Democracy and Participation Flashcards
define direct democracy
All individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf. This type of democracy emerged in Athens in classical times and direct democracy can be seen today in referendums.
Advantages of direct democracy
-Gives equal wight to all votes, unlike a representative system where the varying sizes of constituencies means that votes do not all have equal value.
-Encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties as citizens seriously.
-Removes the need for trusted representatives, as people can take responsibility for their actions.
-Develops a sense of community and encourages genuine debate.
Disadvantages of direct democracy
-Impractical in a large, heavily populated modern state where decision making is complicated.
-Many people will want to or feel required to take part in decision-making, so political activists decide what happens.
-Open to manipulation by the cleverest and most articulate speakers, who will persuade people to support their viewpoint.
-Will of the majority is not mediated by the parliamentary institutions, so minority viewpoints are disregarded.
Define representative democracy
a form of democracy in which an individual selects a person (or political party) to act on their behalf to exercise political choice.
Advantages of representative democracy
-The only practical system in a large modern state, where issues are complex and often need rapid response e.g. deployment of troops.
-Politicians fro parties.bringing coherence and giving people a real choice of representative.Pressure groups form to represent different interests, promoting debate and encouraging pluralist democracy.
-Reduces chances of minority rights being overridden by ‘tyranny of the majority’.
-Elections allow people to hold representatives accountable.
-Politicians are (in theory) better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view.
Disadvantages of representative democracy
-May lead to reduced participation as people choose to hand responsibility to politicians
-Parties and pressure groups are often run by elites pursuing their own agendas, not truly representing the people.
-Minorities may still find themselves under-represented as politicians are more likely to follow the views of the majority to secure election.
-Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability, especially as general elections are usually five years apart in the UK
-Politicians may be corrupt and incompetent, may betray election promises or put loyalty to their party
before responsibility to the electorate.
