Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Democracy "creates conditions" rather than "guarantees outcomes" because it provides the framework; citizens must then utilise it to achieve actual results.

1. Economic Development: Democracies do not guarantee higher economic growth. Data from 1950–2000 shows dictatorships had slightly higher growth rates. Democracy only creates a stable, fair environment for economic activity — development depends on other factors like global situation, priorities adopted, etc.

2. Social Harmony: Democracy does not guarantee permanent peace among communities. The example of Sri Lanka shows that majority rule, if misused along religious/ethnic lines, can cause conflict. Democracy creates procedures to negotiate differences, but cannot eliminate them entirely.

3. Individual Dignity: Democracy promotes equality and dignity by guaranteeing rights and participation. However, corruption and non-responsiveness often undermine this. Democracy creates the conditions (free elections, rights) but citizens must actively demand accountability.

Thus, democracy is best judged as a system that enables — not ensures — good outcomes.

Source: Chapter 5 — Outcomes of Democracy

---

• The question asks you to justify a specific distinction — keep that framing central throughout.
• Examiners look for: (a) the core idea stated clearly, (b) three distinct outcome areas with examples from the text, (c) a brief conclusion tying back to the distinction.
• Use textbook examples (Belgium, Sri Lanka, the growth-rate data) — these show you've read the chapter, not just improvised.
• Do not just list positives of democracy; the contrast between "conditions created" vs "outcomes not guaranteed" must appear in each point.