Democracy Is Your Friend

Question 1

Give at least 3 facts about Direct Democracy and a recent example

Answer 1

Citizens vote directly on each issue. It was based off the public meetings in ancient Athens. It’s not very practical and can be extremely slow. Recent examples include Brexit, the Good Friday Agreement, the Scottish Parliament, and the vote for Scottish independence.

Question 2

Give three facts about Representative Democracy (and state what it is)

Answer 2

People are chosen to make decisions. To work as a system it requires accountability, it also discourages public involvement and requires trust in representatives.

Question 3

Describe what the phrase Pluralist Democracy means

Answer 3

It’s a democracy where the government makes decisions as a result of having many arguments and viewpoints put forward and selecting the “best” one.

Question 4

Give 3 benefits to Direct Democracy (NOT FACTS)

Answer 4

It gives equal weight to all votes. It encourages participation in politics. It removes the need for trusted representatives. It develops a sense of community and encourages debate.

Question 5

Give three negatives of Direct Democracy

Answer 5

It’s impractical in a heavily populated area that has to deal with complex and delicate situations. Many people will not wish to be involved leaving it to radicals and activists. It’s open to manipulation by the smartest and most talented speakers. The will of the majority can crush smaller opinions no matter how sensible they are.

Question 6

Give three advantages to Representative Democracy

Answer 6

It’s the most practical option. Parties are formed giving varied representation and encouraging a pluralist government. It reduces the chance of the tyranny of the majority. Elections allow people to hold representatives to account. Politicians are more knowledgeable and better informed than a citizen.

Question 7

Give three disadvantages of Representative Democracy

Answer 7

It can lead to reduced participation levels as they leave it to others. Parties and pressure groups are often run by elites following their own agenda. Politicians are going to follow the majority in hopes of furthering their careers meaning tyranny of the majority is still a possibility. Politicians may be corrupt incompetent or betray their voting system.

Question 8

Give the definitions of the words Qorum, Participation and Legitimacy

Answer 8

Qorum - the idea that a low turnout ensures good political behavior. Participation - the % of possible voters who actually turn up to vote. Legitimacy - the quality of something being allowed, and accepted

Question 9

What does Accountability mean in terms of politics

Answer 9

If someone messes up then next election they get removed. For example, Priti Patel

Question 10

Give three arguments for and against the UK being Democratic

Answer 10

FOR - everyone can vote, we have referendums, and get local representation. AGAINST - people can lose by one vote, the House of Lords is unelected and there is a real chance that we achieve an elected dictator.

Question 11

Give the problem that UK democracy suffers from

Answer 11

A lack of engagement with the public

Question 12

Give 4 reasons that people choose not to vote

Answer 12

Pessimism. A lack of trust. They believe their vote doesn’t matter. They believe all parties are the same. They just aren’t interested enough in politics. They believe their views are not represented.

Question 13

Give at least 2 reasons why low turnout is a major issue

Answer 13

It causes stagnation of the main party’s ideas since no new views are being introduced. It allows small dedicated parties to get into power. It removes legitimacy if a person is only elected by 7% of voters.

Question 14

Give possible reforms to fix low turnout

Answer 14

Spread the voting over several days. Give flexible voting conditions. Change the electoral system. Reform Parliament.