‘Democratic Deficit’ concerns with :

(a) Declining levels of citizens trust in political institutions

(b) Primacy of form over substance

(c) Shift from representative democracy to participatory democracy

(d) Not holding regular elections

The correct answer is - (a), (b) and (c)

Key Points

• Democratic Deficit
  • Refers to a situation where democratic institutions or processes fall short of fulfilling the principles of democracy.
  • It primarily includes issues like declining levels of citizens' trust in political institutions, which leads to a weakened democratic system.
• Primacy of form over substance
  • This term highlights the issue where the focus is placed on the appearance of democratic structures rather than ensuring their effective functioning.
  • For example, a government may hold elections regularly but fail to address corruption or policy implementation, resulting in a superficial democracy.
• Shift from representative democracy to participatory democracy
  • While participatory democracy emphasizes direct involvement of citizens, critics argue it can lead to inefficiencies and dilute the role of elected representatives.
  • This shift is considered by some as a challenge to traditional democratic structures, contributing to perceptions of democratic deficit.

Additional Information

• Declining trust in political institutions
  • Often stems from perceived corruption, lack of transparency, or failure to address citizens' concerns.
  • Studies show that trust in institutions is a key indicator of democratic stability.
• Regular elections
  • Holding elections is a fundamental requirement for democracy, but irregular elections or manipulated electoral processes can contribute to democratic deficit.
  • While this is important, the question does not include irregular elections as part of the correct answer.
• Participatory democracy
  • Involves citizens in decision-making processes beyond electing representatives, such as public consultations, referendums, or community boards.
  • While beneficial, excessive reliance on participatory mechanisms can strain governance and hinder efficiency.