1.1 Representative and direct democracy Flashcards
What is Democracy?
Definition:
Democracy is a system of government where the power lies with the people, often referred to as “rule by the people.” This can be exercised directly or through elected representatives.
Recent
Example:
The 2016 Brexit referendum in the UK exemplifies the democratic principle of popular sovereignty, where the people directly influenced a major political decision.
What is Representative Democracy?
Definition:
A type of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives, often aligned with political parties, are expected to exercise their judgment while being held accountable through regular elections.
Key Features:
Modern form of democracy.
Direct instructions from voters don’t bind representatives.
Recent Example:
In the 2019 UK General Election, the Conservative Party was elected with a clear mandate to “Get Brexit Done,” demonstrating the representative system.
What is Direct Democracy?
Definition:
A political system where individuals express opinions and vote directly on policies rather than through elected representatives.
Key Historical Example:
Originated in Ancient Athens, where all male citizens had the right to vote on policy decisions directly.
Recent Example:
Switzerland holds regular referendums, around 10 annually, allowing citizens direct input on important national issues, such as immigration policy in 2021.
Direct Democracy in the UK
How it’s used today:
Direct democracy is used in the UK through referendums. For instance, the 2016 Brexit referendum and the Scottish Independence referendum in 2014.
Recall of MPs Act (2015):
Allows voters to hold MPs accountable by triggering by-elections if an MP is suspended for serious misconduct.
Issues Raised:
Brexit revealed tensions between direct democracy and representative democracy, as the public decision to leave the EU conflicted with the positions of the major political parties.
Similarities Between Direct and Representative Democracy
Key Similarities:
Both systems aim to reflect the will of the people, through majority rule and participation.
Direct democracy plays a role in representative democracies through mechanisms like referendums and petitions.
Example:
Both the Brexit referendum (direct democracy) and the 2019 General Election (representative democracy) shaped the same issue—UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Differences Between Direct and Representative Democracy
Key Differences:
Decision-Making: Direct democracy involves citizens directly voting on issues; representative democracy relies on elected officials to make decisions.
Involvement: Citizens are more frequently involved in decision-making in direct democracy, while representative democracy delegates this responsibility
Recent Example:
The Brexit referendum (direct) vs. the 2019 General Election (representative). The former was a single issue, while the latter covered broader political mandates.
Advantages of Direct Democracy
Key Advantages:
Equality of Vote: Every citizen’s vote has equal weight, unlike in representative systems where electoral boundaries can affect vote value.
Encourages Participation: People are more directly involved, fostering engagement.
Recent Example:
Swiss referendums give the public an equal voice on various social issues, like a 2020 vote on corporate responsibility.
Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
Key Disadvantages:
Impractical for Large States: Complex issues require expertise and rapid responses, making it unsuitable for large modern states.
Risk of Manipulation: Influential individuals or groups, such as demagogues, can sway public opinion, leading to decisions based on populist rather than well-informed arguments.
Recent Example:
Brexit campaign rhetoric, heavily influenced by media and political figures, demonstrates how direct democracy can be manipulated.
Advantages of Representative Democracy
Key Advantages:
Practical for Large States: Elected representatives can handle complex, technical decisions.
Accountability: Regular elections allow the public to hold officials accountable.
Recent Example:
The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid, expert-led decisions, which a representative democracy is better suited to manage compared to a direct democracy.
Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
Key Disadvantages:
Reduced Participation: Citizens may feel distanced from decision-making, leading to political apathy.
Elite Interests: Politicians may prioritize their party’s or personal interests over the public’s, as seen in the 2010 UK coalition government where the Liberal Democrats broke their tuition fee promise.
Recent Example:
In 2021, MPs were criticised for prioritising their interests during the Owen Paterson lobbying scandal, eroding public trust in political representation.
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Definition:
A system in which power is distributed across a range of groups and organisations, enabling a variety of viewpoints to influence political decisions.
Key Advantage:
Promotes healthy debate and ensures minority voices are heard, making for a more inclusive political system.
Recent Example:
UK pressure groups like Extinction Rebellion have influenced climate change policies, demonstrating the pluralist nature of modern democracies.
What is Legitimacy?
Definition:
The recognised right to exercise power, often through elections.
Key Example:
Legitimacy was affirmed for the UK government after the 2019 General Election, as Boris Johnson’s majority secured a clear mandate for Brexit.
Protective vs. Developmental Perspectives on Democracy
Protective Perspective:
Focuses on safeguarding individual liberties, with minimal participation required beyond voting to ensure legitimacy.
Developmental Perspective:
Advocates for greater citizen engagement, believing that mass participation leads to a more equitable and responsive political system.
Recent
Example:
Developmental perspective is seen in movements like Black Lives Matter, which push for active citizen involvement in addressing systemic inequalities.
What are some proposed reforms to the voting system in the UK?
Allowing voters to cast ballots anywhere within their constituency, not just at a designated polling station.
Voting spread over several days to increase participation.
Encouraging greater use of postal voting and introducing e-voting (online voting), though these are criticised for increasing risks of cyberattacks, voter fraud, and intimidation.
What is a democratic deficit?
A democratic deficit refers to a perceived deficiency in how a democratic body operates, particularly regarding the accountability and control of policymakers. It often involves criticism that decisions are made by those with little democratic legitimacy or oversight.
