Component 1.1- UK democracy and Participation Flashcards
1
Q
What is direct democracy
A
- A political form that originated in Athens where adult males had the right to take part on design making in public taking.
- It is non-elective
- Individuals express opinions themselves
- Citizens become active in designs making
2
Q
What is representative democracy
A
- The usual form of democracy in the modern world- the representatives are not merely delegates but are expected to exercise individual judgement.
- If they are not deemed satisfactory they can be voted out in election
- Citizens will elect someone to make decisions on their behalf, delegating authority in free and far elections
3
Q
What are the advantages of representative democracy
A
- Equal weight to each vote- no constituencies- for example Isle of White has an electorate of 110,00 compared to Wiral West which has an electorate of 55,000
- Encourages popular participation, by expecting people to take duties as citizens seriously, e.g EU and Scottish referendum had turnouts of 72.2% and 84.6% compared to the average mid 60s Turnout in elections
- Removes the need for trusted representatives and this limits corruption, e.g exposes scandal of Affairs of 80s
- Develops a sense of community debate
4
Q
What are the disadvantages of representative democracy
A
- Impractical and Complex in heavily populated states with complicated issues- Cabinet office estimated the Eu referendum costed 142.4 million.
- Many people will stop caring due to apathy and the only people who will vote will be activists. Minority viewpoints disregarded so often won’t show up- for example Switzerland showed this where voter turnout in 2017 Referendums averaged 46.67 Percent.
- Manipulation of viewpoints is a very possible issue. Due to a hive mind and campaign tactics these complex political issues can be reduced. Lies can be told- e.g EU referendum and bus. This leads to issues after the referendum as shown by Brexit
5
Q
What are the advantages for direct democracy
A
- Practical and can respond rapidly where needed in short term- e.g Law for Eu referendum took 7 months top get through. For example deployment of troops need to be elected
- Represents minority viewpoint- stop the tyranny of majority. Indy ref 55% makes design and 45 completely disregarded.
- politicians are better informed so less influenced by hive mentality and thus can make better decisions for the country.
- MPs held accountable in elections and Recall of MPs- where 10% of constituency signs petition in case of suspension of over 21 days or imprisonment- there is an election.
- Politicians form parties grieving coherence and giving people a real choice. Pressure groups protect peoples interests and help create a pluralist democracy
6
Q
What are the disbadvatges of a direct democracy
A
- May lead to recede participation as people feel disillusioned- e.g UK turnout which has fallen
- Parties and pressure group often ran by elite with own interests. E.g 29% of MPs are privately educated and quarter went to oxbridge.
- Minorities still feel under represented e.g UKIp won 11% of vote and seat. Encourages a two party system.
- Politicians can avoid accountability as elections are 5 years apart- can lead to corruption
7
Q
What is pluralist
A
Where many different interests groups play a role in decision making
8
Q
What is elitist
A
One group dominates and makes most of the decisions
9
Q
- What is the Tyranny of the majority
A
- Majority uses votes to dominate or even press minority viewpoints
10
Q
What is parliamentary sovereignty
A
- Parliament can make or break any law they choose and cannot stop further governments from chasing these laws
- Courts can advise, but parliament has no duty to listen.
_-we trust them to make choices as elected and only person above this is the queen
11
Q
How does Gina miller play into parliamentary sovereignty
A
- She was a business women who brought the government to court about the fact they did not vote before Eu negotiations- She won
- Parliament could have ignored this ruling however they conventionally don’t and she displayed the power of the court- this power is not absolute as shown the the UK parliament ignoring the EU’s Court ruling on prisoners voting
12
Q
What are the positives of the Uk democratic system
A
- Devolved governments- for Scotland wales and northern Ireland and elected mayors enabling local politics
- Indépendant Judiciary- protects persona freedoms and can’t be threatened by governments
- Free media- challenges politicians and exposes misdeeds
- Free and Fair elections- little corruption and intimidation
- Wide range of political party and pressure groups
13
Q
What is legitimacy
A
- A common acceptance by the people that an institution should hold power
14
Q
- What is a democratic deficit
A
- Designs are made by people woos appointment lacks sufficient democratic input and are not subject to proper accountability.
15
Q
What are the negatives of the UK political system
A
Underrepresentation of minority viewpoints - first past the post.
- House of Lords lacks legitimacy- wholly unelected and some still hereditary despite Blair’s reforms. While yes there is a cross bench peers to ensure wide range they still lack legitimacy. Also Bishops
- Lack of protection for citizens rights- Human rights act arguably lacks legitimate protection for rights as governments can Derogate from articles in circumstances
- Control of media with few wealthy individuals- Murdoch.
