Democracy in UK Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Scottish Parliament established?
A
1999
2
Q
What are the Scottish Parliament responsible for controlling?
A
The devolved powers in Scotland
3
Q
Name a devolved power
A
- Education
- Tourism
- Police and fire services
- Sport
- The Arts
4
Q
Name a reserved power
A
- Immigration
- Broadcasting
- Defence and national security
- Constitutional matters
- Forgien policy
5
Q
What is the annual budget for the Scottish Parliament and what is used to calculate this?
A
£37 billion from Westminster called the ‘Block Grant’ calculated by a ‘per head of population’ calculation called the Barnett Formula
6
Q
What is changing about Scotland’s budget?
A
The Scotland Act 2016 gives tax raising powers to Scotland which means that the ‘Block Grant’ will only account for half of the Scottish budget
7
Q
Powers included in the Scotland Act 2012
A
Airguns - owners must have a licence
Drink driving - stricter limits introduced
8
Q
Why was there an independence referendum?
A
The SNP manifesto contained a commitment to holding a referendum on independence. In May 2011 they won an outright majority in The Scottish Parliament (69/129). The date for the referendum was set with almost two years notice.
9
Q
Why was the Scotland Act 2016 introduced?
A
Just three days before the referendum leaders of the pro-union parties made a vow that if Scotland remain in the union significantly more powers would be devolved. this came in the form of The Scotland Act 2016
10
Q
Powers included in The Scotland Act 2016
A
Tax raising powers
Policing of railways
Abortion
11
Q
The Independence referendum - date and result?
A
18 September 2014
55% NO
45% YES
12
Q
What is the West Lothian Question?
A
A question posed by an MP from West Lothian - Tom Dalyell. Questions the fact that an MP from Scotland has the right to vote on matters affecting education in England but an English MP has no say of Education in Scotland.
13
Q
What is EVEL?
A
English Votes for English Laws
Introduced by David Cameron to reduce powers for MPs from Scotland at Westminster.
14
Q
What did people make of the Scotland Act 2016?
A
Good:
- It gave the Scottish Parliament the ability to legislate in a number of important areas.
- Gave Scotland tax raising powers
Bad:
- The vow has not been delivered - huge number of powers reserved by Westminster
- SNP not impressed does not go as far as they wish
15
Q
What 4 levels are we represented by in Scotland?
A
- Local Councillors - 1227
- Members of The Scottish Parliament (MSPs) - 129
- Members of the UK Parliment (MPs) - 650 (59 Scotland)
- Members of the European Parliment (MEPs) - 73 (6 Scotland)
16
Q
EU Referendum (Brexit) Result
A
72% Turnout
- 9% Yes
- 1% No
17
Q
What are some pressures on political representatives?
A
- The whips
- Pressure groups
- Constituents
- The media
- Their own conscience
- Their party
18
Q
What are the whips?
A
People in each party responsible for for keeping each MP voting in line with party (many will be tempted to vote against party in the interest of their constituents)
19
Q
What is the whip system?
A
The whip sys†em is used in a weekly document sent to MPs. Each item is underlined to show its importance - 3 underlines means your attendance is necessary regardless of the circumstances.
20
Q
Why is the ‘archaic’ whip system in need of reformation?
A
Many believe that proxy voting needs to be introduced in certain circumstances.
Labour MP Naz Shah had to be wheeled through HoC in her pyjamas after a car accident - an experience she described as humiliating.
Jo Swinson, fellow MP, was also required to be present despite being 9 months pregnant and living in Glasgow.
21
Q
What is Federalism as an alternative to the governance of Scotland
A
- Federalism involves a written constitution which separates powers between a central federal government and state governments.
- Disputes are settled by a constitutional court.
- The UK states would be Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
22
Q
PROS of Federalism
A
- The USA, Germany, Canada and Australia already have federal systems of government.
- It would make the UK have a single codified constitution the UK would benefit from this modernisation
- It would be devo-max plus for Scotland, devolved power but not independence
23
Q
CONS of Federalism
A
- There is a huge disparity in the size and needs of each ‘state’
- 85% of the UK population lives in England
- The state could also be outvoted by the three smaller states
- The house of lords would need abolishing (even trying to reform it has proved difficult)
24
Q
PROS of Independence
A
- Independence is a natural form of government for any country
- Scotland is a country not a region and therefore should have full economic and political powers of any country
- Scotland has the population, skills and resources needed to be successful (oil)
- Scotland would be welcomed into the EU
25
CONS of Independence
- Scotland don't know what currency they would use
- UK economy is better than Scotland being isolated (Scotland on it's own would not have recovered from the 2008 banking crisis)
- Scotland's oil will run out
- Wealth and opportunities are centred around London
26
What is full fiscal autonomy or devo-max?
All government spending would funded by taxes raised in Scotland. It would mean all financial ties with Westminster would be cut.
27
Explain the passage of a bill through parliament
-House of commons:
Readings and votes
Room for scrutiny
-House of Lords:
Readings and amendments made (can be sent back to HoC)
Room for scrutiny
-Royal Assent:
The Queen always signs the bills
28
What are adjournment debates?
30 minute dates at the end of each day where MPs can raise an issue of concern to constituents and require government to give a response
29
What are the limitations of adjournment debates?
There is very poor attendance at this time of day and barely any media coverage.
A very limited number of MPs are chosen to air their concerns.
30
What is a recent example of an adjournment debate?
Debate of regulations in the hairdressing industry which did receive some media coverage
31
What is PM's Question time?
One a week on a Wednesday for 30 minutes opposition and backbencher can question the prime minister about government actions. First 6 Questions go to the leader of the opposition.
32
What are the limitations of PMQ's?
There are no follow up questions so the level of scrutiny is superficial
Staged questions are often asked by members of PM's party
33
Recent example of PMQs?
Corbyn repeatedly asks Theresa May questions on her plans for Brexit deals
34
What are select committees?
Select Committees are groups of MP specialists of their field who investigate the work of government and hold it to account. They examine issues in detail and produce reports with recommendations.
35
What are the limitations of select committees?
They reflect the balance of power in Commons so government majority makes it hard to challenge ministers.
36
Recent example of select committees?
Work and pensions inquiry into the 'gig' economy
37
What are opposition days?
20 MPs each year are are chosen by ballot to put forward a new law of their choice
38
What are the limitations of opposition days?
Only 20 are chosen and few are successful are successful because lack of time and support from other other MPs.
39
Recent example of an opposition day?
SNP gained 3 opposition days in which they used 2 to discuss trident and the last to discuss refugees in Britain
40
How many peers are there in the House of Lords?
840
41
What was the daily attendance in the House of Lords in 2014/15
483 peers
42
How much can peers in the House of Lords claim in expenses each day?
£300
43
What are the functions of the House of Lords?
- To make laws
- To hold the government to account
- To provide independent expertise
44
What are the limitations on the House of Lords?
- They do not discuss money bills (tax and public spending)
- They can delay the passage of bills for only a year and if the government reintroduce it next year it can be passed without there approval
- They cannot vote against the second or third reading of a bill if it has been in the governments election manifesto (Salisbury Convention)
45
PROS of The House of Lords
- Important to revise and amend bad legislation before it becomes a law
- Lord's feels less obliges to 'toe the party line' as commons MPs
- No overall majority in the House of Lords
- Can be important in delaying hurried commons legislation
- More willing to debate controversial topics
46
CONS of The House of Lords
- It is undemocratic to have unelected people making decisions for our country
- The House of Lords costs £94 million each year to run
- The 26 Bishops don't reflects out multicultural society, religion has no place in politics
- The Prime Minister can just appoint whoever they want -'Tony's Cronies'. (David Cameron appointed 45 people including 26 former Tory ministers before resigning in 2015)
47
What does 'Primus inter pares' mean and who does it refer to?
It means 'first amount equals' an is used to describe the position of the prime minister
48
What are the powers of the Prime Minister?
- Head of The Executive, in charge of the civil service
- Oversees government policies
- Leader of their party
- Speaks on behalf of the government
- Representative of the UK to forgiven countries
- Power to appoint, sack and reshuffle the cabinet
49
Limitations on the power of the PM?
- Media attention can undermine their powerful image
- Need to retain the support of the cabinet (Theresa May's vote of no confidence shows real weakness in her)
- Needs to compromise regularly to show party unity (This didn't happen in Labour leadership - causing people to either be Brownites or Blairites.)
50
What is collective responsibility?
A way of operating in British politics that states that when a decision is made in parliament all cabinet members must follow the party line and not publicly speak out against it.
51
What is a minister who will not publicly support agreed cabinet decisions expected to do and is this democratic?
Resign and No it does not allow ministers to speak for their own beliefs.
52
Why and when did Boris Johnson resign?
July 2018 because he openly criticised the plans to Britain to leave the EU - an example of not following collective responsibility.
53
What are the main roles of civil servants? (Non political part of the executive - Defence, education etc)
- To give impartial advice to ministers
- To manage their department
- To implement decisions of the government
54
What is the role of local councillors?
- Meet and assist locals people in any issue they may have
- Attend local council meetings and make important decisions
- Attend local functions
55
The British democracy is representative and indirect what does this mean?
People do not rule of govern directly they are instead governed by the people they elect to represent them
56
What voting system is used for the UK Parliament (General Elections)?
First Past the Post
57
What voting system is used for The Scottish Parliament?
Additional Member System
58
What voting system is used for local government elections in Scotland?
Single Transferable Vote
59
Explain First Past the Post
Used for UK elections
Embodies the principle of ‘winner takes all’
Candidate with the most votes earns the seat
Does not need a majority
The political party with the highest number of MP’s in The House of Commons form the government
60
PROS of FPTP
There is a clear winner
Single party government, no need for compromise with smaller parties in coalitions, they can act upon their manifesto, mandate to govern
Prevents extremist parties
Provides a clear and direct link between MPs and their constituents
Easy to understand
61
What were the results and when was the referendum of whether FPTP should be changed?
May 2011 - 67% NO
62
Give an example of FPTP preventing extremist parties in Hoc
In 2010 the BNP won over half a million votes but no seats due to FPTP.
63
Give two example of clear wins due to first past the post
David Cameron in 2015, Tony Blair in 2005
64
CONS of FPTP
Unfair to smaller parties
A party can govern with less than half the countries votes
MP’s can be elected with a minority of voters
Votes are wasted
Not proportional
65
Give an example for FPTP being unfair to smaller parties
In the 2015 election UKIP gained 2.3 millions votes more than the SNP and only gained one seat compared to SNP’s 56
66
Give an example of a party governing with less than 50% of the votes due to FPTP
In 2005 Labour won the election with only 35% of the vote.
67
How many MPs were elected on less than 50% of the vote in 2015
In 2015, 331 out of 650 MPs got less than 50% of the vote in their constituency
68
How many Scottish votes were wastes due to FPTP in 2017?
1.8 million
69
Give an example of FPTP being disproportional
SNP gained 50% of the vote but 95% of the seats in Scottish election
70
Explain Additional Member System
Proportional representation
Hybrid system
Reduces the gap between % of votes and % of seats
TWO BALLOT PAPERS
Regional MPs (56) and Constituency MPs (73) - (129)
D’Hondt formula
71
PROS of AMS
More proportional result
Encourages small parties
More choice for voters
72
Give an example of how AMS is more proportional
Greens gained 4.7% of the seats on 6.6% of the vote
73
What was the 2003 Scottish Parliament known as and why?
‘rainbow parliament’ because it reflected so many views of large and small parties
74
In what two ways does AMS encourage more choice for voters?
Every voter has a constituency MP and 7 regional MPs to choose from when seeking help rather than just one person who may not share your views
More parties and individuals competing for seats in the second ballot – In 2016, Glasgow and the Lothians had a combined total of 23 people to choose from
75
CONS of AMS
Tension between regional and constituency MPs, no clear role hard to hold accountable and place blame
No by-elections – not democratic as the voters don’t choose replacement
Coalitions give disproportional power to small parties
76
Give an example of how coalitions give disproportional power to small parties
In 2016 the Greens only won 6 seats but their support is significant to SNP making them crucial in decision making despite not being voted into that position
77
Explain Single Transferable Voting
Used for council elections
Voters rank candidates
PR system
Candidates who reach a quota win a seat
78
PROS of STV
Proportional
Voters can choose within parties for the actual person they want representing them
No wasted votes, they are reallocated
Diverse representation
Coalitions – encourage compromise, increases % of electorate supporting governing parties.
79
Give an example of how STV is proportional
2017 Labour got 20% of the vote and 21% of the seats
80
How many independent councillors are there in Scottish Councils due to AMS?
168 independent councillors
81
CONS of STV
Multi-member constituencies (wards) confuse voters, lack of clarity over who is responsible
STV is too complicated
The link between constituent and constituency is lost as
Leads to coalitions – NOBODY VOTED FOR THAT -
82
What coalition is there in the Council of the Scottish Borders?
Conservatives and Independants
83
PROS of coalitions
- Encourage compromise (some of what you want less of what you don't)
- Increases % of electorate supporting governing party
84
CONS of coalitions
- Difficult to hold accountable
- Inherently unstable
- Smaller parties likely to have an influence beyond their popularity
- No one voted for a coalition
85
Name the long term factors affecting voting behaviour
- social class
- age
- gender
- ethnicity and race
86
Name the short term factor affecting voting behaviour
- leadership and party image
- party policies
- media
87
Explain the tradition social class patterns for voting in Britain
```
The working class would vote Labour
The middle class would vote Conservative
```
88
What is 'partisan alignment/dealignment'
Partisan ALIGNMENT refers to the situation in Britain forty years ago when voters tended to vote on class grounds - today there is partisan DEALIGNMENT as class is much less of a predictor on how people will vote.
89
What evidence is there for partisan ALIGNMENT 40 years?
Around 65% of the working class voted Labour and around 75% of wealthier classes voted for the Conservatives.
90
What evidence is there for partisan DEALIGNMENT over time?
In 1964 48% of people said they identified very strongly with a party, today the figure is only 17%
91
What link is there to social class and the 2014 independence referendum?
People in more deprived ares were more likely to vote FOR independence - 65% of people living in the most deprived ares votes yes compared to 36% of people in affluent areas
92
What was significant about the C2 (working class) group in the 2015 General election?
They same percentage (32%) votes for Labour as Conservative - a feel shift from previous years with the working class almost elusively voting Labour
93
Why would working class people vote for conservatives and what are they known as?
The Conservatives attack 'welfare scroungers' and are an appealing party to those on low incomes who resent paying taxes for 'skivers' who live off benefits - these people are called 'blue dog Conservatives'.
94
What link is there to the middle class and the EU (Brexit) referendum?
Social class AB (middle class) were the only class to have a majority vote for remain (57%)
95
What link is there to the working class and the EU (Brexit) referendum?
Nearly 2/3 (65%) of social class DE (working class) voted to leave the EU
96
What evidence is there for social class having very little influence on the 2017 General Election?
The same percentage of the working class and middle class voted for the Conservatives (44%)
97
Why do younger voters tend to vote for parties advocating for social change?
Despite being the most qualifies generation:
- They find it more difficult to get on the property ladder
- Have less well paid, secure jobs
- On zero hour contracts
98
Why do older people tend not to vote for parties advocating for social change?
They have had the benefits of the pre-austerity years, they often have:
- Money in the bank
- Pensions
- Equity in their houses
99
What is the link between age and voting behaviour in the Brexit Referendum?
73% of 18-24 year olds voted to REMAIN
| 60% of those aged 65+ voted to LEAVE
100
What is the link between age and voting in the 2017 General Election?
66% of 18-19 year old voted Labour
| 69% of over 70's voted Conservative
101
What link is there between age and voting in the 2014 Independence Referendum?
50% of under 55's voted YES
| 29% of over 65's voted NO
102
What were the traditional gender patterns in voting behaviour?
Men tended to vote Labour while women preferred Conservative.
103
What is a 'school gate mum' and why do Labour want their votes?
Middle class women would traditionally vote Conservative but these women increasingly have more work responsibilities, demanding lives as well family responsibilities (school gate mum). Labour wants these votes as they are an easy way for Labour to gain middle class votes.
104
How has the 2017 general election gone against traditional views of gender in voting behaviour?
More women voted Labour and more men voted Conservative - (marginally, there was hardly any difference showing gender has much less of an affect.)
105
What evidence is there for gender having an effect on the Independence Referendum?
51% of men voted YES
| 42% of women voted YES
106
What was the difference in voting behaviour between the genders in the Brexit Referendum?
None! Both voted 52% in favour of leave.
107
What party struggles to win the support of ethnic minorities and why?
Conservatives - they are seen as a 'nasty party' when it comes to their views on immigration to ethnic minorities.
108
What percentage of BAME people voted for the 'big two' in 2017?
73% Labour
| 19% Conservative
109
What links are there with race and the EU referendum?
Three quarters of black voters and two thirds of asian voters voted to remain (compared to 47% of white voters)
110
Why did so many BAME voters vote to stay in the EU?
The leave campaign based their campaign around immigrants stealing our jobs and even used poster depicting queues of immigrants trying to get into Britain as their main piece of propaganda
111
Why would BAME voters vote for Labour?
They have the most BAME MPs in parliament (32) and are much more liberal of their immigration policies. Electoral geography has also played a part with larger concentrations of BAME people in constituencies with traditionally Labour seats.
112
Why would race not have a large overall effect on voting?
Only 13% of the UK population are from ethnic minorities so the over effect is minimal
113
What are floating voters?
People who make their minds up very late in the campaign and are not loyal to one party. (Over 21% of people said they might change the vote the day before the 2015 general election)
114
How many people voted tactically in the 2015 General Election?
2.8 million
115
What is the evidence for people voting for a party based on the leader in 2015?
42% believed David Cameron would make the most capable MP before he subsequently won the 2015 General Election
116
What is the evidence for people voting for a party based on the leader in 2017?
The Labour campaign was centred around Jeremy Corbyn with him appearing at festivals, events and marches massivly winning over the votes of the youth
117
What evidence is there for party leadership NOT affecting votes?
Theresa May was hugely criticised for her leadership - she was 'wooden and robotic' and was not an asset at all to the party campaign but the Conservatives still won the election despite little support for May
118
What are 'salient issues' and how to they change voting?
These are issues which the public believe to be important at the time, many people vote for which parties they believe to have the best policies to tackle these issues
119
How the 'salient issues' changed over time?
2005 (Labour government) - NHS
2010 (Conservative government) - The Economy
Immigration has stayed 2nd every year
120
What party is seen to be the most competent in handling the NHS?
Labour
121
What party is seen to be the most competent in handling the economy?
Conservative
122
What is 'old media'?
Newspapers, Radio, TV
123
What is 'new media'?
Social Media, Internet
124
What form of media backed the Conservatives in 2015?
The Newspapers
125
What is the UK's biggest selling newspaper and what did they do in 2017?
The Sun - They slammed the Labour Campaign with headlines such as ‘don’t chuck Britain in the ‘Cor-BIN’ as well as depicting him as unstable and unfit to govern
126
Why could newspapers be seen as less effective in influencing voting behaviour in recent years?
Sales are rapidly declining - the sales of The Daily Record fell by 12% last year
127
Explain how newspapers are just 'preaching to the conservatives'
People read a newspaper that shares their views on voting.
- 80% of right wing paper ‘The Telegraph’ already voting Conservative
- 70% of left wing paper ‘The Guardian voting Labour in the 2017 General election
128
Give evidence to why is social media so important in influencing people
More than half of the UK population uses Facebook on a daily basis
129
How did Labour use social media in 2017?
- 640,000 twitter followers
- Spent more money than any other party on their social media image
- Trended hashtags such as forthemany
- Spread positives messages
130
How did the Conservatives use social media in 2017?
- 350,000 twitter followers
- negative messages
- denigrated the Labour party
131
How much did UK political parties spend on targeted Facebooks adverts in 2017?
£3.5million
132
What is targeted political advertising and what is an example of it?
When ads are tailored to the individual
For example, the Conservatives have issued adverts to Facebook users in constituencies with nuclear industries – such as Derby and Chester - with a message that Corbyn and Labour “would put nuclear jobs at risk”.
133
What are pressure groups and what are their aims?
Groups that raise awareness of specific issues:
- They can speak on behalf others such as vulnerable people
- They attempt to change public opinion
- They aren't necessarily political but aim to change political policy
134
What trends can be seen in pressure groups compared to political parties?
Membership of pressure groups has grown while membership of political parties has fallen
135
Name two influential pressure groups and their methods
Fathers4Justice - aim to reach a point where single fathers are given the same rights as single mothers
- Dress up as superheroes
- Flour bombs in HoC
- Scaling buildings
Greenpeace - aim to spread awareness on climate change and put an end to emissions
- Vandalism
- Protests
- Intentional arrest and imprisonment
136
PROS of Devolution
- Could prevent the breakup of the UK. When the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014 happened, Gordon Brown promised that if Scotland voted to remain in the UK, the next Prime Minister would grant them Devo Max.
- More democratic and representative - the government is brought to the people
- It can be hard to have a voice in Westminster, where local issues are not high priority
137
CONS of Devolution
- Could fuel a desire for independence
- In Scotland, taxes can be raised by 3%. This could lead to confusion
- Could lead to a rise in nationalism - eg the rise of the SNP in Scotland
- Some economies in devolved places have not succeeded - eg in Detroit, when their Mayor had to file for bankruptcy
