democracy Flashcards
what is representative democracy
people elect representatives
what are the advantages of a representative democracy
-professional politicians make complex decisions
-minority views are considered + upheld
-elected politicians are held to account by the people
-the most practical form of democracy
what are the disadvantages of representative democracy
-citizens are disengaged from politics
-tightly controlled parties result in politics lacking independence
-politicians are skilled at swerving accountability and passing the blame
-politicians are open to corruption + self interest
what is direct democracy
people make decisions for themeselves
what are the advantages of direct democracy
-everyone in society participates
-people directly make decisions in their interests
-all citizens voices are equal
-it is the purest form of democracy
what are the disadvantages of direct democracy
-impractical to achieve
-citizens became apathetic
-people will vote in their own interest, not societies
-no minority voices can be heard
what are possible ways to improve democracy
-compulsory voting
-lowering the voting age to 16
-edemocracy
-greater use of referendum
-change to the voting system
-constitutional reform
what do pressure groups do
exert pressure on the government
what do interest groups do
restricted to particular sections of society, aim to look at interest of that particular groups
what are promotional/cause groups
membership is open, seeking to gain mass support- benefit wider society
what are insider groups
have a special relationship with the government
what are outsider groups
largely excluded from political consultations + contact, concentrate on mobilising public opinion
what are corporations
large companies which seek to lobby the government to legislate in certain areas
what are think tanks
privately funded, non profit organisations that conduct research with a view to changing political policies
what are lobbyists
companies who get paid to gain access to government for their clients
what are examples of access points
government, parliament, political parties, courts, devolved assemblies, local councils, the media, public opinion, the EU
what are insider methods
-try to access key decision makers
-provide specialist information and advice when the government is considering new legislation
-try to target specific members of house of lords/commons
what are outsider methods
-mass public campaigns
-publicity stunts
-social media, epetitions, the internet
-use of celebrities
-civil disobedience/illegal activities
what are examples of direct action
- marches and demonstrations
-trade unions going on strike
-sit ins - illegal acts
what are factors influencing pressure group success
-insider groups consulting with governments
-wealth for campaign purposes
-public support
-social status
-celebrity endorsement
-size
what are the strengths of pressure groups
-enable individuals to participate in the political process between elections
-pressure groups reflect the system of pluralist democracy
-counterbalance the tyranny of the majority by lobbying on behalf of minorities
-can bring expert knowledge to the governments attention on an important issue
-keep government on its toes + encourage them to be responsible and democratic
-pressure groups promote debate and educate + inform the electorate
what are the weaknesses of pressure groups
-can be divisive + selfish
-very good at stopping things which others feel are needed
-not accountable to the public
-have reduced the power of parliament and undermined its sovereignty by working closely with ministers + civil servants
-make the country difficult to manage and govern. a multitude of pressure groups blocking the government actions
How are UK elections positive for democracy
-free and fair
-FPTP has strengths
-PR is an improvement for devolved elections
-Turnout isn’t high but is in line with other Western democracies
how are UK elections negative for democracy
-FPTP is disproportionate
-The health of representative democracy has been called into question by general public apathy towards politics
how is representation positive in UK democracy
-The parliament represents constituents and holds the governments to account
-All citizens are represented by an MP
how is representation negative to UK democracy
-Parliament can be ineffective in holding the government to account
-The house of Lord has the ability to delay laws
-MPs can ignore their constituents concerns because they hold safe seats
-women, ethnic minorities and working class are under represented
how are citizens rights positive for UK democracy
-Extensive freedoms and rights are incorporated in the human rights act
-Freedom of information act 2000 requires the government to reveal information
how are citizens rights negative for UK democracy
-The human rights act is not fully entrenched
-The human rights act has too many exemptions which governments use to further their own interests
how are pressure groups positive for UK democracy
-Pressure groups give a voice to minorities
-Pressure groups ensure political diversity
how are pressure groups negative for UK democracy
-wealthy and powerful pressure groups may pursue their own interests
-the leaders of pressure groups aren’t elected, accountable or under public scrutiny
what are the positives of limited government to UK democracy
-The constitution is effective at limiting government and adapting to changing circumstances
what are negatives of limited government to UK democracy
-that isn’t a codified constitution so power distribution is undefined
-The fusion of executive + legislature creates an over powerful executive
what are the positives of an independent judiciary for UK democracy
-The rule of law is protected by judicial independence to protect citizens and limit the government
-all governments are subject to law upheld by judges via judicial review and the human rights
what are the negatives of an independent judiciary for UK democracy
-Government has a role in appointing judges
what are examples of falling participation
-turnout in general elections has been falling since 1979
-european, local and other elections have seen even lower turnout
-In 2011 only 42% voted in some referenda
what are some examples of positive participation
-turnout levels have risen in recent general election
-the Scottish independence referendum saw an engaged population
-some argue the election of Jeremy Corbyn has reinvigorated young people
further evidence of a participation crisis
-Party membership has fallen since the 80s
-The public is disillusioned with the lack of core differences between the parties
-voter registration among young people is lower than among other people
-Public trust in politicians has been undermined eg. sexual harassment allegations
