citizenship theme B: The concept of democracy

Question 1

How many constituencies does the uk have?

Answer 1

650.

Question 2

What forms of democracy does the UK use?

Answer 2

Representative democracy and direct democracy.

Question 3

How does representative democracy work in the uk?

Answer 3

The UK is divided into constituencies, each constituency elects a member of parliament to represent them in the house of commons. Most elected MPs come from major political parties.

Question 4

What are the advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 4

1) Every eligible voter has a say in who represents them.

2) If there is a high turnout, parliament is more representative of the publics opinion.

3) Constituents can lobby their local MP through locally held surgeries.

4) A local MP will be very aware of their constituents.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

Answer 5

1) Elections mostly take place every 5 years, which limits citizen input.

2) Most MPs will vote with their party rather than represent their constituency.

3) The constituents whose party didn’t win often feel unrepresented by government.

4) Many MPs may be university educated, so not always representative of constituents.

Question 6

How does the UK use direct democracy?

Answer 6

The UK uses direct democracy for specific issues that need public input. The form of direct democracy used in the UK is called a referendum, this is where citizens vote on a specific issue.

Question 7

What are the advantages of direct democracy?

Answer 7

1) Referendums give governments a clear directive from the citizens on an issue.

2) Every voter can have a say on a particular and usually controversial issue.

3) Give government a mandate for action.

4) The most democratic way to make a decision.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of
direct democracy?

Answer 8

1) Often issues are more complex than just a simple yes or no vote.

2) Not every citizen who votes understands the complexity of issues.

3) The media can influence the electorate.

4) If results are close many may be unhappy.

Question 9

Give examples of past UK referendums.

Answer 9

1975: UK to remain in European Economic Community. Outcome: 67% yes, 33% no. (turn out 65%)

2011: Change voting system from first past the post to alternative voting. outcome: 32% yes, 68% no. (turn out 41%)

2014: Scottish independence. Outcome: 45% yes, 55% no. ( turn ou 84%)

2016: UK to leave / remain in european union. Outcome: 48.1% remain, 51.9% leave. (turn out 72%)