Democracy and Participation Flashcards
Give three ways in which the UK is suffering from a participation crisis.
IS suffering from a participation crisis:
✔ Turnout is lower than the last century - e.g. 1950 - 84% / 2001 - 59.4%.
✔ Fewer members of political parties - e.g. 1950 - Con (2.8 million) / Lab (1 million). - Now - Con (180,000) / Lab (485,000).
✔ Lower power of trade unions / pressure groups - up to 2009, Trade Union membership has been decreasing by 165,000 annually. Trade Union Act 2016 - reduced their striking power.
Give three ways in which the UK is NOT suffering from a participation crisis.
NOT suffering from a participation crisis:
❌ Turnout is on the rise - e.g. 2014 Scottish ref - 84% / Brexit ref - 72%. 2019 GE - 67%.
❌ Greater support for minor parties - people are considering their vote choice more - e.g. 2010 - increase in Lib Dem seats - 57 / 2015 - UKIP 3.9 million votes.
❌ Internet has brought a new generation of participants - e.g. E-Petitions - bring forward inquest of Hillsborough - Parliament had to debate it in 2012. YouGov polls. - rise in ‘slacktivism’?
