Democracy 3

Question 1

Advantages of representative democracy

Answer 1

1. Elected representative have superior knowledge
2. Representatives are in a position to mediate between the conflicting demands of different groups in society
3. Representatives are in a position to protect minorities against ‘tyranny of the majority’
4. Representatives can collate many demands and convert them into practical programmes of action

Question 2

Examples of advantages of representative democracy:

1. Elected representative have superior knowledge

Answer 2

Kenneth Clark has been an MP since 1970 – very experienced

Question 3

Examples of advantages of representative democracy:

2. Representatives are in a position to mediate between the conflicting demands of different groups in society

Answer 3

National demand for renewable energy vs regional opposition to wind turbines

Question 4

Examples of advantages of representative democracy:

3. Representatives are in a position to protect minorities against ‘tyranny of the majority’

Answer 4

Both smokers and non-smokers need representation so that compromise can be made

Question 5

Examples of advantages of representative democracy:

4. Representatives can collate many demands and convert them into practical programmes of action

Answer 5

NHS reform

Question 6

Disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 6

1. People become disillusioned with representative bodies
2. Decisions may be made in representatives’ own interests
3. Lack of authority - People don’t always back govt.

Question 7

Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:

People become disillusioned with representative bodies

Answer 7

Turnout dropped by 17% between 1992 and 2001

Question 8

Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:

Decisions may be made in representatives’ own interests

Answer 8

MPs expenses scandal 2009 shows that MPs are not always loyal to the people

Question 9

Examples of disadvantage of representative democracy:

Lack of authority - People don’t always back govt.

Answer 9

Governments in the UK normally have less than 50% of the vote – Blair had just 35% of the vote in 2005

Question 10

Characteristics of a liberal democracy

Answer 10

1. Accountability
2. Free and fair elections
3. Information
4. Rights and liberties
5. Limited government
6. Tolerance

Question 11

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Accountability

Answer 11

In 2015, Cameron was re-elected, Clegg was not

Question 12

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Free and fair elections

Answer 12

Fixed-term parliaments act - election every 5 years

Question 13

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Information

Answer 13

Press and free broadcasting – citizens are exposed to a wide variety of independent political views

Question 14

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Rights and liberties

Answer 14

European Convention on Human Rights

Question 15

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Limited government

Answer 15

Belmarsh Case - Govt. scrutinised by parliament

Question 16

Examples of characteristics of a liberal democracy.

Tolerance

Answer 16

Equality act 2010

Question 17

Arguments that there is a democratic deficit

Answer 17

1. Falling participation rate
2. Undemocratic institutions within the government
3. Increased centralisation of power within government

Question 18

Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Falling participation rate. Examples:

Answer 18

Turnout fell 17% from 1992 to 2001 and has only risen 9% since then

Question 19

Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Undemocratic institutions within the government. Examples:

Answer 19

House of Lords are unelected

Question 20

Arguments that there is a democratic deficit. Increased centralisation of power within government. Examples:

Answer 20

Growing prime ministerial power – e.g. Thatcher and Blair