Democracy Flashcards
civil rights
they are given to you by the government. some of them are right to vote, form trade unions and right to fair trial
Magna Carta
made in 1215 its very outdated however provided the right to fair trail and unlawful seizure of property. king had to abide by the law. only applied to rich/nobles
European convention of human rights
made in 1950 enforced by the court in Strasbourg after horrors of ww2 however not passed by labour government until 1998
the equality act
made in 2010 brought all the rights under one act and protected minorities
controversial rights
right to strike, form trade unions, engage in business without state intervention
human rights act
made in 1998 but not put in place until 2000. it incorporated the human rights act into British law
weaknesses of the human rights act
sometimes criminals can use it to get out of trouble
equality of opportunity
society should find a way to reduce advantages and privileges
what is a pressure group
a group seeking influence over government policy or business activity to secure the interests of their members and supporters
sectional groups
interest groups such as doctors or train drivers
outsider groups
those who have not direct involvement with the government due to their methods
indirect action
publicity, leaflets, adverts, petitions
direct action
lobbying, protest, boycotts, civil disobedience
why are pressure groups successful
.lots of members/resources (RSPCA)
.public support
.if the government would listen
the left
Looking at society as a whole and that governments should focus on promoting fairness and equality. Favours an active role for government. Tend to have a more relaxed liberal position on social and moral matters.
the right
Focuses on the individual and what he can do for himself. Fairness and equality should develop naturally and not be forced by the government. Tend to have a more conservative and traditional approach to social and moral matters.
pluralism
where every group in society is represented in the overall decision making progress
democratic deficit
this is where although people can vote for their leaders the leaders don’t always act in their interests
participation crisis
where people have become so disinterested in politics that they take no part in it
think tanks
generally academic organisations that think about devising or creating policy to put forward and suggest to political parties
lobbyists
work for companies and organisations where they are paid to promote an idea or a product to politicians. With the aim of changing the law.
natural justice
what people consider to be right or morally correct
legal justice
the rule of the land
social justice
The idea that justice can also be measured in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. However there are other interpretations.
