democracy

Question 1

What is power

Answer 1

the ability to make people do things even if they don’t want to

Question 2

what is authority

Answer 2

the given right to influence other people’s behaviour and actions

Question 3

what does it mean when a government is ‘legitimate’

Answer 3

it is popularly accepted that they have the authority to hold power and make laws

Question 4

What is democracy

Answer 4

when key decisions in politics are made by the people or there representatives, along with this everyone’s views are equal

Question 5

what is direct democracy

Answer 5

people chose to vote directly on a political question

Question 6

give an example of direct democracy

Answer 6

a referendum

Question 7

give an example of a country that often uses direct democracy

Answer 7

Switzerland

Question 8

what are the advantages of Direct Democracy

Answer 8

• people have more power over personal decisions
• no need for elected officials
• people must take responsibility for their decision
• increases education on certain events

Question 9

what are the disadvantages of Direct Democracy

Answer 9

• difficult with a large population
• many will not want to vote on certain problems
• tyranny of the majority
• people may not be properly educated on issues
• wealthy groups can distort a debate

Question 10

what is representative democracy

Answer 10

when people vote for others (politicians) to represent them and their views. If unpopular the politician can be changed

Question 11

give an example of representative democracy

Answer 11

UK general Election

Question 12

where is representative democracy used

Answer 12

UK

Question 13

what are the advantages of representative democracy

Answer 13

• works better in a larger society
• politicians often have a better knowledge on events
• can implement unpopular but necessary policies
• avoids tyranny of the majority
• representatives can be held responsible for their actions

Question 14

what are the disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 14

• politicians may not always represent the views of the public
• parties can have a greater influence
• low public interest means elites have more power
• lower chance of small parties winning

Question 15

with regards to democracy define representation

Answer 15

every person has a politician or party that they somewhat feel represent their views, along with being able to freely express their own views

Question 16

with regards to democracy define accountability

Answer 16

every voter or MP has accountability for their choices and decisions, this leads to much less extremist decisions, also puts more pressure on MPs to act in the best interest of their constituents

Question 17

with regards to democracy define participation

Answer 17

everyone has the equal and effective opportunity to vote. The greater voter turnout the more likely people are being represented and the more legitimate of a government

Question 18

with regards to democracy define power dispersal

Answer 18

there is not one group that holds all the power, such as a control over media by the elite, instead the public hold the power (population sovereignty)

Question 19

education

Answer 19

everyone has the equal opportunity to become fully informed about the decisions they are making and who/what they are voting for. Done by ensuring there is free media.