Democracy And Participation - Politics A-Level Flashcards
What is the translation of Democracy?
Rule By The People
What is Direct Democracy?
What is it’s origin?
Individuals express their opinions themselves, practical in a large modern state
Originated in Athens where males had the right to participate in decision making at public meetings
What is Representative Democracy?
People elect representatives who take decisions on their behalf. Representatives are expected to exercise their judgment. This is the usual form of democracy in the modern world
Representative Democracy
- Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
- All adult citizens have the right to vote for representatives
- Citizens pass their authority to their representatives
- Elections for representatives are free and fair
Direct Democracy
- Individuals express opinions themselves
- Citizens are more active in decision-making
- Non elective
Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Democracy
Advantages:
-Gives equal weight to all votes
-Encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties seriously
-Removes the need for trusted representatives, relives their responsibility
Develops a sense of community
Disadvantage
- Impractical in a large, heavy populated modern state where decision making is difficult
- Many people don’t want to, or don’t feel qualified enough, to vote
- Open to manipulation by the most articulate speakers, who will persuade people to support their viewpoint
- Minority viewpoints are disregarded
Advantages and Disadvantages of Representative Democracy
Advantages:
- The only practical system in a large modern state where issues are complex
- Politicians form parties, bringing coherence and giving people a real choice of representatives, this encourages a pluralist Democracy
- Reduces chances of minority rights being overridden by ‘tyranny of the majority’
- Elections allow people to hold representatives to account
Disadvantages:
- May lead to reduced participation as people hand responsibility to politicians
- Parties and pressure groups are often run by elites pursuing their own agenda, not truly representing the people
- Minorities May still find themselves under-represented as politicians are more likely to follow the views of the majority
- Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability
National Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote on a single issue usually requiring a yes or no answer
Britain have had 3 referendums:
Britain’s membership of the EEC/EU in 1975 and 2016
Whether to change voting system to AV in 2001
Democratic features of the UK’s political system
Free Media- Challenges government policy and exposes politicians
Independent Judiciary- Upholds the rule of law and protects a wide range of personal freedoms
Devolved Governments- Powers are transferred from UK government enabling more decisions to be taken to local people
Wide range of political parties and pressure groups
How is the UK’s system undemocratic?
Under representation of minority viewpoints due to FPP
House of Lords democratic legitimacy-Some members have been elected by prime ministers
Lack of protection for citizens rights
Control of sections of the media by wealthy, unaccountable business interests
Voter Turnout:
Uk General Elections?
Second Order Elections?
The average turnout at general election from 1945 to 1997 was 76% but it has been lower since.
Local election turnout at 33.8%
Party Membership
The Conservative party had just under 150,000 members by 2016 opposed to 400,000 in 1990’s
Labours membership during their 1997 reign was 190,000 but after Jezza Corbs leadership it’s risen to 515,000 by July 2016
Liberal Democrat’s had 70,000 members in the early 2000’s, falling to 49,000 during the 2010 coalition but in 2017 claimed 82,000
Is there a participation crisis
Yes:
Social media has enabled people to exchange political views without engaging in the real world
The idea of political apathy, a lack of interest for political views
The idea of political hapathy, where people are content and don’t see the need to push for change
There is a general lack of distrust of politicians due to pessimistic exposure
What should be done to reform the system?
- Changing the day for elections from Thursday to the weekend, as in mainland Europe
- Allowing people to vote anywhere in their constituency, rather than insisting on attendance at a particular polling station
- Allowing voting to take place over several days
- Encourage postal voting and allow e-votes, improving accessibility
- Reduce voting age from 18 to 16
Compulsory Voting vs Voluntary Voting
CV:
- Voting is social duty as well as a right, people should be engaged
- Would produce a more representative parliament
- Parties would run better and more inclusive campaigns knowing that it will receive more exposure
VV:
- It’s undemocratic to force people to make a choice
- It would not stop politicians focusing on their campaigning on marginal seats
- Compulsory Voting does not address the real reason people don’t vote
The Great Reform Act of 1832
How did it affect the electorate?
- Abolished the separate representations of underpopulated boroughs
- Granted the vote to some new categories of people
- Created a standard qualification for 5he franchise of boroughs
As a result, he electorate increased to an estimated 650,000
Describe the suffrage from 1800’s
1867- Borough Householders 1884- Rural Houseworkers 1918- All men over 21 and women over 30 enfranchised 1928- Terms for men and women equalised 1948- End of plural voting 1969- Voting age reduced to 18
Three main pressure groups
Sectional- Seek to promote the interests of an occupation or another group in Society. The members are normally restricted to people with professional qualifications.
Cause Groups- Focussed on achieving a particular goal or drawing attention to an issue or group of related issues. The members are just anyone sympathising with their aims
Social Movements- similar to cause groups but more loosely structured, politically radical and seek to achieve a single objective.
Insider groups and Outsider groups
Insider’s rely on contacts with ministers and civil servants to achieve their aims usually on issues reflective of governments. Eg. NUF (National Union of Farmers)
Outsider’s however are not consulted by the government. Their objectives may be so far outside political interest that they’re always ignored
Different methods of pressure groups
Pressure groups may also be able to lobby MPs, briefing them on issues of concern or giving evidence to committees
Outsider groups typically resort to less discreet methods to draw attention to their concerns. Whether that be online petitions or even staging demonstrations
Some groups use a combination of outsider and insider groups. For example, BMA has insider status but it has called strikes and caused less subtle disruption.
Factors that decide the effectiveness of pressure groups
Resources- A large membership who pay subscription fees means that the group is likely to have the financial resources to run offices. Eg. The RSPCA employs 1600 people
Tactics and Leadership- Experienced, capable leadership is necessary.
Eg. The RSPCA helped banning dog hunting in 2014
Public Support- Groups that mirror public opinion are usually more successful
Government Attitudes- Insider contacts with ministers are often the key to success
What are Think Tanks?
These are groups of experts brought together to investigate popular public topics.
They are an alternative source of ideas to the civil service.
What are lobbyists?
Lobbyists are members of professional organisations who are paid by clients seeking access to government.
Their purpose is to gain influence on behalf of their clients.
