Chapter 5 — Outcomes of Democracy

The chapter identifies five key expected outcomes: (1) accountable and responsive government that is attentive to people's needs; (2) economic growth and development; (3) reduction of economic inequality and poverty; (4) accommodation of social diversity and peaceful conflict resolution; and (5) promotion of dignity and freedom of individuals.

Democracy is a form of government that creates conditions for achieving goals, but citizens themselves must take advantage of those conditions. It cannot by itself solve all socio-economic and political problems. As the text notes, citizens must work to achieve those goals once democracy provides the framework.

A democratic government should be accountable through mechanisms like regular and free elections, open public debate on major policies, and citizens' right to information about government functioning. Transparency—the ability of citizens to examine the process of decision-making through correct procedures—is a key feature distinguishing democracy from non-democratic forms.

Evidence from 1950-2000 shows dictatorial regimes had slightly higher average economic growth rates. However, when comparing only poor countries, there is virtually no difference. The text concludes that democracy is not a guarantee of economic development, but can be expected not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.

Democracies are based on political equality, but economic inequalities have been increasing. A small number of ultra-rich enjoy disproportionately large shares of wealth and income, while those at the bottom have very little and sometimes struggle to meet basic needs. Democratically elected governments often do not address poverty as urgently as expected, despite the poor being the majority of voters.

Democracies develop procedures to conduct competition among different social groups, reducing the possibility of tensions becoming violent or explosive. However, two conditions are necessary: (1) the majority must work with minorities so governments represent general views, and (2) majority rule must not become rule by a majority community based on religion, race, or linguistic group. Every citizen must have a chance to be in the majority at some point.

The chapter references Sri Lanka to show that while democracies usually accommodate social divisions better than non-democracies, they must fulfill specific conditions to achieve this. The Sri Lanka example illustrates that democracy alone does not guarantee peaceful accommodation of diversity unless majority rule respects minority rights and excludes permanent domination based on birth.

Most societies were historically male-dominated, but long struggles by women and democratic recognition of equality have created sensitivity that respect and equal treatment of women are necessary in a democratic society. While women are not always treated with respect in practice, once the principle is recognized, women have legal and moral grounds to wage struggles against unacceptability. Non-democratic systems would lack this legal and moral foundation.

Democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity. Although instances of caste-based inequalities and atrocities still exist, these now lack the legal and moral foundations they once had. This recognition makes ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.

The Nannu case illustrates how the Right to Information Act holds government officials accountable. When Nannu used this right to inquire about his ration card application, officials who previously ignored him suddenly became responsive. This demonstrates transparency mechanisms in democracy that enable citizens to examine decision-making processes and compel accountability.

Democratic government is legitimate government—people's own government. While it may be slow, less efficient, or not always responsive, the fact that it is elected by the people gives it unique legitimacy. Overwhelming support for democracy exists globally because people prefer to be ruled by representatives they elect, making democratic legitimacy a distinctive outcome that cannot be ignored.

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