Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

UK Politics > Democracy and participation > Flashcards

Democracy and participation Flashcards

1
Q

Functions of democracy

A 
Representation
Accountability
Participation
Power dispersal
Legitimacy
Education
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Positive aspects of democracy in the UK

A 
Free and fair elections
Turnout
Universal suffrage
The party system
Pressure groups
Parliamentary sovereignty
Devolution
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Negative aspects of democracy in the UK

A 
Unelected elements
Turnout
The West Lothian Question + EVEL
Flaws with FPTP
Lack of meaningful choice
Elitist pressure groups
Weaknesses of the Electoral Commission
Lack of entrenched rights
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Extensions of the franchise

A

The Great Reform Act 1832 (middle class)
The Representation of the People Act 1918 (women > 30)
The Representation of the People Act 1928 (women)
The Representation of the People Act 1969 (18/19/20)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Methods of political participation

A 
Voting
Campaigning for a party
Promoting a pressure group
Organising / signing a petition
Going on a march
Going on a strike
Contacting a representative
Standing for public office
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Modern developments in participation

A

e-petitions
Blogging
Social media

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Pro participation crisis in the UK

A

Electoral participation
Party membership
End of corporatism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Anti participation crisis in the UK

A

Increasing turnout
More parties
Pressure group membership
Social campaigns

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Types of pressure group

A

Sectional - Closed, self interested, advance / protect the interests of their members
e.g. Confederation of British Industry
Causal - Open, altruistic, promote a ideal / principle
e.g. Liberty

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Motivation for joining a pressure group

A 
Representation
Personal beliefs
Participation
Material benefits
Need
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Reasons for pressure group success

A

Insider status - Howard League for Penal Reform (2014 -books)
Wealth - British Bankers’ Association (Paid lobbyists to persuade ministers to cut corporation tax - 2012)
Large membership - RSPB (500,000 members - 2015)
Organisation - RMT - (Strikes to secure a bonus for members during the Olympics - 2012)
Expertise - AA (provided evidence and statistics to persuade government to increase penalty for using a mobile when driving -2016)
Celebrity endorsement - Joanna Lumley - Gurkha (2009)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Reasons for pressure group failure

A

Goal contradicts a government policy - BMA campaign against a 7-day NHS
The Government can resist the pressure - Stop the War Coalition v Iraq
Countervailing forces - Forrest v ASH (smoking)
Goal acts against popular opinion - Coalition for Marriage v gay marriage
Actions of group alienate the public - ALF / PETA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Types of democracy

A

Direct

Representative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Examples of direct democracy

A

Referenda
Initiatives
Petitions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Pro direct democracy

A 
Pure form of democracy
Increased legitimacy
Improves participation
Increases public engagement
Improves political education
It works in Switzerland
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Anti direct democracy

A 
Impractical
Tyranny of the majority
Undermines elected representatives
Low turnouts
Emotional responses
Populist outcomes
17
Q

Political organisations

A 
Parties
Pressure groups
Think-tanks
Lobbyists
Corporations
18
Q

Features of human rights

A

Absolute
Universal
Fundamental

19
Q

Reasons why there have been a growing number of conflicts between government and the judiciary

A

Introduction of the Human Rights Act has given judges more power to challenge government ministers

Introduction of the Human Rights Act has made it easier for ordinary people to use the judicial system to challenge government measures

The increased threat of terrorism has caused governments to take actions on the basis on national security which conflict with individual rights

Perception that ministers are attempting to expand their powers at the expense of civil rights and liberties

20
Q

Key ares of conflict between the judiciary and the government over rights protection

A 
Anti-terrorism
Deportation
Detention
Free speech
Anti-social behaviour
21
Q

Ways to improve democracy in the UK

A 
Compulsory voting
Reform of the voting system
Reform of the House of Lords
Greater recall of MPs
Reform of the House of Commons
Reforming the devolved system
Reform of the monarchy
Codifying the constitution
E-democracy
22
Q

Pluralist democracy

A

Government making decisions based on the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups

23
Q

Parliamentary democracy

A

Government drawn from members of parliament
Government held to account by parliament
Separated head of state and head of government
Unified system

24
Q

Presidential democracy

A

Government is elected separately from members of the legislature
Government held to account by the electorate
Possibility for divided government
Head of state the same role as head of government

25
Q

Pro Human Rights Act

A

Clearly enshrines rights in statute law

Legislation must comply with the Human Rights Act

26
Q

Anti Human Rights Act

A

Act not entrenched so can be replaced, as the Conservatives have proposed with a British Bill of Rights
Cannot overturn primary legislation in parliament
Can be set aside by government, e.g Following 9/11

27
Q

Pro representative democracy in the UK

A

Everyone is represented through a constituency MP
FPTP provides a clear winner for each seat
Britain has a variety of parties that contest elections - 10 in Parliament
New groups and parties can easily be created
Wide franchise
Pressure groups
Electoral Commission

28
Q

Anti representative democracy in the UK

A

Not all MPs have the support of the majority of their constituency
FPTP leads to wasted votes and unrepresentative outcomes in Parliament
Safe seats + only two parties in a position to form a government mean that there is a lack of real choice
Denial of the franchise to 16/17 year olds and prisoners
Low turnout
Internet allows parties to by-pass broadcasting restrictions

UK Politics (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions