DP3 uk democracy Flashcards
pros and cons of elections in the uk
pro –> free and fair based on universal franchise / suffrage choice and party competition
pro –> FPTP system has strengths such as simplicity, speed and constituency-MP link.
con –> FPTP system is disproportionate and leaves minor parties under-represented, also leading to wasted votes. in 2015 50% of votes went to a losing candidate. in 2017, 48% of votes went to losing candidate and 50% of votes went to losing candidates.
con –> general public apathy towards politics
pros and cons representation
pro –> the uk parliament represents constituents and holds the gov to account on behalf of the electorate
con –> parliament can be ineffective in holding the government to account as it is dominant by a gov. with an overall majority
pro –> all citizens are represented by an MP and can except their concerns to be taken up
con –> many mps can ignore constituents concerns because they hold safe seats and want remain loyal to their party
pros and cons citizens rights
pro –> there are extensive freedoms and rights incorporated in the HRA 1998
con –> the hra is not fully entrenched ; governments can ignore judges rulings.
pro –> the freedoms of information act 2000 requires the gov. to reveal information on how and why decisions were taken on behalf of the people
con –> the freedom of information act 2000 has too many exemptions which governments use to further their own interests
pros and cons pressure groups
pros –> pressure groups supplements democracy by giving a voice to minorities, allowing citizens to exert influence between elections.
cons –> wealthy and powerful pressure groups may pursue their own interests, which may not benefit the majority of the population.
pros –> pressure groups enhance democracy by ensuring political diversity.
cons –> the leaders of pressure groups are not elected, accountable or under public scrutiny.
what’s limited government?
a structure in which the primary leader has minimal control over creating laws and decisions without the approval of other branches or leaders. the uk constitution is effective at limiting gov and adapting to changing circumstances because is no codified constitution, so power distribution is undefined.
what is independent judiciary?
the rule of law is protected by judicial independence, judges must be free to exercise their judicial powers without interference from litigants, the state, the media or powerful individuals or entities, such as large companies.
