Elections and democracy Flashcards
1
Q
What is an election
A
- competitive process in which the electorate select individuals to serve in specified positions
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
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