Democracy & Participation Flashcards
What Is Democracy and what are its key principles?
Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people. Its principles include:
Political equality: Everyone has an equal say in decision-making (one person, one vote).
Participation: Citizens must be free to engage i’m political processes.
Accountability! Leaders must be answerable to the public and can be remove pd through elections.
Rule of Low: Laws apple equally to everyone, ensuring fairness.
Freedom of speech and assembly: Essential for public debate and political action.
What are some modern examples of direct democracy?
Direct democracy is rare in pratice but appears in specific forms:
Referendums ( Brexit referendum 2016).
Citizen assemblies: Used in ireland to debate social issues like abortion (2018)
Initiatives and petitions: In Switzerland, citizens regularly vote on national policies through initiatives.
What are criticisms of direct democracy
Manipulation: Wealthy or influential groups may dominate campaigns ( Brexit “leave” campaign accused of spreading misinformation).
Voter fatigue: Frequent decisions may lead to apathy or disengagement.
Short-term thinking: Citizens may favour immediate benefits over long-term consequences.
How does representative democracy work in the UK
Citizens elect MPs every fice years via First Past the Post (FPTP).
Parliament holds representatives accountable through Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) and debates.
Laws are passed by elected representatives in the House of Commons.
What are some criticisms of representative democracy in the UK?
FPTP electoral system: Disproportionate outcomes ( UKIP won 12.6% of votes in 2015 but only 1 seat).
Unelected House of Lords: Undermines accountability and legitimacy.
Low voter turnout! 2019 general election turnout was only 67.3%, showing disengagement.
What is political participation, and why is it important?
Political participation refers to actions by individuals to influence politics.
It legitimises government decisions.
It prevents power from being concentrated in the hands of elites.
It encourages a sense of civic duty and political literacy.
What forms does political participation take?
Voting: The most common form ( UK general elections)
Party membership: Joining political parties to influence policies (Labour or Conservative parties)
Protests and marches : E.g, Extinction Rebellion (2019) for climate action.
Pressure groups: Groups like Greenpeace lobby for specific causes.
Petitions: E.g, 2019 petition to revoke Article 50 received over 6 million signatures.
What evidence suggests a decline in political participation in the UK?
Low voter turnout: 2001 general election had only 59.4% turnout.
Decline in party membership: Conservative membership fell from 3 million in the 1950s to around 180,000 in 2023.
Apathy among youth! Younger voters traditionally participate less, though 2019 saw higher youth turnout.
What counter arguments suggest UK democracy remains healthy?
Increased use of referendums: Promote direct participation (e.g, Scottish independence 2014).
Rise of e-petitions: Easier participation via digital platforms (e.g, government’s petition website).
Pressure group activism: Growing influence of groups like Extinction Rebellion and BLM UK.
What is the “democratic deficit”
Democratic deficit occurs when democratic processes are perceived to be inadequate. In the UK:
Unelected House of Lords: Peers influence law without democratic accountability.
Low turnout in key elections: Reduces legitimacy.
Party funding issues: Wealthy donors have disproportionate influence on parties and campaigns (e.g, Conservative ties to large businesses).
What isnpluralist democracy, and how is it different from elitism?
Pluralist democracy: Power is dispersed among competing groups; no single elite dominates. Examples include pressure groups influencing policy.
Elitism: Argues that power is concentrated. the hands of a few elites ( e.g, corporate lobbyists or wealthy donors).
How do pressure groups strengthen UK democracy
Representation: Represent interests or minority groups (e.g, LGBTQ+ rights).
Participation: Offer ways to engage beyond voting (e.g, campaigning with Amnesty International).
Expertise: Provide specialist knowledge to policy markets (e.g, British Medical Association on NHS reforms).
How do pressure groups weaken UK democracy?
Undemocratic methods: Some use disruptive or illegal tacts (e.g, Extinction Rebellion protests blocking roads).
Elitism: Wealthier groups may dominate (e.g, business lobbying for tac cuts).
Lack of accountability: Unelected leaders of groups may not represent members’ views.
What are recent examples of voter engagement in the UK?
Scottish independence referendum (2014]: 84.6% turnout, showing high engagement.
2016 Brexit referendum: 72.2% turnout; one of the highest decades.
Youth activism: Rise in young people engaging in protests! such as the climate strikes led by Greta Thunberg.
What reforms have been proposed to improve UK democracy?
Electoral reform: Replace FPTP with proportional representation ti ensure fairer outcomes.
Lords reform: Make the House of Lords an elected body.
Digital voting: Increase convenience and turnout, particularly to reduce apathy.
What is participatory democracy?
Participatory democracy emphasises broad participation in political decisions beyond voting. It involves citizens engaging in public consultations, town hall meetings , and grassroots activism.
What is deliberative democracy?
Deliberative democracy focuses on discussion and debate before decisions are made, aiming for consensus. Example include citizens engaging in juries or assemblies, such as Ireland’s 2018 Citizens Assembly on abortion laws.
What is the difference between legitimacy and authority?
Legitimacy! The general acceptance that a government or institution has the right to rule, often derived from free elections or constitutional frameworks.
Authority: The recognised power to make decisions enforce laws, and command respect.
What is an example of declining legitimacy in the UK?
Low election turnout: The 2001 general election turnout of 59.4% raised concerns about the legitimacy of the Labour government.
Controversial laws: Brexit divisions reduced trust in Parliament, particularly during Theresa May’s government (2017-2019).
What is voter apathy, and why is it a problem?
Voter apathy occurs when individuals lose interest in voting or politics, leading to lower turnout. It weakens the legitimacy of governments and may reflect disillusionment or dissatisfaction with political systems.
What is political disengagement, and what are its causes?
Political disengagement is when citizens withdraw from political participation.
Lack of trust in politicians or parties.
Perception that voting does not influence change.
Negative media coverage of politics.
What role do referendums play in enhancing democracy?
Referendums give citizens direct control over key decisions, increasing legitimacy and participation. Examples include the Brexit referendum (2016) and the Scottish independence referendum (2014).
What are examples of low turnout in referendums
2011 Alternative Vote (AV) referendum: Turnout was just 42.2% suggesting limited public engagement.
1998 London mayoral referendum: Turnout was only 34.1%.
What is abstention, and why do people abstian?
Abstention is the decision to not vote.
Lack of knowledge or interest.
Perception that no candidate represents their views.
Disillusionment with the political system.
