Evaluate the extent to which the UK suffers from a 'democratic deficit'.

Question 1

What are the 4 factors in this essay?

Answer 1

First Past The Post (disengagement)
Government legislation: Human Rights
House of Lords
Pressure Groups (effective methods box)

Question 1

Because of FPTP, why are some citizens disengaged from politics?

Answer 1

The officials running in an election don’t represent their needs.

Question 2

Give an example of how representation has lacked due to FPTP.

Answer 2

1983 election.
Liberal-Social-Democratic Party Alliance won 25% of votes, but only 3% of seats.

Question 3

What does FPTP’s lack of representation lead to citizens doing? Why is this bad?

Answer 3

Either not vote or tactical vote, which doesn’t show true opinion.

Question 4

How many voters were satisfied with Jeremy Corbyn? Why?

Answer 4

Only 16%.
UK society tends to be central- Corbyn was too radical left to represent the majority of society.

Question 5

Why was Boris Johnson unappealing to some despite winning the 2019 election?

Answer 5

He is a rich male with no working-class experience.
Believe he doesn’t understand the struggles many face.

Question 6

How does FPTP’s representation affect turnout? Example?

Answer 6

Causes low turnout.
2019- 67%

Question 7

How does a low turnout harm democracy?

Answer 7

Less people voting, more likely a vibrant minority can dictate outcomes that go against the will of the people.

Question 8

When was the Human Rights Act? Why is it important?

Answer 8

1998
Important in ensuring the government adheres to its own laws, but ultimately not as important in establishing rights protection.

Question 9

The HRA’s rights were enshrined in law, what does this mean? What rights did it include?

Answer 9

Gives judges the option to check government laws are compatible with the act.
Included rights like right to fair trial, freedom of thought etc.

Question 10

How do judges use the HRA? Example?

Answer 10

Judges protect rights through the use of HRA.
It enables them to challenge cases, strengthening ability to effectively uphold civil liberties.
E.g., 2005 ban on prisoners voting- declared UNLAWFUL.

Question 11

What is the House of Lords? How long do people serve?

Answer 11

An all-appointed upper chamber.
Once appointed, sit for life. Never face re-appointment/election.

Question 13

How are the Lords’ powers in law-making limited?

Answer 13

Scrutinise legislation but can’t reject Parliament Acts.

Question 14

What can Lords do in terms of bills?

Answer 14

Introduce: if not a money bill or party political.
Amend: To remove loopholes or confusing wording.
Delay: If particularly unhappy can keep amending. E.g., 2008 Counter Terrorism Bill.
Veto: Aim of extending HOC lifetime. Rare.

Question 15

What is the Salisbury Convention?

Answer 15

Lords will give a 2nd reading to bills which an elected government in Commons has a majority and manifesto commitment.

Question 16

How can social media help influence government?

Answer 16

Thousands can show support for an issue/cause without leaving their home.

Question 17

What is an example of a PG using social media to influence? How many members?

Answer 17

38 Degrees, has 2.5 million members.

Question 18

What is an ‘umbrella’ group?

Answer 18

A multi-issue movement.

Question 19

Example of 38 Degrees PG e-petition success?

Answer 19

Stopped England forest privatisation.
500k+ members signed “Save Our Forests” petition.
DC dropped plans to sell UK forests.

Question 20

What aspects do pressure groups influence?

Answer 20

All areas of social/political life including sports, corporate etc.