We face a dilemma: democracy is seen to be good in principle, but felt to be not so good in its practice. This dilemma invites us to think hard about the outcomes of democracy.
Accountable, responsive and legitimate government: In a democracy, we are most concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers.
Economic growth and development: We cannot say that democracy is a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this respect.
Reduction of inequality and poverty: It is reasonable to expect democracies to reduce economic disparities. In actual life, democracies do not appear to be very successful in reducing economic inequalities.
Accommodation of social diversity: No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and we can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences. Democracy is best suited to produce this outcome.
Dignity and freedom of the citizens: Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.