The correct option is (d).
Explanation
Democracy is a form of government characterized by accountability, legitimate procedures, and the rule of law. Its decision-making process prioritizes consensus and legitimacy, which often involves trade-offs regarding speed (efficiency) and administrative perfection.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Assertion (A): Incorrect. Democracy does not guarantee that the government is always efficient or free of corruption. The democratic process involves checks and balances, debates, and procedural formalities, which often lead to delays in decision-making compared to non-democratic regimes. Furthermore, empirical evidence shows that corruption exists in democracies; while democracy offers tools to expose and combat corruption (e.g., RTI, accountability), it does not automatically ensure a corruption-free system.
- Reason (R): Correct. Democracy is fundamentally based on the idea of deliberation and negotiation. Decisions are intended to be reached through discussions in legislative bodies and public forums to accommodate diverse perspectives, ensuring that policies are acceptable to the majority and protect the minority.
Key Takeaway:
Democracy prioritizes legitimacy and accountability over speed. While deliberation and negotiation are its core strengths, they often result in slower decision-making (inefficiency), and the system is not inherently immune to corruption.