Component 1- Democracy and Participation

Question 1

Name 5 advantages of Representative Democracy

Answer 1

• Professional Leaders
• Educated Decisions- civil servants and revised bills
• The public lack the time and understanding to make these decisions
• Balanced conflict of interests within communities
• Principle of Accountability- elections

Question 2

Name 5 disadvantages of Representative Democracy

Answer 2

• Disengagement from the public- do not reflect their interests
• Powerful pressure groups and lobbyists have influence
• MPs outside interests can compromise their ability to represent their constituents- Matt Hancock joining IACGMOOH
• FPTP leads to small parties going unelected and large parties governing without a majority
• Lack of Diversity- still primarily white, male middle class MPs

Question 3

The Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 (example of direct democracy)
What was the vote results and turnout?

Answer 3

55% no
44% yes
84% turnout

Question 4

The 2016 EU Referendum BREXIT
(example of direct democracy)
What was the vote results and turnout?

Answer 4

52% yes
48% no
72% turnout

Question 5

What are the latest membership numbers for UK political parties?
According to gov.uk

Answer 5

Labour- 432,000
Conservatives- 172,000
SNP- 104,000
Lib Dems- 74,000
Green Party- 54,000

Question 6

What are the election turnout percentages since 2010?

Answer 6

2010- 65%
2015- 66%
2017- 69%
2019- 67%

Question 7

Name six advantages of Direct Democracy

Answer 7

Everyone gets a say (over 33 million voted in EU ref)

Modern technology has made it more practical (149 e-petitions debated in 2022)

Gives equal weight to all votes

Encourages participation (Scottish ref had 85% turnout whereas 2019 gen election had 67%)

Develops a sense of community and responsibility (The Good Friday referendum in Northern Ireland paved the way for peaceful power sharing)

Encourages genuine debate (Electoral reform society found that the Scott referendum was conducted in an open and honest way with reasoned arguments)

Question 8

Name six disadvantages to direct democracy

Answer 8

The decisions made by the people in referendums may be at odds with the preferences of their elected reps causing political instability (Brexit caused Cameron to resign)

Impractical for large populations

Can lead to Tyranny of the Majority (Scotland forced to leave the EU despite voting to remain)

Lack of accountability (You can’t hold the public to account for the issues Brexit has caused)

Can divide communities

ill-educated people= ill-educated decisions (Electoral reform society found that many felt confused about the Brexit campaign info)

Question 9

David Camerons lobbying scandal

Answer 9

Greensill