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AS Politics > Democracy > Flashcards

Democracy Flashcards

1
Q

Define representation:

A

…

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2
Q

Define democracy:

A

System of rule based upon government of the people, by the people and for the people.

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3
Q

Key principles for a system to be democratic:

A

Political equality for all voters

Popular participation

Choice between different options for the voter

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4
Q

Define direct democracy:

A

Implies that all citizens have direct and continuous participation - involved in decision making process and do not rely on elected representatives

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5
Q

Define representative democracy:

A

Indirect form of democracy in which politicians act on behalf of, and are accountable to, the public

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6
Q

Define referendum:

A

Popular vote on a particular public policy issue.

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7
Q

Define power:

A

The ability to get someone or a group of people to do what you want them to - even if it is against their will

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8
Q

Define authority:

A

The right to tell people what to do because their is legitimacy eg authority for governments gained through elections

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9
Q

Define sovereignty:

A

Sovereignty refers to absolute and unlimited power

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10
Q

Define legitimacy:

A

Means rightfulness. Basis for political stability - in a democracy governments require legitimacy in order to have the authority to govern.

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11
Q

Advantages of representative democracy:

A

People cannot be regularly expected to make important decisions

Representatives have time and expertise to consider political issues rationally

Representatives have a role in educating public about political issues

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12
Q

Disadvantages of representative democracy:

A

Representatives may distort demands of the people

People may fail to respect decisions made by their representatives

Idea of the electoral mandate is flawed

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13
Q

Advantages of using referendums:

A

Purest form of democracy

As people make decision it is very legitimate

Useful in securing consent of the people

Give people opportunity to participate directly in politics

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14
Q

Disadvantages of referendums:

A

If become too frequent could be danger of ‘voter fatigue’

Undermines respect and authority for elected institutions

Represent ‘tyranny of the majority’

Issues may be too complex for average voter to understand

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15
Q

Democracy

A

Rule by the people

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16
Q

Direct democracy:

A

Obliterates the distinction between the government and the people

System of popular self-government as it is a form of democracy based on direct, unmediated and continuous participation of citizens in the tasks of government

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17
Q

Key features of direct democracy:

A

Direct - people ‘make’ policy decisions

Unmediated - people ‘are’ the government

Continuous - people engage in politics on a regular and ongoing basis

18
Q

Advantages of direct democracy:

A

Increased political involvement

Truly represents the people

Knowing that your vote matters

Corruption is reduced

19
Q

Disadvantages of direct democracy:

A

Simply impractical

Minority has no say

Not everyone has the skills

Extremely high costs involved

20
Q

Parliamentary democracy:

A

Form of democracy that operates through a popularly elected deliberative assembly, which establishes an indirect link between government and he governed

21
Q

Liberal democracy:

A

Indirect and representative form of democracy

Right to rule is gained through success in regular elections

22
Q

6 core features of liberal democracy:

A

Competition for power between parties

Universal suffrage - everyone can vote

Civil liberties and individual rights

Constitutional government, based on formal, legal rights

Civil society - with a free media

Capitalist or private enterprise economy

23
Q

Representative democracy:

A

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them

In Britain, for example, voters elect MPs to represent them

24
Q

Advantages of representative democracy:

A

They are elected - easier if they make decisions

They are politically educated

Citizen representation

25
Q

Disadvantages of representative democracy:

A

Acting on their consciousness

Misplaced trust

Majority rules

No accountability

Officials can do whatever they want

26
Q

Referendums:

A

When a popular vote is held in which the people are asked to determine on an important political or constitutional issue

27
Q

Initiatives:

A

Form of referendum that can be brought about by citizens

28
Q

Core Features of the UK democratic system:

A

Democratic elections

Parliament

Pressure groups

29
Q

Supplementary features of the UK democratic system:

A

Referendums

Devolution

European Parliament

30
Q

Participation crisis:

A

Decline in turnout in general elections since 1959

Turnout during 2001 election was the lowest since 1918 at 59.4 %

31
Q

Distinctions between direct and representative democracy:

A

Direct democracy purer

Referendums may carry more legitimacy than decisions made by government

DD tends to operate with constitutional change, whereas RD concerns day to day running of the country

32
Q

Explaining liberal democracy:

A

Characterised by free and fair elections

Government is limited, usually by constitution

Government is accountable to the people

Rule of law applies with all citizens equal under the law - government itself subject to legal constraints therefore implying an independent judiciary

33
Q

Explaining pluralist democracy:

A

Conforms to the principles of liberal democracy

Particular stress laid upon features such as fee elections

Implies multiculturalism

34
Q

Arguments for further use of referendums to determine political issues in Britain:

A

Changes require the consent of the people

Increasing information available thus people are in a better position than ever before to assess political issues

Referendums represent purest form of democracy

Would bring Britain into line with modern practice

35
Q

How representative is the UK system:

A

All represented equally by an MP

Elected Parliament and assemblies in Scotland, Wales and NI use fairer systems and give fairer representation

Many PGs with active support and membership who represent effectively the many interests and causes in society

HOL contains members who represent various sections of society

36
Q

What extent has political participation declined in Britain:

A

Membership of PP has been falling dramatically and been rise in PG members

Parties finding it increasingly difficult to recruit candidates for election

Election turnout has been falling to 66% at last election in 2015

37
Q

Referendums can improve participation in the following ways:

A

Direct form of democracy which gives the public direct control over decisions

Political education likely to improve as debate is focuses on a particular issue

Availability of an initiative system could lead to people feeling empowered

38
Q

Referendums don’t improve democracy:

A

Turnout at Scottish and Welsh referendums doesn’t back up idea people more likely to vote in 1997 election

However SR in 2014 had an above average turnout 85%

Voter fatigue if used to often

39
Q

Methods of improving participation:

A

Lower the voting age

E-democracy - ease of participation

Compulsory voting - increase due to threat

Change in the voting system - fewer safe seats

40
Q

Points to suggest there is a democratic deficit in the UK:

A

Declining turnouts at all levels of elections

Wider political apathy

Deficit in political election as the wider public lack interest and knowledge in the political system

Lack of the widespread use of referenda for whole of the UK

Unfair voting system which creates an ‘undemocratic’ outcome for Westminster elections

41
Q

Reasons why there is not a democratic deficit:

A

Reforms taken place to develop democracy such as devolution

New systems of PR has been introduced

Reform of second chamber underway

Widespread PG membership and activity ensure no democratic deficit

42
Q

How could the current system be criticised as not conforming to liberal democratic ideals?

A

Still no written constitution

Parliament as a whole remains weak

Blair almost presidential in style

Do not have enough parties to truly represent the diverse views of the electorate

AS Politics (8 decks)

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