Democracy And Participation

Question 1

What are two advantages of direct democracy?

Answer 1

1. Equal weight to all votes, unlike representative democracy, where constituency sizes vary.
2. Encourages participation by expecting citizens to take their duties seriously.

Question 2

What are two disadvantages of direct democracy?

Answer 2

1. Impractical in large, modern states due to the complexity of decisions.
2. Risk of manipulation by articulate speakers who can dominate debates.

Question 3

What is the democratic deficit?

Answer 3

A perceived deficiency in democracy where decisions are made by unelected or unaccountable bodies, reducing legitimacy.

Question 4

How does the UK suffer from a democratic deficit? Provide two examples.

Answer 4

1. The House of Lords is unelected, undermining legitimacy.
2. First-past-the-post electoral system leads to disproportionate representation in Parliament.

Question 5

What is a participation crisis?

Answer 5

A lack of engagement in politics, indicated by low voter turnout, declining party membership, or low trust in politicians.

Question 6

How did turnout for general elections change after 1997?

Answer 6

Turnout fell significantly after 1997, reaching its lowest post-WW1 level in 2001 (59.4%) but modestly recovering in later elections.

Question 7

What methods could reform the UK’s democratic system?

Answer 7

1. Lower the voting age to 16.
2. Introduce proportional representation for Westminster elections.
3. Devolve more powers to local governments or establish an English parliament.

Question 8

What is legitimacy in a democracy?

Answer 8

The legal right to exercise power, typically derived from elections and consent of the governed.

Question 9

What are the key features of a representative democracy?

Answer 9

1. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
2. Free and fair elections.
3. Authority is delegated to representatives.

Question 10

Why is direct democracy impractical in modern states?

Answer 10

Due to large populations, complex decision-making, and the need for rapid responses in emergencies.

Question 11

What is a national referendum, and give an example from the UK?

Answer 11

A direct vote on a single issue requiring a yes/no answer.

Example: The 2016 EU membership referendum.

Question 12

What is the Recall of MPs Act (2015)?

Answer 12

A law allowing constituents to trigger a by-election if their MP is sentenced to prison or suspended for more than 21 days, provided 10% of voters sign a petition.

Question 13

List two positive democratic features of the UK system.

Answer 13

1. Free and fair elections with minimal corruption.
2. A free media holding politicians accountable.

Question 14

What is under-representation, and how does FPTP contribute to it?

Answer 14

Minority viewpoints are under-represented as FPTP produces a mismatch between votes cast and seats won.

Question 15

What are the arguments for and against compulsory voting?

Answer 15

For: Increases participation, ensures diverse representation, and encourages informed citizenship.
Against: Undemocratic to force voting, doesn’t address deeper apathy, and risks spoiled ballots.