Elections and democracy Flashcards

1
Q

What is an election

A
  • competitive process in which the electorate select individuals to serve in specified positions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what are the functions of elections?

A
  • representation - they enable the electorate to select representatives to act on their behalf
  • chose a government - general elections determine the composition of the HOC
  • Influence over policy - political parties form manifestos and receive a mandate if voted in office
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Discuss free and fair elections

A
  • in liberal democracy elections should be competitive, free and fair
  • the maximum ‘one person, one vote, one value’ is a key criterion for a fair election
  • democratic theorists focus on bottom up functions such as policy initiatives, participation and accountability. In a representative government, the people should act in accordance with the people
  • elite theorists believe that elections provide authority and stability for the political systems, allowing elites to get on with the task of governing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly