Democracy and Participation Flashcards
What is Democracy
Democracy refers to a society where the people have real influence over the political decisions that will affect them
What are the key features of Democracy
The people have real influence over the political decisions that will affect them
The government is accountable to the people
There are free and fair elections so the the government is considered to be legitimate
Different beliefs, political parties and political associations are tolerated
The media are free and independent
The rights of citizens are legally guaranteed
There are legal limits to the powers of the government, established by a constitution and an independent judiciary
What are the 2 democratic systems
- Direct Democracy
2. Representative Democracy
What is Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy is a form of democracy where all individuals express their opinions and not through representatives acting on their behalf
Where did the system of Direct Democracy originate from
The system of Direct Democracy originated in Ancient Athens where adult male citizens had the right to take part in decision-making at public meetings
What are the features of Direct Democracy
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Give an example of Direct Democracy
Referendum
What is Representative Democracy
Representative Democracy is a form of democracy in which an individual selects a person (or political party) to act on their behalf to exercise political choice
What are the features of Representative Democracy
There are regular free elections so all adults can vote or stand for office. (Its is arguable whether UK elections to Westminster are ‘fair’ given the FPTP electoral system distorts party representation)
Elected representatives can be made accountable in various ways to the electorate
There is a legislature, whose role is to represent the people
Governments and heads of state are elected by the people
There are elected assemblies at every level- National (The UK Parliament House of Commons), Regional (The Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies) and Local (Councils). These assemblies debate and discuss issues. The House of Commons is the nations debating chamber therefore the UK can be described as a Deliberative Democracy
There are political parties to represent different political beliefs and various sections of the community
Political associations and pressure groups are free to operate and campaign and have access to government, therefore the UK can be described as a Pluralist Democracy
Give an example of Representative Democracy
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What are the advantages of Direct Democracy
It is the purest form of democracy because the peoples voice is clearly heard
It distributes power widely among the population and so prevents a concentration of power into few hands
It means that the decisions may be more acceptable to the population. This can help to settle an issue which has been causing social divisions and conflict
It increases popular participation and therefore enhances democracy- this is particularly useful if there is a participation crisis
Referendums and consultations are a form of political education for the general population
Referendums can ‘entrench’ or safeguard important constitutional changes. In the absence of an entrenched constitution some of the most important changes to the UK have become effectively entrenched by referendums
What are the disadvantages of Direct Democracy
It can lead to the ‘tyranny of the majority’, whereby the winning majority ignore the interest of the minority
Many issues may be too complex for the people to understand
Direct Democracy often creates an emotional rather than a rational response from the people and the media
Direct Democracy can be distorted by wealthy groups who have more influence
If required to participate too much the population may become politically ‘fatigued’ and apathy will grow
What are the advantages of Representative Democracy
Representative may have expert knowledge and experience which the general public does not possess
Representatives are more likely to make rational judgements than the population who may become swayed by emotion
Representatives are democratically accountable which helps them behave responsibly
The people cannot be continuously involved in politics and so can delegate their power to representatives
Representatives can mediate between the interests of different sections of society. This avoids the ‘tyranny of the majority’
What are the Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
Representatives may not accurately represent the views of who they claim to represent
Elected representatives may be more interested in party politics than in the national interest
Parties may exercise too much control over their elected members
The UK electoral system (FPTP) produces a highly unrepresentative result
What are the differences between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy
With Direct Democracy the people themselves make political decisions, while with Representative Democracy decisions are made by elected members of councils, assemblies and Parliament
With Direct Democracy decisions are made by referendums while, with Representative Democracy decisions are made by government and elected assemblies
With Direct Democracy the people decide on single issues, while with Representative Democracy the people choose between full political programmes at elections rather than on single issues
