Democracies Incentivising a State’s Wellbeing

Throughout this chapter, we are continuously reminded of the many fruits a democracy may bear, whether it be intentional or not.  Focusing on the overall wellbeing of human life, Table 8.3 on page 225 clearly displays the infant mortality in comparison to three different forms of government: an Autocracy, Semidemocracy, and of course a Democracy.  Dividing these three forms of government, we can clearly differentiate them by transparency, accountability, and their general contact with “ordinary” citizens.  In an autocracy, a nation is ruled by one individual whom which has unlimited power.  Most can clearly relate this form of government to that of a Dictatorship.  The “Supreme” leader cannot be touched and there is truly a lack of transparency.  Within a semidemocracy, elections are held although they cannot always be considered fair.  Elections are more times than less, rigged in favor of a dominant party.  For this reason, this form of government shares both authoritarian and democratic values.  And finally, a democracy holds free and fair elections in which electorates are held accountable and face re-election.

With this being said, Table 8.3 shows that under democratic rule, infant mortality rates are significantly lower on average than that of a nation whom which is under autocratic rule.  Why may this be?  Its quite simple.  In a democracy, elections are held often and in return elected officials are held accountable come re-election.  Assuming they have maintained a pleasant community, they can be expected to be re-elected.  If not, they can be expected to be released of their duties.  This creates an incentive for elected officials to serve their public well.  Whether it be providing researches the funding to innovate and discover or subsidizing farmland, elected officials ensure that they have happy constituents, essentially exchanging citizens’ wellbeing for votes.  In the case of providing the essential  medical personnel and care that can reflect low infant morality rates, one can assume that elected officials are held accountable and that because of this, citizens are reaping the benefits through a pure democracy!