What outcomes are expected of a democracy?
Answer:
- People should get a chance to choose their representatives without any fear.
- Elections are held periodically on the basis of universal franchise.
- Free and fair elections are conducted by an independent machinery.
- The elected representatives are accountable to the people.
- There is more than one political party which competes for power.
- Pressure and Interest groups play a prominent role in the system.
- People are guaranteed fundamental rights like right to life, liberty, equality and religion by the constitution.
- The constitution provides for an independent and impartial judiciary, which protects the rights of the people.
- There should be a strong Opposition which should act as a watchdog on government both inside and outside the Parliament.
- There should be an enlightened public opinion so that people can put pressure on government.
- The constitution provides for a written set of roles, which divides power between the Centre and the state.
- Freedom of the press should be allowed.
- Public order and decency should be maintained.
- The unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country should be maintained.
- People should be vigilant and participate actively in the process of governance.
The first thing towards thinking carefully about the outcomes of democracy is to recognise that democracy is just a form of government. Democracy can only create conditions for achieving something.