Democracy 1 Flashcards
The three parts of democracy
Government of the people
Government by the people
Government for the people
What does government of the people mean
That citizens have the ability to participate in political activity
What does government by the people mean
A state of affairs where the people themselves make the important decisions that affect them
What does government for the people mean
Implies that whoever governs us should do so in the broad interests of the people - not their own interests
Example of government of the people
68.8% of the electorate took their opportunity to participate by voting in the 2017 general election
Example by government by the people
Accountability - 2015 general election, Cameron re-elected, Clegg not
Example for government for the people
UK – Parties claim to represent all people no longer individual classes (Labour – Working class)
Why is democracy important
- Establishes and protects freedom – Decisions are made by people who want to protect their own freedom
- Protects minorities - Ensures all groups have access to the political process (Pluralist democracy)
- Controls government power – Govt. remains accountable to the people through elections
- Encourages popular participation – People can become informed and influence decision making
- Disperses power more widely – Prevents accumulations of power in too few hands
Democracy is important:
1. Establishes and protects freedom. Example
Under democracies, people vote for their own rights and civil liberties
Democracy is important
2. Protects minorities - Ensures all groups have access to the political process (Pluralist democracy). Example
LGBT rights – all able to access political process (E.g LGBT pressure group, Stonewall)
Democracy is important
3. Controls govt. power -govt. remains accountable. Example
2015 general election, Cameron re-elected, Clegg not (accountability)
Democracy is important
4. Encourages popular participation. Example
72% turnout in EU referendum. = Engaged citizens
Democracy is important
5. Disperses power more widely. Example
All 650 constituencies have some level of power – also devolved institutions have been elected
What is a citizen
Someone who enjoys all the rights and privileges that a country can bestow
What is citizenship
The idea that members of the political community have certain rights with respect to political institutions
Obligations of a citizen
Obey the law
Pay taxes
In some circumstances, give military service
Sometimes, to vote and engage in some kinds of service to the community
To accept the legitimacy of a properly constituted government
Rights of a citizen
- To be a resident in the state
- To vote in free elections
- To stand for public office
- To be treated equally under the law
- To be given a fair trial if accused of crime
- To enjoy the modern concept of civil liberties
Rights of citizens. Examples: 1. To be a resident in the state
Khan 2010
Rights of citizens. Examples: 2. To vote in free elections
In 2017, 68.8% of electorate exercised this right
Rights of citizens. Examples: 3. To stand for public office
Caroline Ansell for 1st time in Eastbourne, 2015
Rights of citizens. Examples: 4. To be treated equally under the law
Rule of law – E.g Gina Miller vs Secretary of State for leaving the European Union 2017
Rights of citizens. Examples: 5. To be given a fair trial if accused of crime
Belmarsh Case 2004
Rights of citizens. Examples:
6. To enjoy the modern concept of civil liberties
Belmarsh Case 2004
What are civil liberties
Freedom of expression, association, movement, religion and thought
Types of political participation
Voting in elections
Joining a pressure group
Joining a political party
Standing for political office
Signing e-petitions
Example of:
1. Voting in elections
Scottish referendum - 84% turnout
- London elected mayor – 34% turnout
Example of:
2. Joining a pressure group
UNISON has 1.3 million members
Example of:
3. Joining a political party
Labour party membership doubled in last 2 years, now over 550,000
Example of:
4. Standing for political office
Caroline Ansell for Eastbourne
Example of:
5. Signing e-petitions
Over 4 million signed petition arguing for a 2nd EU referendum
