A student argues: 'Since most people around the world support democracy and yet are dissatisfied with how it actually functions, we should look for a better form of government altogether.' Using the reasoning in this section, evaluate whether this argument is logically sound.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:20 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The student's argument is not logically sound. Here's why:
- Dissatisfaction ≠ Failure of democracy: The textbook notes that democracy is "seen to be good in principle, but felt to be not so good in practice." This gap is an invitation to improve democracy, not abandon it.
- Democracy is legitimate government: It is people's own government. Even if slow or not always efficient, it is accountable, transparent, and follows procedures — qualities absent in non-democracies.
- No better alternative exists: The data shows that non-democratic regimes are not less corrupt or more sensitive to people's needs. Dictatorships may grow slightly faster economically, but the difference is negligible in poor countries.
- Overwhelming global support: 88% of South Asians find democracy suitable, and majorities prefer it over dictatorship — proving dissatisfaction is with functioning, not the idea itself.
- Democracy allows self-correction: It provides room to correct mistakes through elections and public debate — something no other system guarantees.
Therefore, dissatisfaction should push citizens to strengthen democracy, not replace it.
Source: Chapter 5 — Outcomes of Democracy; Accountable, Responsive and Legitimate Government
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Explanation
Examiners expect you to directly address the student's claim and use textbook reasoning to evaluate it point by point. Key moves: (1) separate dissatisfaction with practice from rejection of principle, (2) cite the legitimacy argument, (3) use the economic growth data to show alternatives aren't superior, and (4) note democracy's self-correcting nature. Avoid vague praise of democracy — be specific and use textbook evidence.