Democracy and participation

Question 1

Direct democracy

Answer 1

Political system in which decisions are taken by people rather than representatives acting on their behalf.

Question 2

Problems with direct democracy

Answer 2

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)

Question 3

Representative democracy

Answer 3

Political system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions of government on their behalf

Question 4

Difference between direct and representative democracy

Answer 4

Key distinction is between direct and indirect participation

Question 5

Liberal democracy

Answer 5

Limited government. Minimal government regulation but the state encourages participation and protects the rights of citizens

Question 6

Is the UK a pluralist democracy?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Is the UK a parliamentary democracy?

Answer 7

Yes as the House of Commons is democratically elected and therefore governs by the will of the people.

Question 8

Why are totalitarian regimes not seen as real democracies?

Answer 8

People are represented by a single individual or an elite group. Elections may be held but candidates who oppose the leadership are not permitted.

Question 9

Referendum

Answer 9

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).

Question 10

Referendum vs initiative

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Why use a referendum?

Answer 11

They provide mandates for major constitutional changes, are a form of direct democracy and encourage political participation.

Question 12

Why not use referendums?

Answer 12

• 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).

Question 13

Referendums are ‘devices alien to our traditions’. T or F?

Answer 13

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)

Question 14

Referendum issues

Answer 14

1975: Continued membership of the EEC1997: devolution (Scotland, Wales)2011: Alternative Vote for Westminster elections2014: Scottish Independence2016: Leaving the EU (Brexit)

Question 15

Why were these issues put to referendum?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Referendums and democratic participation.

Answer 16

Referendums provide voters with an opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Other examples: over 30 local referendums on having mayors

Question 17

Why hold local referendums on council tax and congestion charges?

Answer 17

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)

Question 18

Initiatives vs referendums

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Should the UK allow the recall of elected officials?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Do referendums help democracy?

Answer 20

They have the potential to do so but low turnout suggests they are not doing so at present.

Question 21

What is the case for more referendums?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

The UK is democratic because…

Answer 22

Free and fair elections; parties and pressure groups operate freely; rule of law exists.

Question 23

The UK is not democratic because…

Answer 23

Unfair electoral system; unelected House of Lords; not entrenched Bill of Rights.

Question 24

Did the 2010 coalition government make the UK more or less democratic?

Answer 24

More democratic: it represents 59% of those who voted Less democratic: voters did not vote for compromise policies in the Coalition Agreement