democracy and participation Flashcards
what is meant by direct democracy
when citizens decide on issues themselves without relying on representatives
what is meant by representative democracy
a form of democracy where citizens choose representatives to make decisions and express views to those in power on their behalf
identify three functions of democracy
- representing the people
- holding those in power to account
- allowing for participation
- rights protection
- ensuring an educated public
in which form does direct democracy operate in uk
referendums
3 ways representative and direct democracy differ
- DD, decisions are made directly by the people, RD the people choose representatives to make these decision
- DD, there a votes on every major issue, RD, citizens can only vote in scheduled elections
- DD, ultimate power rests with the people, RD power rests with an elected chamber
what is meant by participation
actively taking par in something, in politics it requires taking action such as voting or joining a party
what has been the turnout in three recent elections
2019 - 67.3%
2017 - 68.7%
2015 - 66.1%
what is meant by democratic legitimacy
the power has been granted through a clear democratic process that is fair and meets the requirements of a democratic system
four examples of democracy
- eu referendum 2016
- av referendum 2011
- scottish independence referendum 2014
- welsh independence referendum 1997
explain 1 reason why participation in the uk’s system of representative democracy is potentially problematic
when turnout slow, those elected as a representative are chosen by a small proportion of population therefore only acting in the interests of some which means the decisions do not reflect the interests of the people
EXAMPLE why participation in the uk representative democracy is problematic
2001, New Labour won an sig majority with a turnout of 59.4%, this meant that only 26% of all possible voters had elected a government that made major decisions e.g. Iraq war and tuition fees that the majority may have not supported
how could direct democracy improve the problem of representative democracy
might make people think they have a more direct voice on an issue, people might be encouraged to pariticapte more in referendums which would boost turnout and legitimacy of decision making
example why direct democracy could improve the problem of representative democracy
EU referendum 2016 turnout 72.2%, higher than any election turnout since 1992. This shows that more people are more inclined to participate and vote if they feel their voice will be heard
explain one reason why direct democracy might not solve the problem of participation in a representative democracy
would only increase turnout when incomes to major issues people are passionate about so the public may be less inclined to vote, this may reduce turnout if direct democracy was used for all issues
EXAMPLEwhy direct democracy might not solve the problem of participation
av referendum 2011, 42.2% turnout, shows that when public are not passionate they are less likely to participate. This would result in smaller numbers of the voting public making decisions that impact everyone, not solving the problem of low turnout and legitimacy.
explain why voter choice may be a problem in the uk’s system of representative democracy
as on many issues major parties tend to agree on policy such as further devolution to Wales, which has been supported by the vast majority of parties. This means that people who oppose policies that many parties agree on do not have a viable candidate to represent their issue
explain with an example how direct democracy might improve voter choice
2011, welsh devolution referendum gave voters the opportunity to vote for or against further devolution, therefore everyone had a chance to express their opinion. they did not get this opportunity in 2010 where many major parties supported the policy of further devolution. Therefore the referendum voiced those opinions who wanted to not support devolution.
explain with an example how direct democracy might not improve voter choice
as in order to be effect most direct democracies come down to a yes/no choice thus restricting the range of options the public can vote for. e.g. scottish independence referendum 2014 many favoured devomax giver the referendum only asked them the choice of remaining in union or independent, this limiting choice as no option for greater nuance.
explain why democratic legitimacy may be a problem in the uk’s representative democracy
A number of mps are elected by a minority of voters meaning that over half the constituents who voted did so against the candidate who won the election. This is problematic as it means the representative is opposed by more people than supported by them undermining democratic legitimacy.
explain with an example how direct democracy might improve democratic legitimacy
this would likely ensure all decision are made with majority support. e.g. 2008, Manchester congestion charge: a clear majority rejected proposals ensuring minority didn’t impose a decision on the majority
explain with an example how direct democracy might not improve democratic legitimacy
as referendum results can come down to populist opinions which may not be good for society as a whole. e.g. Manchester congestion charge vote, the populist rejection meant the region’s didn’t gain access to £3 billion funding, which representatives supported as it was in the interests of the region, even if a majoirtywas opposed to it.
what electoral system is used in uk general elections
first past the post
identify three problems with the current uk electoral system
- not proportionate
- favours a two party system
- safe seats and minority seats
what reforms might solve the problems with the current electoral system
electoral reform
what is turnout
the percentage of registered voters who actually vote in an election/ referendum
identify two problems with turnout in the uk
- turnout is low below historic norms
- low turnout means decisions are being made by a minority if the total population in referendums
what reform might solve the problems with turnout
compulsory voting might solve the issues with turnout
how are members from the HoL chosen
they are nominated by the judicial appointments committee and are ultimately chosen by the prime minister on behalf of the monarch