Arguments for and against democracy

Rights and participation strengthen citizens' dignity. In exams write it in favour of democracy.

Consultation can give decisions more social acceptance. In exams view delay and acceptability in balance.

Accountability is a major benefit of democratic governance. In exams write responsible government as a pro-democracy argument.

Competition for power and office can become a criticism of democracy. In exams write it as the negative side of political competition.

Direct answer: Option A, people's consent and participation. Legitimacy means that people accept a government as having the right to rule. In a democracy, this acceptance comes from citizens' consent, usually expressed through free and fair elections, public participation, constitutional rules, and accountable institutions. Option A is correct because democratic authority is based on the will and involvement of the people. Option B is wrong because family descent alone does not show present public consent. Option C is wrong because military control uses force rather than democratic approval. Option D is wrong because secret orders do not provide transparency, participation, or public authorization. Consent does not mean every person agrees with every decision; it means government follows accepted democratic procedures. Memory cue: legitimacy comes from people, not inheritance, force, or secrecy.

The criticism is that ordinary voters may not have expert understanding of every issue. In exams write it as a limitation.

Dialogue helps democracy find peaceful solutions to conflicts. In exams write dialogue and agreement together.

If a wrong government is chosen people can change it in the next election. In exams write ability to correct as a strength.

Understanding both benefits and limits makes the answer balanced. In exams prepare both for and against points.

Competition can make leaders responsive to people. In exams remember both positive and negative sides of competition.

Race for power can be a negative side of democratic politics. In exams understand the difference between public service and power race.

Discussion helps handle differences peacefully. In exams write it as an argument in favour of democracy.

Freedom to criticize makes government accountable. In exams treat criticism as a healthy feature of democracy.

Hearing many sides can make a decision more inclusive. In exams write inclusive decision-making as a benefit of democracy.

Misinformation can affect voters' decisions. In exams understand false propaganda as a challenge of democracy.

Voting and discussion make citizens participants in governance. In exams connect citizen participation with dignity.

Public debate can bring out weaknesses in decisions. In exams connect debate with decision quality.

Democracy gives people a chance to change wrong leaders. In exams remember both criticism and corrective ability.

The human dignity argument is based on the principle that every citizen deserves respect and equal political importance. Therefore, democracy gives adult citizens the opportunity to vote and participate in public decisions. Option B gives decisive importance only to a limited group, which goes against equal dignity. Exam tip: Connect human dignity with ‘one person, one vote’ and equal respect for citizens.

Democracy's slow process is a criticism and also a chance for thoughtful decisions. In exams give a balanced answer.

Fear of electoral defeat can make leaders accountable to people. In exams connect elections with accountability.

Open discussion can make emotional decisions more reasoned. In exams write debate as a corrective element.

Democracy is not perfect but its corrective and accountable qualities are important. In exams write a balanced conclusion.

Discussion brings out mistakes and new suggestions. Exam tip: connect discussion with quality of decision.

Elections and public criticism make government accountable. Exam tip: remember elections and accountability together.