Democracy And Particiation

Question 1

What is direct democracy ?

Answer 1

A form of democracy where the people themselves make key decisions

Question 2

What is representative democracy ?

Answer 2

citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf and are accountable to them

Question 3

Advantages of direct democracy ?

Answer 3

Purest form of democracy
Avoids delay and deadlock within the system
People making the decision gives it great legitimacy

Question 4

Disadvantages of direct democracy ?

Answer 4

Some issues may be too complex for the ordinary voter to understand
People may be easily swayed by short-term, emotional appeals by charismatic individuals

Question 5

Background of direct democracy?

Answer 5

After Athenian democracy declined after 4th century BC, it largely disappeared until the 19th century.
Swiss have used it throughout history and use it extensively to this day
Today it has returned in the form of a referendum

Question 6

Direct democracy in the Uk

Answer 6

In a direct democracy there is no distinction between citizen and government.
Impossible for modern state like UK to be governed by principles of DD.
Elements have been introduced to engage the public with issues that directly concern them.

Question 7

What is accountability?

Answer 7

People elected in a representative democracy must be held responsible for their action. Without accountability representation becomes meaningless

Question 8

What is redress of grievances ?

Answer 8

Taking up the case of an individual constituent who feels they have suffered an injustice at the hands of the government

Question 9

What are advantages of representative democracy ?

Answer 9

more likely to make more informed decisions than the general public
elected politicians balance conflicting interests when reaching decisions
made up of professionals who are required to be well informed about issues

Question 10

Disadvantages of representative democracy ?

Answer 10

MP’S may be disengaged from public and not adequately represent the interests of the public
MP’S can have outside interests like seconds jobs
Westminster parliament especially unrepresentative since it is elected through FPTP

Question 11

What is social representation

Answer 11

the characteristics of members of representative bodies should be broadly in line with characteristics of the population as a whole

Question 12

Define participation crisis?

Answer 12

A large proportion of the population are disengaged with politics e.g low turnout in elections

Question 13

List the ways in which the public can engage in politics

Answer 13

Pressure Groups
Protesting
Signing petitions
Form political parties

Question 14

Define legitimacy

Answer 14

the government does things in terms of policy and law-making that are acceptable to the citizens of that state.

Question 15

Define democratic deficit

Answer 15

when principles of democracy are not fulfilled in how a particular government or government institution operates

Question 16

Define digital democracy

Answer 16

the ways in which electronic platforms can engage the public with the political environment

Question 17

how do electronic petitions contribute to UK democracy?

Answer 17

allow individuals who are passionate about a particular subject to raise their issue with the government
- can be debated in parliament
- voice can be heard

Question 18

main arguments against an appointed House of Lords

Answer 18

• lack of democratic legitimacy (not elected
• not representative of the populations (mostly white males)

Question 19

Criticisms of FPTP

Answer 19

• discourages voting of voters think their vote won’t count
• ## under-represents small parties