Democracy and Participation Flashcards
What is meant by the term government?
The activity or system of governing a political unit. The set of institutions that exercise authority and make the rules of a political unit.
What is meant by the term executive?
The branch of government responsible for the implementation of policy.
What is meant by the term legislature?
The branch of government responsible for passing laws.
What is meant by the term judiciary?
The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and deciding upon legal disputes.
What is meant by the term elective dictatorship?
When there is excessive concentration of power in the executive branch of government.
The Westminster Model is a form of government in which Parliament is…
sovereign, the executive and legislature are fused and political power is centralised.
In the Westminster Model, the constitution is…
uncodified and can be easily amended.
The Westminster Model is a system of representative democracy which ensures that…
government is held accountable through elections.
What are two advantages of the Westminster model?
The government is accountable to parliament for its actions and to the people through elections.
The rule of law defends basic civil liberties and ensures that power is not exercised arbitrarily. Ministers and officials aren’t above the law.
What are two disadvantages of the Westminster model?
There can be elective dictatorship through parliamentary sovereignty, the single-member plurality electoral system and executive dominance of the legislature, so parliament can do whatever it wants.
Power is concentrated at the centre so decisions are not taken close to the people.
What is the definition of democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in which the major decisions rest directly or indirectly on the freely given consent of the majority of the adults governed.
What is direct democracy and give an example?
Every citizen is able to participate directly in decision making. Eg. in Switzerland residents gather four times a year to vote on decisions like pension plan. If a case gains 50,000 signatures within 100 days, it becomes a referendum voted by the public.
What is indirect/ representative democracy and give an example?
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them. Popular participation in decision-making is limited. These representatives are chosen and removed at election time. The electoral process gives citizens control over government. Eg. the House of Commons
What is majoritarian democracy?
This is a system whereby the will or desires of the majority of the population are the prime considerations of the government.
What is parliamentary democracy?
This is a system where parliament stands as the highest form of authority. The executive branch is drawn from and accountable to the people’s representatives in parliament.
What is presidential democracy?
This is a system where the executive is elected separately from the legislative body and is therefore chosen by and directly accountable to the people.
Why are democratic states legitimate?
Legitimacy is associated with political stability and order.
It arises from below, through the consent of the public, usually provided by regular and competitive elections.
It is based on rule-governed behaviour, in this case achieved through the existence of a constitution.
What are the features of democratic states?
Free, fair and frequent elections
Universal suffrage (right to vote)
Civil liberties (equal treatment under law)
Constitutional government
Free, independent media
Capitalist economy (liberal choice)
With genuine democracy, what is the advantage of direct democracy and disadvantages of representative democracy?
Advantage: People only have to obey laws they make themselves. Participation in government is freedom.
Disadvantage: People feel powerless about making change as they have little meaningful control over government.
With personal development, what is the advantage of direct democracy and disadvantages of representative democracy?
Advantage: Citizens become informed about how society works and how it should work.
Disadvantage: Infrequent voting means people are less likely to learn about alternative choices and their likely outcomes.
With end of professional politics, what is the advantage of direct democracy and disadvantages of representative democracy?
Advantage: It reduces/removes the public’s dependence on self-serving politicians, increasing public trust and development of long-term solutions.
Disadvantage: politicians are not socially representative of everyone and care more about winning elections than the people.
With legitimate government, what is the advantage of direct democracy and disadvantages of representative democracy?
Advantage: people are more likely to accept decisions they have made themselves, which means political stability.
Disadvantage: voter turnout in the UK is low and people are increasingly disengaged from politicians.
With practicable democracy, what is the advantage of representative democracy and the disadvantage of direct democracy?
Advantage: it can operate in large, modern societies, so it is a practical solution.
Disadvantage: it is only achievable in relatively small communities as it is hard to get together for meetings.
With division of labour in politics, what is the advantage of representative democracy and the disadvantage of direct democracy?
Advantage: it is more efficient as citizens are not burdened with day-to-day decision making.
Disadvantage: it’s restricts citizens’ ability to carry out other duties and work except politics.
With government by experts, what is an advantage of representative democracy and a disadvantage of direct democracy?
Advantage: politicians have greater expertise and education, so act in the public interest.
Disadvantage: many big issues don’t have clear solutions, so it is not sensible.
With political stability, what is the advantage of representative democracy and the disadvantage of direct democracy?
Advantage: it distances ordinary citizens from policies so they’re encouraged to accept compromise.
Disadvantage: losers may not see the choice as legitimate, creating division in society.
What does the term participation crisis mean?
Crisis in citizen involvement in political processes about government undermines the legitimacy of elected institutions.
What are the three key areas that show people are unwilling to engage with politics?
Not voting
Not joining political parties
Not engaging with politics due to high levels of dissatisfaction with the current political system
What evidence is there that we do not have a participation crisis?
Participation has shifted from voting to disillusionment and cynicism with conventional party politics. This compensates for low voter turnout and declining party membership.
What has been happening to turnout in the UK elections in recent years? Can you think of a reason which might explain the trend?
It’s becoming smaller because people are unhappy with the actions of political parties.
Which groups of people are participating more? Less?
More- Higher income and education, a managerial and professional jobs, degrees and skills
Less- semi-skilled and unskilled
How have voters responded to European and devolved assembly elections?
Voter turnout is consistently lower than for general elections. European Parliament was perceived as remote and lacking power. It is argued that if the devolved governments were given more power then more people would vote.
How have voters reacted to referenda (plural of referendum)?
The voter turnout is inconsistent. It’s high for matters of considerable historical importance, like the Scottish Independence Referendum, but low for others.
Which parties have lost members since the 1950s?
Conservative and Labour
What reasons are given for membership decline?
Conservative and Labour represented the middle and working class (respectively). The decline is because class structures are out-of-date, and other divides like age, ethnicity, education and income are more important.
Which parties have gained membership since the 1950s?
Liberal Democrats, Green, SNP and UKIP
What reasons are given for membership resurgence with the LibDems, Green, SNP and UKIP?
People turn to smaller parties away from Labour and Conservative. People can participate more widely into policy and voting for the party leader rather than being subscribed to the party’s clubs (social facilities). A change in a party’s political approach, eg. Jeremy Corbyn is more radical.
Why is the drop in party membership not a big concern?
Apathy is a sign of contentment for the political process. New forms of participation compensate for this, like signing petitions.
What are trade unions and is membership increasing or decreasing?
Organisation made-up of members who are mainly workers. They look after their interests at work by negotiating arguments and discussing big changes. Huge membership decrease to 6.23 million in 2016, as membership was 13.2 million in 1979. There has been an explosion for environment groups. In 2013, nearly one in 10 adults were part of a trade union.
Is membership increasing or decreasing for single issue groups?
There has been an increase as they are becoming more commonplace, such as through signing petitions.
What is direct action and is membership increasing or decreasing?
Used by social movements to participate in political issues, such as through peaceful protests. There has been an increase in membership which is shown by a mass participation. Eg. BLM Protests in 2020
What is political consumerism?
People buy products, like fair trade products, and boycott others to force brands to change and take more responsibility, eg. Fast fashion and anti-sweatshop consumerism.
What are petitions?
Campaign organisations like change.org
What are E-petitions?
The public can petition the House of Commons and press them for action from the government.
What is clicktivism?
The signing of online petitions is part of this, allowing individuals to promote a cause online or through social media. Eg. Contact elected representatives, share and comment on news stories and join crowdfunding activities
What are the benefits of individual participation?
People can express their own concerns rather than them being moderated by mass political parties. It engages people in politics in new ways that may revive democracy’s flagging fortunes. It especially gives young people a chance to get involved and be interested in politics. Without it, there would be a minority group showing interest, say now politics is more inclusive and representative.
What are the drawbacks of individual participation?
It’s a low level of engagement that requires little effort. They are no replacement for political participation like voting or joining a political party.
What is the first argument that the UK is suffering from a participation crisis?
There has been a long term decline in voter turnout in the UK general elections. There is also low voter turnout in other types of elections and referendums. Only 2/3 of registered voters actually voted in the 2010 general election.
What is the second argument that the UK is suffering from a participation crisis?
There has been a long term decline in party membership since the 1950s in the UK, particularly for the two major parties. There has been a decline in party membership for Conservative and Labour.
What is the third argument that the UK is suffering from a participation crisis?
New social movements undermine participation in political parties and voting, so reducing the legitimacy of our elected institutions. The anti-war movement and anti-capitalist movement undermine democratic participation such as working through elections, parties and Parliament.
What is the first argument against the UK suffering from a participation crisis?
There are more opportunities to vote in the UK politics, with a revival of turnout in general elections and strong engagements with referendums. In the Brexit referendum, the majority of the UK came together to vote.
What is the second argument against the UK suffering from a participation crisis?
There has been a recent revival in party membership on the quality of engagement in political parties is far higher than historically. Increase in party membership for SNP, Green Party, Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
What is the third argument against the UK suffering from a participation crisis?
New social movements have created mass engagement in politics in an era of protest politics. New forms of political engagement are replacing the more traditional methods of voting and party membership. Black Lives Matter Protests created a huge wave of interest and political participation as millions of people, especially the youth, got involved three protests, petitions and social media/ political consumerism.
What is meant by ‘the franchise’?
The ability and rights of someone to vote in an election.
How is the franchise extended in the UK?
Through Acts extended to new minorities.
What was the Great Reform Act and when was it?
1832- anyone who owned property worth more than 10 pounds could vote (the middle classes). Size of electorate=8%. Rotten boroughs were abolished and more seats were allocated to the new industrial towns.
What was the Second Reform Act and when was it?
1867- Anyone who paid rent worth at least £10 a year or owned a small plot of land (urban working classes and rural middle classes) could vote. Size of electorate=16%
What was the Ballot Act And when was it?
1872- introduced the secret ballot prevent voter intimidation and reduced corruption.
What was the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act and when was it?
1883- Rules were established for how much a candidate could spend on what they could spend the money on in a campaign, in order to reduce bribery in elections.
What was the Redistribution of Seats Act (third Reform Act) and when was it?
1885- Agricultural labourers (rural working class) could vote. Size of electorate=28%. This reallocated 142 seats from the South of England to the industrial centres of the north and Scotland. This broke the traditional dominance of the South in Westminster politics.
What was the Representation of the People Act and when was it?
1969- all men and women aged over 18 could vote. Size of electorate=97%
What are the requirements to vote in UK elections?
You have to be aged over 18.
Which four groups of people do not have the right to vote in the UK?
Under eighteens
mentally incapable
prisoners
a peer (he sits in the House of Lords).
What is plural voting vs. graduate voting?
Never enacted
Where people have more than one vote
John Stuart Mill said everyone would have a vote, however, the most economically able would have up to 5 (professional and business groups)
Abolished in 1950
A vote in the constituency where graduates lived, and another vote for a university MP. This is in return for having paid tuition fees. A socio-economic divide- against
living in 2 places- for
What are the 3 arguments for making voting compulsory?
-It would increase public participation at all levels. In Australia and Belgium, voting is compulsory ‘none of the above’ so turnout rates are typically between 93% and 96%, so participation and legitimacy also improve
-People might be more inclined to join a pressure group or political party, as they have a greater interest in political issues. This leads to improved education and participation
-The money raised from fines could be spent on public education programmes
What are 3 arguments against making voting compulsory?
-If it’s not compulsory, people wouldn’t be forced to vote for a candidate against their wishes. This undermines a fundamental British value
-People might not educate themselves and select a candidate at random
-Repeated forced voting could lead to public apathy and resentment
What are 3 reasons for 16 and 17 year olds having the right to vote?
-Young people want to be involved in political issues. In a survey conducted by the NUT, 75% of 18-24 year-olds said they’s definitely vote in the next election, also taught about democracy this way
-Political parties would have to adapt their policies to win the votes of young people, issues like tuition fees and welfare payments also impact 16 year olds
-Young people can be more informed than poorly educated adults and have many responsibilities already like facing criminal charges, can make them feel like more valued citizens so get more involved to keep politics alive
Starmer argues that lowering the voting age brings England more in line with Scotland and Wales, and helping people who serve the country
What are 3 arguments against 16-and 17-year olds having the right to vote?
-In 2017, 58% of 18-24 year olds voted, a rise from 43% in 2015. Voter turnout is typically low so would be lower with 16 year olds too. More important to increase voter turnout than lower voting age
-No evidence that it’ll lead to increased voter turnout. Youth turnout in the Scottish referendum was 75% of 16-18 year olds nut overall turnout in Scotland’s GE was still 66.4%. Parties are disinclined to focus policies on issues that affect young people
-The rights of 16-18 year olds are limited. Young people can only make their own decisions once they turn 18. Marriage requires parents’ permission, same with armed forces.
To what extent do you agree with John Hirst that prisoners should be given the right to vote in the UK?
I agree because a modern prison system is about rehabilitation and respect for the rule of law. Prisoners should have the right of citizens to vote as it complies with their human rights, but I only think this should be the case if their service is under a year. Democracy means that everyone counts. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the blanket ban on prisoners is a violation of the HRA 1998. There’s no evidence that loss of the franchise acts as a deterrent.
However custodial crimes should be punished by not having a say in how society is run. This prevents crime and enhances civic responsibility. This undermines the principle of justice.
The government’s compromise was that those wearing an electronic tag in the community and those on a temporary licence can vote.
What are sectional pressure groups with examples?
Groups that campaign for the interest of their members, or a section of society, eg. supporting doctors like the British Medical Association. Also like trade unions, eg. the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. Closed membership- only workers in specific occupation can join. They pressure for the best deal in wages and working conditions, eg. national education union
What are causal pressure groups?
They campaign for a particular cause or issue on behalf of those who are unable to campaign for themselves. Membership is open to anyone so relatively easy to join. They often aim to improve society in some way and may take the form of a charity, eg. the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or Oxfam. May carry out fundraising, raising awareness, research and education and putting pressure on those in power.
What’s the difference between a pressure group that has insider status and one which has outsider status?
Insider groups have a special relationship with the government and are given access to officials and decision-makers. Outsider groups do not have such close links with the government and may resort to activities that generate attention from the press in order to publicise their cause and put pressure in the government to take action.
Insider- national education union (teachers), RSPB
Outsider- extinction rebellion (disruptive, climate change), Just Stop Oil
What are lobbyists?
Groups that sell political knowledge and influence to their clients with a view to helping them achieve a desired goal.
They advise clients which committees in Parliament to consult etc., media strategy to gain public support, point in the direction of a favourable think-tank to provide relevant research to support campaign, arrange meetings with key players, selling seats next to them or lobbyist has direct access to person in power
What are think tanks and how do they impact governance?
Groups that focus on researching and developing policy ideas which may be used to persuade or influence those in power
What are the 6 reasons for success for pressure groups?
-Insider status- having close links to the government, insider pressure groups are able to advise and influence ministers directly as events are happening
-Wealth- Financial resources allow pressure groups to pay for things that may help promote their cause, eg. lobbyists, adverts and websites
-Large membership- lots of members means you control a large section of the electorate and have many people ready to take action in terms of signing petitions and organising protests
-Organisation- effective management and coordination will allow a group to maximise its resources and target them effectively to help achieve its goals
-Expertise- a pressure group that has knowledge and expertise in a particular policy area is more likely to be listened to and respected by the government and public
-Celebrity endorsement- a popular celebrity will generate press interest and raise the profile of a cause, and may help to draw new members
What are the 5 reasons for failure for pressure groups?
-The goal contradicts a government policy- if the government is determined to follow a particular policy then it’s difficult to persuade them to change their mind
-The government can resist pressure from the group- those in power can resist and effectively ignore a group’s campaign if they’re in a strong enough position
-Countervailing forces- a pressure group may find itself campaigning against another, more powerful/popular, pressure group which ‘wins’ the debate
-The goals of the group act against popular opinion- governments will be more inclined to follow popular feelings on an issue
-The group alienates the public- eg. a group that partakes in violent/criminal action will be regarded unfavourably and lose support for its goals
What are the reasons for and against think tanks?
For:
Beneficial for democracy as they carry out extensive research and release information to the public that helps to educate and inform the electorate. Provide impartial advice to government and draw up proposals in national interest.
Against:
They can publish poor-quality or misleading reports which are then repeated by the media and can lead to the public believing something that’s false and making decisions
What are the reasons for and against corporations?
For:
May pressurise government into pushing through more favourable legislation or financial assistance by threatening to relocate, and lobbying
Against:
Major (multinational) corporations like Amazon and Microsoft use their position to gain benefits from the UK government, acting in their own interest rather than national
What are the reasons for and against lobbyists?
For:
Can provide experts with access to the government to help develop and inform policy making
Against:
Creates an elitist environment where access to the political process goes to those with the most money
It allows wealthy groups to buy insider status
What type of pressure groups are RMT and PETA and their methods?
RMT- sectional insider
Promote and defend rights and conditions of members int he transport industry. Influential insider status as they were part of the Labour party until 2004- reduced with Tory. They put candidates up for elections, eg. in 2008 the union put up an anti-EU candidates to the European parliament and created a left wing party, the Trade Unionist and Social Coalition. They routinely use strikes to pressure TFL and social media for awareness BUT public have shown limited support or no sympathy due to strikes, court case rejected
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)- causal outsider
They work through public education, investigate newsgathering and reporting, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement and protect campaigns. They use provokative and controversial campaigns, eg. a woman protested topless as a dead goat outside a London Fashion Week venue, against the use of cashmere. Celebrities feature naked in adverts like Alicia Silverstone. They’ve rescued animals and provided them with shelters and surgeries.
What type of pressure groups are Greenpeace and BMA and their methods?
Greenpeace- causal insider NGO
Use lobbying, consumer pressure and mobilising members of the general public. Now increasingly using insider methods (lobbying politicians, holding consultative status at the UN). Recently staged a protest to prevent a ship carrying liquified natural gas from entering France. Political lobbying volunteers who keep in contact with MPs. Failures: 2011-12 they failed to prevent Caim energy from exploring gas reserves in Greenland as their methods alienated the public.
British Medical Association- sectional for doctors insider
Lobbying and campaigning. 190,366 members who they represent since 2023. Represent views of doctors and patients in parliament. They’re a contract negotiator for doctors. They use organised strikes with 1000s of workers and issue briefings to MPs and peers.
Doctors are on strike- alienates public.
What do pressure groups need to be successful?
It’s important for pressure groups to have public support, lots of members, wealth and insider status to be successful.
What are the 3 arguments with examples that pressure groups enhance democracy in the UK?
1) Education and participation- opposing pressure groups means a lot of information is provided for the public and those in power.
