democracy Flashcards
define the word democracy.
the principle that everyone is equal and collectively has the power to decide
give aspects of a democratic society
- able to vote in free and fair election
- vote without fear
- freedom of speech
- free press
- challenging those in power e.g. by lobbying, letters, protests and so on
what are the values that underpin democracy
rights: e.g. freedom of speech
responsibilities/duties: like paying taxes, obeying the law, and jury service
freedoms: power or right to speak/think/act as one wants
equality: of woman, racial equality, sexual rights ect.
what is liberal democracy
freedoms of individuals are upheld and citizens are protected from excess government e.g. USA and UK
what is direct democracy
all citizens take part in decision-making e.g. referendums
what is representative democracy
a system of government where citizens are elected to represent others e.g. MP
what is dictatorship
rule by one person or group - all powerful and runs everything in country e.g. Sudan and N.Korea
what is anarchy
a system with no from of government - total breakdown in society e.g. Libya
what is a one party state
only one political party exists and runs the country - usually communist e.g. N.Korea, china and Cuba
what are the monarchy
form of government where political power is help by a family - power passes thro generations e.g. UK is a constitutional monarchy - almost all of the power has been transferred to government
what is theocracy
religious leaders run the country e.g. iran
what is a written constitution?
in UK, no formal written constitution so parliament can act as it wishes - change laws easier and make changes when they wish - USA opposite
what is a constituency
an area of voting - aprox. 650 in UK
what is the ‘electoral register’
a form from the council to fill in which allows you to vote In elections or referendums
what does voter apathy mean?
having very little interest in politics/voting
why should people vote?
- woman fought to vote
- outcome will impact on everyones lives e.g. NHS
- privilege to live in country where you can vote
why may some people chose not to vote
- not interested in politics
- do not understand
- feels their vote won’t matter
what does referendum mean?
it means to vote an issue and not to vote someone into power
identify decisions by the chancellor of the exchequer that would affect a persons ‘take home’ pay
- rate of income tax to pay
- rate of national insurance
what methods do political parties use to gain votes?
- canvassing(promoting) - door to door, on the street
- public speeches
- media
- TV debates
what does proportional representation mean in terms of voting?
an electoral system where parts gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them
what issues do local councils deal with
- council tax
- state of local parks
- education funding and resources
- building developemnts
what are the advantages of local services being provided by private firms?
- makes buisness wealthy
- more oppurtuinity to prosper as citizen
what are the disadvantages of local services being provided by private firms?
- impact on quality of services - standards
- less focus on parent needs
some people think voting should be made compulsory?
what are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
advantages - people fought for right to vote
- impacts all of our lives
- people will take more interest in politics
against - against ideology of democracy
- people may vote recklessly
name 4 ways citizens can take part int he democratic process
- become an MP
- run for major
- canvass for political party
- protest
what does ‘freedom of association’ mean
people have the freedom to join a group of their choice as long as it does not break any laws
define the term ‘political party’
a group of people who join a party based on the same ideas of how a country should be ran
what is an opinion poll
where you collect the publics opinion on an issue/campaign/election - done face to face/surveys.online questionnaires etc.
what does the term volunteering mean
unpaid work or help
name 4 political rights people have in the UK
- right to vote
- right to protest
- right to become an MP
