Definitions

Question 1

Referendum

Answer 1

Type of direct democracy
Binding or advisory
Undermine parliamentary sovereignty
Wide use since 1997 e.g devolution 
Low turnout - democratic?

Question 2

Representative democracy

Answer 2

• people Choose reps - control reps
• Popular control not popular participation
• requires free, fair, universal suffrage elections
• Party and candidate comp

Question 3

Legitimacy

Answer 3

Legal right or authority to exercise power
Citizens are more likely to obey the state for example paying taxes.
Essential for political stability
It is achieved through regular free and fair elections

Question 4

Democracy

Answer 4

Government to serve the interests of the people - accountable and involved.
Government for the people by the people of the people

Question 5

Representation

Answer 5

The political idea that people elect or appoint representatives to make decisions on their behalf rather than making this decision themselves.
Or
Political institutions should have socially representative e.g 50% women in commons

Question 6

Direct democracy

Answer 6

The people make important decisions or are consulted before key decisions are made. No democracy does this completely but use elements of it in: referendums, public consultations, petitions, initiatives

Question 7

Parliamentary democracy

Answer 7

Type of representative democracy. Features:

1. parliament is sovereign
2. Gov is drawn from parl
3. gov is accountable to parl
4. All citizens are represented by MPs who represent the constituency
5. Parliament ensures government follows its mandate
6. Parliament is expected to represent the national interest

Question 8

Political participation

Answer 8

The opportunities that people have to become involved in the political process and that actual tendency to do so, for example voting canvassing taking part in a political party or pressure group

Question 9

Citizenship

Answer 9

Members of the political community have certain rights with respect to political institutions. It also implies that an individual has the right to live within a particular state and thus enjoy all its rights and benefits. It also implies that the citizens have responsibilities for example to obey the law pay taxes

Question 10

The big society

Answer 10

Philosophy developed by David Cameron the little people should be active in their communities and take control of providing vehicle services. Examples free schools, voluntary housing association and citizens action groups. This kind of activity can be seen as a new form of political participation

Question 11

Subsidiarity

Answer 11

The principle that decisions should be taken at the lowest tier of government possible

Question 12

Pluralist democracy

Answer 12

A type of democracy that encouraged participation and allows for free and fair competition between competing interests

Question 13

Mandate

Answer 13

The right of the governing party to carry out the policy proposals set out in their election manifesto

Question 14

Franchise or suffrage

Answer 14

The right to vote given to propel by parliament

Question 15

Liberal democracy

Answer 15

Free and fair elections

Basic civil rights e.g freedom of expression

The power of government is limited by enforceable constitutional laws and where the rule of law is strictly adhere to

Question 16

E-democracy and digital democracy

Answer 16

Use of new technologies such as the Internet for political participation

Question 17

Initiative

Answer 17

A procedure through which the public can call a referendum or force politicians to consider a legislative proposal

Question 18

Apathy

Answer 18

When citizens are passive or indifferent towards political institutions and processed and have low levels of political participation

Question 19

Democratic deficit

Answer 19

A term used to describe a fear that democracy is being undermined in a variety of ways. Low turnout at elections is a symptom

Question 20

Democratic renewal

Answer 20

A general term describing measures designed to deal with the democratic deficit eg encouraging young people to vote