1.1.1 Systems of Democracy Flashcards
What are the four main types of Democracy?
Liberal, Direct, Representative, Pluralist
What is Direct Democracy also known as?
The ‘purest’ form of Democracy.
Who makes the decisions in a Direct Democracy?
The public make decisions directly, ‘the people are the government’ - there are no professional politicians.
What does it mean to say the decision making process is continuous in a Direct Democracy?
Citizens make decisions every day on the basis of a simple majority.
Why would Direct Democracy be a bad idea in the UK?
In April 2021 a poll found 54% of Britons would consider reinstating the death penalty for those convicted of Terrorism in the UK, about 23% said they would oppose this. Shows the average person may not be knowledgeable enough to make decisions.
How is Direct Democracy used in the UK?
Referendums - all members of the public vote on an issue.
eg 2016 Brexit referendum
How does a Burkeian trusteeship apply in the UK?
We have a Representative Democracy where the public vote for an MP who are supposed to know best and operate in our best interests.
How does the Brexit campaign argue that MPs should have interfered?
2017-19 surveys show GDP losses of 1.2-4.5%, cost between 1-10% of UK’s income per capita. Time leading up to campaign had so much misinformation that voters may have been mislead, may not have time to fact check due to work or other commitments.
Why should MPs not interfere in Direct Democracy?
An MP’s role is to carry out the people’s interests, especially when shown through a referendum. Although not legally obligated, it goes against their duty to deliver on Democracy.
What are the arguments for a Democratic Democracy?
Genuine reflection of the views of the people - makes laws more legitimate.
Low confidence in politicians could be resolved by removing the Government.
Would create more informed, engaged, and educated citizenry.
What are the arguments against a Direct Democracy?
The UK has a voting population of 45m, Direct Democracy is impractical.
Better for society to be run by experts who understand topics than the general public who don’t.
Low voter turnout suggests people would soon tire of the effort Direct Democracy requires.
Could create the ‘tyranny of the majority’ with the public’s decision on creating chaos.
How does a Representative Democracy work?
The public aren’t personally involved in office, but instead do this via a Representative.
How are Representatives elected?
Free, fair, and regular elections at a range of levels where many people can vote.
How are laws made in a Representative Democracy?
Legislatures pass laws when decisions are reached on the basis of a majority.
What does a representative democracy typically mean for society?
Widespread civil rights which are protected, Press is free to report on any topic, there are a range of political parties representing differing policies and ideas.
What are the strengths of a Representative Democracy?
There are multiple levels to have the opportunity to be represented in - whole country and regional, accounts for differences to be represented eg Labour majority of 30 seats in 2021 in Welsh Congredd but Labour only second most elected party in Westminster.
The public are still able to have their opinion presented without the issues of having to be informed on practicalities - Alex Salmond’s government abolished graduate endowment 2008 after students found themselves unable to pay.
Only practical form of Democracy in a large, modern society - most people have to work in order to live, don’t have time or interest in politics, less than 50% of voting population have a knowledge of politics and not many more have an interest in it.
What are the weaknesses of a Representative Democracy?
Not everyone is simultaneously represented. UKIP had 3 million votes in 2015, third most voted for party yet only had 1 seat.
Representatives make decisions to please the party and not in the interests of their constituency. Party whipping is a prominent aspect of UK Politics, Ed Miliband criticised for supposedly enacting a three-way party whip on same sex marriage legislation.
