Democracy Flashcards
What is direct democracy
People represent themselves rather electing someone to represent them. They use this in Switzerland - people go out onto the street and vote on each issue.
What is representative democracy
Individuals vote for a local MP to represent them at Parliament, Britain uses this.
How does direct democracy lead to policies that suit the people more
People vote on every issue so laws and policies are suited to the population, meaning people have more control of the state which is complete democracy.
Problem of not agreeing with your representative in representative democracy.
You may have different views to your representative on certain issues, so will be falsely represented. People’s views may not be translated into the running of the country, as few people are involved in the decision, making process.
Benefit of people in direct democracy feeling that their opinions matter.
As people vote on each issue they feel valued within society
Problem with electorate not feeling valued in representative democracy
Citizens don’t think their views matter. eg railway strikes have been ongoing in England since 2016 as they don’t agree with driver only train as they believe it is unsafe.
People more likely to follow the law in direct democracy
As the people are involved first hand in setting the laws they respect and understand the reason for the laws so are more likely to follow them.
Practicalities of direct democracy
Direct democracy is only able to work in small countries as it is impractical this is becoming more of a problem as the population is increasing. Also too many issues for people to vote on, in Switzerland people vote up to 4 times a year so people get bored and stop voting..
Dahl’s view on democracy
Believes in representative democracy but thinks a country must have: effective participation, voting equality at the decisive stage, enlightened understanding and control of the agenda, inclusiveness to become a successful democracy
