1.1 Representative & Direct Democracy

Question 1

What is a direct democracy?

Answer 1

A ‘pure’ form of democracy in which the people of the state decide on policy directly

Question 2

Whats the best example of a country with direct democracy?

Answer 2

Switzerland, literally has no problem with anyone

Question 3

Pros of direct democracy

Answer 3

. Better representation of the people

. More participation due to having an invested voice in politics

Question 4

Cons of direct democracy

Answer 4

. Takes a long time to make decisions
. Voter fatigue due to influx of decision making
. Can be destructive as people can vote emotionally and due to ill informed decisions

Question 5

What is a representative democracy?

Answer 5

Type of democracy based on the principles of an elected figure representing an overall group of people.

Question 6

Most prominent examples of countries that use representative democracy

Answer 6

.UK
.United States
.Canada

Question 7

Advantages of representative democracy

Answer 7

. Much more efficient when it comes to decision making
. People still decide the bulk of political problems in a sense
. People still have a voice and the chance to be heard

Question 8

Disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 8

. Political opinions are different for everyone, elected body may not represent your views
. Elected figures could vote differently to how the constituents want to suit their political opinions
. Minority still dominant over majority

Question 9

Similarities of these two democracies

Answer 9

. Both allow the people to make important decisions

. Both use mandates from the public to make decisions

Question 10

Differences of these two democracies

Answer 10

. In representative democracies each vote can have a different value. I.e in North East Fife SNP won by 2 votes so votes in this constituency make more of an impact compared to Walton, Liverpool where 85.7% Voted Labour so a vote for conservatives would be worth next to nothing.

Question 11

Reasons FOR Democratic Reform in the UK

Answer 11

. Democratic Deficit, referring to the problems with representation
. Low voter turnout such as 35.6% in 2014 EU Election
. FPTP creates a two party system
. House of Lords is un-elected
. EU - UK has lost some soverignty

Question 12

Types of electoral reform

Answer 12

. Online voting
. Lowering the voting age
. Electoral Reform (Changing the voting system)
. Compulsory voting
. House of lords reform