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
identify three democratic problems with the HoL
- unelected
- unaccountable
- composition can be influenced by PM
what reform might solve the undemocratic problems with the HoL
one reform would be to make the chamber elected in full or in part
Explain why the electoral system used in the uk general elections may need to be reformed
as fptp can lead to safe sates where it is very unlikely that it will change hands. This makes it difficult to hold MP’s to account and for many people to express preferences for government this can lead to wasted votes and undermines democratic representation
how may reform to the electoral system solve problems
introducing a more proportional system with larger multi-member constituencies would give voters a bigger choice of representatives and a greater choice of having at least one representative who might share preferences. This ensures views more fairly represented in government
how may reform to the electoral system not solve problems
large multi-member constituencies might weaken representative because constituencies would become too large and diverse and it would not be clear which representative should be approached as not every one would be held to account.
explain why the issue of turnout might require reform of the democratic process
turnout is essential to engage and participate in a democracy ensuring all views are expressed. therefore low turnout is a problem as it means views and voices are being ignored undermining the democractic strength of our system
explain how reform might solve problems of turnout
compulsory voting would require to everyone to vote or face a fine. this would ensure a much higher turnout in all elections and referendums ensuing all views expressed and considered e.g. Australia
explain how reform may not solve problems of turnout
However, there is no guarantee the those compulsory voting would take it seriously as they could spoil there ballot. this could lead to fewer voters being engaged.
explain why the HoL may need to be reformed
as they don’t answer to the public through elections and therefore there is no way to hold them to account for their actions and laws they pas. they don’t answer to anyone undermining a key principle in a effective democracy of checks and balances of those in power.
explain how reform of the HoL may solve problems
making it a elected chamber would ensure members had to answer to the public thugs improving democracy by making peers accountable and responsible
define pressure groups
organised groups that seek to influence or put pressure on those in power
define think tanks
a group that carry out research and develop policy proposals
define lobbyists
political experts who sell their knowledge and access to the political process to those who pay for it
define corporations
business interests or companies that seek to influence politics in order to gain an advantage for themselves and also control a significant part of the economy
how do pressure groups support democracy + e.g.
They can enable minority views and interests to be brought to public attention and try to persuade public opinion to support a cause, pressuring the government into taking positive and popular action.
e.g. the national farming union (NFU)
how do think tanks support democracy + e.g.
They can provide expert advice and test policies that politicians may then consider and adopt with confidence. e.g. the national institutes of economic and social research scrutinising the 2020 budget
how do lobbyists support democracy
lobbyists can help smaller business and interests gain access to politicians and inform them of the need for legislation or consequences of it. This creates a dialogue between those in power and smaller interests helping aid a better informed government.
how do corporations support democracy + e.g.
they can advise govenemrnt on the impact of decision making offering them support. they can have direct knowledge of men sectors and use this knowledge to ensure a better informed government works in national interests e.g. Dyson worked with the government to provide ventilators during covid19
how do think tanks hinder democracy + e.g.
As they can provide false, misleading data to undermine the public debate. e.g. the IEA supported by British American Tobacco is critical of government policies to reduce smoking
how do pressure groups hinder democracy
As pressure groups with more money and resources can exert greater influence. This means groups that dominate the political debate have an unfair advantage seeing the government act under the influence of the most powerful
how do corporations hinder democracy + e.g.
As they act in their own and shareholders interest and therefore advise government on policy that benefits them, this attempts to influence the government in making decisions that suit the corporations rather than the people e.g. Vaarious corporations threatened to relocate their headquarters such as HSBC if the uk voted to leave the eu.
how do lobbyists hinder democracy + e.g.
As they offer access to those who can afford to pay, in trying to achieve political goals on behalf of a client rather than public interests. e.g. Cameron was hired by Greensill Capital during pandemic to secure government financing for their company
what is the franchise
the right to vote
where/when have 16-17 year olds already been allowed to vote in the uk
scottish independence referendum 2014
scottish local elections since 2014
in welsh senedd elections since 2020
identify three arguments for excluding 16-17 year olds from the franchise
- they lack maturity to vote appropriately
- very few pay tax so they aren’t entitled to vote
- they may be too radical and easy to influence to be trusted with the right to vote
identify three arguments fro extending the franchise to 16-17 year olds
- people can work from 16 and carry out other responsibilities
- increasing citizenship educations means many 16-17 year olds are much better informed
- if voting is an absolute right it shouldn’t be conditional on age/opinion
explain three reasons for extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds in the uk general election
- at 16 people can legally work so they may pay some form of tax or national insurance. if they are entitled to work they should be entitled to choose the government that will determine how the economy is run.
- citizenship education has ensured nearly all people 16-17 have a grasp of politics and political issues, this and they have understanding and knowledge therefore making an informed decision when casting a vote.
- voting is an absolute right so it should not matter if the young are more radical than other voters, this is also an assumption and by having opinion considered 16-17 year olds would influence the quality of a political debate
explain three reasons for not extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds
- the requirement that people remain in education for 18 years neared most people below 18 don’t contribute fully to society and the economic strength of the uk, therefore they are not entitled to or have a say in how the country is run
- despite education, maturity develops with age and 16-17 year olds don’t have the emotional maturity to make sensible decisions for the future
- voting is not always an absolute right in the uk e.g. prisoners. therefore people who vote should be full stakeholders who can be trusted to exercise their judgement.
what is meant by an individual right + eg.
a right held by an individual that cannot be abridge such as freedom of speech
what is meant by a collective right
a right held in common by a group of people
what is the human rights act
The HRA was a piece of primary legislation that brought the ECvHR into statue law to be ruled upon by UK courts
identify three rights that are protected under the equality act 2010
- rights to employment/ pay
- access to government services
- healthcare provisions
identify three ways in which the SCOTUK protects rights
- declaration of incompatibility with the HRA and ECvHR
- it can make decisions when different rights come into conflict
- it can interpret the meaning of rights in cases of common law
give an example of the SCOTUK protecting rights in UK
Ruling that different-sex couples were entitled to civil partnership on the same basis as same-sex couples
identify three ways in which pressure groups protect rights in the UK
- bring test cases to SCOTUK
- protest in support of key rights
- lobby govt for the protection of key rights
give an example of a pressure group protecting rights in the UK
2020, liberty used legal methods to persuade a local council to remove laws that had been used to target rough sleepers
Identify three ways in which parliament protects rights in the UK
- pass laws protecting rights
- challenge ministers over rights issues
- investigate cases of rights conflict through its committee system
SCOTUK - explain how it is effectively upholding rights
- in making rulings about whether or not legislation passed by parliament is compatible with the HRA, the SCOTUK ensures laws do not impinge UK rights
example of parliament protecting rights in UK
passage of equality act 2010 established clear rights for many groups in many areas
SCOTUK - explain how it is not effectively upholding rights
- they can only scrutinise law brought to it and the declaration is only advisory, the SCOTUK lacks any power to compel/override primary legislation passed by parliament
pressure groups - explain how it is effectively upholding rights
- they can campaign for rights protection by organising protests and demos which can change public opinion and force the government to implement greater rights protections
pressure groups - explain how it is not effectively upholding rights
- they rely on public support, so when campaigning for rights of less popular groups they are less effective at gaining public support and influencing government
parliament - explain how it is effective in upholding rights
- in passing laws that bring rights into statue law, parliament can ensure key rights are protected and that people can use the courts for protection
parliament - explain how it is not effective in upholding rights
- parliament relies on the executive and courts to ensure the rights are enforced in practice. after passing the legislation, parliament has little power to make it into a practical reality
