1 Democracy and Pariticipation : 1.1

Question 1

what is direct democracy

Answer 1

your opinion is expressed from yourself

Question 2

what is representative democracy

Answer 2

your opinion is expressed on the behalf of someone who should represent your personal beliefs (MP)

Question 3

what are the advantages of direct democracy

Answer 3

-equal weight on all votes
-encourages participation
-no corruption
-sense of community

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of direct democracy

Answer 4

-impractical to count
-people don’t want to do it ( under-qualified )
-open to manipulation
-minority viewpoints disregarded

Question 5

what are the advantages of representative democracy

Answer 5

-practical for large modern states
-minorities listened to
-representatives are now accountable
-politicians best informed than the average citizen

Question 6

what are the disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 6

-reduced participation
-not truly representative (follows an agenda)
-minorities still under-representative
-politicians are corrupt

Question 7

two examples of how direct democracy can be done within a representative system

Answer 7

-national referendums
-the 2015 Recall of MPs Act (if suspended/imprisoned for more than 21 days, MP has maximum of 10% saying guy gone before losing his job)

Question 8

Positive democratic features

Answer 8

-Free Media
-Independent judiciary
-devolved governments
-fair free elections
-wide range of political parties and pressure groups

Question 9

what is argued in the case that ‘the UK political system is not demographic’

Answer 9

-minority viewpoints over-ridden
-House of Lords lacks democracy
-lack protection of human rights (governments ‘derogate from’ the article)
-control sections of media by wealthy individuals

Question 10

what should be done to reform the system

Answer 10

-change voting day from Thursday to weekend
-different polling stations
-voting over several days
-(allow 16 year old to vote)

Question 11

why should voting be compulsory

Answer 11

-voting affects everyone’s life
-more representative
-more inclusive manifestos
-‘none of the above’ box could happen

Question 12

why should voting not be compulsory

Answer 12

-compulsory ranking
-undemocratic
-stop marginal seats favouritism
-doesn’t tackle stem of apathy