A democratic government is a better government because it is more accountable form of government.

Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people. A non-democratic government may and can respond to the people needs, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. If the rulers don’t want to, they don’t have to act according to the wishes of the people. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people.

Democracy improves the quality of decision making.

There is also another reason why democracy should lead to better decisions than any non-democratic government. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus democracy improves the quality of decision making.

Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

In any society people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. These differences are particularly sharp in a country like ours which has an amazing social diversity. People belong to different regions, speak different languages, practise different religions and have different castes. They look at the world very differently and have different preferences. The preference of one group can clash with those of other groups.

How do we resolve such a conflict? The conflict can be solved by brutal power. Whichever group is more powerful will dictate its terms and others will have to accept that. But that would lead to resentment and unhappiness. Democracy provides the only peaceful solution to this problem.

Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler, they are the rulers themselves. Even when they make mistakes, they are responsible for their conduct.

Finally we conclude that, democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.

Read: How are mistakes corrected in a democracy?