Question 1 of 9intermediate💡 UnderstandLong Answer5 marks

How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Correct Answer

Democracy produces an accountable government as it ensures that people have the right to choose their rulers and have control over them. Citizens should be able to participate in decision making that affects them all. Democratic governments develop mechanisms for citizens to hold the government accountable whenever they think fit.

Democracy produces a responsive government by being attentive to the needs and demands of the people. The government is expected to be largely free of corruption and respond to the expectations of citizens. Though the record may not always be impressive, democracy aims to be sensitive to people's needs.

Democracy produces a legitimate government as decision making is based on norms and procedures. Citizens have the right and means to examine the process of decision making, known as transparency. This factor is often missing from a non-democratic government.

The legitimacy of democratic government is established through regular, free and fair elections and open public debate. These institutions ensure that the government derives its power from the consent of the people.

Thus, democracy creates a government that follows proper procedures, remains answerable to citizens, and responds to their needs and expectations.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 1 | (Page Page 11)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The answer draws directly from the textbook discussion on outcomes of democracy. Accountability comes from people's right to choose rulers and control over them. Responsiveness refers to being attentive to citizens' needs. Legitimacy is established through procedural fairness, transparency, and electoral processes. The 5-mark format requires elaboration of each aspect with textbook terminology like 'transparency', 'norms and procedures', and 'regular, free and fair elections'.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Define how democracy ensures accountability through people's right to choose rulers and control over them

  2. Step 2: Explain responsiveness as being attentive to needs and demands of citizens

  3. Step 3: Describe legitimacy through norms, procedures, and transparency in decision making

  4. Step 4: Mention institutions like regular, free and fair elections that establish legitimacy

  5. Step 5: Conclude by linking all three aspects to democratic outcomes

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