Democracy and particapation Flashcards
Paper 1 (topics 1,2,3,4)
Advantages of direct democracy
- Purest form of democracy
- It can avoid delay and deadlock within the political system
- More legitimacy
Disatvantages of direct democracy
- Can lead to tyranny of the majority
- People may be easily swayed by emotial appeals
- Some issues are too complex
Advantages of representative democracy
- More knowledge
- Representative can be held accountable
- Representatives can protect the views of the minority
Disadvantages of Representative democracy
- Representatives may be selfish
- Difficult to hold accountable between elections
- Public disengaged
What makes up a liberal democracy?
1) Peaceful transition of power
2) Free elections
3) Fair elections
4) Widespread particapation in politics
5) Freedom of expression
6) Rule of law
7) Protection of rights and liberties
8) Freedom of association
9) A constitution
10) Independent judiciary
What is democratic deficit?
A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy, due to not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input or not being subject to accountability.
Should UK introduce compulsary voting?
Arguments for
- May force more voters to be more informed
- By increasing turnout you increase legitimacy
- Voting is a civic duty
Should Uk introduce compulsary voting?
Arguments against
- It is a civil liberties violation. It is basic right not to particapate.
- Many voters are not well informed. Ill - informed participation
- Large number of public expenditure to administer and enfroce the system
- Would favour larger parties over smaller ones.
How many signatures does a petition need to be considered for a parliamentary debate and to receive a government response?
10,000 to receive a response.
100,000 to be debated
What is Franchise/Suffrage?
Both refer to the ability/right to vote in public elections. Suffragettes were women campaigning for the right to vote on the same terms as men.
What was the Second reform act 1867?
This act extends the right to vote. Though only doubles the electorate to 2 million. Women, Propertyless and tenants of very cheap properties are excluded.
What was the Great reform act 1832?
Franchise is extended to new classes of people including shopkeepers and small farmers and anyone whose property attracts a rent of at least £10 per annum. Increased to 6% of the population from the previous 4%. Women arent allowed.
What was the Ballot act 1872?
This introduces the secret ballot.
What was the Third Reform Act 1884?
Franchise is extended to most working men. About 60% of all adults (Over 21) have the right to vote.
What was the Representation of the people act 1918?
Most adult men are given the right to vote, plus women over the age of 30 who are either married or a property owner.
What was the epresentation of people Act (Equal Franchise Act) 1928?
Etends franchise to all adults over 21 Including women.
What was the Representation of the people Act 1969?
Voting age lowered to 18
What was the Scottish Elections Act 2016?
16 and 17 year olds can vote in all scottish elections.
Should 16- and 17-year-olds be given the right to vote?
Argumens for
- Young people are now better informed
- 18-24 turnout is very low. May encourage more people to vote
- If one is old enough to serve in the army, get married or pay tax, one should be old enough to vote.
- Radicalism of the young could be used to balance the extreme conservatism of the elderly
Should 16- and 17-year-olds be given the right to vote?
Argumens against
- 16 and 17 year olds are too young to be able to make rational decisions
- Many issues are too complex
- Few people in this age group pay tax. Lower stake in society
- Young tend to be excessively radical.
What is a casual Group and bring examples
An association whose goal is to promote a particular cause or set of beliefs or values.
I.e.
-Greenpeace
- Friends of the Earth
- Liberty
- Unlock Democracy
- PETA
- CND
What is a sectional Group, give examples
An association that has identifiable membership group. Such groups represent a section of society.
I.e.
- Age Uk
- BMA
- Muslim council of Britain
- Taxpayers’ alliance
- CBI
What are some factors of success for pressure groups?
- Size of membership
- Finance
- Strategic position of a particular sectional group
- Public mood
- Attitude of the government
Do pressure groups Enhance democracy?
Arguments for
- They help to disperse power and influence more widely
- They educate the public about important political issues
- Give more opportunities for people
- Can promote and protect interests and rights of minorities
- Help call government to account
Do pressure groups Enhance democracy?
Arguments against
- Some groups are elitist and tend to concentrate power in too few hands
- Influential groups may distort information in their own interests
- Groups that are internally undemocratic may not accurately represent the views of their members and supporters
- Groups that are wealthy may wield a disproportionate amount of influence
- Illegal activities may undermine the freedom and rights of other citizens.
What is a think tank? Give examples
A body of experts brought together to collectively focus on certain topics.
E.g.
Neutral:
- ResPublica - General policy issues
- Demos - Current political issues
- Centre for social Justice - Policy on welfare issues
Left - Wing:
- Fabian Society - Issues concerning social justice and equality
RIght - Wing:
- Adam Smith Institute - Free market solutions
Liberal:
- Reform - Concerned with policies on welfare, public servies and economic management
What are the lobbyists? Give examples
A lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government and/or MPs and members of the house of lords to act in their clients interests.
E.g.
- The Cicero Group: Financial servies, infrastructure companies, energy and transport
- Adam Smith: former SpAd who lobbies for paddy power
- PLMR: Specialises in political lobbying and media relations
What are Civil liberties? And give examples
Rights and freedoms enjoyed by citizens that protect them from unfair and arbitrary treatment by the state. Those freedoms that are guaranteed by State and Constitution.
I.e
Freedom of speech
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of press
What are civil rights? Give examples
Right that are protected by the government.
I.e.
- Right to life
- Freedom from discrimination
- Right to equal treatment
What should both Civil rights and liberties be? Explain them
. Absolute - Cannot be compromised or diminished in any way
. Universal - Applied to everyone
. Fundamental - Essential part of life and cannot be removed for any reason.
When was Freedom of information Act 2000 used?
Daily Telegraph to reveal and publicise the MPs’ expenses scandal of 2009.
What are the strengths of Rights in the UK?
- Strong common law tradition
- The UK is subject to the European convention on human Rights
- Judiciary has a reputation for being independent and upholding the rule of law even against the wishes of government and parliament.
- Principle of equal rights is clearly established.
What are weaknesses of Rights in the UK?
- Common law can be vague and disputed
- Parliament remains sovereign and so can ignore ECHR
