Democracy and Political Participation Flashcards
What is legitimacy?
Widely recognised authority, the right to exercise power.
3 ways consent can be conferred?
1) Free elections
2) Good turnouts in elections
3) Distinct law of popular dissent
What is citizenship?
> The enjoyment of civil liberties
> Right to carry out duties or obligations e.g. politically active
What is democracy?
Any system of government when the people have access to independent information and are able to influence government decisions, accountable to the people.
3 features of modern democracy
1) Peaceful transition of power
2) Free and fair elections
3) People have access to independent information
3 features of direct democracy
1) People themselves make decisions
2) People are directly consulted on decisions
3) People may take initiative in creating change
3 features of representative democracy
1) People elect representatives
2) People delegate power to representatives
3) There are political parties that represent different views
3 ways representation works in the UK
1) Operate through MPs - constituent link
2) Parties represent particular sections and views of society
3) Through pressure groups
3 features of pluralist democracy
1) Multiple parties and associations are allowed to operate
2) Different political beliefs are permitted and allowed to flourish
3) Many sources of independent information
3 features of liberal democracy
1) Individuals are well-respected
2) Strong constituents limit government power
3) High political toleration
3 pros of representative democracy
1) Most don’t have time for political engagement so representatives work on their behalf
2) Representatives may have more knowledge
3) Representatives are accountable
3 pros of direct democracy and referendums
1) Important decisions can be strengthened with people’s consent
2) Referendums can educate the public
3) Allows for direct participation
3 cons of representative democracy
1) May be difficult to make representatives accountable in-between elections
2) Representatives may ignore constituents for personal gain
3) May lead to conflict only amendable through direct democracy
3 cons of direct democracy and referendums
1) Issues may be too complex for the public
2) People may vote emotionally
3) Low turnout could derive from voter fatigue
3 examples of the use of referendums
1) AV vote in 2011 - vote NO
2) Brexit vote in 2016 - vote YES
3) Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement - vote YES
3 ways democracy can be enhanced
1) Voting in local elections
2) Referendum votes
3) Taking part in political consultation exercises
3 examples of decline in political participation
1) Declining turnout
2) Falling party membership since the 1980s
3) Activism in political parties is decreasing
3 arguments for compulsory voting
1) Turnout increased
2) Forces political thought
3) Results have more legitimacy
3 arguments against compulsory voting
1) Abuses political freedoms
2) Results may be seen as unofficial
3) Costly
3 arguments for votes at 16
1) Makes the young politically aware
2) Improves political identification
3) Makes political education relevant
3 arguments against votes at 16
1) 16 may be too young
2) Many may not vote
3) There may be a distortion of party policies to attract the young
3 arguments for e-democracy
1) Greater access to political participation
2) Promotes more direct democracy
3) May increase turnout
3 arguments against e-democracy
1) Vulnerable
2) False information may easily circulate
3) Excludes the technologically impaired
3 examples of increasing political participation
1) Pressure groups are growing
2) Increased campaigning through social media
3) Growth in direct action
