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Politics > 1.1 Democracy > Flashcards

1.1 Democracy Flashcards

1
Q

What is direct democracy?

A

A form of democracy where people themselves make decisions.

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2
Q

What is representative democracy?

A

A form of democracy where people elect an official who make decisions on their behalf

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3
Q

What are the 3 advantages of direct democracy?

A
  • the peoples voice is clearly heard
  • avoids deadlock within the political system
  • gives decisions greater legitimacy
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4
Q

What are the 3 disadvantages of direct democracy?

A
  • 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
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5
Q

What are the 4 advantages of a representative democracy?

A
  • professionals make complex decisions
  • minority views are considered
  • elected politicians are held to account
  • more practical than direct
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6
Q

What are the 4 disadvantages of a representative democracy?

A
  • 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
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7
Q

What are the 7 features of a representative democracy?

A
  • 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
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8
Q

What does accountability mean?

A

Those elected must be responsible for their actions

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9
Q

How are MPs held to account?

A

Through general elections when the public can vote them out

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10
Q

What does social representation of MPs mean?

A

The characteristics of MPs should be broadly in line with that of the public. They should be a microcosm of society.

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11
Q

What does representing the national interest of MPs mean?

A

MPs should vote on behalf of the national interest

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12
Q

What does constituency representation of MPs mean?

A

MPs should represent the interests of the constituency of which they were elected.

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13
Q

What does redress of grievances mean?

A

MPs take up the case of an individual constituent who feels they have suffered an injustice

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14
Q

What does party representation of MPs mean?

A

MPs should vote and act in line with their parties ideologies and commitments (manifesto)

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15
Q

What are the 5 forms of representation in the UK?

A
  • constituency
  • parties
  • manifesto and mandate
  • government representation
  • pressure groups
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16
Q

What are the 3 strengths of the manifesto and mandate?

A
  • 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
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17
Q

What are the 3 weaknesses of the manifesto and mandate?

A
  • 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
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18
Q

What are the 10 criteria for a good democracy?

A
  • 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
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19
Q

What is a democratic deficit?

A

Flaws in the democratic system

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20
Q

Issues with the democratic system for fair elections?

A

FTTP produces disproportional results

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21
Q

Issues with the democratic system of the House of Lords?

A

Has significant influence but it unelected

22
Q

Issues with the democratic system for human rights?

A

ECHR is not binding on Parliament

23
Q

Positives for the UK for a peaceful transition of power?

A

UK is conflict free

24
Q

Positives for the UK for free elections?

A

All over 18s can vote - little electoral fraud

25
Q

Positives for the UK for fair elections?

A

There are proportional systems in place for Scotland, Wales and NI

26
Q

Positives for the UK for high participation?

A

Extensive membership of pressure groups which are free and active. Also growing participation through e-democracy

27
Q

Positives for the UK for freedom of expression?

A

The press and media are free of government interference

28
Q

Positives for the UK for freedom of association?

A

No legal restrictions on organisations

29
Q

Positives for the UK for protections of rights and liberties?

A

Country is signed up to the ECHR

30
Q

Positives for the UK for the rule of law?

A

Upheld strictly by the judiciary, the judiciary is independent

31
Q

Positives for the UK for the limited government?

A

Parliament and the courts ensure the government always acts within the law, and can adapt to the changing sociological situation

32
Q

Negatives for the UK for peaceful transition of power?

A

None

33
Q

Negatives for the UK for free elections?

A

The House of Lords and the Monarch are unelected

34
Q

Negatives for the UK for fair elections?

A

The FTTP leads to disproportionate results

35
Q

Negatives for the UK for widespread participation?

A

Turnout in elections has been falling

36
Q

Negatives for the UK for freedom of expression?

A

Ownership of the press is in hands of a large few

37
Q

Negatives for the UK for freedom of association?

A

Some associations are banned such as terrorism or racial hatred

38
Q

Negatives for the UK for protection of rights and liberties?

A

Parliament remains sovereign. The Freedom of Information Act has too many exemptions for the government. HRA is not entrenched

39
Q

Negatives for the UK for the rule of law?

A

None

40
Q

Negatives for the UK for a limited government?

A

There is no codified constitution so the limits of the government. The sovereignty of Parliament means the governments powers are safeguarded

41
Q

Positives of the fact pressure groups enhance democracy?

A

PG gives a voice to minority groups, allowing citizens to exert influence between elections.

42
Q

Reasons why pressure groups cannot enhance democracy?

A

Leaders are not elected. Wealthy and powerful pressure groups may pursue their own interests

43
Q

Has participation in the UK been falling?

A

Yes

44
Q

What 3 reforms are there for UK democracy?

A
  • compulsory voting
  • expanding e-democracy
  • voting at 16
45
Q

Advantages of compulsory voting?

A

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

46
Q

Disadvantages of compulsory voting?

A

Would simply mask deeper engagement issues. People would spoil the ballot paper.. Violation of human rights

47
Q

Advantages of lowering the voting age?

A

The needs and views of 16-17 year olds is taken into account. May re-engage young voters by strengthening their interests.

48
Q

Disadvantages of lowering the voting age?

A

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

49
Q

Advantages of e-democracy?

A

Citizens can express their views without leaving home. Creates a genuine democratic process in which citizens become active in politics

50
Q

Disadvantages of e-democracy?

A

The risk of hacking can undermine legitimacy.

Politics (19 decks)

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