1.1 Democracy and Participation

Question 1

What is Direct Democracy? + example

Answer 1

When there is ‘No mediation’ and voters express their opinions by themselves, not through representatives acting on there behalf.
Brexit Referendum 2016

Question 2

What is Legitimacy? + example

Answer 2

The rightfull use of power in accordance to pre set rules or criteria.
Starmer winning 2024 General Election

Question 3

What is representative Democracy? + example

Answer 3

Individuals selecta person/party to act on ther ebehalf and excersize political choice.
The UK is Represntative Democracy

Question 4

What is a pluralist Democracy? + example

Answer 4

Government makes descisions as a result of the interplay of various ideas and counter arguments.
If changing health you consult NHS and doctors

Question 5

What is the Democratic Defecit? + example

Answer 5

The gap between what we have and what we want. A flaw in the deocratic process where decsions are made by people who lack legitimacy.
Only 33% voted labour in 2024

Question 6

What is the Participation Crisis? + example

Answer 6

A lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens in the poitical process.
Low 60% turnout 2024 election

Question 7

What is Franchise/Suffrage? + example

Answer 7

The ability and right to vote in public elections.
Women being enfranchised in 1918

Question 8

Define Disenfranchised

Answer 8

Removing someones right to vote

Question 9

What is a Think Tank? + example

Answer 9

A body of experts brought together to focus on a certian topic and offer solutions to difficult problems.
IPPR (Left) and Policy exchange (Right)

Question 10

What are lobbyists? + example

Answer 10

They are paid by clinets to influence the government/MP’s to act in their clients interests
Greensil Capital

Question 11

What are Pressure Groups? + example

Answer 11

organsations trying to influence public policy and political decsions
Green peace, Surfers agaisnt sewage

Question 12

Explain if the 2024 Government is both ligitame and democratic

Answer 12

Starmers governmnet is legitimate becasue he was voted in, following all legal rules but not democratic as only 33% voters voted labour

Question 13

2 advantages of direct democracy

Answer 13

• engages the public in decisions and encourages a politically educated citizenship
• representative are beter informed of developing public attitudes

Question 14

3 disadvantages of direct democracy

Answer 14

• voters make descicions selfishly rather than thinking of the country
• Most of the public dont have the knowledge to mae informed political decisions
• Challenges Burkean principle, destabalisng democracy

Question 15

3 advantages of represnative democracy

Answer 15

• Politicions required to be well informed to make descions
• Protects minority rights
• representstives are accountable and voters can renew their mandate

Question 16

4 disadvantages of representaive democracy

Answer 16

• Doesnt adequately portray interest of the public
  -pressure groups disconnect represenatives from issure importsnt to voters
• elected by FPTP so lab+con dominate which is unrepresentative
• parliment is demographiclly unrepresentative: 34% female, 10% minority, 7% LGBTQ, 29% privately educated

Question 17

3 advantages to pluralism

Answer 17

• more innovation and new ideas
• representation of diverse interets
• political stability due to distribution of power and influence

Question 18

3 disadvantages to pluralism

Answer 18

• difficult to govern and manage so many ideas
• lack of consensus when so many competig grouos
• well funded special interest groups have disproportionate influence

Question 19

Direct VS indirect participation

Answer 19

direct is voting in elections, indirect can be social media, e-petitons, presuure groups or demonstrations

Question 20

Countries where voting is compulsory and the punishment

Answer 20

Brazil fined 10% salary, Bolivia fines and banking limitations, Belgium fines and 3 fines removes civil right, Singapore removed from eligable voters

Question 21

Who where the Suffragists? (NUWSS)

Answer 21

non violent campaighn group to change the constitution through petitions and lobbyingto show they were respectable and responsible

Question 22

Who were the suffragettes? (WSPU)

Answer 22

Demanded women be given the vote by any means necessary. Destroyed paintings, smashed windows, went to prison ect

Question 23

Argument for lowering voting age to 16

Answer 23

At 16 you can marry, have sex and join military so you should get the vote.
2014 Scottish independnce referendum - 75% 16 -17yrds voted, positive democratic outcome

Question 24

Argument against lowering voting age to 16

Answer 24

Young people are not regared as muture enough to buy alcohol so should vote
Dont pay tax as in education so dont have the same societal stake
More likley to be manipuated into voting due to lack of experiences

Question 25

Argument for giving prisoners the vote

Answer 25

Current system is outdates
Important part of rehabilitation

Question 26

Argument against giving prisoners the vote

Answer 26

Renounced rights of citizenshio whilst incarcerated
No public appetite to give it
Prison is a punishment
They broke laws so shouldnt be allowed to vote on them

Question 27

Arguments for compulsory voting

Answer 27

doesnt for someone to choose, they can spoil the ballot
Increases turnout