Democracy and Participation Flashcards
Legitimacy
The rightful use of power by pre-set criteria or widely held agreements
What is an example of legitimacy?
The government’s right to rule following an election or a monarch’s succession based on the agreed rules.
Pluralist Democracy
A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations.
(e.g. USA, Germany)
Democratic Deficit
A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy, not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input or subject to accountability.
Think Tanks
A body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic(s) – to investigate and offer solutions to often complicated and seemingly intractable economic, social or political issues.
Lobbyists
A lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government and/or MPs and members of the House of Lords to act in their clients’ interests, particularly when legislation is under consideration.
Franchise/suffrage
Franchise and suffrage both refer to the ability/right to vote in public elections. Suffragettes were women campaigning for the right to vote on the same terms as men.
Why is voting important?
It allows the voice of the public to be heard and fed through the system
Participation crisis
A lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens to relate to the political process either by choosing not to vote or to join or become members of political parties or to offer themselves for public office.
Why do people choose not to vote?
Some don’t because their direct view is not heard( don’t feel represented), or because some people don’t have access (e.g., the internet) to register to vote
In 1863, what did Abraham Lincoln describe democracy as?
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people”
What was the turnout in the 2024 election?
59.5%
What was the percentage won by labour in 2024?
33.7% of the vote
What percentage of the vote did the Opposition Conservatives win in 2024?
23.7%
Was the government of Rishi Sunak from 2022-2024 legtemate?
Partly, it followed the correct procedure for the government. But, the people didn’t directly vote for him
Is Kier Starmer’s government legitimate?
Yes, the people voted for Labour, and he is the leader of the party with the majority.
What is Direct Democracy?
Individuals express their own views as themselves
What are some modern examples of direct democracy?
Referendums, E-petitions, Consultative exercises
Criticisms of referendums
-Critics claim that the public are only asked to vote on referendums when the government wants them to
-ill-informed decisions
-weaken parliament- hinder party sovereignty
What are some examples of Referendums?
- Brexit- Leave EU referendum (52% leave)
- Change to Alternative Vote system 2011(67.9% no change)
- Irish legalisation of same-sex marriage 2015(62.07% legalise)
What are some criticisms of E-petitions?
-unclear ownership and responsibility, the pressure to respond was largely put on the HoC.
-minimal engagement with parliament, there was little chance it would be heard unless it got 100,000 signatures
-confused expectations- people are disappointed when they sign and there is no outcome
What are some examples of e-petitions?
- limit the sale of fireworks to licence holders (86k)
- Free parking for hospital staff (Rejected)
- death penalty (rejected)
Where was the first direct democracy?
Ancient Athens, where people could gather and vote directly
