1.1 Democracy Flashcards
What is direct democracy?
A form of democracy where people themselves make decisions.
What is representative democracy?
A form of democracy where people elect an official who make decisions on their behalf
What are the 3 advantages of direct democracy?
- the peoples voice is clearly heard
- avoids deadlock within the political system
- gives decisions greater legitimacy
What are the 3 disadvantages of direct democracy?
- can lead to “tyranny of the majority” meaning the interests of the minority are simply ignored
- people can be too easily swayed by emotion
- some issues are too complex
What are the 4 advantages of a representative democracy?
- professionals make complex decisions
- minority views are considered
- elected politicians are held to account
- more practical than direct
What are the 4 disadvantages of a representative democracy?
- citizens become disengaged from politics
- politicians are motivated through self-interest
- electoral mandate of representatives is flawed as people vote for the whole manifesto, not just some parts
What are the 7 features of a representative democracy?
- elections must be held regularly
- civil liberties
- elections must be contested by numerous parties
- constitutional checks exist
- an Assembly exists to pass laws
- pressure groups have freedom
- independent judiciary
What does accountability mean?
Those elected must be responsible for their actions
How are MPs held to account?
Through general elections when the public can vote them out
What does social representation of MPs mean?
The characteristics of MPs should be broadly in line with that of the public. They should be a microcosm of society.
What does representing the national interest of MPs mean?
MPs should vote on behalf of the national interest
What does constituency representation of MPs mean?
MPs should represent the interests of the constituency of which they were elected.
What does redress of grievances mean?
MPs take up the case of an individual constituent who feels they have suffered an injustice
What does party representation of MPs mean?
MPs should vote and act in line with their parties ideologies and commitments (manifesto)
What are the 5 forms of representation in the UK?
- constituency
- parties
- manifesto and mandate
- government representation
- pressure groups
What are the 3 strengths of the manifesto and mandate?
- grants authority to the incoming government
- allows Parliament and the voters to judge the performance of the government effectively
- demonstrates when a govt may be over stepping it’s authority
What are the 3 weaknesses of the manifesto and mandate?
- parties are always elected with less than the 50% popular vote
- those who voted do not necessarily support all the manifesto commitments
- unclear whether the govt has a mandate to carry out its previous manifesto
What are the 10 criteria for a good democracy?
- peaceful transition of power
- free elections
- fair elections
- high participation
- freedom of expression
- freedom of association
- protection of rights
- the rule of law
- independent judiciary
- limited government through the constitution
What is a democratic deficit?
Flaws in the democratic system
Issues with the democratic system for fair elections?
FTTP produces disproportional results
Issues with the democratic system of the House of Lords?
Has significant influence but it unelected
Issues with the democratic system for human rights?
ECHR is not binding on Parliament
Positives for the UK for a peaceful transition of power?
UK is conflict free
Positives for the UK for free elections?
All over 18s can vote - little electoral fraud
Positives for the UK for fair elections?
There are proportional systems in place for Scotland, Wales and NI
Positives for the UK for high participation?
Extensive membership of pressure groups which are free and active. Also growing participation through e-democracy
Positives for the UK for freedom of expression?
The press and media are free of government interference
Positives for the UK for freedom of association?
No legal restrictions on organisations
Positives for the UK for protections of rights and liberties?
Country is signed up to the ECHR
Positives for the UK for the rule of law?
Upheld strictly by the judiciary, the judiciary is independent
Positives for the UK for the limited government?
Parliament and the courts ensure the government always acts within the law, and can adapt to the changing sociological situation
Negatives for the UK for peaceful transition of power?
None
Negatives for the UK for free elections?
The House of Lords and the Monarch are unelected
Negatives for the UK for fair elections?
The FTTP leads to disproportionate results
Negatives for the UK for widespread participation?
Turnout in elections has been falling
Negatives for the UK for freedom of expression?
Ownership of the press is in hands of a large few
Negatives for the UK for freedom of association?
Some associations are banned such as terrorism or racial hatred
Negatives for the UK for protection of rights and liberties?
Parliament remains sovereign. The Freedom of Information Act has too many exemptions for the government. HRA is not entrenched
Negatives for the UK for the rule of law?
None
Negatives for the UK for a limited government?
There is no codified constitution so the limits of the government. The sovereignty of Parliament means the governments powers are safeguarded
Positives of the fact pressure groups enhance democracy?
PG gives a voice to minority groups, allowing citizens to exert influence between elections.
Reasons why pressure groups cannot enhance democracy?
Leaders are not elected. Wealthy and powerful pressure groups may pursue their own interests
Has participation in the UK been falling?
Yes
What 3 reforms are there for UK democracy?
- compulsory voting
- expanding e-democracy
- voting at 16
Advantages of compulsory voting?
Governments can claim greater legitimacy . Political participation becomes a civic dut,, will incentivise education. Citizens that are engaged in politics are likely to be better citizens
Disadvantages of compulsory voting?
Would simply mask deeper engagement issues. People would spoil the ballot paper.. Violation of human rights
Advantages of lowering the voting age?
The needs and views of 16-17 year olds is taken into account. May re-engage young voters by strengthening their interests.
Disadvantages of lowering the voting age?
16 is too young, most are in full time education and live with their parents. Young voters are less likely to vote than older voters, so would mean a further decline in turnout
Advantages of e-democracy?
Citizens can express their views without leaving home. Creates a genuine democratic process in which citizens become active in politics
Disadvantages of e-democracy?
The risk of hacking can undermine legitimacy.
