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Politics > C1 - Democracy And Participation > Flashcards

C1 - Democracy And Participation Flashcards

1
Q

what is direct democracy

A

when the electorate vote directly on an issue

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2
Q

what is representative democracy

A

when people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf , represent them

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3
Q

what is a manifesto

A

a statement of a parties policies

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4
Q

what is a mandate

A

permission to govern

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5
Q

examples of direct democracy

A

referendums, recall of MPs act 2015 (voters directly vote to recall MP or not), E-petitions

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6
Q

examples of representative democracy

A

general elections / constituencies

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7
Q

who is Chuka Umunna and what is he an example of

A

was MP for Streatham, resigned from Labour because 80% of his constituents wanted to remain in EU. Example of constituency representation.

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8
Q

advantages of direct democracy (4)

A
  • all votes have equal weight
  • encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties as citizens seriously
  • removes need for representatives
  • develops a sense of community and encourages genuine debate
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9
Q

disadvantages of direct democracy

A
  • impractical in large, heavily populated state, where decisions are complex
  • many people won’t want (apathy) to or not feel qualified to take part in decision making, so political activists decide what happens
  • will of majority isn’t mediated by parliamentary institutions, so minority viewpoints disregarded
  • open to manipulation by the most articulate speakers who can persuade people
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10
Q

advantages of representative democracy

A

-Practical in large states where issues are complex and need rapid response.
- reduces chances of minority rights being overridden by “tyranny of the majority”
- politicians are (theoretically) better informed than the average citizen about many issues
- politicians form parties, bringing coherence and give people a real choice of representative. pressure groups form to represent different interests and promote debate.

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11
Q

disadvantages of representative democracy

A

-may lead to reduced participation as people hand power to politicians
-parties and PGs are run by elites who pursue personal agendas
-Minorities may still be underrepresented as politicians are more likely to follow majority views (to be elected)
- politicians may be corrupt, incompetent, may betray promises and put party loyalty before the electorate.

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12
Q

what is a pluralist democracy

A

a type of democracy in which a govt. makes decisions as a result of various ideas from contrasting arguments and competing groups.

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13
Q

advantages of referendums

A

everyone gets a say in decision
equal weight to all votes
encourage popular participation (turnout often exceeds general elections)
they develop a sense of community and responsibility
encourage genuine debate

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14
Q

example of referendum turnout exceeding that of general elections

A

Scottish independence ref - 85% turnout , wheras 2019 general election was 67%

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15
Q

example of referendums developing a sense of community

A

Good Friday referendum - paved way for Catholics and Protestants to share power

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16
Q

disadvantages of referendums

A

-lead to “tyranny of majority”
- pose questions to voters that are too complex (EU ref , people didn’t know what a custom union was, people didn’t know how much UK payed into EU budget)
-may not actually develop a sense of community (NI govt. isn’t functioning, EU ref deepened divides between regions/ age groups - Scotland wanted to leave England wanted to remain - 27% of 18-24 voted leave, that was 60% for those 60+)

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17
Q

e-petitions advantages + example

A

-can allow ordinary people to have an impact on decisions (e.g “end period poverty” campaign started as an e-petition to scrap tampon tax. Ended with scrapping of V.A.T on sanitary productsin 2021)

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18
Q

e-petitions disadvantages

A
  • many aren’t debated in parliament (460/8200 e-petitions created between 2017-19 got a govt. response)
  • people may not be that engaged after signing the petition - many are created for spurious reasons (e.g. a ban on the game fortnite)
  • whole process to dependent on elected politicians, so barely any effect
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19
Q

recall petitions advantages

A

-allows constituents to hold MPs to account
-can ensure politicians know that the electorate are in charge.

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20
Q

recall petitions disadvantages

A
  • recalled MP can still stand in the by-election after being sacked
  • parliament have to approve whether petitions are held (turkeys don’t vote for Christmas)
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21
Q

example of politician standing in the by election after they were sacked

A

Chris Davies - stood in by election in 2019 despite being recalled for falsifying expense claims. He almost won.

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22
Q

example of parliament not voting for a recall election

A

Boris Johnson held onto seat for over a year after allegations that he lied to parliament about partygate

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23
Q

what are the different meanings of representation

A

-social representation
-representing national interests
- constituency representation
-party representation
-functional representation
-causal representation

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24
Q

what is social representation

A

representative bodies being made up of people that reflect society as a whole. They should be microcosms of society, where characteristics of members represent characteristics of society.

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25
Q

what is constituency representation

A

1) representing constituency interests as a whole
2) representing individual constituents interests - called redress of grievances
3) representatives listening to constituents views when deciding on national issues

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26
Q

what is representing national interest

A

representatives that sit at a national parliament have to take national interests not just local ones into account when deciding on issues

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27
Q

what is party representation

A

candidates belonging to a party campaign on the basis of their parties manifesto and represent them.

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28
Q

what is functional represntation

A

elected representatives representing a particular social or occupational group.

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29
Q

what is causal representation

A

representative bodies represent ideas, principles and causes rather than people. this type of representation doesn’t target groups of people, rather entire communities. usually related to environment, equality or animal rights.

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30
Q

what forms of representation are there in the UK (how are people represneted in the UK)

A

-constituencies
-parties
-mandate and manifesto
-govt. representation
-pressure groups

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31
Q

constituency representation

A

-every MP has a constituency
-constituency interests given a hearing in a representative assembly

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32
Q

how do parties aid representation in the UK

A

1) a representatives party tells us about their views and most party members hold similar views
2) one party governs the UK (normally)

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33
Q

how does the mandate and manifesto aid representation in the UK

A

mandate means that the winning party is given permission to govern and represent the nation, as they are the party with the most seats in the HoC. The manifesto allows for people to see what views parties hold and which party is best to represent them.

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34
Q

what is a manifesto

A

a statement of a parties policy

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35
Q

mandate/manifesto positives

A
  • gives govt. legitimacy
  • allows voters to judge govt. performance
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36
Q

mandate/manifesto negatives

A

-parties often have <50% of the vote
- those who voted don’t necessarily support all manifesto points

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37
Q

govt representatation

A

-people are represented by elected govt. as they represent the whole nation

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38
Q

how do pressure groups aid representation in the UK and give specific examples (different types of pressure groups)

A

1) may have formal membership like parties and so represent their members e.g. BMA ( British medical association )
2) may not have formal membership but represent a section of society - although they wont be able to find out what demands there are e.g. Stonewall ( gay people )
3) may be engaged in causal representation , promotional rather than sectional groups e.g. ASH ( acting on smoking health )

they are also a part of a pluralist democracy

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39
Q

1980 vs 2016 % of electorate political party members

A

4% in 1980
1% in 2016

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40
Q

voter turnout in 2019

A

67.3%

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41
Q

voter turnout in 2001

A

55.7%

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42
Q

voter turnout at brexit ref.

A

72% -2016

43
Q

turnout at scottish independence ref

A

85% - 2014

44
Q

what are some declining forms of participation

A
  • party membership, 4% in 1980 down to 1% in 2016
  • young voters
45
Q

what are some rising forms of participation

A

voting - risen since 2001, 2001 - 56% , 2017 - 68.7%, 67.3% in 2019
e- petitions - 2007 - against charges for road use 1.8 million signatures. 2016 - 2nd EU referendum, 3.8 million signatures (didn’t go anywhere)
more people use social media
people in Unions - 2010 - 775,000 people in teachers unions, up to 805000 in 2016

46
Q

why is turnout important in a representative democracy

A
  • low turnout threatens govt. legitimacy and questions the winning parties mandate
47
Q

what is differential turnout

A

varying levels of turnout across the county, social groups, ages etc.

48
Q

what are some barriers to participation

A

-having to register to vote
- not everyone can access good info about elections
- disability
- apathy
-voter age
-lack of education
-having to bring ID to vote
- lack of time / having to vote at ballot box
- FPTP voting system

49
Q

ways to overcome barriers to participation

A
  • automatic voter registration
  • better coordinated civil society efforts
  • increased political education
  • being able to vote online
  • reduce voting age to 16
  • online voting
50
Q

the suffrage

A

right to vote

51
Q

milestones of democracy

A

great reform act 1832
ballot act 1872
representation of the peoples act 1918
RPA 1928
RPA 1948
RPA 1969
Scottish elections act 2016

52
Q

great reform act 1832

A

franchise extended to shopkeepers and small farmers and people who’s property meets certain rent quotas. 6% adults with vote now

53
Q

ballot act 1872

A

introduced the secret ballot. meant that votes couldn’t be bought by corrupt candidates

54
Q

representation of the peoples act 1918

A

right to vote given to women over 30 (with certain property requirements) and all men 21+ and those on active duty 19+.

55
Q

RPA 1928

A

all adults 21+ get vote

56
Q

RPA 1948

A

no. constituencies increased to 613. made it so electors couldn’t vote more than once.

57
Q

RPA 1969

A

reduced voting age from 21 to 18. ballot papers now also had name of party as well as that of candidate.

58
Q

Scottish elections act 2016

A

2014 - 16 and 17 yo voted in referendum
2016 - extended voting age to 16 , in all Scottish election

59
Q

Confidence and supply

A

when a party doesn’t win a majority so enters into a deal with another party to get more votes.

60
Q

suffrage/franchise

A

right to vote

61
Q

elitism

A

only the elite in the country make decisions

62
Q

pluralism

A

when there’s multiple parties/ groups in govt.

63
Q

devolution

A

moving power from the central govt. to other assemblies

64
Q

limited govt.

A

govt. power is limited, there are checks and balances

65
Q

when was female enfranchisement

A

1918 RPA - limited
1928 women get equal votes

66
Q

pressure group

A

an association whose aim is to influence policy at local, regional , national or global level without actually seeking power

67
Q

examples of PG’s

A

Amnesty international - Human rights
WWF- conservation
Fathers for justice - dads equal custody rights
Stonewall - LGBTQ
Extinction rebellion - climate

68
Q

why should 16 yo get the vote

A
  • younger voters online more, so better informed on political issues
  • 16 yo already make decisions on their lives and are affected by political decisions
  • allowing them the vote could lead to a lifetime of voting, as they are likely to live with parents who will encourage them to vote (unlike 18-21 yo)
69
Q

why shouldn’t 16 yo get the vote

A
  • bias of peers, social media and parents could lead to ill-informed voting
  • they don’t have sufficient understanding of complex issues
  • young people have low turnout at elections, so no point.
  • evidence from other countries shows that 16-17 yo don’t have the motivation to vote - suggesting the Scottish ref. figure isn’t typical
70
Q

evidence for/ against 16 yo getting the vote

A

2014 scottish ref. 75%of 16 and 17 yo voted
2021 welsh Senedd elections - 46% of eligible 16-17 yo registered to vote by the deadline

71
Q

why prisoners should get the right to vote

A
  • everyone over a certain age should have the unconditional right to vote.
  • prisoners are affected by policy, both in and out of prison.
  • ban means they are unfairly removed from the democratic process
  • two people with the same sentence may be treated differently as one may serve sentence during general election
  • helps with rehabilitation / reintegration into society as voting is a big duty of citizens
72
Q

why prisoners shouldn’t get right to vote

A
  • removal of right to vote should be a part of prisoners punishment
  • they broke the law, showing how they cant take responsibility for their actions
  • citizens have duties in society and should have rights removed if they fail those duties
73
Q

functions of pressure groups

A
  • to represent interests of certain sections of society who feel they aren’t fully represented by parties in parliament
  • promote certain causes that haven’t been taken up by parties
  • protect the interests of minorities (BLM, stonewall)
  • inform and educate the public about political issues
  • call the govt. to account over its performance in particular areas of policy.
  • on occasion to inform and influence policy
  • to give opportunities for citizens to participate in politics (Iraq war 2003 - stop the war march)
74
Q

features of PGs

A
  • seek to influence govt. policy - e.g. countryside alliance opposed to ban on fox hunting
  • attempt to advance a cause or interests - promote certain issues and raising them up the political agenda - fathers for justice/Greenpeace
  • operating at different levels of political life
75
Q

differences between PGs and Political parties

A
  • parties want to gain political power, whereas PGs seek influence
  • parties have broader aims than PGs
  • different methods to achieve aims - PGs can use illegal methods for publicity
  • PPs have public accountability - Pressure groups aren’t
  • PPs and PGs have different types of organisation- PGs are less hierarchical and have less formal structure
76
Q

what makes a PG successful

A

size - more supporters means more pressure on decision makers - cause more strike disruption (NEU)(counter - Iraq war protest was the largest the UK has ever seen - no impact )
Finance - wealthy groups can afford expensive campaigns
strategic position - e.g. are they vital to the economy (national farmers union - influences agriculture - has an influence on policy relating to rural areas )
public mood - if public sentiment is positive it can help the cause (BLM 2020 - public outraged by George Floyd killing so they gained a lot of public backing) (Just stop oil - public sentiment isn’t good , so they’re not that successful )
attitude of govt. - if govt. policy is sympathetic to them it can aid them. (trade unions don’t get a lot of sympathy from conservatives)

77
Q

ways pressure groups enhance democracy

A
  • help disperse power and influence more widely
  • educate the public about important political issues
  • give people opportunities to participate in politics
  • can promote and protect interests of minorities
  • help call govt. to account by publicising effects of policy
78
Q

ways PGs threaten democracy

A
  • some are elitist and tend to concentrate power in too few hands
  • influential PGs may distort info in their own interests
  • PGs that are internally undemocratic may not represent views of members
  • finance is a key factor in political influence, wealthy groups have a disproportionate amount of influence
79
Q

think tanks

A

an org. whose roles is to research various aspects of public policy. Financed by either govt. or private sources and are used by decisions makers to inform policy. they may have a political bias

80
Q

features of think tanks

A
  • influence public policy and public debate rather than directly campaign for policy change
  • use the media and direct contacts with politicians and civil servants to spread their work and direct public debate
  • initiate their own work and seek funding for it
  • generally funded from charitable and corporate sources
  • main output is the publication of their research and policy work, often accompanied by conferences and seminars
81
Q

examples of think tanks

A

neutral - Chattem house - international affairs
left wing - Fabian society - issues concerning social justice / equality
right wing - Adam smith institute - promote free market solutions to economic issues
liberal - liberty - promote issues concerning protection of rights and liberties

82
Q

centre for social justice - successful example of a think tank, and what is breakthrough Britain

A

neutral think tank - “the CSJ’s landmark report, breakthrough Britain, has been am major influence on this govt.”-David Cameron.
breakthrough Britain - suggested universal credit, which was then introduced in 2012

83
Q

influence of celebrities

A
  • give opportunities for media attention
  • can offer influence without much expense (Jamie Oliver - healthy school dinners and “meat free Mondays”, lobby’s govt. for support )
  • Marcus Rashford calling for continuation of free school meals during school holidays
84
Q

new social movement

A

mass movements with thousands of followers, appear quickly and are concerned with narrow issue
e.g. Stop the war , occupy wall street or Sarah Everard Vigil

85
Q

Human rights

A

universal rights that everyone has just because they’re human (not necessarily enforced by hard laws)

86
Q

civil liberties

A

rights that are enforced by nations in law

87
Q

evolution of rights in the UK

A

1215 - Magna Carta
1689 - Bill of Rights
1772 - Somerset V Stewart
1928 - Representation of the people act
HRA 1998
Freedom of information act 2000
equality act 2010

87
Q

Magna Carta

A

1215 - provides the foundation for British Civil liberties, introduced the rule of law and idea of a fair trial

88
Q

bill of rights

A

1689 - monarch agreed to govern with the consent of parliament, establishing constitutional monarchy

89
Q

Somerset v Stewart

A

1772 - Lord Mansfield states slavery was illegal since it hadn’t been legislated for by an act of Parliament, and was unsupported by common law. Precedent for elimination of slavery.

90
Q

RPA 1928

A

universal suffrage in UK

91
Q

HRA 1998

A

Brought the ECHR into UK law

92
Q

freedom of information act

A

2000 - allows people to discover information they couldn’t before

93
Q

equality act

A

2010 - 9 protected characteristics (Age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion, pregnancy or maternity). all legislation by govt. at any level must take into account equality for different sections of society.
made any kind of discrimination unlawful in: employment, govt. services, healthcare, housing, education

94
Q

how do individual and collective rights conflict+ examples

A
  • freedom of expression vs right of religious groups not to have beliefs questioned
  • right to privacy vs right of community to be protected from terrorism by security forces (e.g. - Terrorism prevention and investigation measures act)
  • press freedom vs right of people to keep lives private (cliff Richard vs BBC)
  • individual right to demonstrate in public places vs community freedom of movement (e.g. just stop oil on M25)
95
Q

democratic features

A
  • peaceful transitions of power
  • free elections
  • fair elections
  • widespread participation
  • freedom of expression
  • freedom of association
  • protection of rights and liberties
  • rule of law
  • limited govt. and constitutionalism
96
Q

positives /negatives of peaceful transition of power

A

P - UK is conflict free
N- N/A

97
Q

how are elections in the UK free/ not free

A

P - all over 18 can vote, little election fraud
N - HoL is not elected, nor hir head of state

98
Q

positives /negatives of fair election

A

P - proportional system in Scotland, Wales and NI
N - FPTP for general elections leads to disproportionate results and wasted votes. Govt. elected on modest proportion of popular vote

99
Q

evidence for and against widespread participation

A

P - extensive pressure group membership, which are free and active. Growing e-democracy
N - turnout at elections has been low in recent years, as well as Party membership (especially among young)

100
Q

(evidence of ) positives /negatives of freedom of expression

A

P - press and broadcast media are free. Broadcast media politically neutral. There is free internet access
N - much press ownership is in the hands of a few large powerful companies ( News international )

101
Q

positives /negatives of freedom of association

A

P - no restrictions on legal organisations
N - some associations banned but this is because they’re seen as based on terrorism or hatred

102
Q

are rights and liberties adequatly protected in the UK

A

yes - Country is signed up to ECHR. Have the HRA, freedom information, equality act.
no - Parliament is sovereign, so rights are at mercy of a govt. with a strong majority. ECHR not binding on parliament

103
Q

is there limited govt. and constitutionalism in the UK

A

yes - parliament and the courts ensure govt. acts within law. There are checks on govt. power (media, PMQs, committees, HoL)
N0 - no codified UK constitution so limits to govt. power vague. Parliamentary sovereignty means govt. powers can be increased without a constitutional safeguard.

Politics (10 decks)

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