3. How does representative democracy work in the UK? Flashcards
Is all of parliament elected in the UK general election?
In the House of Commons 650 MP’s are elected, this is a fixed number
In the House of Lords there are approximately 800 peers, this is not a fixed number
What is a majority of seats in the commons?
When a party wins 326 out of 650 seats, their leader becomes prime minister
What are the differences between government and parliament?
Government - executive branch - proposes new laws and implements them once passed by parliament
Parliament- legislative branch - debates and approves new laws while scrutinising the work of the government
What is a parliamentary democracy?
-public elects individuals to represent them in parliament
-the government is drawn from parliament
-executive power depends on, and is held accountable to, parliament
What is a presidential democracy?
-Public elects individuals to represent them in congress
-public also elects a president (head of government)
-executive power is separated from legislative power
When were the reform acts and what did they do
1832, 1867, 1884
They gradually expanded voting right by lowering property requirements
What was ‘The Ballot Act’ and when did it happen
1872
Replaced open elections with new secret ballots, reducing the influence put on people when voting
When was ‘The Representation of the People Act’ and what did it do
1918
All men over 21 and most women over 30 could vote
When was ‘The Equal Franchise Act’ and what did it do
1928
Lowered the voting age for women from 30 to 21
When was the second ‘The Representation of the People Act’ and what did it do
1969
Allowed all citizens to vote at 18
What are the three theories for how MP’s should represent their constituents?
-delegate theory of representation
-trustee (Burkean) representation
-party/ model mandate of representation
What is an example of the ‘Delegate Theory of Representation”?
If the public opposes a bill then the representative should oppose the bill in parliament
What is an example of “Trustee (Burkean) Representation”?
Experienced, educated, politicians should listen to their constituents but ultimately use their own judgment. This theory argues MP’s should vote in the national interest and not just what their local constituents want.
What is an example of the ‘Party/ Model Mandate of Representation”?
The party got voted in not the individual MP therefore they should vote with their parties alignment
Aside from voting, how else can we participate in our representative democracy?
-boycotts
-strikes
-volunteering to work for the campaign
-donating to a campaign/ fundraising activities
-writing to or meeting with local MP’s to express views
-jointing a political party, influencing the party leader, the candidates, or the policies
-pressure groups
-consultation with the government
-E-petitions - 10,000 signatures to receive an official government response
-marches
