What are the major functions of elections in a democratic society? List and discuss each fully.

What will be an ideal response?

Elections help to select leaders, though elections really only provide a choice for the best candidate on the ballot, given that many qualified possible candidates may choose not to run because of the strain of such campaigns. Elections also provide indirect policy direction. Indeed, the consistency between preferences of citizens voiced in election outcomes and actual policy is rather strong. Another function of elections is citizen development because citizens typically feel as though they are part of the system and, consequently, have greater political efficacy. The intensity of campaigns also helps to inform the public about key issues and may help to educate them about government generally. Finally, elections aid the political system more generally by containing conflict in society--getting people to voice discontent as a safety valve or to actively change government--and by providing legitimacy by recognizing rightful winners and providing them the right to govern.