Elections and democracy

Question 1

What is an election

Answer 1

• competitive process in which the electorate select individuals to serve in specified positions

Question 2

what are the functions of elections?

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Discuss free and fair elections

Answer 3

• 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