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Democracy And Participation Flashcards

1
Q

What are the types of democracy?

A

Direct
Representative
Liberal
Pluralist

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2
Q

Direct democracy

A

Public makes decisions themselves, don’t act through others
‘People are the government’, no politicians
Decisions based on simple majority
Continuous process. Citizens would make decisions daily
Historical-Athenian democracy
Contemporary-referendum
Purest form of democracy

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3
Q

Referendums

A

Element of direct democracy still used in UK
Public get to vote on an issue
No legal obligation for government to accept result
e.g Brexit. 52-48%
Indy ref Scotland-55-45% to stay
AV-68-32% rejection

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4
Q

Representative democracy

A

Chosen political framework of most developed countries in the west.
Public not personally involved (representatives), free fair and regular elections at range of levels, universal suffrage/wide franchise, assemblies or legislatures that pass laws (Parliament), decisions reached on basis of majority, tolerance of different viewpoints, widespread civil rights , range of parties, pressure groups

UK is one.

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5
Q

Positives of direct democracy

A

Genuine democracy in action-people determine destiny
Removes layer of people who distort actual views of people and over represent certain interests
More understanding and informed society
Extend greater legitimacy on actions taken
Regular participation in government creates more vibrant society

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6
Q

Negatives of direct democracy

A

May be more a reflection of an idea or aspiration rather than practical possibility
Not achievable with large scale society e.g 45 million voters in UK
Need for experts in certain fields who can take informed decisions and have practical LT view for society
Public May become tired of effort and commitment to process and become content with limited involvement

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7
Q

Positives of representative democracy

A

Power placed in hands of talent-in terms of law and economics government posts filled by people who possess detailed knowledge in these areas
Only practical form of democracy in large modern society
Relieves burden on citizens and allows them to carry on with their chosen pursuits
Provides accountability and stability e.g elections

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8
Q

Negatives of representative democracy

A

Indirect democracy
Participation levels often low which questions legitimacy of system
Narrow level of representation as not true reflection of public
Seen as elite group who may not represent views of public or act in their interests
Two party system offers limited electoral choice and elite rule

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9
Q

Liberal democracy

A

Both liberal and democratic features combined.
Democratic-free and fair elections, wide suffrage and use of representatives to act on behalf of citizens behalf (rep demo)
Liberal-constitutionalism, checks and balances and protection of indy rights and freedom
e.g UK and US

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10
Q

Pluralist democracy

A

Participation via organised groups speaking up for a collective interest.
Pressure groups seen to reflect this form and act as agents for change in society
Comp by numerous groups seeking to advance their particular cause or interest
Req widespread dispersal of power and availability of numerous avenues for groups to access the political system with
Contrasted with elitism

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11
Q

Liberal demo strengths

A 
Free, fair and regular elections
Wide suffrage
Reps-citizens valued and empowered
Constitutionalism
Protection of rights and freedoms
Checks and balances
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12
Q

Liberal demo weaknesses

A

PM can go to war w/o Parliament consultation
Citizens may not be properly rep
Politicians still have power and can misuse it e.g strip rights, get rid of universal declaration of human rights
Rep demo with nice lick of paint

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13
Q

Pluralist demo strengths

A 
More participation, more voices heard
Not elitist
More change, more often
Constant accountability-no need to wait for election
People power
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14
Q

Pluralist demo weaknesses

A 
Who's in charge? No centralised power
No accountability
Chaotic
Who funds them?
Not every viewpoint heard equally?
Will people compromise? Unlikely
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15
Q

Who has the vote in the UK?

A

18+
British/Irish or qualifying commonwealth citizen
Not legally excluded from voting
Resident at UK address (or UK citizen living abroad who has been able to vote for last 15yrs)

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16
Q

Who can’t vote in the UK?

A

U18
EU citizens
Lords
Prisoners
Those convicted of electoral corruption barred for 5 years
Compulsory detained in a psychiatric hospital

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17
Q

What were the two types of constituency before 1832 and who could vote in them?

A

Counties-only those who owned freehold property worth 40 shillings (£2)
Parliamentary boroughs-freeman status or Potwallopers (had a large fireplace in their house which could hold a large cooking pot)

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18
Q

Issues with voting before 1832

A 
Plural voting
No women
Seat distribution didn't match population distribution
Rotten and pocket boroughs
Total electoral-approx 400k men
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19
Q

1832 reform act

A

Abolished rotten boroughs and gave seats to new industrial towns for first time e.g Manchester
Votes for some tenant farmers and smallholders in counties alongside 40 shilling freeholder
Uniform franchise qualification-£10 householder. Allowed those living in properties of that rentable value to vote
Electorate increased to 650,000 (5% adults)

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20
Q

1867 reform

A

Enfranchised 1.5mn men
Male urban householders and lodgers paying £10 year for unfurnished accommodation could vote
52 seats redistributed from small towns (pop <10k e.g Chichester) to growing industrial towns or counties e.g Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds who saw rep increase from 2 to 3 MPs
UoL given seat

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21
Q

1884 franchise act

A

Gave counties same voting rights as boroughs
5.5mn could vote but 40% men still couldn’t due to status
1884, 67 and 32 did nothing for women regardless of wealth

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22
Q

Representation of the People Act 1918

A

Men 21+
Women of property 30+
Electorate increased to 21mn-8.4 were women (40% ‘stake’ in vote)
22% women over 30 couldn’t vote because they didn’t own property (working class)

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23
Q

Representation of the people act 1928

A

= voting rights for women

21+ voting age

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24
Q

Plural voting 1948

A

Abolition of 12 separate uni constituencies

Increase of no. MPs to 613

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25
Representation of the people act 1969
Extended vote to 18+
26
Arguments FOR votes at 16
``` Discussed it so much but nothing has happened Gain other sig rights Seeking a voice elsewhere e.g gangs Young people like to change things Engages youth Disenfranchisement-connect w/ politics Prejudice historic and now Quality of votes Other countries do it Young people's lives affected by govt but can't choose them Gives youth a voice ```
27
Arguments AGAINST votes at 16
Young people do have a voice-discussing ideas lots doesn't mean its a good idea. People in power have no incentive to give the vote Marriage restricted, age of full consent 18. Two personal, one is society. Unrelated Bit extreme-people can vote+are in gangs. Having a vote doesn't change anything Opinions change as you age. Unaware of faculties of world (idealistic+no real world experience). Small stake-1.5mn Politics isn't on UK curriculum-don't know about it. Could be influenced by parents, are people with the vote engaged? 16 y/o become 18 eventually, women will never compare too men Little change to 18-busy w/ education Just because other countries do it successfully doesn't mean it will be the same here-different society Same as younger people-not just youth as well e.g prisoners, mental patients Youth Parliament-gives voice
28
What are pressure groups?
Groups who try to influence public policy in interest of particular cause Exist because UK is pluralist democracy Organised groups of people who come together, usually outside govt, w/ common cause e.g RSPCA, 38 Degrees, Greenpeace
29
Pluralism
Belief in commitment to diversity or multiplicity Suggests society is diverse and power is widely dispersed PG help ensure diversity recognised and dispersed power Rod Rhodes, Wyn Grant No power concentrated in elite or ruling class
30
Elitism
Some individuals w/ intellect, wealth, specialised training or experience or other distinctive attributes are those who's views on a matter are to be taken most seriously or carry most weight Views/actions most likely to be constructive to society Small minority (economic elite and policy planning networks) hold most power of which is indy of state's demo process Members of elite able to extert sig power over policy decisions of both major corps and govt e.g David Marsh, Martin Smith
31
What are the 4 types of PG?
Local/national/European/transitional Temp/perm (single/multi issue) Interest and cause groups Insider/outsider
32
Interest groups
``` Promotes interest of a particular section of society RESTRICTED membership Members have own interests to promote Strong contacts w/ govt CBI, NFU, TUC, BMA ```
33
Cause/promotional groups
Seek to advance particular ideals or principles OPEN membership Members motivated by moral or altruistic concerns (betterment of others( WWF, RSPB 5mn members of enviro groups e.g Greenpeace due to publicity of concerns over recent years Promote causes/values Less influential w/ govt
34
Cause group sub-types and what they are
Attitude-change people's attitudes on issues e.g Greenpeace Political-aim to achieve political goal e.g electoral reform Sectional=aim to protect section of society but open membership e.g NSPCC
35
Insider groups
Regularly consulted by govt depts Legit interests and viewed by govt as 'experts' Restraint=small, incremental change rather than widespread 'Prisoners'=rely on govt e.g Welsh Tourist Board 'Low profile'=BTS pressure e.g NT 'High profile'= consciously use media e.g RGN
36
Different types of insider groups and what they are
Core=two way relationship w/ policy makers e.g NFU Specialist=more narrow area of experience e.g WWF Peripheral=rarely needed by govt due to interests e.g Dogs Trust Ultra=reg consulted by ministerial or senior level within executive e.g NFU
37
Outsider groups
Not really consulted by govt Aim is winning public opinion so govt can't ignore them eg XR, Greenpeace Potential insiders=only need acceptance from govt e.g Charter 88 Groups who are outsider by choice, lack political sophistication e.g Fathers4Justice
38
Barriers to democracy
'Participation won't make a difference' Lack of faith in politicians and political process Nobody represents issues important to them Lack of info/understanding Unable to vote-16/17 PGs emerge as a result. Groups of citizens who share common interest in an issue and promote through a variety of actions
39
Strengths of PGs
Pluralist demo=gives citizens another voice in decision-making process Counter tyranny of majority by lobbying on behalf of minority Bring expert knowledge to govt attention on issues-MPs/ministers not experts on everything Enable people to participate in political process inbetween elections Keep govt on toes and encourages govt to be responsible, democratic and answerable. Act as limit to govt power Promote debate and educate and inform electorate. Ensure healthy debate occurs
40
Weaknesses of PGs
Not accountable to public as whole Reduced power of Parliament and sovereignty by working closely w/ ministers/civil servants. Parliament sees leg all but decided Make country difficult to manage and govern. 'Hyper-pluralism' shows difficulty a govt might encounter when it is perplexed by a multitude of PGs blocking their actions
41
Do PGs empower citizens and contribute to society?
More people belong to PGs rather than PPs PGs speak up on issues that politicians don't discuss PGs raise awareness on issues between elections PGs didn't exist->politicians can ignore large number of issues PGs can raise immediate issues w/ politicians Citizens able to bring about political change via PG involvement Involvement-chequebook membership, signing petitions, demos, volunteering
42
Negative opinions of PGs
Too much influence, concerned about narrow issue Politicians pay too much attention to PGs, all of which are unrep PGs undemo and use non-demo processes Insider group exert too much power and influence to detriment of whole pop Politicians too concerned w/ immediate headlines and over--react to every protest
43
Access points for PGs
``` Govt Parliament EU Media/public opinion Devolved assemblies and local councils PPs Courts ```
44
Insider PGs access methods
Access key decision-makers e.g PM Provide specialist info and advice when govt is considering new leg-access to influence G Target and influence specific MPs, Lords, EU
45
Outsider PGs access methods
Public campaigns e.g matches and demos to put pressure on G Publicity stunts Social media e-petitions, internet Celebs to contribute to news and current affairs Civil disobedience and illegal activities
46
Forms of direct action
Civil disobedience-refusal to obey laws Public activity becomes involved w/ politics instead of voting or using rep Matches, demos, strikes, sit-ins, illegal actions, leaflets, boycotts, lobbying
47
What can affect the success of PGs?
Insider status Social status Wealth-fund campaigns and hire expensive lobbyists Celeb endorsement Public support Size-PGs w/ mass membership more likely to be successful
48
PGs examples
Cams for Climate change-outsider, inform about CC. 2008 camp in Kingsnorth nr Kent. Broad membership Greenpeace=NGO, enviro. Founded 1971. Causal group. Broader membership. 5mn members. Global warming, deforestation, overfishing. 1978-seal slaughter in Scotland, stopped this. 2020-illegal to kill seals. 2019-fracking in the north Population matters-causal. Enviro sustainability. More people born->worsening CC. Promotes smaller families. Controversial-'anti-religion+family' NFU-largest agricultural PG. Insider. Gets farmers voices heard. 2017=back British farming to boost economy. Stuart Clarke-president
49
Functions of PGs
Education-use media and celebs to educate and spread info. Seek to pass comment on govt policy Expertise-bring in experts, scientists, analysts etc to raise cases Policy formulation-give govt advice, info and ideas. Generalist so listen to them. Policy network-NGOs, govt, lobbyists etc/ Undemo. Bigger PGs have lots of influence w/ members Policy implementation-NFU+DEFRA carry it out. Farm subsidies-lot of leverage. Some PGs too close to govt-unfair on other groups
50
RSPCA
TV show-dog rescuers. Adverts to raise awareness on things like animal welfare+ethical breeding Advises govt as they are animal experts. Part of policy network-one of bigger PGs Insider-lots of leverage. Involved w/ passing of Acts e.g Hunting Act 2004
51
BLM UK-case study
Managed to get Sewell Report even if it wasn't result they wanted. Group didn't actually achieve its aim of racial equality but did raise awareness Used media to air marches, protests and removal of rhodes statue. Somewhat mixed view. Empowered citizens-black people had a voice. Contributed to demo by using right to protest and people power
52
PG methods
Using MPs-paid consultancy posts e.g appts to boards of companies Private members bill-promotion e.g abortion law reform Select committees-give evidence and influence final report delivered to Parliament Lords-secure detailed amendments. Can even reject leg, delaying it and forcing govt to think again Courts-challenge executive decisions e.g Countryside Alliance w/ fox hunting ban in high court+court of appeal. Also taken to ECHR-'infringed human rights'-who can reverse govt decisions. embarrass govt and enforce changes in policy or practise
53
How is political participation measured in the UK?
Voter turnout Party membership/other non-political orgs Surveys of public attitudes e.g 2019 GE-67.3% turnout, Tories won 43.6% vote. Brexit-72.2% turnout Scot Indy-84%
54
Trends in party membership
``` Tories had 3mn between '40s-50s All have decreased over time 2008-Labour>Tory Labour-400k members, double tory numbers Corbyn dramatically increases membership-popular w/ youth voters ```
55
PG membership
National trust-4mn members | Some are orgs as well as PGs-joining doesn't show political participation (may join for perks)
56
Hansard society political attitude by social grade 2018
AB and c1 knowledgable about politics, c2 and DE aren’t as knowledgeable <40% across all satisfied with present system of governing <40% across all agree getting involved is effective
57
Public attitudes to poltiics
People are political spectators, not activists. Less than half engage in political action outside of voting and signing petitions 2/3 follow political news daily, half sometimes talk about it with family and friends Growth in disconnection not reversed but interest is undiminished. 17% trust govt, 38% in 1987. 57% believe voting is a civic duty. 32% say they have quite a lot of great deal of interest in politics Coalition govt became unpopular. Support for this principle heavily fallen since 2010 but has not generated greater concern about health of britains demo. 28% prefer coalition to single party compared to 45% pre coaliton
58
Improving democracy
``` Compulsory voting e.g Australia 59 to 91% E democracy Vote at 16 Power of recall-ability to sack MP Electing lords Change voting system for ge More refs Citizens juries-12 to 20 citizens gathered to advise govt ```
59
Compulsory voting
Aus since 1924 Have to enroll, attend polling system, name marked off electoral roll as attending, mark ballot paper and place in ballot box Failure results in $20 fine Up to individual how paper is marked-not explicitly said that a choice has to be made 2010 Tasmanian election-335,353 turnout, 6000 fined (2000 paid) Postal vote available if difficult to attend polling station. Early or pre poll voting at voting centre available for those who might find it difficult to get to station on day
60
What could compulsory voting do?
Increase participation for local elections (dangerously low) to Westminster elections Practical possibility-other countries done it Generate increased legitimacy from participation levels Catalyst for wider civic duties in society May extend citizens understanding of issues and functions of govt
61
E democracy
Political participation via electronics e.g Estonia Can be hacked Not everyone has access to phones or tablets Could make politics more divided Gauge public opinion by mini refs and e petitions Activate political debate via means such as FB or twitter Lead to greater levels of direct demo Hold politicians to account more if initiatives and recall could be part of e tech revolution Replace traditional methods of voting instead of going to polling station
62
What are rights?
Freedoms or entitlements
63
Positive rights
Require others to provide you with either a good or service e.g healthcare and education
64
Negative rights
Requires others to abstain from interfering with your actions e.g free speech and movement
65
Individual rights
Personal rights without interference from others e.g life, liberty and pursuit of happiness(Us Declaration of Independence)
66
Collective rights
Held by group rather than individual members. Historically used to infringe upon and facilitate Indy rights, concept remains controversial E.g freedom of speech can be used to discriminate or incite hatred against group of people
67
Human rights
Moral principles or norms which describe certain standards of human behaviour and reg protected as legal rights in both domestic and international law Inherent in all human beings regardless of nation, location, Lang, religion, ethnic origin, or other status Applicable everywhere and at every time in sense of being universal
68
Civil liberties
Personal guarantees and freedoms that govt can’t break by law or judicial interpretation w.o due process e.g free speech, movement, arbitrary arrest, assembly, association, and religious worship Liberties are freedoms guaranteed to protect us from tyranny, whereas rights are legal rights that protect individuals from discrimination-they often converge
69
British bill of rights pros
Get rid of rights that we don't think we need to protect under law Make own laws Regain 'Britishness' HRA provisions not tailored to UK needs Cannot amend rights according to circumstances e.g reduced ability to deal w/ asylum seekers ECHR has interfered w/ how UK deals w/ how UK deals w/ prisoners in gen e.g giving prisoners the vote
70
British bill of rights cons
Might not meet global standards of rights Can give govt too much power-complete control of rights Can be used to get rid of rights govt doesn't like Harder to hold govt to account-no ECHR Little checks and balances HR are universal and inalienable Create confusion as would remain a ECHR signatory-citizens can still go to 'Strasbourg'
71
Key milestones
Magna Carta 1215-church free from govt interference, all free citizens to own and inherit property and protection from excessive taxes. Right of widows who own property to not remarry, est principles of due process and equality before law of 'free man'. Provisions forbidding bribery and official misconduct Natural Rights Theorists 17-18th century-Locke, Immanuel Kant and Thomas Paine argue that people have 'natural rights' that are 'god given' e.g Locke argues that there are 3 natural rights-life, liberty, property HR developed from above post-WW2 in form of UN Declaration of HR 1948 and ECHR 1950
72
ECHR 1950
UK signed and ratified it 1951 but not incorporated into law meaning citizens could seek to challenge state actions via ECHR but decisions weren't binding in UK govt 1959-2014 court made 513 judgements relating to UK govt w/ 301 defeats However this ignores all cases lodged against UK dismissed at earlier stage HR record less alarming '96-'10, rate of apps leading to loss for govt 1.8%
73
Rights and liberties in the UK
Pre-1998 indy acts and judges interpretations in specific cases. No single doc stating UK citizens' rights Concerns Uk could ad did 'erode' rights and liberties over time e.g Criminal Justice Act '94+right to silence
74
HRA 1998
New Labour-ECHR into UK ;aw All UK law must be interpreted in a way compatible w/ HRA rights If Act breaches rights, courts can declare leg incompatible w/ rights. Doesn't affect validity of law Unlawful for public authorities to act incompatibly w/ HR and anyone whose rights have been breached can bring court proceedings against public authority
75
Equality Act 2010
Legally protects people from discrimination at work/in wider society. Replaced previous anti-discrimination laws w/ 1 act-easy to understand and strengthened protection in some situations. Sets out dif ways in which its unlawful to treat someone Prev leg e.g sex discrimination 1875, race relations 1976m disability discrimination 1995 Protected at: work, school, customer, using public services, buying or renting property, member or guest of private club or association Also protected if: associated w/ someone who's protected characteristic or if you've complained about discrimination or supported someone else's claim
76
Data Protection Act 1998
Indys can view info held on them and to correct any errors. | Restricted public authorities ability to publicise info they held on info w/o prior authorisation
77
FOI 2000
Indys power to access info held by public bodies | Exemptions from disclosure and decision to disclose remains w/ public body itself
78
Protection Freedom Act 2012
Reduced time allocated for detention of terrorist suspects to 14d w/o charge Tightened 'stop and search' powers
79
Justice and Security Act 2015
Created safeguards and controls around activities of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
80
Liberty-civil liberties PG
Insider PG who 'challenge injustice and defend freedoms' Protests, petitions, courts and status w/ policy makers to achieve aims, linked to belief in UDHR. Focus on: Resist facial recognition Stop policing bill restricting protest right Protest legal safeguards that allow ordinary people to challenge state bodies Challenge hostile enviro data-sharing eg eliminating loophole in equality act that prevented same sex couples have = pensions
81
XR
Outsiders-enviro change Concerned w/ civil liberties-campaign for right to protest and run training sessions teaching people their rights Not achieved core aims but raises profile of environmentalism and prompted some progress Govt must declare climate 'emergency' UK must legally commit to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 Citizens assembly must be formed to oversee changes
82
What is a Think Tank and who do they give advice to?
Group of experts from dif backgrounds who are brought together to investigate particular topics and to offer solutions to complicated economic, social or political issues e.g Tory shift to overtly free market orientated approach '70s owed a great deal to Thatcher's patronage of right wing think tanks such as centre for policy studies. Give advice to any party
83
Who are lobbyists and what is their purpose?
members of prof orgs paid by clients seeking to access govt, MPs or Lords. Gain influence on behalf of client, particularly when leg that affects their client is in consideration
84
Why are people opposed to lobbyists?
Elitism, bribery, corruption
85
Why has lobbying been in the media in recent times?
Undercover journalists have posed as lobbyists to entrap MPs w/ offers of financial rewards. Parliamentary code of conduct bars MPs from accepting money for agreeing to rep a viewpoint
86
What legal reqs did govt create for lobbyists in 2014?
Anyone lobbying on behalf of third party must register if their activities inc. discussing policy, leg or govt contracts w/ minister or senior civil servant During election periods must be reg if it can be reasonably regarded as intended to influence voting behaviour. Inv. for/against particular political parties or categories of candidates
87
What had happened before govt changed law on lobbying?
Problems w/ lobbying in Parliament. e.g Labour selection process in Falkirk and alleged shortcomings w/ influence of unite the union in that process
88
How much is spent on lobbying yearly and amount of employees?
£2bn. 4000 people
89
What is a corporation?
Large company/group of companies authorised to act as single entity and recognised as such in law. 'revolving door' process where senior politicians and officials take well-paid job in private sector once they leave govt service. Sus that they use knowledge and contacts to benefit interests of corps. ->Tax avoidance e.g Amazon, Starbucks Pandora Papers

Politics-component 1 (4 decks)

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