1.1 - Current Systems of Democracy in the UK Flashcards
What gives a government power and authority?
The Monarchy, the Laws they set, the people’s acceptance of their laws, the fact they are voted into power by the people.
What is direct democracy?
A political system wherein the population take part THEMSELVES in the running of the country i.e. referendums etc.
A leader is directly elected.
What are the advantages of direct democracy?
Equal voter weighting
People take personal responsibility for their decisions
Develops a sense of community
What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?
Impractical in a large modern society
Many people are not qualified enough to take part
Minority viewpoints are disregarded (could lead to tyranny of the majority)
What is representative democracy?
The people elect representatives to take control of decision making, as the politicians in charge are (theoretically) more informed than the average person.
What are the advantages of representative democracy?
Far more practical in a large society
Parties are formed (pluralist democracy)
Reduces chances of tyranny of the majority
Politicians are (often) better informed than the average person
What is pluralist democracy?
Taking into account different viewpoints from multiple parts of society.
What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?
Can lead to reduced political participation
Parties are run and funded by elites who push their own agenda
Politicians can easily dodge accountability for their actions
Politicians may be corrupt
Where does power lie in the UK?
The people, as they elect a parliament, and allow the monarchy to continue.
What is popular sovereignty?
Power of parliament must be exercised in accordance with the general will of the people.
What is parliamentary sovereignty?
Allows parliament to pass and end any law it so chooses.
What type of sovereignty does the UK fall under?
Popular and Parliamentary, as one cannot exist without the other.
What is democratic participation?
The opportunity to be involved in a political process, be it by voting, pressure groups, writing to MP’s etc.
At the highest level it implies standing for public office.
What is the disconnect between parliament and the people?
In most cases, parliament make laws according to the people’s consent in General Elections, however they can pass any law they want, so the power does mostly lie within parliament.
What is the turnout in General Elections?
60% - 65%
What is the turnout in Local Elections?
30% - 35%
How often are elections to the HoC?
At least every 5 years.
How are the HoL elected?
By appointment from the Monarch, in accordance with recommendations from government.
How is the PM decided?
The PM is indirectly elected, as the party leader of the party that wins becomes the PM.
i.e. Liz Truss is the leader of the Conservative Party, they hold the most seats in the HoC, therefore she is PM.
What is the ‘Tyranny of the Majority’?
The ease of the majority to persecute the minority.
What is sovereignty?
Power and Authority
Who is the current PM (as of 14/09/22)
Liz Truss
Background of Liz Truss
Comes from a labour family, who have said they will not vote for her.
Went to a comprehensive school, despite electing 60% of her cabinet members who went to private school.
Began as a member of the Lib Dems, along with beginning as an ardent abolitionist.
Became an MP in 2010.
Wrote a book called Britannia Unchained, which heavily supported a completely free market economy.
Had an affair with another Tory MP.
Remainer, but became more sympathetic towards Brexit.
One of the first PM’s to not appoint any rivals.
What jobs did the Constitutional Reform Act of 2005 change drastically in Parliament?
Lord Chancellor.
The job used to contain Chief Justice, Leader of the Lords and Member of Cabinet.
There is now a position for Chief Justice external to politics, a new position for Leader of the Lords.
