Evaluate the view that the UK is suffering from a democratic deficit. (P1)

Question 1

Intro- Disagree

Answer 1

Low turnout in elections.
However, increase in e-democracy.
More people becoming part of pressure groups.

Question 2

P1- For

Answer 2

Declining voter turnout- GE fell from 77% in 1992 to 60% in 2024
Local election turnout below 40% - reflects political disengagement. London mayor election garnered 34% turnout.
Undermines legitimacy of elected government.

Question 3

P1- Counterargument

Answer 3

Increase in digital democracy and e-petitions
Black Lives Matter
2016- 3.8 mil signatures for a second EU referendum
2024- 2mil Starmer resignation and another GE
Voting online might increase democratic participation.

Question 4

P2- For

Answer 4

FPTP is skewed towards larger systems.
2024- LP won 34% votes with 64% seats while Reform won 14% votes with 1% seats.
Duopoly wastes votes
HoL- unelected and made up of peers which is undemocratic
92 hereditary peers.

Question 5

P2- Counterargument

Answer 5

60% of the public voted to keep FPTP in 2014
Proportional representation is used in devolved bodies
HoL is able to stop controversial and unpopular bills like the Rwanda Bill.
Overall, FPTP is democratic because majority voted to keep it.

Question 6

P3- For

Answer 6

Party membership of CP fell from 2.8mil to 170,000 in 2024.

Question 7

C