Use of *obviously*, *apparently* and *evidently* as qualifying words while reporting what someone said -- what is the difference?

The three words obviously, apparently, and evidently are similar, but have slightly different meanings.

Obviously refers to something that needs no evidence to be understood. "In a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly," according to the dictionary. That is, it's something that you couldn't help knowing. If you saw a glass on its side on a table surrounded by a puddle of milk, it would be obvious that the glass fell over and spilled.

Apparently is defined as "As far as one knows or can see." That is, it is the result of the best information one has on hand. Knowing that your son is the only other person in the house, he apparently spilled his milk and didn't clean it up.

Lastly, Evidently can mean the same as obviously, but it holds a connotation (to me, anyway) of being more evidence-based, and not necessarily completely obvious. It also means "It would seem that" and seems the likely usage here. Evidently, your son is not as responsible as you thought.

Oh, and the correct phrase for the second half is "... and no longer very democratic."