1. Democracy and Participation

Question 1

How did the Magna Carta develop democracy in the UK? When? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 1

The Magna Carta (1215) developed UK Democracy as it established the rule of law in the UK, with the principle being that no individual is above the law.

Question 2

How did the Bill of Rights advance UK Democracy? When? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 2

The Bill of Rights (1689) advanced UK Democracy as it enshrined in Law that the monarch would rule alongside parliament. Also agreed for frequent elections, freedom of speech for MPs, PARLIAMENTARY SOVEREIGNTY.

Question 3

How did the Great Reform Act advance UK Democracy? When? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 3

The Great Reform Act (1832) extended the franchise further to landowners and redrew electoral boundaries to better represent densely populated urban areas compared to rotten boroughs.

Question 4

How did the creation of the Welfare State advance UK Democracy? When? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 4

The Creation of the Welfare State in the aftermath of WW2 increased the responsibility of the state towards the people as the state funded many previously private industries for the benefit of the wider population.

Question 5

How has the UK begun to incorporate direct democracy into its representative democracy? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 5

Recall of MPs Act, referendum use on constitutional change, Parliament petitions, leadership elections etc.

Question 6

What example is there of MPs acting as good representatives of the interests of their constituents? (Even if it goes against the views of their party) - Democracy and Participation

Answer 6

Zac Goldsmith campaigned against the Conservative policy of expanding Heathrow Runway as it was in conflict with his constituents. Andrew Jones also expressed annoyance at the actions of Dominic Cummings.

Question 7

What evidence is there of MPs having expertise/dedication to their role? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 7

The longest serving MP is Peter Bottomley, who has done so for 44 years. 82% of MPs have degrees in a subject as well.

Question 8

What evidence is there of MPs being disengaged from and unrepresentative of constituent views? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 8

Andrew Jones has never voted against the Conservative Party, while many of the party’s proposals have generated discontent among this population. MP Geoffrey Cox conducted constituency work from the British Virgin Islands during the prolonged COVID lockdown rather than representing them in his constituency.

Question 9

What evidence is there of MPs having conflicts of interest in their role as representatives? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 9

This can be seen through Sajid Javid holding a consultants’ role at JP Morgan and Priti Patel working on the interests of her previous employer (lobbying firm).

Question 10

When was the AV Referendum? What was the result/turnout? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 10

The AV Referendum was held in 2011 which resulted in over 2/3 voting against the reform on a 42% turnout.

Question 11

How did the European Convention on Human Rights develop UK Human Rights? When did this happen? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 11

Protects the rights of citizens from oppressive governments and regimes. Established freedom of expression/religion/association/life/sexuality. Drafted with assistance of UK in 1950.

Question 12

How did the Human Rights Act develop UK Human Rights? When did this happen? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 12

The Human Rights Act established the ECHR in the UK, making it legally binding on all organisations and people. Also passed the Data Protection Act. Established in 1998.

Question 13

How did the Freedom of Information Act develop UK Human Rights? When did this happen? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 13

Increased transparency of government and meant that there was not excessive government suppression of information. The public now know more about governmental processes. Established in 2000.

Question 14

How did the Equality Act advance UK Human Rights? When did this happen? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 14

Forced all future government legislation to conform to equality standards, meaning it could not discriminate against any group in society. Made minorities feel safer. Established in 2010.

Question 15

What major issue surrounds the 1998 Human Rights Act? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 15

The Act is not binding on the UK Parliament, which can overrule this act due to the principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty. Therefore does little to protect UK Citizens from totalitarian governments.

Question 16

What type of pressure group are Liberty and how many members do they have? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 16

Liberty aim to protect human rights and justice/freedom. They currently have a membership of 11,000.

Question 17

What recent campaigns have Liberty undertaken? (2020) - Democracy and Participation

Answer 17

Campaigning against the introduction of ‘Immunity Cards’ once vaccinated against COVID-19, challenging a proposed review of the HRA, campaigning against the use of facial recognition software in policing as it ‘creates open air prisons’.

Question 18

How does Liberty aim to exert influence? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 18

Liberty utilises petitions and popular support for its campaigns to apply pressure on a government to act in its interests. They also employ a group of lawyers to provide expert legal advice and defence for its clients. Have also lobbied MPs.

Question 19

How has Liberty been successful in the protection of Human Rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 19

In 2015 launched a legal challenge with Tom Watson MP and David Davis MP arguing a Data Retention Act conflicted with HRA. Counter protested against UK government action targeting ethnically diverse areas with campaigning against illegal immigrants which stopped the GOVT campaign. Provided legal representation to Catherine Gun in 2004.

Question 20

How has Liberty been unsuccessful in the protection of Human Rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 20

Launched an unsuccessful case against Theresa May’s ‘Snooper’s Charter’. Struggled to force change on government policy against coronavirus.

Question 21

What type of pressure group is the Howard League? How many members does it have? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 21

The Howard League aims to protect human rights and justice. It has a membership of 13,500.

Question 22

What recent campaigns have the Howard League undertaken? (2020) - Democracy and Participation

Answer 22

Aiming to improve justice and fairness within prisons, getting to the root of the problem whereby children in care find themselves entangled in crime more. Pursuing the rights of children in the criminal justice system. Problem gambling.

Question 23

How does the Howard League aim to exert influence? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 23

The Howard League provide legal support to those struggling with the penal system/criminal justice system. They strive for ‘policy change’ by government and launch public campaigns. They have a legal team that debates issues and policy reform.

Question 24

How has the Howard League been successful at protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 24

2017 legal challenge against Sec of State for Justice proved that the holding of a child in solitary confinement breached prison rules. 2013 successfully challenged Lord Chancellor that funding cuts to prisoners’ legal aid was unfair.

Question 25

How has the Howard League been limited in protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 25

2017 case V Sec of State for Justice did not deem the confinement of a child ‘harsh and degrading’, despite breaching prison rules. Intervention in Supreme Court case v Sec of State for Justice on issue of solitary confinement led to little real change.

Question 26

What evidence is there of Parliament successfully protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 26

The 1998 Human Rights Act, 2010 Equality Act, 2000 Freedom of Information Act and 1998 Data Protection Act all protect rights.
One of the roles of an MP is to deal with the grievances of citizens if they feel a public body has infringed upon their rights.

Question 27

What evidence is there of Parliament failing to protect rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 27

Parliament remains sovereign, meaning it can override/repeal any and all statutes protecting the rights of citizens.
The 2000 Freedom of Information Act requires individuals to prove that a document exists before it can be released by Government.

Question 28

What evidence is there of Government successfully protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 28

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 created the Supreme Court and increased independence of the judiciary by removing powers of Law Lords/Lord Chancellor.
Tory Governments since 2010 have pledged to repeal the 1998 HRA and replace it with a British Bill of Rights with better protection of rights.

Question 29

What evidence is there of Government failing to protect rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 29

In the early 21st Century, Labour Govt attempted to hold terror suspects for lengthy periods without trial, infringing on Habeas Corpus and the Rule of Law.
Internment was allowed of Irish Terror Suspects during the troubles.
Prisoners are not given the right to vote despite an ECHR ruling.

Question 30

What evidence is there of the courts successfully protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 30

The Supreme Court has created a non-political place of appeal for the most important cases of human rights. In 2019, a disabled man whose housing benefit was cut due to living in a house with 2 rooms proved this was unlawful under judicial review given he had medical uses for the further room.

Question 31

What examples are there of use of judicial review? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 31

The Good Law Project proved the government had acted unlawfully by not publishing contracts during the Pandemic. Gina Miller fought for the UK to not trigger Article 50 and leave the EU without a parliamentary vote through judicial review.

Question 32

What evidence is there of the courts failing to protect rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 32

The Supreme Court cannot strike down legislation due to Parliamentary Sovereignty, can only advise on change. The judiciary is believed to usually favour the establishment, with only 36% of judicial reviews being successful.

Question 33

What percentage of judicial reviews are successful? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 33

36% of judicial reviews are successful.

Question 34

What evidence is there of pressure groups successfully protecting rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 34

Groups such as Liberty and The Howard League campaign to protect rights of UK Citizens. Stonewall aims to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ Citizens.

Question 35

What evidence is there of pressure groups failing to protect rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 35

The Countryside Alliance went to the ECtHR arguing that a hunting ban infringed on their human rights. Their appeals were rejected. The Howard League has also failed to succeed in getting prisoners the right to vote in the UK.

Question 36

Give examples of promotional pressure groups. Give examples of sectional pressure groups - Democracy and Participation

Answer 36

PETA, RSPCA, CND, Greenpeace are promotional pressure groups.
BMA, CBI, Marcus Rashford Free School Meals are sectional pressure groups.

Question 37

Give examples of insider and outsider groups - Democracy and Participation

Answer 37

Insider: The NSPCC, TaxPayers’ Alliance
Outsider: Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace

Question 38

Give examples of pressure groups which have used a) lobbying b) committees c) public campaigning - Democracy and Participation

Answer 38

a) Rishi Sunak being lobbied by Greensill Capital, Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (gambling companies lobbied the chancellor and sport minister Tracey Crouch) b) the NSPCC c) BLM Marches against Brexit (2016-2019) including ‘The March for Europe’.

Question 39

Give examples of pressure groups which have used a) support of political parties b) media campaigns c) civil disobedience d) court action - Democracy and Participation

Answer 39

a) Momentum/Unite funding the Labour Party b) Marcus Rashford’s Fareshare Campaign, ‘One Rule for Them’ - a grassroots media campaign attacking privilege of rich and powerful politicians eg Rishi Sunak c) Extinction Rebellion preventing the free press from delivering papers and stopping public transport from circulating around London d) Countryside Alliance unsuccessfully went to ECtHR arguing that a ban on fox hunting infringed on their human rights

Question 40

How did the 1832 Great Reform Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 40

Extended the franchise to around 800,000 extra people and redrew electoral boundaries to provide more proportional representation of urban areas.

Question 41

How did the 1867 Second Reform Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 41

Saw greater enfranchising of working class males, deemed increasingly significant to society. Gave working classes the power to influence political processes.

Question 42

How did the 1872 Secret Ballot Act develop democracy in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 42

The 1872 Secret Ballot Act made it so that voters couldn’t be intimidated or influenced into voting a particular way at the ballot, reducing corruption of elections.

Question 43

How did the 1884 Third Reform Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 43

Extended franchise to the majority of working men who owned/rented property, with 5.5 million people enfranchised by this act.

Question 44

How did the 1918 Representation of the People Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 44

Allowed women over 30 (who met property requirements) to vote in elections, as well as all men over 21. Paved the way to a more equal society in terms of suffrage and gender.

Question 45

How did the 1928 Equal Franchise Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 45

Created parity between men and women in terms of the franchise, a major step to reaching gender equality. Led to all men and women over 21 being granted the right to vote.

Question 46

How did the 1948 Representation of the People Act develop democracy in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 46

Removed University MPs and the ability for those attending university to vote in 2 constituencies, reducing the class divide between certain voters. Provided equal representation.

Question 47

How did the 1969 Representation of the People Act develop suffrage in the UK? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 47

Lowered the voting age to 18 from 21 for Men and Women, due to higher standards of education leading to the government deciding that younger people were more informed about politics.

Question 48

How did the 2016 Scottish Elections Act develop the franchise in Scotland? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 48

This act enfranchised Scottish 16 and 17 year olds in Scottish elections, with the aim of improving turnout among the younger demographic within society. This followed 16/17 year olds being allowed to vote in the 2014 Independence Referendum.

Question 49

What issue arose in 2015 with voter registration? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 49

In 2015, the new voter registration system was introduced, leading to many people not understanding how to register and therefore not doing so, or many others being removed due to complications. As a result, 1 million people were disenfranchised.

Question 50

What 2021 example is there of a judicial review? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 50

In 2021, the High Court ruled that the government and the Health Secretary had acted unlawfully in refusing to produce a list of government contracts for covid-related equipment until being forced to do so.

Question 51

How much did Tory donor Peter Cruddas donate to the Conservative Party? What happened to him afterwards? - Political Influences

Answer 51

Peter Cruddas donated £65,000 to the Conservatives, later receiving a peerage following this.

Question 52

How much money did Owen Paterson receive from Northern Irish companies? What was expected of him following this? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 52

Owen Paterson received over £100,000 from Northern Irish companies (including a food company) in return for him committing paid advocacy. This was a breach of Commons standards laws.

Question 53

How much did David Cameron receive from Greensill Capital for part-time work? What did he do as part of this? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 53

David Cameron received $10 million from Greensill Capital to work as a consultant and lobbyist on their behalf, with him later contacting senior treasury officials such as Rishi Sunak in an attempt to convince him to approve financial measures to assist struggling businesses under Greensill.

Question 54

What example is there of an MP intervening on the part of a constituent to protect their rights? - Democracy and Participation

Answer 54

Tulip Siddiq MP has campaigned for the return of her constituent, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, from imprisonment in Iran. This has recently succeeded.