democracy

Question 1

define the word democracy.

Answer 1

the principle that everyone is equal and collectively has the power to decide

Question 2

give aspects of a democratic society

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

what are the values that underpin democracy

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

what is liberal democracy

Answer 4

freedoms of individuals are upheld and citizens are protected from excess government e.g. USA and UK

Question 5

what is direct democracy

Answer 5

all citizens take part in decision-making e.g. referendums

Question 6

what is representative democracy

Answer 6

a system of government where citizens are elected to represent others e.g. MP

Question 7

what is dictatorship

Answer 7

rule by one person or group - all powerful and runs everything in country e.g. Sudan and N.Korea

Question 8

what is anarchy

Answer 8

a system with no from of government - total breakdown in society e.g. Libya

Question 9

what is a one party state

Answer 9

only one political party exists and runs the country - usually communist e.g. N.Korea, china and Cuba

Question 10

what are the monarchy

Answer 10

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

Question 11

what is theocracy

Answer 11

religious leaders run the country e.g. iran

Question 12

what is a written constitution?

Answer 12

in UK, no formal written constitution so parliament can act as it wishes - change laws easier and make changes when they wish - USA opposite

Question 13

what is a constituency

Answer 13

an area of voting - aprox. 650 in UK

Question 14

what is the ‘electoral register’

Answer 14

a form from the council to fill in which allows you to vote In elections or referendums

Question 15

what does voter apathy mean?

Answer 15

having very little interest in politics/voting

Question 16

why should people vote?

Answer 16

• woman fought to vote
• outcome will impact on everyones lives e.g. NHS
• privilege to live in country where you can vote

Question 17

why may some people chose not to vote

Answer 17

• not interested in politics
• do not understand
• feels their vote won’t matter

Question 18

what does referendum mean?

Answer 18

it means to vote an issue and not to vote someone into power

Question 19

identify decisions by the chancellor of the exchequer that would affect a persons ‘take home’ pay

Answer 19

• rate of income tax to pay

- rate of national insurance

Question 20

what methods do political parties use to gain votes?

Answer 20

• canvassing(promoting) - door to door, on the street
• public speeches
• media
• TV debates

Question 21

what does proportional representation mean in terms of voting?

Answer 21

an electoral system where parts gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them

Question 22

what issues do local councils deal with

Answer 22

• council tax
• state of local parks
• education funding and resources
• building developemnts

Question 23

what are the advantages of local services being provided by private firms?

Answer 23

• makes buisness wealthy

- more oppurtuinity to prosper as citizen

Question 24

what are the disadvantages of local services being provided by private firms?

Answer 24

• impact on quality of services - standards

- less focus on parent needs

Question 25

some people think voting should be made compulsory?

what are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

name 4 ways citizens can take part int he democratic process

Answer 26

• become an MP
• run for major
• canvass for political party
• protest

Question 27

what does ‘freedom of association’ mean

Answer 27

people have the freedom to join a group of their choice as long as it does not break any laws

Question 28

define the term ‘political party’

Answer 28

a group of people who join a party based on the same ideas of how a country should be ran

Question 29

what is an opinion poll

Answer 29

where you collect the publics opinion on an issue/campaign/election - done face to face/surveys.online questionnaires etc.

Question 30

what does the term volunteering mean

Answer 30

unpaid work or help

Question 31

name 4 political rights people have in the UK

Answer 31

• right to vote
• right to protest
• right to become an MP