Final answer:
People in democracies tend to be happier because they enjoy basic rights and freedoms, have equal say in government decisions through voting, and live under leaders who are elected and thus more responsive to their needs. Philosophers like Richard Arneson and Amartya Sen suggest that democracies produce better outcomes and are wealthier, further contributing to the happiness of their citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental reasons why people who live in democracies are happier than those who do not can be attributed to the basic rights and freedoms that democratic systems protect. In a democracy, citizens have the right to organize political parties, hold elections, and express their opinions freely through votes, which in turn influence government policy and direction. This participatory nature of government grants every individual an equal say, which can reduce the potential for oppression by a small ruling class. Furthermore, the principles of freedom of speech, the press, and assembly, along with prohibitions against unlawful imprisonment, foster an environment where individuals can live without the fear of arbitrary government control. Additionally, since democratic leaders are elected, they are more likely to enact policies that reflect the will of the people and address their needs, which can contribute to a higher quality of life and thus greater happiness. Richard Arneson and Amartya Sen, both respected philosophers, have provided insights into the benefits of democracy. Arneson suggests that democracy's moral legitimacy comes from its ability to produce better outcomes for people, while Sen points out that democracies are often wealthier and their leaders are incentivized to meet the needs of the population more effectively than non-democratic governments.