Final answer:
The statement that 'Democratic governments are hardly ever prone to corruption' does not confirm the principle that democracy has a greater claim to sustainable governance, as no system, including democracy, is entirely free from corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
All but one of the options provided confirms the principle that democracy has a greater claim to sustainable governance than other systems. When examining each statement, it becomes clear that the claim that 'Democratic governments are hardly ever prone to corruption' does not hold up against factual evidence. Although democracies aim to reduce corruption by promoting transparency and accountability, they are not immune to corrupt practices.
Democratic Principles and Governance
Many developed nations have adopted democratic systems because of the inherent advantages it offer over autocratic or oligarchic systems. In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people, who express their will through free and fair elections, and those elected must abide by constitutional limitations. Furthermore, democratic governments are founded on the freedom of speech and association, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and organize for collective interests.
Moreover, democracies are designed to benefit the many rather than the few by ensuring equal access to power and by protecting universally recognized freedoms and liberties. It creates a more equitable society where laws and regulations ideally reflect the majority's will. Philosophically speaking, as put forth by thinkers like Richard Arneson and Amartya Sen, democracies tend to produce better outcomes over time, making them more justifiable forms of government compared to feasible alternatives.
However, it's critical to note that no system is perfect, as democracies can also face challenges like political corruption, mismanagement, and voting irregularities. These issues do not invalidate democracy but instead indicate areas where improvement is necessary to fulfill the democratic promise of governance for the people, by the people.