Democracy 3 Flashcards
Advantages of representative democracy
- Elected representative have superior knowledge
- Representatives are in a position to mediate between the conflicting demands of different groups in society
- Representatives are in a position to protect minorities against ‘tyranny of the majority’
- Representatives can collate many demands and convert them into practical programmes of action
Examples of advantages of representative democracy:
1. Elected representative have superior knowledge
Kenneth Clark has been an MP since 1970 – very experienced
Examples of advantages of representative democracy:
2. Representatives are in a position to mediate between the conflicting demands of different groups in society
National demand for renewable energy vs regional opposition to wind turbines
Examples of advantages of representative democracy:
3. Representatives are in a position to protect minorities against ‘tyranny of the majority’
Both smokers and non-smokers need representation so that compromise can be made
Examples of advantages of representative democracy:
4. Representatives can collate many demands and convert them into practical programmes of action
NHS reform
Disadvantages of representative democracy
- People become disillusioned with representative bodies
- Decisions may be made in representatives’ own interests
- Lack of authority - People don’t always back govt.
Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:
People become disillusioned with representative bodies
Turnout dropped by 17% between 1992 and 2001
Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:
Decisions may be made in representatives’ own interests
MPs expenses scandal 2009 shows that MPs are not always loyal to the people
Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:
Lack of authority - People don’t always back govt.
Governments in the UK normally have less than 50% of the vote – Blair had just 35% of the vote in 2005
Characteristics of a liberal democracy
- Accountability
- Free and fair elections
- Information
- Rights and liberties
- Limited government
- Tolerance
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Accountability
In 2015, Cameron was re-elected, Clegg was not
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Free and fair elections
Fixed-term parliaments act - election every 5 years
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Information
Press and free broadcasting – citizens are exposed to a wide variety of independent political views
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Rights and liberties
European Convention on Human Rights
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Limited government
Belmarsh Case - Govt. scrutinised by parliament
Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.
Tolerance
Equality act 2010
Arguments that there is a democratic deficit
- Falling participation rate
- Undemocratic institutions within the government
- Increased centralisation of power within government
Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Falling participation rate. Examples:
Turnout fell 17% from 1992 to 2001 and has only risen 9% since then
Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Undemocratic institutions within the government. Examples:
House of Lords are unelected
Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Increased centralisation of power within government. Examples:
Growing prime ministerial power – e.g. Thatcher and Blair
