Democracy and Political Participation

Question 1

What is legitimacy?

Answer 1

Widely recognised authority, the right to exercise power.

Question 2

3 ways consent can be conferred?

Answer 2

1) Free elections

2) Good turnouts in elections

3) Distinct law of popular dissent

Question 3

What is citizenship?

Answer 3

> The enjoyment of civil liberties

> Right to carry out duties or obligations e.g. politically active

Question 4

What is democracy?

Answer 4

Any system of government when the people have access to independent information and are able to influence government decisions, accountable to the people.

Question 5

3 features of modern democracy

Answer 5

1) Peaceful transition of power

2) Free and fair elections

3) People have access to independent information

Question 6

3 features of direct democracy

Answer 6

1) People themselves make decisions

2) People are directly consulted on decisions

3) People may take initiative in creating change

Question 7

3 features of representative democracy

Answer 7

1) People elect representatives

2) People delegate power to representatives

3) There are political parties that represent different views

Question 8

3 ways representation works in the UK

Answer 8

1) Operate through MPs - constituent link

2) Parties represent particular sections and views of society

3) Through pressure groups

Question 9

3 features of pluralist democracy

Answer 9

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

Question 10

3 features of liberal democracy

Answer 10

1) Individuals are well-respected

2) Strong constituents limit government power

3) High political toleration

Question 11

3 pros of representative democracy

Answer 11

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

Question 12

3 pros of direct democracy and referendums

Answer 12

1) Important decisions can be strengthened with people’s consent

2) Referendums can educate the public

3) Allows for direct participation

Question 13

3 cons of representative democracy

Answer 13

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

Question 14

3 cons of direct democracy and referendums

Answer 14

1) Issues may be too complex for the public

2) People may vote emotionally

3) Low turnout could derive from voter fatigue

Question 15

3 examples of the use of referendums

Answer 15

1) AV vote in 2011 - vote NO

2) Brexit vote in 2016 - vote YES

3) Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement - vote YES

Question 16

3 ways democracy can be enhanced

Answer 16

1) Voting in local elections

2) Referendum votes

3) Taking part in political consultation exercises

Question 17

3 examples of decline in political participation

Answer 17

1) Declining turnout

2) Falling party membership since the 1980s

3) Activism in political parties is decreasing

Question 18

3 arguments for compulsory voting

Answer 18

1) Turnout increased

2) Forces political thought

3) Results have more legitimacy

Question 19

3 arguments against compulsory voting

Answer 19

1) Abuses political freedoms

2) Results may be seen as unofficial

3) Costly

Question 20

3 arguments for votes at 16

Answer 20

1) Makes the young politically aware

2) Improves political identification

3) Makes political education relevant

Question 21

3 arguments against votes at 16

Answer 21

1) 16 may be too young

2) Many may not vote

3) There may be a distortion of party policies to attract the young

Question 22

3 arguments for e-democracy

Answer 22

1) Greater access to political participation

2) Promotes more direct democracy

3) May increase turnout

Question 23

3 arguments against e-democracy

Answer 23

1) Vulnerable

2) False information may easily circulate

3) Excludes the technologically impaired

Question 24

3 examples of increasing political participation

Answer 24

1) Pressure groups are growing

2) Increased campaigning through social media

3) Growth in direct action

Question 25

3 positives of democracy in the UK

Answer 25

1) Regular elections

2) Free media and independent information

3) Various freedoms, e.g. to vote, stand for office etc.

Question 26

3 negatives of democracy in the UK

Answer 26

1) Unelected institutions persist

2) FPTP makes elections unfair

3) PM has unmatched power

Question 27

3 arguments for replacing monarch with elected head of state

Answer 27

1) Elected head of state has democratic legitimacy

2) Elected head of state is accountable

3) Elected head of state could settle political deadlock

Question 28

3 arguments against replacing monarch with elected head of state

Answer 28

1) May destabilise politics

2) Too much power to the majority party

3) UK loses important piece of history

Question 29

2 arguments for elected second chamber

Answer 29

1) Increase legitimacy

2) Effective check on government

Question 30

2 arguments against elected second chamber

Answer 30

1) Less independent

2) Might check government excessively

Question 31

3 arguments for reforming electoral system

Answer 31

1) Alternate systems would be fairer, less wasted votes

2) Commons may be politically representative

3) Increase democratic legitimacy

Question 32

3 arguments against reforming electoral system

Answer 32

1) Proportional Representation would remove constituency link

2) Unpredictable consequences

3) Voters may find it difficult to adapt

Question 33

3 arguments for increased use of referendums

Answer 33

1) Increase political awareness

2) Purer democracy

3) Increase participation

Question 34

3 arguments against increased use of referendums

Answer 34

1) May result in voter fatigue

2) May find electoral issues harder to understand

3) Tyranny of the majority, minorities ignored

Question 35

3 arguments for introducing a codified constitution

Answer 35

1) Stop excessive power drift to the PM

2) Make citizens aware of the political system

3) Rights and freedoms are better protected

Question 36

3 arguments against introducing a codified constitution

Answer 36

1) Loss of flexibility

2) Destroy political traditions and so reduce public attachment

3) Too much power on unelected judges

Question 37

3 arguments for decentralisation of government

Answer 37

1) Small scale = more democratic

2) Government closer to the people

3) Strengthens local committees

Question 38

3 arguments against decentralisation of government

Answer 38

1) Variable state provision

2) Local government may be taken less seriously

3) Tensions between local and regional governments may increase