1. Democracy, Governments & Politics

Question 1

what is the definition of democracy

Answer 1

way of governing that depends on the will of the people

government on behalf of the people, power of the people

Question 2

what is autocracy and dictatorship

Answer 2

one person rules

Question 3

what is an oligarchy

Answer 3

small segment of society rules

Question 4

what are the 2 key principles of democracy

Answer 4

individual autonomy

equality

Question 5

what is individual autonomy regarding democracy

Answer 5

no one should be subject to rules which have been imposed by others

people should be able to control their own lives within reason

Question 6

what is equality regarding democracy

Answer 6

everyone should have the same opportunity to influence the decisions that affect people in society

Question 7

what are the three pros of democracy

Answer 7

promotes interests of citizens

protects freedom and human rights

prevents abuse of power

Question 8

how does democracy protect the freedom and human rights of its citizens

Answer 8

autonomy and equality

equal rights among citizens on the basis of caste, religion, and sex

Question 9

how does democracy prevent abuses of power

Answer 9

is abused their power, then wont get re-elected

Question 10

what are the 4 threats to democracy

Answer 10

disengagement

lack of youths in politics

uninformed voting

lack of representation in politics

Question 11

why is voter disengagement a threat to democracy

Answer 11

questions legitimacy of democratically elected governments and officials if they are in reality elected by the minority of the total electorate who do vote

Question 12

what is a real world situation/statistic for the disengagement of voters

Answer 12

in NZ’s 2022 Auckland local elections only 35.5% enrolled voters voted

Question 13

why is lack of youths a threat to democracy

Answer 13

small number of MPs and other elected representatives who are in younger age bracket

lower proportion of younger voters vote when compared to older voters

Question 14

what is a real world situation/statistic for the lack of youths in politics

Answer 14

2019 UK general election only 47% of 18-24yos voted while 74% of 65+ yo voted

Question 15

how is lack of representation a threat to democracy

Answer 15

inclusivity and reflectiveness of people’s wishes and responsiveness to people’s needs are not championed if those in politics do not represent the demographics of the community they serve

Question 16

what are some real life situations and statistics regarding lack of representation in politics - specifically womens rights

Answer 16

most countries have given women right to vote but only recently

NZ was 1st country in world to grant universal suffrage in 1893 but women were only granted right to stand for parliament in 1919

Saudi arabia only granted women the right to vote in 2011

Question 17

what are some real life situations and statistics regarding lack of representation in politics - specifically marginalised communities

Answer 17

immigrants, migrant workers, prisoners and children cant vote but still pay taxes and are obliged to obey the local laws

Question 18

in NZ’s 2022 Akl local elections how many of the enrolled voters voted

Answer 18

35.5%

Question 19

in the 2019 UK general election what % of 18-24yo voted

Answer 19

47%

Question 20

in the 2019 UK general election what % of 65+ yos voted

Answer 20

74%

Question 21

when do NZ grant universal suffrage

Answer 21

1893

Question 22

when were women allowed to stand for parliament in NZ

Answer 22

1919

Question 23

when were women given the right to vote in saudi arabia

Answer 23

2011

Question 24

what are the 3 main ways to improve our democracy and participation

Answer 24

recognize what it means to have democracy

participate in government/democracy and recognise the different levels of participation available

be more representative

Question 25

how can democracy be improved regarding recognizing what having democracy is

Answer 25

assumed countries become democracies with relatively free/open elections but democracy includes far more than just elections

its something we can always have more/less of rather than something that is or isnt

Question 26

how can democracy be improved regarding awareness of different levels of participation in government

Answer 26

not just voting/running for office

staying informed about what is happening and what decisions are being made in the name of people by your representative

make your opinions known so leaders have feedback and dont lead only according to their own will and priorities

vote as if they dont members are effectively unaccountable

Question 26

how can democracy be improved regarding improving representation - 3 ways

Answer 26

include more people in decision making

elect officials who represents minority/marginalised groups

give people more real power

Question 27

what is a quote about democracy by kofi annan

Answer 27

no one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth.

Question 28

who is kofi annan

Answer 28

Ghanian Diplomat, 7th UN secretary general, Nobel Peace prize recipient

Question 29

what is a quote about democracy by abraham lincoln

Answer 29

of the people, by the people for the people

Question 30

what is a quote about democracy by albert camus

Answer 30

Democracy is not the law of the majority, but the protection of the minority.

Question 31

who is albert camus

Answer 31

French philosopher and author, Nobel Peace prize recipient