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Does having a democracy make policymaking easier?

User Ole Tange
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Final answer:

Democracy does not necessarily make policymaking easier as it involves complex influences and may bias towards organized interest groups over the general public. Voter apathy, special interests, and lobbying can further complicate the process in a democratic system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether having a democracy makes policymaking easier is nuanced. Democracies can face practical difficulties, notably when the self-interest of political actors diverges from the public good. Direct democracy entails citizens voting on policies directly, which brings up issues of whether the outcomes truly reflect the public interest, especially if voter turnout is low. Moreover, democratic systems may disproportionately respond to organized and vocal groups, sometimes at the expense of broader societal interests.

Additionally, the influence of powerful organizations such as media and corporations, as well as lobbying by business interests, can significantly shape policy outcomes in democratic systems. Elected representatives, accountable to citizens, are nonetheless susceptible to influences that may not align with the public's best interests. As a result, policymaking in democracies can be complex, heavily influenced by disparate factors including market issues, voter apathy, interest groups, and lobbying.

Therefore, while democracy allows for participation and representation, it does not necessarily simplify policymaking, and can indeed lead to biased policies that favor identifiable interest groups over the anonymous larger public. This suggests that a democratic political system may have inherent challenges in balancing various interests to achieve policies beneficial for the whole society.

User Immutabl
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