Democracy and Participation Flashcards
What is the difference between power and authority
Power- ability to influence somebodies actions to a degree by which they do something they wouldn’t otherwise do.
Authority- Right to influence someone’s behaviour and actions
What do we mean when we say that the govt is legitimate
legitimate- Whether it is accepted that a government has the right to hold power and legislate
What is democracy
The idea that political participation is equal with universal suffrage and that power resides with the people
What is direct democracy
When the public are invited to give their opinion on a specific political topic in the form of a referendum.
Examples were seen in many referendums such as those on devolution, independence, and Brexit
What is representative democracy
When the electorate devolves power to a representative to thusly act on their behalf. This is done through elections
What are the advantages of direct democracy
- genuine democracy
- responsibility is on people for the course of an action
What are the disadvantages of direct democracy
- Public might act against their own greater interest
- Tyranny of the majority might occur
- Wealthy minority could influence the outcome- Brexit
- Public are perhaps not enged enough
- Expensive
What are the advantages of representative democracy
- Practical
- public can benefit from expertise and experience of legislators to make decisions which are in the nations best interest
- public might not have time to make informed decisions or might be uninterested
What are the disadvantages of representative democracy
- representatives might not represent views of all constituents if they have to vote one way or another
- Parities and whips can sometimes have more sway than constituents
Are referendums binding on parliament or are they only advisory
legally speaking parliament is sovereign and hence cannot be bound by the outcome of a referendum however the political consequences would be significant
How much influence does parliament and the govt have over referendums
Brexit- UKIP forced lots of David Cameron’s hand.
Parliament calls the referendum and also produces wording for the referendum question
what are initiatives
Publicly backed referendums on a specific issue of topic
How are referendums different in America
in 24 states 8% of population can call for a referendum (initiatives) to tale place
what sort of issues are usually decided by referendums in the UK
Constitutional legal and deeply politicised issues.
Like devolution or Brexit.
Local councils can also hold referendums.
What sort of issues are voted on in US initiatives and referendums
In California tax policy and in the 2024 election there were also initiatives around the topic of abortion
Why has the use of referendums increased since 1997
- New Labours constitutional change needed specific local mandates
- more informed electorate due to the rise of social media
What happens if a single party wins a majority of seats in the house of commons
leader of that party is invited to form a government and then by convention gains the royal prerogative by becoming prime minister
What are the main differences between government and parliament
116 MP’s and Lords who had been chosen by the Prime minister to have formed a role in the running of the country
On the other hand the legislature is all of parliament
What are the main differences between parliamentary and presidential democracy
Parliamentary democracy- parliament monitors executive branch which is drawn from parliament
Presidential democracy- President isn’t a member of the legislature and doesn’t have to draw the cabinet from the pool of elected representatives.
If parliament is sovereign why are they so many other elections in the UK
Other institutions like the PCC, councils and local mayors do need to be elected.
What are the different theories for ho MP’s should represent their constituency
Delegate- mouthpiece
Trustee model-
Mandate
Aside from voting how wiles can we participate in our representative democracy
E- petitions
Writing to MP’s
Activistum
campaigning
visiting MP’s
Pressure Groups
How has turnout changed in UK elections changed in recent decades
Lower turnout since WW2
Lowest turnout is in election like the Police and Crime Commissioner
Why is turnout important in representative democracy
Turnout translates into legitimacy and mandate
