Final answer:
Democracies should take action to prevent dictatorships to uphold democratic values, safeguard freedom of speech, and maintain world peace. It is both a civic responsibility and a strategic imperative for democratic nations to be proactive in supporting democratic initiatives and challenging the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Democracies should indeed take action to help prevent dictatorship. The responsibility of safeguarding democratic values does not lie solely with political institutions but also with the people. When citizens become disillusioned with democracy, believing their vote doesn't matter, this can create a void that allows authoritarian regimes to gain power. The problem is not just internal but global, where the decay of democracies can lead to a rise in authoritarian rule. This highlights the importance of maintaining freedom of speech and ensuring that democratic rights are guaranteed.
Democracy's imperfection doesn't negate its worth; as Sir Winston Churchill said, it's the 'worst form of government except for all of those other forms which have been tried.' Democracies may not always make economically sensible choices due to factors like special interests, but they remain the best option for maintaining freedoms and preventing dictatorial powers.