1. Democracy and Participation Flashcards
What is direct democracy?
A form of democracy in which all citizens are encouraged to take part in the system and sovereignty is in the hands of the people
What is representative democracy?
A form of democracy in which an individual selects a person (or political party) to act on their behalf to exercise political choice
Examples of D.D
Referendums
2015 Recall of MPs Act
Examples of R.D
General Elections
Elections
2015 Recall of MPs Act Example
• Ian Paisley Jr, a suspended Democratic Unionist Party MP, was suspended but narrowly escaped a recall by a by-election. He was suspended from the Houses of Commons in July for 30 days for accepting free holidays from the Sri Lankan Government and failed to disclose. The petition received 9.4% of votes in his constituency when it needed 10% to be recalled. (20th September 2018)
Three MPs in total have been recalled in which only one Ian Paisley retained his position. The other two, Christopher Davies and Fiona were recalled.
Advantages of D.D
Purest form Avoid delay and gridlock Increase in legitimacy of the decisions Increase participation and opportunities to participate Increase public engagement Increase political education
Disadvantages of D.D
People are not experts and so cannot make informed judgements Not practical for a large state Minority groups may be overlooked Less accountability Referendum is not legally binding
Advantages of R.D
Politicians bring coherence and give people a choice of representation Hold MPs to account Practical and easy to use Pressure groups involved Prevents tyranny of the majority
Disadvantages of R.D
May be corrupt
Burkean Representation
Reduced Participation
Safe seats and a lack of accuracy in translating results
What are the functions of democracy?
Representation Accountability Participation Power Dispersal Legitimacy Education
Effective democracy operating
Free and Fair elections Turnout Universal Suffrage Party System Pressure Groups Parliamentary sovereignty Devolution
Ineffective democracy operating
Unelected elements
Low Turnout
EVEL
West Lothian Question
Problems with FPTP
Wasted votes Safe Seats Unrepresentative Winner's bonus Two-party system
Who can vote?
People over age of 18
British Citizens
Those not in prison
Those not mentally incapable
What moves are there to extend the franchise?
Prison Voting
16 year-old voting
What methods of participation is there?
Voting Joining a party Joining a pressure group Petitions Protesting Striking
What is the consequence of a low turnout?
Decreased mandate
Reduce legitimacy
What are the more modern forms of participation?
E-petitions
Blogging
Social Media
Yes there is a participation crisis
Turnout is very low across general elections and referendums
Party membership has declined
Trade Union power has decreased
No there is not a participation crisis
Increasing turnout across general elections
More parties in voter choice
Pressure group membership has increased
Social campaigns
Types of pressure groups
Sectional Groups
Casual Groups
Insider Groups
Outsider Groups
What type of methods to Pressure Groups use?
Lobbying Research and publish reports Give evidence at hearings Publicity Campaigns Civili Disobedience Celebrity disobedience Strike
Why do people join pressure groups?
Motivation Representation Personal Beliefs Participation Material Benefits Need
Why do pressure groups succeed or fail?
Funding
Membership
Status of Pressure Group
Goal contradicting government policy
