Arguments for and against democracy

This argument questions voters' knowledge and judgement. Exam tip: remember it as a criticism of democracy.

Elections provide a peaceful way to change government. Exam tip: remember transfer of power and elections together.

Democracy may include opinions and debate before decisions. Exam tip: understand this as a reason for delay.

Democracy gives rights and political respect to citizens. Exam tip: write rights and dignity together.

Large expense on elections is placed under criticism of democracy. Exam tip: identify cost as an argument against democracy.

Democracy gives citizens a chance to question policies. Exam tip: connect it with correction and accountability.

When leaders prioritise winning the next election over public welfare and service, it highlights a possible limitation of democracy. Electoral competition can sometimes make leaders focus on short-term popularity; therefore, this is an argument against democracy. Better decision-making is an argument in favour of democracy because it allows discussion and deliberation. Exam tip: A statement that points to a weakness or risk of democracy is an argument against it.

In democracy people are the basis of government. Exam tip: treat public opinion as strength of democracy.

Discussion and debate let a democracy consider different viewpoints, but excessive debate can delay decisions. Thus, a criticism of democracy is that its decision-making process may be slow. Option A describes a benefit of debate, while option B is wrong because debate does not always prevent corruption. Exam tip: connect delayed decisions with lengthy discussion and deliberation.

Regular elections are a peaceful method to change government. Exam tip: connect elections with peaceful change.

Critics say decision process in democracy can be slow. Exam tip: understand the link between efficiency and delay.

Elections and public opinion keep government limited and accountable. Exam tip: connect control with accountability.

In democracy better decisions and delay can exist together. Exam tip: balance advantage and weakness.

This argument says voters may sometimes decide emotionally. Exam tip: place it under criticism of voter capacity.

Democracy is not only majority but also respect for rights and dignity. Exam tip: remember balance of majority and rights.

Voting makes ordinary citizens participants in forming government. Exam tip: treat citizen participation as an advantage.

Party competition may sometimes create conflict. Exam tip: place it under criticism of democracy.

Open debate increases citizen awareness and accountability. Exam tip: connect debate not only with delay but also awareness.

In democracy people can learn from a mistake and choose a new option. Exam tip: see next election as a chance for correction.

Democratic discussion can slow decisions. Exam tip: understand the difference between instant decisions and democratic discussion.