1. Democracy and Participation - 1.1. Representative democracy and direct democracy

Question 1

DEMOCRACY

What are the features of a ‘liberal democracy’?

Answer 1

• free and fair elections
• belief in human rights and civic rights
  e. g. freedom of speech and expression
• extended right to vote
• greater transparency
• representation
• accountability
• power dispersal
• legitimacy
• education

Question 2

DEMOCRACY

What, essentially, is a democracy?

Answer 2

rule by the people

Question 3

DEMOCRACY

What is a direct democracy?

Answer 3

a system where decisions are made directly by the people

Question 4

DEMOCRACY

What are the features of a direct democracy?

Answer 4

• participation is continuous and perpetual
• direct participation where citizens make the decisions/policies themselves
• no formal distinction between people and the government

Question 5

DEMOCRACY

What examples are there of direct democracy?

Answer 5

Switzerland
has incorporated elements of direct democracy into its political system

e. g. citizens vote directly on important issues at the annual Landesgemeinde
e. g. Swiss constitution requires a frequent use of referenda

Question 6

DEMOCRACY

What is a representative democracy?

Answer 6

where people elect representatives who take decisions on their behalf

Question 7

DEMOCRACY

What are the features of a representative democracy?

Answer 7

• participation is indirect and infrequent
• professionals act on behalf of the public
• regular, free, fair elections
• universal suffrage
• representatives are accountable
• political parties representing differing policies
• parliament in the heart of majority decision making
• representatives use their own judgement

Question 8

DEMOCRACY

What are 6 advantages of direct democracy?

Answer 8

1. more democratic
2. citizens views, will and preferences are not distorted by middleman
3. enhances political participation
4. enhances political education
5. may increase levels of satisfaction and support for political system
6. citizens can vote on a single issue

Question 9

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of direct democracy:
View 1: How is it more democratic?

Answer 9

power remains in hands of people
policies are precise and true to view of people
communities have control over important affairs that directly affect their lives

Question 10

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of direct democracy:
View 2: How are views NOT distorted?

Answer 10

GM crops example:
Switzerland - people voted for 2005 ban on use of GM corps
UK - gov decided for the people that Gm crops should be given go ahead despite popular opposition

Question 11

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of direct democracy:
View 3: How does it enhance political participation?

Answer 11

people encouraged to participate in political because citizens are constantly expected to take important decisions and govern the country

Question 12

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of direct democracy:
View 4: How does it enhance political education?

Answer 12

citizens are less likely to be ignorant/apathetic since they are regularly consulted on issues that affect them

having to participate in decision making encourages citizens to learn more about political issues

Question 13

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of direct democracy:
View 5: How does it increase levels of satisfaction and support?

Answer 13

when people have a say they are more likely to support the system
they feel influential
increases legitimacy and stability
e.g. the UK is currently in a time of extreme distrust of political (since expenses scandal of 2009 and Brexit), DD would remove this

Question 14

DEMOCRACY

What are 5 weaknesses of direct democracy?

Answer 14

1. impractial/utopian
2. most citizens lack sufficient political and technical knowledge to govern wisely
3. may produce ‘tyranny of the majority’
4. constant participation may over-strain public desire for participation
5. in the UK, DD may undermine parliamentary sovereignty

Question 15

DEMOCRACY
Weaknesses of direct democracy
View 1: How is it impractical/utopian?

Answer 15

impractical in bigger communities
mass societies of millions with sustained involvement in decision making is almost impossible
decisions would be very slow to react to situations that need swift action

e.g. referendums are time-consuming
e.g. DD may have worked in 40,000 citizens in ancient Athens
it is unlikely to work in modern Britain with almost 45 million citizens eligible to vote

Question 16

DEMOCRACY
Weaknesses of direct democracy
View 2: How do citizens lack sufficient political and technical knowledge?

Answer 16

they insufficiently informed to vote on issues
this limits ability to take informed vote on issues
govern in their own interest
e.g. can UK public provide an informed decision on the economic benefits of the Euro?

Question 17

DEMOCRACY
Weaknesses of direct democracy
View 3: How may it produce ‘tyranny of the majority’? What is the CA to this?

Answer 17

TotM - where minorities are placed at a disadvantage with either discrimination or possible restriction on their freedom
insufficiently responsible ot protect minorities

California, 2008:
heterosexual majority decided to outlaw gay marriage

Switzerland, 2009:
Roman Catholic majority banned construction of new minarets

CA - some insist that people can actually be trusted to care about minority rights
Maine, Maryland, Washington, 2012:
approved same-sex marriages
Ireland, 2015: legalised same-sex marriages through referendum
Ireland, 2018: legalised abortion through referendum

HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT INEVITABLE SO TOTM IS STILL A LARGE POSSIBILITY

Question 18

DEMOCRACY
Weaknesses of direct democracy
View 4: How may constant participation over-strain the public’s desire for political participation?

Answer 18

places heavy burden on ordinary citizens
could lead to apathy and ‘voter fatigue’ instead of greater interest
people do have the time

Switzerland: low turnouts in referendums and elections
UK: low turnouts in 2012 mayoral referendums

Question 19

DEMOCRACY
Weaknesses of direct democracy
View 5: How might DD undermine UK parliamentary sovereignty?

Question 20

DEMOCRACY

What are 6 advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 20

1. more practical
2. representatives have better knowledge, education and experience
3. politicians may be more rational than the emotional majority
4. representatives can provide protection of minority groups
5. relieves public burden
6. still ensures some level of participation
7. ensures high level of public accountability
8. pragmatic and can accommodation elements of DD within it

Question 21

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of representative democracy
View 1: How is it practical?

Answer 21

works in mass societies
because political participation in infrequent
decisions can be taken swiftly

USA:
has a eligible population of 220 million citizens who can vote
yet the democratic process is manageable

Question 22

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of representative democracy
View 2: How do representatives have better knowledge, education and experience?

Answer 22

government is of experts and specialists
government posts are filled with people who possess detailed knowledge int eh areas o law, finance, medicine and economics

Question 23

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of representative democracy
View 3: How may politicians be more rational than the emotional majority? What is the CA to this?

Answer 23

they are less likely to be swayed by the media
they may make anti-humanitarian decisions or undermine civil liberties
Majority of population supported the death penalty, complete halt to immigration and restriction gay rights

CA - MPs voted in 1960s to legalise abortions, same-sex relations and abolish death penalty

Question 24

DEMOCRACY
Advantages of representative democracy
View 4: How many representatives provide better protection of minorities?

Answer 24

they may weigh up demands of minorities against the majority
they may prevent ToTM

UK, 2014:
the UK parliament legislated in 2014 to allow same-sex marriage

Slovenia, 2015:
Parliament passed marriage equality
however when the matter went to referendum, the Slovenian people vote to reject same-sex marriage

Question 25

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 5: How does it relieve the burden on the public?

Answer 25

the representatives have to deal with the day-to-day decision making they are professional and have more time to deal with it they can devote much of their time to learn about policies, problems and alternatives Switzerland: frequent referenda have caused fatigue across some of the population

Question 26

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 6: How does it ensure some level of participation?

Answer 26

``` regular elections referendums pressure groups and protests all take part in framework of RD it enables significant levels of participation ```

Question 27

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 7: How does it enable high levels of public accountability?

Answer 27

they can hold representatives to account who fail to represent the will of the people properly this is through elections and free speech Labour premiership, 2010: UK public held Labour to account it was replaced as electorate was dissatisfied Lib Dem, 2015: made to pay for having let some of their voters down

Question 28

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 8: How is it pragmatic?

Answer 28

it can include some forms/elements of DD within it UK: adapted to use of referendums could easily adapt to use of initiatives and power of recall of representatives

Question 29

DEMOCRACY | What are 6 weaknesses of representative democracy?

Answer 29

1. levels of participation are low 2. power is taken away from citizens 3. can rarely vote on single issues 4. party discipline compromises will of the people 5. does not necessarily guarantee against authoritarianism 6. representatives rarely reflect the social make up of the population

Question 30

DEMOCRACY Weaknesses of representative democracy View 1: How are levels of participation low?

Answer 30

citizens are encouraged to vote once every 4-5 years only even if turnouts are high (they are not) such participation is not as frequent and as meaningful as one finds in DD this calls into question the legitimacy of the system

Question 31

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 2: How is power transferred/taken away from citizens?

Answer 31

citizens relinquish their power shortly after the election become dis-empowered they do not make decisions this could frustrate or anger citizens could lead to apathy or growing appeal of radical/populist parties UK: the UK public seemed opposed to the Iraq war (2003), the Lisbon Treaty (2009) and dramatic increase in university tuition fees (2010)

Question 32

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 3: How does it mean citizens can rarely vote on single issues?

Answer 32

they vote for a package of many policies UK: people may want a say on direct issues such as immigration, taxation, austerity and privatisation and international affairs however, in UK's representative democracy, all they can do is vote for a party and accept its entire manifesto

Question 33

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 4: How does party discipline compromise the will of the people?

Answer 33

MPs are committed to their party's leadership rather than teh people who put them in power they must toe the party-line it is party eladership that controls their promotion, demotion or re-election Lib Dem: many MPs voted for a substantial increase of university tuition fees because their party, not their voters, expected them to do so Labour: many Labour MPs voted for the Iraq war against the will of the constituents due to party discipline Conservative: many have been forced to vote for austerity measures despite own personal preferences

Question 34

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 5: How does RD not necessarily guarantee against authoritarianism?

Answer 34

it does not guarantee the protection of civil liberties elected representatives may support an undemocratic leader or regime UK, 2007: the majority of MPs voted to extend detention without charge to 42 days

Question 35

DEMOCRACY Advantages of representative democracy View 6: How do representatives rarely reflect the social makeup of the population?

Answer 35

``` representatives rarely reflect the societal makeup of gender, class, ethnic and age composition they tend to be white, middle-class and middle-age men ``` UK: most MPs and cabinet members in UK parliament are white, middle class, middle aged, highly educated men

Question 36

DEMOCRACY | Is DD or RD more advantageous?

Answer 36

Representative democracy is mroe advantageous this is because, while DD provides a more precise version of democracy with increased participation, it is utopian and cannot be applied to any modern day country. Representative democracy provides the vest system for a large population who do not have time for constant participation.

Question 37

REFERENDUMS | What was the first national referendum in recent history? What was the outcome? What was the turnout?

Answer 37

1975 - Should UK remain a member of the European Community? 67% YES 33% NO 64.5% turnout

Question 38

REFERENDUMS | What are the 2 other national referendums, with outcome and turnout?

Answer 38

1. 2011 - Should the UK adopt the alternative vote system for general elections? 32% YES 68% NO 42% turnout 2. 2016 - Should the EU remain a member of the EU? 45% YES 55% NO 84% turnout

Question 39

REFERENDUMS | What were the 2 Scottish referendums, with outcome and turnout?

Answer 39

1. 1997 - Should additional powers be devolved to Scotland and a Scottish Parliament established? 72% YES 26% NO 60% turnout 2. 2014 - Should Scotland become a completely independent country? 45% YES 55% NO 85% turnout

Question 40

REFERENDUMS | What was the Ireland referendum?

Answer 40

1998 - Should the Belfast Agreement be implemented? 71% YES 29% NO 81% turnout

Question 41

REFERENDUMS | What was the Wales referendum?

Answer 41

1997 - Should additional powers be devolved to Wales and a Welsh assembly established? 50.3% YES 49.7% NO 50% turnout

Question 42

REFERENDUMS | What was the Edinburgh referendum?

Answer 42

2005 - Should a 'congestion change' zone be introduced in Edinburgh? 25% YES 75% NO 62% turnout

Question 43

REFERENDUMS | What was the north-east England referendum?

Answer 43

2004 - Should additional powers be devolved to northeast England and a regional assembly established? 22% YES 78% NO 48% turnout

Question 44

REFERENDUMS | What are the features of referendums?

Answer 44

1. popular vote where citizens are asked to determine an issue of policy 2. device or form of direct democracy 3. can be on 1 question or more (e.g. Scottish devolution referendum) 4. held at discretion of the governments and Parliament 5. answer is always either 'Yes' or 'No' 6. in UK they are advisory due to Parliamentary Sovereignty

Question 45

REFERENDUMS | What are 6 reasons referendums may be called?

Answer 45

1. to resolve issues of major constitutional reforms 2. to resolve major political disputes or political deadlocks 3. to weaken to opposition by demonstrating that their policies are not supported 4. governments call referendums when they are confident of winning 5. to overcome internal disputes within party/government 6. in undemocratic regimes, the government may use referendums to legitimise their power

Question 46

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used to resolve ISSUES OF CONSTITUTIONAL IMPORTANCE

Answer 46

- devolution in Wales and Scotland - 1998, London: new Mayor and Assembly - 2016 EU membership

Question 47

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used to RESOLVE MAJOR POLITICAL DISPUTES

Answer 47

- 1975: should UK remain in EEC? - Ireland, 2015: same-sex marriage - Ireland, 2018: legalise abortion

Question 48

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used to WEAKEN OPPOSITION

Answer 48

- devolution in Scotland and Wales | this was opposed by Conservatives, but they were silenced following the resounding 'Yes' vote in Scotland

Question 49

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used by GOVERNMENTS WHEN THEY ARE CONFIDENT OF WINNING

Answer 49

- Scottish devolution | Labour was certain the people will support this idea

Question 50

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used to OVERCOME INTERNAL DISPUTES

Answer 50

- 1975 EEC membership Labour party was divided over the question of Europe - 2011 voting system supported by Lib Dem and opposed by Conservatives

Question 51

REFERENDUMS | Examples of referendums being used by UNDEMOCRATIC REGIMES TO LEGITIMISE THEIR POWER

Answer 51

Egypt | Chile under General Pinochet

Question 52

REFERENDUMS | What are 5 arguments FOR referendums?

Answer 52

1. more democratic - direct democracy - increase participation - check the power of the government - legitimacy 2. resolve big constitutional and moral issues 3. educate the public 4. vote on a particular issue 5. prevent governments from making unpopular decisions

Question 53

REFERENDUMS Arguments FOR referendum View 1: How is it more democratic?

Answer 53

- direct democracy - increase participation Scottish referendum may have left a long term legacy of participation as 2015 general elections were 71% (average was 66%) - check the power of the government government controls Parliament through elective dictatorship referendums can ensure a government does not act unaccountably Ireland, 2013: people defied the government and voted to keep the 2nd chamber (Senate) - legitimacy in face of a problematic voting system FPTP means a government can be elected on a minority vote - doubting its legitimacy and mandate referendums can change this at a local and national level - can essentially entrench a policy

Question 54

REFERENDUMS Arguments FOR referendum View 2: How can they resolve big constitutional and moral issues?

Answer 54

some issues are so important, they require popular support/consent can unite and heal party divisions

Question 55

REFERENDUMS Arguments FOR referendum View 3: How can they have an educative effect? What is the CA to this?

Answer 55

- force gov to explain their proposals to electorate - stimulate debate and, therefore, better informed public 2011, AV referendum: enhanced public understanding of different voting systems as did EU 2016 Several campaign groups set to influence opinion with evidence in Brexit: Britain Stronger in Europe Vote Leave Lexit (Left Leave) CA - Electoral Reform Society reported the EU referendum was characterised by poorly informed debate e.g. both sides were negative and made false claims Similarly, NO2AV exaggerated costs of AC and wrongly argued it benefits extreme parties

Question 56

REFERENDUMS Arguments FOR referendum View 4: How can they help to vote on a particular isseu?

Answer 56

due the features of a referendum (yes or no answer on one question usually) in elections, the public has no opportunity to express a view on a specific issue.policy they vote for a manifesto e.g. none of the main parties ever pledged in its manifesto a Brexit commitment only a referendum on the matter enabled the public to vote on this issue

Question 57

REFERENDUMS Arguments FOR referendum View 5: How do they stop governments from making unpopular decisions?

Answer 57

they understand the public consensus by the result and usually adjust their policies accordingly 2004, North-East England: prevented the government to continue with regional devolution programmes

Question 58

REFERENDUMS | What are 5 arguments against referendums?

Answer 58

1. public is poorly qualified 2. referendums are done to suit political parties, not the public (illusion of choice) 3. may lead to tyranny of the majority 4. undermine parliamentary sovereignty 5. time consuming and costly 6. may overburden the public (voter's fatigue/apathy) 7. there's a danger that people will use the referendum to express their dissatisfaction with the gov

Question 59

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 1 - How is the public poorly qualified? Example?

Answer 59

- surrender power of experts to the masses - media and short term considerations may influence the public's decisions - cannot be trusted to vote on important policy decisions - some issues may be too complex e. g. Brexit

Question 60

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 2 - How are referendums done to suit political parties rather than the public? Example?

Answer 60

- called at discretion of government - only calls them when they think they will increase their legitimacy - allow gov to gain greater control over policy decision making - gov can repeat the referendum until they get the answer they want e. g. Ireland voted on the Lisbon treaty 2 times (2003 and 2009) e.g. AV referendum Brexit to stop people voting for UKIP

Question 61

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 3 - How may referendums lead to tyranny of the majority? Example? What is the CA to this?

Answer 61

- referendums are decided by the majority answer - the minority loses and is not taken into account e. g. Scots believe Brexit vote imposed English views on Scots who were majority remain. They got 'dragged out' e. g. young people were also forced to accept it CA - parliamentarians are liekly to be more concerned with the rights of minorities e.g. legalising gay sex, abortions 1960s same sex marriage in 2013

Question 62

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 4 - How do referendums undermine parliamentary sovereignty?

Answer 62

- since representatives given consent at elections, they have a mandate and no need for a referendum - referendums may lead to a loss of respect for elected representatives - excessive use of referendums undermines principle of parl.

Question 63

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 5 - How are referendums time consuming and costly?

Answer 63

AV referendum cost nearly £75 million in times of economic recession Scottish referendum was £13.3 million Brexit cost £140 million

Question 64

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 6 - How can referendums overburden the public?

Answer 64

- voters show little desire to participate in referendums e.g. AV referendum was 41% turnout - in turn, low turnout may mean the referendums lack credibility -

Question 65

REFERENDUMS Argument AGAINST referendums View 7 - How can referendums be used to express dissatisfaction with government?

Answer 65

- may ignore issue in question altogether - referendums may have become 'mini elections' on performance of the current gov e.g. North-East England 2004 referendum decisive 'no' vote was though to been determined by resentment of the Labour gov