Democracy

Question 1

Define representative democracy

Answer 1

Involves indirect government by the people, through representatives elected by the people.

Question 2

Define democracy

Answer 2

Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

Question 3

Define legitimacy

Answer 3

The right or authority to exercise power. A government claims legitimacy as a result of the mandate it secures at a general election.

Question 4

Define liberal democracy

Answer 4

A response to fears of the ‘tyranny of the majority’ - Normally incorporates a bill of rights to protect the interests of individuals & minorities. Eg USA

Question 5

Define parliamentary democracy

Answer 5

Generally conforms to principe of liberal democracy, plus Parliament is sovereign. Eg UK

Question 6

Define pluralist democracy

Answer 6

Generally conform to the criteria of liberal democracy, plus there tends to be a wide range of political parties and pressure groups to disperse power into more hands.

Question 7

How could UK democracy be improved?

Answer 7

Replacing monarchy with elected head of state, introducing an elected 2nd chamber, reforming electoral system, increased use of referendums, introducing a codified constitution, decentralising political system, improving participation & turnout

Question 8

What recent developments have there been?

Answer 8

Devolution, referendums, proportional representation (devolved assemblies, mep’s), refine of HoL, human rights act 1998, centre left vs conservatives.

Question 9

How could participation be improved?

Answer 9

Lowering voting age to 16, compulsory voting, e-democracy

Question 10

How does e-democracy enhance democracy & participation?

Answer 10

Strengthens communication between government and the governed, blogs & Twitter spread politics to a wider audience and allow people to have a voice, politicians & political commentators can spread ideas & communicate for a better informed electorate, would enhance pluralism as smaller/minority groups have greater access to decision makers (helping prevent elitism).

Question 11

How can e-democracy threaten democracy and participation?

Answer 11

Gives greater access to extremist & anti-democratic groups (anyone can start e-petitions), information released on the Internet can be manipulated by the media which could cause the general public to be confused between truths & distortions of the truth.

Question 12

How can people participate in UK democracy?

Answer 12

Voting in GE, MEP & PCC elections, joining political parties, standing as a candidate, joining pressure groups, e-democracy, lobbying, campaigning, political protest, public consultations, voting in referendums, contact local MP at surgery

Question 13

What are the turnout factors?

Answer 13

Type of election (eg PCC low), political apathy, ‘hapathy’, value of the vote (safe seats), the electoral system, role of the mass media

Question 14

Why is low turnout a problem?

Answer 14

It brings into question the government’s legitimacy and the strength of its electoral mandate.

Question 15

What are some positives of the UK?

Answer 15

Freedom of speech, universal suffrage, regular free elections, some direct democracy elements, range of political parties & pressure groups, anonymous voting, democratic institutions (HoC), human rights, independent judiciary, free media

Question 16

What are some negatives of the UK?

Answer 16

No recall elections, elitist cabinet (not fully representative), whip system, referendums & e-petitions non binding, HoL & monarchy unelected, low turnout, prime minister not directly elected, party membership decease, no entrenched constitution, EU power

Question 17

Why might a referendum be used?

Answer 17

If the govt is split on an issue, an important constitutional change is being proposed, an important constitutional change needs to be entrenched, there needs to be a security of popular consent

Question 18

What are the problems with a referendum question?

Answer 18

Timing (AV), funding (1975 eec), wording (AV), turnout (AV)

Question 19

Why have referendums increased in recent years?

Answer 19

Greater interest in constitutional reform, referendums can entrench reforms, electorate now believed to be better informed, proved a good way of ‘heading off opposition’, coalition split 2010-2015, local democracy

Question 20

What elements of direct democracy are used in the UK currently?

Answer 20

Referendums, public consultations, petitions

Question 21

What are some advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 21

Experience & judgment, rational judgments means stability, accountability encourages responsibility, people cannot be continuously involved so need to delegate, can mediate to avoid tyranny of the majority

Question 22

What are some disadvantages of representative democracy?

Answer 22

Whip system undermines Burkean view, low turnout lacks legitimacy & mandate, coalition lacked legitimacy as people didn’t vote for it, no recall elections (only accountable every 5yrs), underclass not represented by elitist cabinet

Question 23

What are some advantages of referendums?

Answer 23

Public can have direct effect, entrenches decisions with legitimacy, simple, voting age could be lowered, during coalition gained legitimacy, can resolve issues govt split on, can educate & inform, gives democracy at local level

Question 24

What are some disadvantages of referendums?

Answer 24

Often low turnout lacking legitimacy, some questions need more complex answers, non binding, manipulated questions, public may be uneducated, funding may be unfair, undermine representative democracy (untraditional), manipulated timing

Question 25

Define direct democracy

Answer 25

Involves the direct and continuous participation of citizens in government.