Notes Class 9 Civics Chapter 5 Outcomes of Democracy

Democracy is the most popular form of government today.
Over 100 countries follow some form of democratic politics.
Democracy provides:
- Equality among citizens
- Dignity of the individual
- Better decision-making through discussion
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts
- Ability to correct mistakes
Problem: Democracy is good in principle, but often people are dissatisfied with its practice.

Important Point: Democracy is just a form of government. It creates conditions, but citizens must use those conditions to achieve goals.

People have the right to choose rulers and control them.
Regular, free, and fair elections, open debates, and Right to Information (RTI) ensure accountability.
Decisions are based on rules and procedures (transparency).

Democracy should respond to the needs and expectations of people.
In practice, democracies often fail to meet demands fully and corruption exists.
Still, democracy is better than non-democratic regimes.

Democracy may be slow or less efficient, but it is considered people’s own government.
People across the world prefer democracy because it gives them the right to elect their leaders.

Expectation: Democracy should bring economic development.
Reality:
- Studies (1950–2000) show dictatorships had slightly higher growth rates.
- But, difference between poor democracies and poor dictatorships is very small.
- Many other factors affect development: population, resources, policies, world situation, etc.
Conclusion:
- Democracy does not guarantee faster development.
- But it is not worse than dictatorship and has other positive outcomes like freedom and equality.

Democracy is based on political equality – one person, one vote, one value.
But in reality:
- Economic inequalities exist and are growing.
- Small number of very rich control wealth; poor struggle to meet basic needs.
- In India, poverty remains despite democracy; in Bangladesh, more than half live in poverty.
- Poor countries often depend on rich countries for even food supplies.
Conclusion: Democracies are not very successful in reducing economic inequality and poverty.

Expectation: Democracy should create a harmonious society.
Reality:
- Democracies reduce chances of conflict by giving space to social divisions.
- Example: Belgium successfully handled ethnic diversity.
- Non-democratic regimes suppress differences instead of resolving them.
Two conditions for democracy to succeed in diversity:
1. Rule by majority must work with the minority and respect their views.
2. Majority should not become permanent rule of one community (religion, race, language, etc.). Every citizen should have a chance of being in majority at some point.
Conclusion: Democracy is best suited to handle diversity, but only if it respects all groups.

Women:
- Historically discriminated in male-dominated societies.
- Democracy recognises equality of women.
- Legal and moral recognition helps women fight inequality.
Caste inequalities:
- Indian democracy has given disadvantaged castes equal status and opportunities.
- Still, caste-based discrimination exists, but it lacks legal and moral support.
Ordinary citizens:
- Democracy transforms people from being subjects to being citizens.
- Citizens value their vote and believe it makes a difference.