Democracy and Participation Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by Coercive power?
A
Exercising power through force of threat of force
Eg. A manager threatening pat cuts
2
Q
What is meant by political power?
A
The use of persuasion, institutions have the authority and legitimacy to activate having total power.
Eg. Policeman 👮♂️
3
Q
What is meant by influence?
A
A purely persuasive power, used via celebrities in the media.
Eg. Celebrities or role models
4
Q
What are the 3 types of political power?
A
Traditional
Charismatic
Legal Rational
5
Q
What is meant by traditional in terms of political power?
A
People who have the legitimacy and authority to uphold political power
Eg. The Queen
6
Q
What is meant by charismatic in terms of political power?
A
The ability to rule over people because of your personality
Eg. Jeremy Corbyn
7
Q
What is meant by legal-rational in terms of traditional power?
A
Gaining your power through a process
Eg Prime Minister
8
Q
What are the 5 features that help promote a pluralistic democracy?
A
MPs Referendums Political Parties Trade Unions Pressure groups
9
Q
What was the Conservative party membership in 2013?
A
140,000
10
Q
What was the Conservative party membership on 1952?
A
3,000,000
11
Q
What was the Conservative party membership in 1992?
A
1,000,000
12
Q
What was the Labour Party membership in 2017?
A
500,000
13
Q
What was Labour Party membership in 1952?
A
1,000,000
14
Q
What was Liberal Democrat membership in 2017?
A
90,000
15
Q
When was / what was the highest election result post war?
A
1950 - 84%
16
Q
When was / what was the lowest turnout result?
A
2001 - 59%
17
Q
What are the 4 types of democracy?
A
Direct
Representative
Pluralistic
Liberal
18
Q
What is meant by Direct Democracy?
A
Where the electorate express opinions of issues firsthand. It originates to ancient Athens where it meant “rule by the people”
19
Q
Give two examples of direct democracy
A
Referendums
2015 recall of MPs act
20
Q
What is meant by representative democracy?
A
Where representatives make decisions on the behalf of the electorate whom have passed over their authority in free and fair elections.
21
Q
Give 6 representatives?
A
MPs MEPs MSPs Lords/Peers Councillors Assembly members
22
Q
What are the 5 advantages of direct Democracy?
HINT - GREEC
A
- Develops community and debate
- Removes the need for representatives if they can make decisions for themselves
- Encourages people to participate
- Gives equal weight to all votes
- Educates people about the issue
23
Q
What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?
HINT - OUT DIM
A
- Minority viewpoints are often disregarded
- Open to manipulation
- Many feel unqualified to make a decision so usually left to activists
- Impractical in a large scale where decision making is complicated and expensive
- Democratic fatigue
- Too simplistic
24
Q
Give an example of why direct democracy is too simplistic?
A
The EU referendum did not represent the will of the people because the issue was more complicated than yes or no. Many are torn between a hard and soft Brexit and that should have been considered.
25
Give two examples of how people are uneducated for direct democracy
- The day after the EU referendum the most searched item of google was “what is the EU?”
- In California people voted for reducing taxes but were shocked to find cuts in public services not realising where their taxes went
26
What are the 6 advantages of representative democracy?
| HINT - PREPER
- Representatives are better educated on the issues they have to take into account
- Elections allow representatives to be held accountable
- Reduces the chances of minorities to be ignored
- Pressure groups form to represent different interests
- Practical to Handle complex and rapid decisions
- people lack time and interest to vote on issues themselves
27
What are the 5 disadvantages of using representative democracy?
HINT - CAMER
- Politicians can be corrupt and betray their election manifesto
- Avoid accountability as elections are only every 5 years
- May still underrepresent groups to help secure them a seat
- Pressure groups are run by elite follow mug their own agenda
- May lead to reduced participation
28
Give an example of how representative democracy is not accountable?
the prime minister may choose to hold an election early if they are polling well.
29
List 5 positive democratic features of the UK
- Referendums: Increases direct democracy
- Devolved Governments: Powers transferred allow more decisions to be made closer to home
- Independent Judiciary: Separate from other branches the protect individuals freedom
- Free and Fair elections: Free of corruptions and intimidation
- Free Media: All broadcast media has to be unbiased, it challenged government policy and misleads politicians
- Wide range of parties/pressure groups: increase pluralistic democracy
30
What is meant by Liberal Democracy?
A political system that attempts to
- Increase religious, political and intellectual freedom of all
- Maximise well being
- Reward society based on merit rather than privilege and status
31
What was Proposition 64 Colorado?
A 2012 Amendment legalising the production sale and use of Marijuana
32
What was the result of Proposition 64?
55.2% voted in favour of legalising marijuana. 10% tax was placed on the drug to fund regulation and install education into its use
33
What was Proposition 64 triggered?
In Colorado anyone can forward a referendum given the 2% of signatures/85,000. No further legalisation was needed as they are binding. The government could Veto, but chose not to.
34
What did the proposition mean for Colorado?
There was a change to the constitution and not anyone over the age of 21 could purchase, grow (up to 12 plants) of Marijuana
35
What type of elections have particularly low turnout?
Second order elections such as devolved bodies. The Average for England in May 2016 was 33.8%
36
Which two groups are more likely to vote?
Older people
| higher social economic groups
37
What are the 6 features that make the UK undemocratic?
- Democratic Deficit: some argue representatives are not subject to account
- Control of the media: Newspapers are owned by a certain number of individuals such as Rupert Murdock pushing a particular agenda
- Under Represents minority’s viewpoints: FPTP distorts National result such as UKIPs 12% vote and one seat. Safe seats also
- House of Lords: They lack democratic legitimacy because they are unelected, although crossbenchers ensures a range of professions.
- Lack of Social representatives: Only 34% are women. LGTBQ is underrepresented and ethnic groups.
- Lack of protection of rights: Governments can delegate parts of the act, and overrule them.
38
Suggest 5 ways in which the UK is facing a participation crisis?
- There are less formal ways in which we participate, Pressure group membership has increased especially on particular issues like the environment. E-petitions have also become popular with the 2007 E petition against road charging got 1.8 million signatures
- Society is now consumerist
- Depends upon the issue
- Direct action has become popular with people getting involved with demonstrations like against Iraq War
- People have apathy and hyapathy where people are dis interested and content with the current system
39
What is meant by Formal participation?
Representatives vote in referendums, are members and attend meetings. It is viewed as active engaging participation.
40
Give an example of formal participation
Hactivism - A person who gains unauthorised access to computer files to further political gain.
41
What is meant by informal participation?
A less active more common form of participation it includes activities like online activism
42
Give an example of informal participation
Clicktivism- a low intensity participation from a single click / flagging button such as like in Facebook. It requires little effort and is questionable as to whether it is considered participation because it lacks quality. It is considered feel good
43
What are the 4 major drivers of political disengagement?
Unrealistic public expectations
Negative media representation
Lack of accountability
Scandals
44
Give an example of a scandal that has caused political disengagement
2009 - Expenses Scandal
Featured MPs making false claims for mortgage repayments. The daily telegraphy published evidence of widespread abuse of the system that allowed MPs to claim for living costs. 5 MPs and 2 peers were sentenced. A 2015 Survey Found people trusted politicians the least, below estate agents
45
Suggest four reasons for voting to become compulsory?
- Voting is a social duty/ right so people should be engaged
- Produce a parliament that is more representative of whole population
- Politicians would have to run better campaigns and frame policies for everyone
- Voters are not obliged to select a candidate, spoiling your ballot is fine.
46
Suggest 5 reasons voting should not become compulsory
- In a preferential voting system is may lead to a candidate voting in rank order or choosing the comedy
- It is undemocratic and authoritarian to use force
- It would not stop politicians focussing on marginal seats and ignoring safe ones
- Compulsory voting ignores deeper issues as to why people choose to not vote
- Will not increase engagement
47
When was the Great Reform Act?
1832
48
What did the great reform act do?
It abolished rotten boroughs like Cornwall where wealthy aristocrats had homes so they could gain a seat there. You had to have land to vote, and £2 or 500 shillings. It also created new seats for urban areas like Manchester.
49
How many people could vote in 1832?
5%
50
How many people could vote and what changed in 1867?
13%
| Borough householders such as tradesmen and shopkeepers could vote
51
How many people could vote in 1884?
25%
52
What did the 1918 representation of the people act enable?
All men over 21 and women over 30 were eligible to vote.
53
What did the 1928 representation of the people act enable?
Terms for both men and women equalised. Both could vote at age 21
54
What did the year 1969 do for suffrage?
The voting age was reduced to 18. Though you couldn’t vote if you were a prisoner/mentally ill/ a lord or the monarchy.
55
How has the votes for 16 year olds been represented?
Votes at 16 campaign formed in 2003 were given a report conducted by electoral commission
Labour MP Julie Morgan sponsored the 2008 private members bill
The 2014 Scottish referendum allowed 16 year olds to vote
56
What are the 5 reasons for lowering the voting age?
- There’s a youth parliament, citizenship lessons and debates in school so they know about politics
- They have other legal rights like joining the armed forces
- it encourages discussion and participation. 3/4 of this age group voted in the scottish referendum
- They should have a say on issues that affect them for example tuition fees
- It could increase voter turnout as younger people are increasing their percentage of votes.
57
What are the 6 reasons for not decreasing the voting age?
- 16 year olds lack life experiences and maturity to vote. Few take part in youth parliament so votes would be determined by parents
- Some of these rights are limited for example parental consent to marry
- Scottish referendum had high turnout overall and 18-24 year olds have lowest turnout
- Few countries allow 16 year olds to vote, Norway, Brazil and Malta
- Public opinion is indecisive
- Lack political education
58
Give an example of a country that has allowed 16 year olds to vote
Norway 2011
They experimented with lowering the voting age. However the public knew they were being experimented on and so this caused the Hawthorne effect. It did not increase civic responsibility and was only short term
59
What are the 3 types of pressure group?
Sectional
Causal
Social movement
60
What s a sectional pressure group?
They seek to promote the interests of an occupation or a group in society and have restricted membership for example law society that is only open to solicitors in England and Wales
61
What is meant by a causal pressure group?
A pressure group that focuses on a particular issue rather than a group. They have open membership and may be short lived if they haven’t got a packet of aims.
62
What is meant by a social movement?
They are similar to causal groups but is loosely structured with no hierarchy and official members. They are politically radical and focus on one particular issue usually based on social media
63
What is the difference between insider and outsider pressure groups?
Insider Group - A group who has contacts to those in power such as a lord. Tend to have objectives in line with views of the government and are politically legitimate
Outsider group - largely excluded from consulting over important ideas and objects are from from the political mainstream. They lack resources and links to become an insider group.
64
Give an example of an outsider pressure group
38 degrees 2009
They are online and gauged 2.5 million members. Over 40 million actions have taken place over a variety of goals such as helping the EU prevent human trafficking. However some argue this is slacktivist as most actions are online and most members are unaware they are one.
66
What are 2 types of insider pressure groups?
Low Profile- For example Howard League for penal reform for example rely on discreet behind the scenes contacts rather that publicly
High Profile - CBI for example supplement lobbying with the use of media and are publicly involved
67
Suggest 4 ways an outsider group campaigns?
- Direct Action
- Email campaigns and petitions
- Public stunts
- Legal change against policies
68
Give an example of direct action from an outsider group?
They are not always peaceful, some who took part in the 2010 student demonstrations were prosecuted
69
Give an example of public stunts from an outsider group?
Black lives matter obstructed flight at London City Airport in 2016 to draw attention to the claim that ethnic minorities at more affected by pollution
70
What are the 5 ways in which an insider group can campaign?
- Access to an authoritative figure, may be asked to help draft legislation
- Lobbying
- Evidence to committees
- Sponsorship of an MP
- Research and Reports
70
Give a example of a pressure group that uses both inside and outsider ways of campaigning?
The BMA - British Medical Association is an insider group however faced with the Conservatives government determination to impose a new contract for junior doctors it indicated its support for strike action in autumn of 2016.
71
Give an example of evidence to committees as an insider way to campaign?
Liberty put forth views on counter terrorism policies.
72
What are the 5 ways that determine the success of a pressure group?
```
Resources
Tactics and leadership
Public support
Government attitudes
Being well organised
```
73
How do resources help the success of a pressure group?
Membership can help fund pressure group movements and resources like publicity, staff and offices. The size can also reflect well and allow governments to get persuaded that they reflect public opinion.
74
Give two examples of pressure groups having good resources?
RSPCA - employs 1600 people and thousands of volunteers and can afford a full page advertisement in a paper.
Campaign for Nuclear disarmament had 110,000 members in the mid 1980s but the thatcher government could afford to ignore its large demonstrations.
75
How does Tactics and leadership help make a pressure group successful?
Experiences leadership is vital. The RSPCA collaborates with two other groups to help secure a ban on hunting with dogs in 2004 so they were not competing. The EU can also have an important role.
76
How does public support create a successful pressure group?
If a Pressure groups agenda is in line with public opinion then it is likely to be more successful than those who alienate sympathisers. Media support and a celebrity is also influential.
77
Give two examples of how a successful pressure group using public support.
Snowdrop campaign was success in banning handguns because of public reactions to the Dunbane primary school massacre in 1996 killing 16 children and their teacher.
Joanna Lumleys support of retired Ghurka soldiers helped overturn government ban on their right to live in the UK
78
How does government attitudes help create a successful pressure group?
Inside contacts are key to success. Governments listen to those who have insider knowledge and who has common ground agenda.
79
How does being well organised help to create a successful pressure group?
The means to sophisticatedly generate a dramatic message is important for example the 2003 Iraq War protests.
80
Give an example of a successful sectional pressure group.
The BMAs van in smoking in cars carrying children
They made their case in 2011 on the grounds that passive smoking is harmful in confined spaces. They used online technology to lobby support and with compromise achieved its aims with also making a case go Labour Peer that introduced an amendment to the families and households bill in 2014
81
What is meant by a think tank?
A group of experts who generate single/collection of ideas. They add brought together to investigate particular topics and offer solutions to economic, social and political issues.
82
What impact do think tanks have?
They can be very influential on policy. Iain Duncan Smith creates the Centre for Social justice in 2004 to look for new solutions to the problems with people living in disadvantaged communities. Later during the coalition when he became work and pensions secretary he implemented the ideas such as universal credit.
83
When did thinks tanks really start to get used?
1970s
Thatchers free market approach was owed to Right wind think tanks like Centre for Policy studies and the Adam Smith Instatute
84
What are lobbyists?
They are members of professional organisations who are paid by clients to access the governments MPs or House of Lords.
85
How many people are employed as Lobbyists?
4000
86
What are the 5 major milestones for Human rights in the UK?
```
1215 - Magna Carta
1948 - Declaration of Human Rights
1950 - European Convention of Human Rights
1997 - Human rights Act
2010 - Equality Act
```
87
What was the Magna Carta?
Magna Carta 1215
Known as the Great Charter signed by King John it sets out the right to a trial before the jury and enshrines the foundations of human rights.
88
What was the declaration of human rights?
Declaration of human rights 1948
It was the first official modern document but was needed as it accounted for the holocaust and WW2. It instigated that human rights could not be taken away.
89
What was the European Convention of Human right?
European Convention of Human rights 1950
| It extended the 1948 legislation into Europe. It set out the right to life, education and expression.
90
What was the Human Rights Act?
Human rights act 1997
It incorporated the European Act into UK law. It could now be defended in the UK courts rather than Starsbourg reducing the cost and time of defending ones rights.
94
What was the Equality Act?
Equality Act 2010
| It Beaufort together earlier pieces of legislation like the equal pay act and sexual discrimination act.
95
What are TPIMs
They are terrorism prevention and investigations, or effectively tags placed of terrorists by the Home Secretary that the MI5 reasonably suspect.
96
What, according to the pressure group Liberty, are the 5 problems with TPIMS?
- They are unlawful as they are not necessarily guilty
- They’re unsafe, dangerous terrorists should be imprisoned
- They’re unfair as innocent victims may be convicted
- They go against justice and liberty
- There are alternative methods that ensure public safety
