Democracy and participation Flashcards
Direct democracy
Political system in which decisions are taken by people rather than representatives acting on their behalf.
Problems with direct democracy
Not usually possible with large number of voters (e-voting may change this); people don’t want continuous participation; most people lack knowledge and expertise to make informed decisions.Aspects of it can be found in referendums (e.g., devolution 1997, AV 2011)
Representative democracy
Political system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions of government on their behalf
Difference between direct and representative democracy
Key distinction is between direct and indirect participation
Liberal democracy
Limited government. Minimal government regulation but the state encourages participation and protects the rights of citizens
Is the UK a pluralist democracy?
Yes as it allows public participation e.g., via pressure groups and parties which are free to express differing points of view. However, there is not equality of access and influence between competing groups.
Is the UK a parliamentary democracy?
Yes as the House of Commons is democratically elected and therefore governs by the will of the people.
Why are totalitarian regimes not seen as real democracies?
People are represented by a single individual or an elite group. Elections may be held but candidates who oppose the leadership are not permitted.
Referendum
Vote on a single issue put before the electorate by the government, usually in the form or a question requiring a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It may include more than one question (e.g., Scottish referendum asked about devolution and tax-varying powers).
Referendum vs initiative
Referendum is government initiated; initiative is when the electorate demands the right to be asked a question on an issue. Initiatives are used in many USA states
Why use a referendum?
They provide mandates for major constitutional changes, are a form of direct democracy and encourage political participation.
Why not use referendums?
• inconsistent with the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty• may result in voter apa thy and low turnouts, effective alternatives to test public opinion exist (e.g., polls).
Referendums are ‘devices alien to our traditions’. T or F?
True. Representatives are traditionally elected to govern on behalf of the electorate. But referendums help to legitimise major constitutional changes and give them a degree of permanence (entrenchment)
Referendum issues
1975: Continued membership of the EEC1997: devolution (Scotland, Wales)2011: Alternative Vote for Westminster elections2014: Scottish Independence2016: Leaving the EU (Brexit)
Why were these issues put to referendum?
1975: Labour was divided over Europe and this would supposedly unite the party.1997: major constitutional change seemed to require consultation2011: part of the coalition government agreement2014: major constitutional change seemed to require consultation
Referendums and democratic participation.
Referendums provide voters with an opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Other examples: over 30 local referendums on having mayors
Why hold local referendums on council tax and congestion charges?
Local councils need to know what people think about controversial issues. Feb. 2005: Edinburgh voters overwhelmingly rejected congestion charges by 3 to 1 (65% turnout)
Initiatives vs referendums
Referendums are top-down (initiated by central or local government). Initiatives are bottom-up from citizens, and citizens are increasingly making their voices heard on issues that concern them.
Should the UK allow the recall of elected officials?
Yes. Not currently used in the UK but will be used to allow voters to recall MPs in the light of the MPs’ expenses scandal.
Do referendums help democracy?
They have the potential to do so but low turnout suggests they are not doing so at present.
What is the case for more referendums?
Upcoming constitutional changes requiring consent (similar to AV vote). Future governments may be divided on important issues as Labour was in 1975 so the people should have their input.
The UK is democratic because…
Free and fair elections; parties and pressure groups operate freely; rule of law exists.
The UK is not democratic because…
Unfair electoral system; unelected House of Lords; not entrenched Bill of Rights.
Did the 2010 coalition government make the UK more or less democratic?
More democratic: it represents 59% of those who voted Less democratic: voters did not vote for compromise policies in the Coalition Agreement
