Chapter 1 - Two forms of democracy (NOT FINAL) Flashcards
What are the two types of democracy?
- Direct democracy
- Representative democracy
What is Athenian democracy?
Direct democracy
What is direct democracy?
Were people themselves make key decisions.
What is representative democracy?
When people elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf.
What are the 2 advantages of direct democracy?
- It is the purest form of democracy, giving decisions great legitimacy.
- It has the power to avoid delay and deadlock.
What are the 3 disadvantages of direct democracy?
- It can lead to the ‘tyranny of the majority’; elected representatives could mediate between the two.
- Issues may be too complex for the people to understand.
- People may be too easily swayed by emotions.
What is social representation?
When the characteristics of members of representative bodies reflect the characteristics of the population as a whole; they should be microcosms of society.
What is meant by party representation?
Those seeking election campaign on the basis of a party manifesto, and voters are aware that these are the stated aims and policies of parties and their representatives.
What are the three possible meanings of constituency representation?
- An MP acts in the best interests of the constituency when voting or by trying to get money from government for example.
- Redress of Grievances for individual constituents.
- MPs listen to the views of their constituents when deciding about a national issue.
What is functional representation?
When someone represents a particular occupation or social group.
What is causal representation?
When people represent ideas, principles, or causes rather than people and groups.
What is the negative of majoritarian democracy?
Tyranny of the majority