Arguments for and against democracy

In democracy, government remains answerable to people's questions and votes. Exam tip: connect criticism with accountability.

Delay in decisions is a common criticism of democracy. Exam tip: place slow process under arguments against democracy.

Discussion includes many viewpoints in a decision. Exam tip: connect better decisions with consultation.

Democracy gives people a chance to correct mistakes by changing government. Exam tip: remember elections as a tool of correction.

Democracy treats citizens as respected participants. Exam tip: connect dignity with equality and participation.

Instability is an argument given against democracy. Exam tip: connect change of leaders with criticism.

Democracy tries to resolve differences through peaceful discussion. Exam tip: treat dialogue as a merit of democracy.

Race for power is counted as a criticism of democracy. Exam tip: connect political competition with arguments against democracy.

The direct answer is A: people can choose and change the government. Accountability means that rulers must remain responsible to those who gave them authority. In a democracy, regular, free and fair elections provide this control. Step by step: citizens choose representatives; the government exercises power for a period; citizens observe its performance and can ask questions; in the next election they may re-elect it or replace it. The possibility of losing office encourages leaders to respond to public needs and explain their decisions. Option A is correct because the power to choose and change rulers makes government answerable to citizens. Option B is wrong because democratic citizens have the right to vote. Option C is wrong because governments can change through elections or other constitutional processes. Option D is wrong because questioning is an important part of accountability. Memory cue: voters can reward or remove rulers.

This is an argument made by critics of democracy. Exam tip: place the ordinary citizens ability argument against democracy.

The direct answer is A, because debate can reduce the possibility of mistakes. Democracy gives decisions a chance to be examined by more than one mind. Step by step: a proposal is presented; people ask questions and provide facts; supporters and critics discuss its likely effects; weaknesses or errors may be noticed before implementation; the decision can then be revised or improved. Option A is correct, although debate does not guarantee that no mistake will occur. Option B is wrong because one person does not always have the best knowledge and may act arbitrarily. Option C is wrong because public opinion can provide important experience and a check on power. Option D is wrong because decisions without information are more likely to be poor. Debate is useful when it is informed and respectful. Memory cue: discussion checks decisions before they become actions.

Critics say money and race for power in electoral politics may increase corruption. Exam tip: keep corruption as an argument against democracy.

Democracy makes people participants in governance. Exam tip: treat participation as an argument in favour of democracy.

Political competition can sometimes become a power struggle. Exam tip: place power struggle under criticism of democracy.

Democracy gives every adult citizen equal political status. Citizens can vote, express their views, and influence public decisions. This equal respect and voice enhance individual dignity. Option B describes power concentrated in one ruler or a small group, which is contrary to democratic principles. Exam tip: connect dignity in democracy with equality, rights, and participation.

Debate can improve decisions but also takes time. Exam tip: identify two sides of the same point.

Power can change through elections and mistakes can be corrected. Exam tip: treat peaceful change as a strength of democracy.

Discussion and voting handle differences peacefully. Exam tip: connect dialogue with resolution.

Frequent change of government can strengthen the criticism of instability. Exam tip: keep instability as an argument against democracy.

Direct answer: Option B, the dignity and participation of the individual, is most closely related to citizens’ rights. Democracy treats each citizen as an equal person whose voice has value. Rights protect dignity, while participation allows people to influence decisions through voting, discussion and representation. Step by step: every citizen has equal worth; rights protect freedom and respect; participation gives citizens a voice; therefore dignity and participation directly express the rights-based reason for democracy. Option A is wrong because delay in decisions is generally presented as a possible weakness, not a citizen-rights benefit. Option B is correct because it combines respect for the person with an active role in public life. Option C is wrong because instability of leaders is a possible criticism, not a rights-based advantage. Option D is wrong because electoral corruption is a danger or criticism that can violate equal political opportunity. Democracy may be imperfect, but it gives citizens status, voice and peaceful means to demand respect. Memory cue: rights give dignity; participation gives voice.

Critics of democracy say elected leaders can also be wrong. Exam tip: understand it as an argument against democracy.

The direct answer is B, public opinion keeps the government accountable and alert. In democracy, government is expected to listen to citizens because citizens can criticise policies, influence public debate and change representatives through elections. Step by step: people form opinions about an issue; newspapers, media, meetings and citizens communicate those views; the government notices public support or opposition; it may explain, modify or withdraw a policy. Option A is wrong because public opinion connects government with people rather than separating them. Option B is correct because public pressure encourages responsiveness and accountability. Option C is wrong because public opinion does not end elections; it helps voters judge candidates. Option D is wrong because public opinion supports discussion of rights rather than removing them. Public opinion is not always perfectly informed, but in a democracy it is an important check on power. Exam cue: public opinion makes rulers answerable to citizens.

Slow process can result from discussion and caution. Exam tip: see decision quality along with delay.

The correct answer is A: delay is an argument against democracy, while accountability is an argument in favour of it. To classify the pair, first ask whether the statement describes a difficulty or a benefit. Democratic decisions may take time because consultation and disagreement are allowed; this is a criticism. Democratic government must explain its actions and can be questioned or removed by citizens; this is a merit. Option A puts both ideas in their correct categories. Option B is wrong because dignity is a democratic benefit, while corruption is not a benefit. Option C is wrong because correcting mistakes is a benefit, while instability is a possible criticism. Option D is wrong because participation is a benefit, while power struggle is generally a difficulty, not a democratic merit. Exam method: label each phrase separately before judging the whole option.

Direct answer: Option A, a means of control over government. In a democracy, people do not surrender all power after an election. They can judge the government's work, question it, criticize it, use public discussion, and vote it out at the next election. This possibility makes rulers answerable and gives citizens indirect control over public power. Option A is correct because the ability to change government is a practical democratic check. Option B is wrong because citizens are not required to remain silent. Option C is wrong because changing governments through elections opposes hereditary power, where office passes through a family. Option D is wrong because democratic change protects the possibility of rights rather than ending them. Memory cue: if rulers can be peacefully replaced, they must listen.