2.21 6 markers Flashcards
Explain what is meant by direct democracy
Direct democracy is a form of democracy where the decisions are made by the public without their opinions being channelled through elected representatives.
No distinction between government and citizen
Having a completely direct democracy is impractical in a large, democratic nation like the UK. However, there are elements of a direct democracy in existance:
- Referendums (def)- e.g. Scottish Referendum 2014 (84.6%), ref on Good Friday Agreement (81%), EU (72.2%)
Attlee: “they are the devices of demagogues and dictators”
- E-democracy- e-petitions- e.g. meningitis B vaccination made compulsory to all children
- Recall of MPs Act 2015- 18% Christopher Davis
- Leadership elections
Explain what is meant by indirect (representative) democracy
Indirect democracy is where voters elect politicians to make decisions on their behalf.
The way the UK is governed
Politicians made accountable through regular elections- more likely to solve problem
Politicians aren’t meant to be a servant to the electorate, meant to balance the wishes of their constituency with their party manifesto and their own judgements
Advantage: MPs are well educated and informed on political issues- e.g. before a bill is enacted it will have been carefully drawn up by ministers and civil servants, debated in HOC + HOL and been further analysed in committee stage when amendments may be added to it
Disadvantage- MPs often disengage with public- don’t represent their views- second job- e.g. George Osborne, former chancellor of the exchequer became editor of the Evening Standard while still an MP
Theresa May- £2.5 million
Explain what is meant by pluralism
Pluralism is the political theory which holds that the distribution of power is evenly and widely distributed among society, rather than concentrated in the hands of an elite
Pluralists have positive view on pressure groups- thinking they’re vital for democracy
Promoted by liberals, who argue that tolerance of moral, cultural and political diversity is key for democracy to thrive, and only a democracy where diverse groups are able to compete, with the state acting as a neutral arbiter, is a truly liberal democracy
A lack of pluralism can lead to certain groups being alienated
Example: pressure groups- Muslim Council of Britain has previously demanded investigations of islamophobia in the Conservative party
Campaign Against Antisemitism raised concerns about anti-Semitism in the Labour party with Corbyn
Explain what is meant by elitism
Elitism is the belief that a small minority of people dominate the economic elite and policy-planning network of a country
Their power is independent of the democratic process
The ‘elite’ take positions on corporate boards, join policy discussions, think tanks, give financial support to foundations etc.
Professor C Wright Mills - believes a country will naturally have an elite as these groups have similar ideologies, composition, background etc.
“iron law of oligarchy”- states country will always succumb to the ruling of an elite
Britain’s most influential people are over 5 times more likely to have been to a fee-paying school than the general population- report- ‘Elitism in Britain 2019’
Explain what is meant by apathy
Apathy is when an individual is indifferent in their attitude to their political activities, like electing politicians, having political opinions etc.
Can stem from a lack of understanding- people unaware of how it will benefit them
Measuring it is difficult, but best measured by level of political participation, awareness and knowledge
Political involvement is key for democracy as it gives mandates for the government. The public serve as a check on the government and it ensures the views of everyone is being represented.
Example: The 2019 GE, turnout of 47% amongst voters aged 18-24
2019 GE- 287 constituencies (44% of the UK’s 650 constituencies) in which turnout was less than two-thirds of the electorate.
Explain what is meant by abstention
Abstention is when an individual does not cast a vote.
Differential abstention
is the term used to describe differences in turnout among different social groups
- Income: if a voter earned over $75,000, 86% would vote in a presidential election. If a voter earns less than $15,000 this figure is cut to 52%
- Minority groups: turnout among minority groups shows that they’re 8% less likely to vote (2019 GE)
- Age: 2019 GE, 53% of 18-24 abstained from voting
