Arguments for and against democracy

Giving space to dissent increases possibility of peaceful resolution in society. Exam tip: understand dissent as a democratic process.

Dignity of the individual is an argument in favour of democracy, not against. Exam tip: classify carefully.

Peaceful work of opposition keeps differences within institutions in democracy. Exam tip: connect opposition with managing differences.

Dignity makes citizen an active and respected participant. Exam tip: understand relation between dignity and questioning.

Free media increases accountability by taking government information to people. Exam tip: connect media with accountability.

Electoral competition can sometimes increase division and polarisation. Exam tip: keep it under arguments against democracy.

Voting power works better when citizens make informed decisions. Exam tip: see rights and responsibility together.

The strength of democracy lies in its capacity for correction and accountability. Exam tip: write possibility of correction despite criticism.

These criticisms show procedural weaknesses of democracy. Exam tip: write criticisms with examples.

Major strengths of democracy are linked with people's participation and accountability of power. Exam tip: write pro-democracy arguments systematically.

Democracy may take time but deliberation can make decisions more balanced. In exams write both benefit and criticism.

If a wrong government is chosen people can change it next time. In exams write corrective capacity as a strength of democracy.

Money power can make rich candidates or groups more influential. In exams connect money power with criticism of democracy.

Electoral politics can sometimes become power-centred. In exams remember the relation between promises and accountability.

Debate shows weaknesses and alternatives in decisions. In exams connect criticism with democracy's corrective capacity.

Democratic legitimacy comes from people's consent. In exams write people's consent as the basis of democracy.

This is a criticism related to voters' knowledge. In exams identify it as a limitation of democracy.

Democracy treats citizens not merely as subjects but as participants. In exams connect dignity with participation.

Listening to criticism gives government a chance to improve. In exams treat criticism as a strength of democracy.

Healthy competition makes leaders responsive to people. In exams remember both sides of competition.