Democracy AO1 Flashcards
What type of democracy does Switzerland have?
Direct democracy
Switzerland is not reliant on the political class, and laws have the people’s mandate.
How many signatures are needed in Switzerland to trigger a vote on a petition?
50,000 signatures
1% of voters’ signatures are required to trigger a vote.
What is the number of signatures required in Switzerland to propose a new law?
100,000 signatures
This can happen regardless of the government’s wishes.
What significant event regarding nuclear power occurred in Switzerland in 2003?
Switzerland voted against the provision of nuclear power
It was the first country to do so.
How many referendums does Switzerland have approximately each year?
About 4 referendums
This is an average count.
What was banned in Switzerland in 1895 that affected the Jewish community?
Ritual slaughter of animals
This limited Swiss Jews’ ability to secure kosher meat products.
What accusation arose from the 1895 ban on ritual slaughter in Switzerland?
Xenophobia
The ban led to accusations that Swiss referenda play into xenophobia.
What is the average voter turnout in Switzerland?
46.40%
This reflects the participation rate in referendums.
According to Plato, who are the only people equipped to govern?
Philosopher Kings
Plato believed that only certain elites have the capability to govern effectively.
Is the Constitution in the UK entrenched?
No, it is not entrenched
The Human Rights Act can be overturned.
What right does the UK have concerning the ECHR?
UK can withdraw from ECHR
This reflects the UK’s sovereignty in legal matters.
What does the Terrorism Act (2000) allow?
Detention of terror suspects without trial
This act raised concerns about civil liberties.
What did the Terrorism Act (2006) extend?
Holding period to 28 days
This was an extension of the detention period for suspects.
What restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Lockdown restricted rights to move freely
This affected many civil liberties.
What does the prohibition of voting rights for prisoners violate?
Right to vote
This has been a contentious legal issue.
What was the controversy surrounding Blair’s ID cards?
Removal of collective rights
This raised concerns about privacy and personal freedoms.
What happened in 2014 involving a Christian-run bakery?
Refused to make a cake with ‘Support Gay Marriage’ slogan
This case highlighted conflicts between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.
What policy did a Hindi school implement regarding admissions?
Rejected non-Hindi children
This raised questions about discrimination and inclusivity.
What is the significance of the Magna Carta (1215)?
Well protected
It is a foundational document for rights and liberties in the UK.
What flexibility does the Equality Act of 2010 have?
Moved with the times
This allows it to adapt to changing societal norms.
What must the UK judiciary consider regarding ECHR rulings?
Must take ECHR rulings into account
This influences legal decisions and rights protection.
What impact did legal rulings have on flights to Rwanda?
Prevented flights to Rwanda
This was a significant legal intervention regarding immigration policy.
What did the Human Rights Act do concerning ECHR rights?
Took 16 fundamental rights from ECHR and put them into UK law
This allows individuals to seek justice in UK courts before going to Strasbourg.
What is a consequence of wealthier pressure groups in the UK?
More funding and media coverage
This can lead to disproportionate influence on policy.
How is the BMA funded?
Through membership
This reflects the association’s reliance on its members for resources.
What potential issue could arise from Age UK policy changes?
May upset other age groups
This highlights the complexities of intergenerational policy.
negative
What can compromise and consultation between government and Pressure groups lead to?
A ‘deadlock’
This can hinder legislative progress.
What is the membership count of 38 Degrees?
Over 2 million members
What action did Cameron take regarding the privatization of UK forests?
Dropped plans after ½ million signed a petition
Who wrote the 2019 Tory manifesto?
Colvile and Mirza
What is the role of the BMA in health policy?
Input into health policy, issue briefings, start inquiries
What does BAE stand for?
British Aerospace
What is the purpose of The Howard League for Penal Reform?
Books for Prisoners
What was the aim of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in the 1980s?
Did not work
What event did the Stop the War coalition focus on in 2003?
Iraq War
True or False: RNT strikes were effective.
False
What is a consequence of pressure groups canceling each other out?
XR vs. The Oil Lobby
What was the government’s stance on BMA strikes?
Opposed by government
What did the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) criticize?
Brexit
What can judicial review overturn?
Decisions made by individual ministers
What did the 2015 Criminal Justice and Courts Act limit?
Role of Pressure Groups and Charities in Judicial Reviews
What became more accessible in 1998?
Human Rights Act (HRA)
What does the Freedom of Information Act require from all bodies?
Uphold positive rights
What significant act was passed in 2010?
Equality Act
What can courts issue regarding incompatibility?
Declarations of Incompatibility
What did Gillion and Quinton challenge in 2010?
Section 44 of Terrorism Act
What was the Gurkha movement’s method of protest?
Hunger strike
What does the safety of the Rwanda Bill propose?
Disapply sections of the HRA
Can Declarations of Incompatibility be ignored?
Yes
What does the 2022 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act restrict?
Unacceptable protest
What campaign was launched by 3 mothers in 1998?
Snowdrop Campaign (anti-gun)
What does PETA focus on?
Animal rights cases
What does the Electoral Reform Society advocate for?
Electoral reform
What is the role of the Muslim Council of Britain in government meetings?
Advocate for more representative policies
Why are pressure groups considered accountable?
They do in-depth research
What was the general election turnout for 18-24 year olds in 2017?
57%
Fill in the blank: 16-17 year olds are more easily influenced by _______.
media
What percentage of 16-17 year olds have a social media account?
94%
At what age do our brains fully develop?
25
True or False: 18 year olds were originally allowed to vote.
False
What significant event occurred in 2014 regarding voting?
Scottish referendum allowed over 100,000 16-17s to vote
Why should 16-17 year olds be able to vote according to arguments presented?
They can pay tax, join the army, are criminally responsible
