Arguments for and against democracy

In democracy many groups may need to be consulted so decisions can be slow. In exams remember this as a criticism of democracy.

Discussion brings different viewpoints and can make decisions more balanced. In exams write decision quality as an argument for democracy.

Money power and desire for office in electoral competition can increase corruption. In exams treat it as an argument against democracy.

Democracy gives space to resolve differences through dialogue. In exams write conflict resolution as a benefit of democracy.

Change of leaders can affect continuity of policies. In exams understand instability as a criticism of democracy.

Participation gives citizens a respectful place in governance. In exams connect dignity with democratic participation.

Critics say all voters are not experts in every policy. In exams write it as a limitation of democracy.

Elections make government answerable to people. In exams remember elections and accountability together.

Political competition can sometimes become power-centred. In exams identify it as a criticism of democracy.

Democracy treats citizens as politically important. In exams write equality as an argument in favour of democracy.

The correct answer is A: democratic legitimacy. Consent means that people accept or authorise the way they are governed, usually through participation and elections. The reasoning is: citizens express their choice; representatives receive authority through that choice; government is therefore seen as rightful rather than merely imposed by force or inheritance. This rightful acceptance is called legitimacy. Option A is correct because public consent gives democratic government its moral and political basis. Option B is wrong because hereditary right comes from family succession, not citizens’ consent. Option C is wrong because military power is force, not democratic approval. Option D is wrong because secret rule hides authority from public control and cannot represent open consent. Consent does not mean every person agrees with every policy; it means the government derives authority through accepted democratic procedures. Memory cue: people’s consent gives a government legitimacy.

This is a criticism that elected leaders may not be experts in every subject. In exams treat it as an argument against democracy.

Consultation can include different experiences and opinions in decisions. In exams write discussion as a benefit of democracy.

Money influence in elections can weaken democratic fairness. In exams treat money power as a criticism.

Questioning makes government responsible before people. In exams connect questioning with accountability.

Slow process is a criticism but it can help thoughtful decisions. In exams keep a balanced view.

Participation connects governance with people's needs and experiences. In exams write participation as an argument for democracy.

Voters may sometimes choose wrong leaders but can also correct later. In exams remember both criticism and correction.

Democracy gives citizens equal political importance. In exams connect dignity with equal participation.

Leadership change can reduce policy continuity. In exams write it as a criticism of democracy.

Different opinions allow decisions to consider many sides. In exams connect diverse views with better decisions.

Race for power is counted as a criticism of democracy. In exams identify the negative side of politics.

Direct answer: Option B, regular and free elections. Democracy is a system in which people can judge rulers and change them through genuine elections. The reasoning is: a government makes policies; citizens observe results; citizens discuss and criticize the government; at the next regular election they freely choose whether to continue or replace it. This peaceful possibility of replacement gives rulers an incentive to correct mistakes. Option B is correct because regular elections provide the practical method for public correction. “Free” means voters can choose without force, and “regular” means elections occur at proper intervals rather than never occurring. Option A, secret orders, hide decisions from citizens and provide no public method for correction. Option C, hereditary rule, gives power through family descent, not through citizens’ evaluation, so people usually cannot correct rulers by choosing another government. Option D, citizens’ silence, removes criticism and makes correction more difficult. Memory cue: in democracy, elections are the peaceful correction mechanism.

Democracy can give conflicts a peaceful direction through dialogue. In exams write conflict resolution as a benefit.

Sometimes public opinion can be influenced by emotions. In exams understand it as a criticism of democracy.