democracy Flashcards
what is monarchy
rule by a royal family
what is an aristocracy
rule by the topmost class
what is an oligarchy
rule by a small elite
what is a matriarchy
ruke by women
what is a meritocracy
rule by the best qualified
what is a kakistocracy
rule by the least qualified
what is a delegate
someone chosen by instruction on what to decide
what is a mandate
someone elected on a set of promises that they should carry out
what is a trustee
someone chosen to trust to make the right call
what are the (3) downsides of a representative democracy
-needs accountability
-discourages public involvement
-there needs to be trust in the representatives
what happens in a direct democracy
citizens vote directly on each issue
what are the (3) downsides to a direct democracy
-not very practical even in a digital age
-very slow
-competence of public is needed
what is the only example of direct democracy in the uk
referendums
why is it considered that the public should have a say in how the country is run
- effects them
- have to live
- get a say
what does a liberal democracy have to conform to
- accountable government
- free and fair elections
- orderly transfer of power
- losers accept winners
- free information
Why is it considered that the public should have a saying how the country is run?
It’s affects them
They have to live there
It is more fair
It goes with the majority
It reduces riots
Why is it considered that the public should have a saying how the country is run?
It’s affects them
They have to live there
It is more fair
It goes with the majority
It reduces riots
What’s a direct democracy?
It’s where citizens vote directly on each issue
What is a delegate?
Someone who is instructed what to decide
What is a mandate?
It is someone elected on a set of promises that they should carry out
What’s a trustee?
A person chosen as someone to trust to make the right call
How many people was the Athenian assembly formed of?
30,000 people, but only 3000 attended at one time
What is a representative democracy?
A version of democracy, where the people elect a politician or representative, who makes the decision on their behalf
What are the advantages of a representative democracy?
- professional politicians make complex decisions
- Minority views are considered and upheld
- Elected politicians are held to account by the people
- It’s the most practised form of democracy
What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy?
Citizens are disengaged from politics
Tightly controlled parties, result in politicians, lacking independence
Politicians are skilled at swerving accountability
Politicians are open to corruption and self interest
What is a citizen?
Illegally recognised, subject of a national state, or Commonwealth in a democracy
What does disengaged mean?
Emotionally detached uninterested