Democracy in the UK Flashcards
Describe, in detail, two features of a democratic society
P: Government are elected by the people
E: A vote is held for the citizens to decide who will govern the country until the next election
E: In 2024, the labour party won the vote by 174 after winning 412 seats and receiving 9.7 million votes
P: People can criticize the government
E: Free speech is a fundamental feature of democracy/ the speak and critisize
E: Allows citizens to hold government accountable and advocate for change
Describe, in detail, two reserved matters for which the UK Parliament has responsibility
P: Responsible for immigration
E: Following Brexit, UK government designed a new points system regarding immigration to attract highly skilled immigrants
E: 70 points are needed to apply for work in the UK as an immigrant
P: Foreign policy
E: Government in Westminster handle foreign affairs including international relations and defence
E: UK government provided military aid to Ukraine following the Russian invasion and has imposed sanctions on the Russian State
Explain, in detail why the prime minister is more powerful
P: The power to appoint cabinet members
E: MPs have to do what they’re told what they’re told if they want a promotion to run a government department
E: Kier Starmer made Rachel Reeves the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he was elected as PM
P: Leader of the UK government
E: Leader of the largest UK party decides which policies are implemented in the UK
E: Kier Starmer pledged to introduce a fit for the future fund to reduce cancer waiting lists
Describe, in detail, two roles of the prime minister in the UK
P: To chair cabinet meetings
E: The PM meets with the cabinet every Tuesday at 12pm, 10 downing street, to discuss issues and plan for the future.
E: Kier Starmer uses these meetings to discuss UK economy and NHS waiting lists
P: Representing the UK as a country figure head
E: This involves meeting with other leaders, is the focal point in the UK and abroad
E: July 2024, Kier Starmer attended Washington Summit with other government heads of 32 members of NATO, their partner countries and the EU to represent the UK
Explain, in detail, two ways that the individuals can participate in the UKs democracy
P: Protesting
E: Aims to cause a disruption to gain traction from the public, media and government and get them to talk about the issue
E: “Just Stop Oil” covered Stonehenge in an orange powder as they want the government to commit to stop using fossil fuels by 2030 due to the impact on the climate
P: Joining a political party
E: Can join one of the main political parties such as Conservative, Labour or SNP, people can participate by financially helping by paying a monthly membership or giving cash donations
E: Anyone over 14 can join a part for the monthly fee of £5.17
Explain, in detail, two reasons why many people in the UK choose not to vote in elections
P: Living in a safe seat
E: Seat where the same political party almost always wins by a large number
E: 2024, David Hammy received 57,5% of the vote in Tottenham, a majority of 15,00. Prevents people from voting as result is “pre-determined”
P: Distrust in the political parties
E: View parties as very similar and cannot see the difference between party manifestos and leaders.
E: Contributed to the decline in voter turn out in 2024 when decreased by 7.4%
Explain, in detail, why some political parties election campaigns are successful during general elections
P: Use of social media
E: To reach a large number of voters, tell them about their policies
E: In the 2024 election, Labour had over 1 million followers and shared their priorities with voters
P: Having a positive party image with the public
E: Voters make decisions in an election based on overall impression of a political party.
E: In 2024, YouGov showed that Labour was viewed as more competent in economy, law & order and education
Describe, in detail, two ways in which political parties campaign during general elections
P: Canvasing
E: Parties go door-to-door to increase voter awareness of the party and its policies
E: May secure votes for the party as canvassers will explain party policies
P: Party Election Broadcasts (PEB)
E: TV or radio broadcast to inform viewers of party policies which will be implimented
E: In 2024, Labour had PEB called “change” where Kier Starmer asked public to vote for his party where he outlined policies such as reducing NHS waiting times
Describe, in detail, two ways that individuals can participate in election campaigns
P: Canvasing
E: Supporters of parties go door-to-door to increase voter awareness of the party and its policies
E: Labour supporters may have canvassed for Pamela Nash within Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke in 2024
P: Delivering leaflets to peoples doors
E: Leaflets will detail the parties policies and have info on the candidates
E: SNP party members distributed leaflets in Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke to encourage voters to re-elecet Marion Fellows as MP.
