Democracy And Participation- The Franchise

Question 1

Franchise or suffrage

Answer 1

Both terms essentially mean the right to vote. In modern democracies suffrage is extended to all adults, with no groups excluded. A system which does exclude some or all citizens from voting cannot be described as democratic.

Question 2

What type of suffrage does the UK enjoy ?

Answer 2

Universal adult suffrage

Question 3

The principles of UK suffrage are as follows:

Answer 3

+ Everyone over the age of 18 has the right to vote in elections, save for a limited few such as convicted prisoners, people who are certified as insane and members of the royal family.

+ No groups are discriminated against in electoral law.

+ It is the responsibility of each individual to register to vote