Democracy 2 Flashcards
Explain in detail two reasons why some people participate in one of the following (6): pressure groups
Trade unions
The media
A reason why people participate on elections is because they feel very strongly about a particular issue. They may want to support the group to influence government decision making. For example a person who felt strongly about cloijmate change may join Extinction Rebellion and engage in their protests.
Another reason why people may participate in a pressure group is collective action is more effective than individual action. Joining a pressure group means that lots of people campaign together so they have more of an impact. The government is also more likely to listen to a large organised force. For example Greenpeace has 11,000 Scottish members and 130,000 UK supporters
Describe in detail two ways in which the group you have chosen tries to influence the UK government (4)
Pressure groups can influence the government by sending a petition to parliament =. If a petition obtains more than 100,000 signitures then the government is obliged to consider debating the issue in the House of Commons
Pressure groups also try and influence government by carrying out direct action. This is disruptive and often illegal forms of protest to put pressure on the government to support their cause
Explain in detail either the advantages or disadvantages of First Past the Post (8)
An advantage if FPTP is that usually provides a strong single party government. This allows the Prime Minister and Cabinet to pursue the policies stated in their election manifesto. For example in the 2019 general election the Conservative Party won a majority of 80 in parliament. This meant that they were able to form a majority government and did not need to rely on the votes of the other parties to help them pass laws
Another advantage is that it prevents extremist parties from gaining seats in parliament. This includes political parties which may be far-right or far-left and hold extreme views. For example parties such as the British National Party (BNP) received over 500,000 votes in 2010 but did not gain any seats in parliament. In 2017 they received 4,642 votes and again id not gain any seats in parliament. In 2017 UKIP gained over 500,000 votes but only one seat.
A disadvantage of the FPTP is it is unfair to smaller parties. FPTP discriminated against smaller parties and maintains a two party system where only Labour and the Conservatives have a chance of winning. For example the Liberal Democrat’s got 11% of the vote but only 1% of the seats in parliament. This is because support from the Lib Dem’s tends to be across the board the UK rather that a concentrated in particular areas which is essential to success under FPTP
Describe in detail two features of First Past The Post (4)
On feature of FPTP is that it is easy to understand. Voters simply mark an X next to the candidate of their choice.
Another feature of the FPTP is that it usually produces a strong government. This allows the prime minister and cabinet to pursue the policies clear;y stated in their election manifesto.
Explain in detail two reasons why women are under-represented in the UK parliament (6)
Women are under-represented in the UK Parliament because they may have caring responsibilities to deal with. Women with children are often the main carer and might find it difficult working in London depending on where they live in the UK. For example a single female parent living in Aberdeen with young children may find it extremely difficult to manage a family and career as an MP given the travelling to and from London as well as finding suitable childcare.
Women are also under-represented due to online harassment and abuse. Whilst this can be directed at all politicians it is disproportionately directed at women.for example Labour MP Diane Abbcott received more abuse than any other MP in the 2019 general election. On average she received 51 abusive tweets per day in the run up to the election.
Describe in detail two reasons why ethnic minorities are under-represented in the UK Parliament (4)
One reason why ethnic minorities are under-represented in the UK Parliament is due to lack of role models. Whilst in 2019 has seen its biggest number of ethnic minority MP’s and first non-white PM ethnic minorities are still under-represented in parliament with only 10% of MPs from BAME backgrounds.
Online abuse and harassment may also lead to under-representation of ethnic minority MP’s. Online harassment and abuse of politicians is disproportionately directly aimed at women. A study by Amnesty International in 2019 found that Black,Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women MPs get far more online abuse than their white counterparts.
Describe in detail two of the role in the House of Lord has in the UK Government (4)
One role of the House of the Lords is to scrutinise bills before they are passed into law. These bills are debated in the House of Lords. The peer’s debate on a range of issues that affect the nation such as healthcare, education, terrorism, Brexit, immigration and justice.
Another role of the House of Lords is to amend bills. These amendments are sent back to the House of Commons to vote on. The House of Commons vote on whether to accept these amendments or whether to reject them and the bill then returns back to the Lords.
Describe in detail two ways in which MPs can reprint their constituents in the UK parliament (4)
MPs can represent their constituents in the UK parliament by submitting a written question to government minister and receive a reply. For example, Marion Fellows asked the Minister of Health and Social Care if he will support a public health campaign to reduce the the stigma around conversation about death, dying and bereavement.
MPs can also reprint their constituents by taking part in a debate. For example the SNP MP Marion Fellows contributed to a debate on financial support for students in April 2023
