Question

What would be the advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring that decisions regarding development are made to promote the common good?

Answer 1

The advantages of democracy over other forms of government for ensuring common good as the aims of development are as follows:

• A democratic government ensures that the decisions regarding development are taken while keeping the common interest of people in concern and respecting the rights of all.

• Conflicts over resources and different versions of the good life are resolved through debate in a democracy and these cannot be imposed from the higher authorities.

• The developmental priorities, strategies, and way of implementations are decided by a higher level of political leaders and bureaucrats.

• The democratic structure also makes it possible to include the views of common people in the strategy and priorities of development to prevent discrimination and adverse effects.

• Democracy allows every citizen to have a stake and participate in deciding their future and nation’s priorities.

• Other forms of government like authoritarian, monarchical, and dictatorship do not involve people in the decision-making process of development.