1.1

Question 1

direct democracy

Answer 1

citizens themselves make political decisions

Question 2

representative democracy

Answer 2

voters elect representatives who then make decisions on their behalf

Question 3

advantages of representative democracy (4)

Answer 3

• gov carried out by politicians who are well informed on important matters
• less likely to be swayed by emotions in their decision making
• these individuals can account for minorities within the community when making decisions
• these individuals can also be held accountable

Question 4

disadvantages of representative democracy (4)

Answer 4

• does not always represent the values of the population as individuals are often of the elite
• can often be swayed by outside interests such as second jobs
• smaller parties often fail to get appropriate representation, especially in UK system
• Tyranny of the Majority - elected MP often acts on best interests of their own party

Question 5

advantages of direct democracy (3)

Answer 5

• engages the public and makes politicians more responsive to what the public think
• more opportunities for public to get involved so they are better engaged
• encourages public to be more informed about politics, as they have to make more frequent decisions

Question 6

disadvantages of direct democracy (3)

Answer 6

• referendums dangerously simplify important issues to just yes/no answers
• public frequently ill-informed on issues they may vote on
• impractical to have constant polling

Question 7

• does not always represent the values of the population as individuals are often of the elite
• can often be swayed by outside interests such as second jobs
• smaller parties often fail to get appropriate representation, especially in UK system
• Tyranny of the Majority - elected MP often acts on best interests of their own party

Answer 7

disadvantages of representative democracy (4)

Question 8

• engages the public and makes politicians more responsive to what the public think
• more opportunities for public to get involved so they are better engaged
• encourages public to be more informed about politics, as they have to make more frequent decisions

Answer 8

advantages of direct democracy (3)

Question 9

• referendums dangerously simplify important issues to just yes/no answers
• public frequently ill-informed on issues they may vote on
• impractical to have constant polling

Answer 9

disadvantages of direct democracy (3)