C1- Democracy and Participation Flashcards by Sam Atkinson

What is democracy?

A system of government involving either the direct or indirect involvement of citizens in decision-making processes.

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What is a representative democracy?

Citizens elect representatives (politicians) to take decisions on their behalf.

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What is a direct democracy?

Citizens are directly involved in the decision-making process, regularly voting in referendums to express their views on issues.

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What is participation?

Ability of citizens yo take part in political processes, such as voting in elections, joining parties or pressure groups, and taking part in protests/demonstrations.

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How did Abraham Lincoln describe democracy?

“government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

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Features if a representative democracy

Regular, secretive and competitive elections of representatives
Civil liberties protected
Constitutional checks
Elections contested by multiple parties
Assembly exists reflecting society that passes laws
Pressure groups put views forward
Independent judiciary

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Strengths of representative democracy

Professional politicians make complex decisions
Minority views are considered
Politicians are held to account
Practical
Representatives can be voted out
Politicians can become experts
Trains future leaders of the country

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Weaknesses of representative democracy

Citizens can become disengaged
Tightly controlled parties
Politicians can swerve accountability
Corruption and self-interest among politicians
Minorities may feel under-represented
Not everyone is represented how they want to be
Some politicians may be incompetent
Politicians may not vote how their electorate would

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How did direct democracy originally work in ancient Athens?

Assembly of around 30,000 adult males, 3,000 regulars
Met 2/3 time per month
Boulé of 500 elect which topics are discussed, which is chosen yearly by lot
Majority in the assembly won and the decision was final

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What form of direct democracy has been increasingly used in the UK recently?

Referendums- 2016 EU Membership, 2011 AV electoral system, 2014 Scottish Independence.

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Strengths of direct democracy

Everyone has a say
Equal weight per vote
Popular participation
Sense of community
Genuine debate

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Weaknesses of direct democracy

Impractical on a large scale
Tyranny of the majority
Political instability
Ill-informed decisions
Lack of accountability
Divide communities

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What is legitimacy?

The rightfulness and acceptance of an authority, such as a government.

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What is democratic legitimacy?

When legitimacy comes from being elected into power by voters (input legitimacy) eg. the House of Commons

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What is output legitimacy?

When legitimacy comes from performing a valuable function rather than being elected eg. the House of Lords, scrutinises House of Commons legislation.

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What is devolution?

When power is given by a central government ti regional governments; yet, the central government retains ultimate power.

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What is First Past the Post?

System used to elect MPs in the House of Commons at general elections. Candidates need to win one more vote than their competitors to win a constituency/seat. The party with the most seats in the House of Commons (usually) gets to form the government.

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What is the House of Lords?

Chamber of parliament containing Lords/Peers. Most are appointed by the government, some inherit their positions. Lacking democratic legitimacy, it is less powerful than the House of Commons.

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What is a democratic deficit?

The notion that there are areas of weakness withing the UK’s democratic system.

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What is the participation crisis?

The notion that the health of the UK’s democracy is being damaged by a lack of people getting involved with politics.

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What is the turnout?

the % of eligible votes who actually cast a ballot.

What and when was the UK’s record low general election turnout?

2001- 59.4%

Why is a low turnout problematic for the UK’s democracy?

Gives the government a weak mandate
The population is disengaged with politics
Election result doesn’t represent the whole population

How can the low turnout at the 2024 general election be explained?

Everyone knew that Labour would win and therefore didn’t see that there was any point in voting.

What are the three ways of becoming a peer?

Appointment, hereditary, bishop

Advantages of reforming the House of Lords.

Enhance representation Improve legislation Enhance scrutiny of the executive

Disadvantages of reforming the House of Lords.

Less effective scrutiny Lose the experience of peers Lords currently packed with ex-diplomats and politicians Elected chamber would dilute expertise Career politicians main interest is re-election Repeat the flaws of the House of Commons Could lead to political gridlock House of Lords currently does a lot of protect the vulnerable in society

What are wasted votes and why are they caused under FPTP?

Wasted votes are votes that don't contribute to the makeup of the HoC. They occur under FPTP as any vote for a losing candidate or surplus votes above a plurality for the winning candidate do not contribute to the victory of the elected MP.

Why do smaller parties find it difficult to win seats?

They lack geographically concentrated support.

At what election did the party that won the most votes in the UK not win the most seats in the HoC.

1951

What type of parties might win more power if a proportional electoral system is used?

Extremist parties

What was the verdict of the UK public in the 2011 referendum on the continued use of FPTP?

68% voted to keep FPTP.

Advantages of further devolution.

Solve the West Lothian Question Equalise representation Address the rise of English nationalism Works well where it has been introduced

What is suffrage?

The right to vote.

What is universal suffrage?

All men and women over the age of 18 having the right to vote, unless they are mentally incapacitated, imprisoned or a member of the house of lords.

What is a pressure group?

A group of people with similar views who try to influence government decision without being part of the government.

What is an insider group?

Pressure groups that regularly work with the government such as inside parliament or through regular meetings with ministers. eg. unions

What is an outsider group?

Pressure groups that are unable to work directly with the government and must focus their efforts on influencing public opinion.

What is an interest group?

Pressure groups that aim to protect the interests of their members when membership is exclusive. Often known as sectional groups.

What is a cause group?

Pressure groups that aim to promote an issue or cause which might benefit all people not just the members, membership is therefore open to everyone.

What is an access point?

The various people and places that pressure groups target to apply pressure onto decision makers for their desired changes.

What is lobbying?

The activity of meeting directly with decision makers to persuade them to back their cause or interest.

What is direct action?

When the public gets directly involved in trying to pressure decision makers such as through marches, demonstrations and boycotts.

What is civil disobedience?

A form of direct action involving a refusal to obey certain laws.

What is pluralism?

A system of government where power and influence is spread amongst a variety of groups who compete fairly for influence.

What is elitism?

A system of government where power and influence if concentrated amongst a small, select group of people such as those with great financial resources.

What is functional representation?

Representing the interests of groups of people with shared characteristics or views as opposed to representing a geographical area.

What is tyranny of the majority?

A situation wherein people are able to overrule the interests of minority groups.

What is tyranny of the minority?

A situation wherein a small minority of people have undue influence over decisions.

What are cheque-book members?

Pressure group members who pay the membership fees but do not take part in the organisation or work of the group.

What are lobbyists?

Members of a professional organisations paid by clients to gain influence with government or MPs on their behalf.

What are thinktanks?

Groups of experts who investigate and offer solutions to political problems and offer advice to governments.