Democracy and Participation Flashcards
All individuals express their options themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf. E.g. Referendum
Direct democracy
A form of democracy in which an individual selects a person (or political party) to act on behalf to exercise political choice.
Representative democracy
A Direct democracy: (3things)
1) Individuals express opinions themselves
2) Citizens are more active in decision making
3) Not elective
A Representative democracy: (4things)
1) Citizens elect representatives from to make decisions on their behalf
2) All adult citizens have the right to vote for representatives
3) Citizens pass their authority to representatives
4) Elections for representatives are free and fair
A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of the interplay or various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations.
Pluralist democracy
A direct vote on a single issue, usually requiring a yes or no response.
Referendum
3 UK referendums (examples of direct democracy)
1975 Vote on membership of EU
2011 Vote on change of voting system for Westminster parliament
2016 Vote on membership of EU
The Recall of MP’s Act 2015 (example of direct democracy holding representative to account)
Allows a petition to be triggered if an MP is sentenced to be imprisoned or suspended from the HOC for more than 21 days. If 10% of the eligible voters sign then a by election is called.
Who does the government derive its legitimacy from?
Consent of the people
5 positive democratic features in the UK political system
1) Free media
2) Independent judiciary
3) Devolved governments
4) Free and fair elections
5) Wide range of political parties and pressure groups
4 reasons why the UK political system is undemocratic and is causing a democratic deficit.
1) Under-representation of the minority viewpoints due to FPTP
2) House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy
3) Lack of protection for citizens rights
4) Control of sections of the media by wealthy, unaccountable business interests
A lack of engagement with the political systems for example where a large number of people choose not to vote, join a political party or stand for office.
Participation crisis
Reasons why there may be a participation crisis:
Voter turnout
Party membership
The ability or right to to vote in public elections
Franchise/ suffrage
3 main types of pressure groups
Sectional
Cause
Social movements
2 broad kinds of pressure groups
Insider
Outsider
Factors relevant in deciding in deciding effectiveness of pressure group activity
Resources
Tactics and leadership
Public support
Government attitudes
A group of experts from different backgrounds who are brought together to investigate particular topics and to offer solutions to complicated economic, social or political issues.
Think tanks
Members of progressional organisations who are paid by clients seeking access to government, or to MP’s and members of the HOL.
Lobbyists
Major milestones in the development of rights in the UK
Manga Carta 1215
The European Convention of Human Rights 1950
The Human Rights Act 1998
The Equality Act 2010
The ultimate political power; in the UK’s democracy, the electorate holds this power which it delegates to parliament.
Political sovereignty
Deportation case study on Human Rights Act
Abu Qatada
