democracy Flashcards
what is representative democracy
Citizens elect people to act on their behalf and make key decisions.
what is direct democracy
Citizens involved in the decision-making process e.g. through a referendum.
benefits of direct democracy
- encourages active participation in decision-making processes
- Enhanced Accountability
negatives of direct democracy
- Politicians are (in theory) better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view
- Referendums, the modern-day example of direct democracy is expensive: e.g. the estimated cost of conducting the EU referendum has been put at £142.4 million.
benefits of representative democracy
- Representatives have more experience, knowledge and expertise than the rest of the population
- They can be made accountable for their decision, whereas the people as a whole can’t.
negatives of representative democracy
- Representatives may follow their party instead of represents their constituents accurately
-Representatives may ignore or distort the demands of the people to suit their own political advantage
3 examples of referendums
- 18 September 1997: Wales – Welsh devolution referendum on whether there should be a National Assembly for Wales (yes- 50%. Turnout 50%)
- 23 June 2016: UK – referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union, or leave the European Union (leave- 52%. Turnout 72%)
- 5 May 2011: UK – referendum on whether to change the voting system for electing MPs to the House of Commons from first past the post to the alternative vote (no- 68%. Turnout 42%)
advantages of referendums
- Public are given direct control over policy-making, ensuring their views and interests are directly reflected in policy
- Helps to educate the public about important political questions, as they will be better-informed about key issues through referendum campaigns
- Makes the government listen to the public more, as it is another way of voters communicating their thoughts other than just through elections
- Provides a check on government power- governments don’t control the outcome
disadvantages of referendums
- May lead to ill-informed decisions, as the public may not know the specifics and consequences of a policy decision (unlike the government)
- Parliament is weakened, as sovereignty is undermined, so decisions are not made on the basis of careful discussion, debate and scrutiny
- Governments can absolve themselves of responsibility, meaning they make themselves less accountable
what is representation in democracy
There must be a way of people being able to put their views to government.
what is Accountability in democracy
The government must explain and take responsibility (be held account for) its actions.
what is Participation in democracy
here must be a way in which citizens can take part and engage in the political process.
what is legitimacy in democracy
The government should represent the will of the people.
what is power dispersal in democracy
No branch of government should be too powerful.
what are some positives of democracy
- Free and fair elections- Electoral commission. Voter fraud is very low.
- Turnout- Turnout has been higher in recent years, particularly in referendums. 85% in Scotland and 72% for Brexit.
- Parliamentary Sovereignty- Parliament is elected by the people so it has legitimacy to make decisions and must be accountable to the people.
- Devolution- Increased in recent years. Not only countries but cities; Manchester, West Midlands now have elected mayors with increased power.
