• Political Equality: every individual has equal weight (one vote) in electing representatives.
• Economic Inequality: the unequal distribution of income and wealth among people.
• Prudential Reasons: practical reasons of good results (as opposed to purely moral reasons).
• Subject vs Citizen: a subject merely obeys; a citizen has rights and holds power accountable.

One-Liners and Nuance

• Democracy is good in principle, felt imperfect in practice - hence we examine its outcomes.
• Democracy is just a form of government: it creates conditions; citizens must use them.
• Democracy's most certain strength = legitimacy (the people's own government).
• Democracy is no guarantee of economic growth; among poor countries the gap with dictatorship is negligible.
• Democracy gives political equality but has not reduced economic inequality.
• Two conditions for diversity: majority works with minority; majority rule is not communal rule.
• Democracy promotes dignity and freedom best - for women and caste groups.

Remember the central NCERT nuance: democracy is clearly better on legitimacy and dignity, but only mixed on economic outcomes (growth and inequality). A balanced answer must say both.

Quick Revision - Facts and Figures

Quick Revision - One-Line Answers

• Democracy's most certain advantage? Legitimacy - it is the people's own government.
• What is transparency? The citizen's right to examine how decisions were taken.
• Is democracy a guarantee of growth? No; but among poor countries it does not lag behind dictatorship.
• What kind of equality does democracy ensure? Political equality (equal votes), not economic equality.
• Positive example of accommodating diversity? Belgium.
• Example that gives the two conditions for diversity? Sri Lanka.
• Two conditions? Majority works with minority; majority rule is not communal rule.
• What turns a subject into a citizen? The dignity, freedom, vote and the right to complain that democracy provides.