In chapter 5 of Dahl, he discusses the different associations through which governments practice is rules. He discusses the different government systems, and the main reasons why a democratic government is the best way of governing compared to alternatives. Democracy refers to governments that meet a specific criteria. In the previous chapters, he discusses how a government can never be totally democratic because it is impossible to meet every single criteria, but a system of governing can in fact be more democratic than others. Dahl discusses ten advantages of governing a state democratically. The first point he makes is “Democracy helps prevent government by cruel and vicious autocrats.” (Dahl, page 46) Autocrat refers to a ruler with absolute
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54) In order for citizens to behave as morally responsible, the democratic process most maximize opportunity to live under laws that the citizens think are important as well. The next point is “Democracy fosters human development more fully than any feasible alternative.” (Dahl, pg. 55) this is absolutely true, citizens must be able to protect their own interests and have a say in important decisions. The ability to engage in open discussions with others about issues is important because it give people an opportunity to have their voices heard. The next point is “only democratic governments can foster a relatively high degree of political equality.” A democratic government is more successful in achieving political equality amongst citizens. The next point he makes is “Modern representative democracies do not fight wars with one another.” (Dahl, pg. 57) Modern democratic governments have fought was with nondemocratic countries and have interfered in political life of other countries. Modern representatives do not engage in war with one another because the basic principles of democracy also encompass peace to solve issues rather than fighting wars. The final point he brings to our attention is “Countries with democratic governments tend to be more prosperous than countries with nondemocratic governments.” (Dahl, Page 58) Market economies have generally produced more affluence, all countries with market economies were democratic by the end of the twentieth century. Democratic countries make education important, which is important for economic growth. An educated nation is more likely to be economically
54) In order for citizens to behave as morally responsible, the democratic process most maximize opportunity to live under laws that the citizens think are important as well. The next point is “Democracy fosters human development more fully than any feasible alternative.” (Dahl, pg. 55) this is absolutely true, citizens must be able to protect their own interests and have a say in important decisions. The ability to engage in open discussions with others about issues is important because it give people an opportunity to have their voices heard. The next point is “only democratic governments can foster a relatively high degree of political equality.” A democratic government is more successful in achieving political equality amongst citizens. The next point he makes is “Modern representative democracies do not fight wars with one another.” (Dahl, pg. 57) Modern democratic governments have fought was with nondemocratic countries and have interfered in political life of other countries. Modern representatives do not engage in war with one another because the basic principles of democracy also encompass peace to solve issues rather than fighting wars. The final point he brings to our attention is “Countries with democratic governments tend to be more prosperous than countries with nondemocratic governments.” (Dahl, Page 58) Market economies have generally produced more affluence, all countries with market economies were democratic by the end of the twentieth century. Democratic countries make education important, which is important for economic growth. An educated nation is more likely to be economically