Political scientist Dr. Emily Wong argues that democracy requires more than elections—it requires deliberative public discourse to function properly.
Which democratic comparison would best support Wong's deliberation claim?
Some democracies function better
Elections are held regularly
Countries with robust deliberative institutions (town halls, citizen assemblies, public broadcasting) showed 40% higher policy responsiveness to citizen preferences and 30% less polarization than electoral-only democracies—suggesting deliberation improves democratic quality
Voter turnout varies
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. Better responsiveness + less polarization with deliberation proves value beyond elections.
💡 Strategy: Institutional design claims need outcome comparisons between designs.