EXTRA-elections in Britain Flashcards
What does Farrell point out about elections?
they are “the cog which keeps the wheels of democracy properly functioning”
What year did South Africa hold its first free election?
1994
Before 1994 in South Africa who were not entitled to vote?
the disenfranchised millions
Who does the disenfranchised millions before 1994 in South Africa relate to?
the number of black South Africans who were denied the vote before majority rule was introduced
What is the norm party system in South Africa?
a multi party system
What type of competition is there in the newly-emergent Eastern European countries?
free and open competition
What do elections allow the electorate?
They allow them a peaceful way to show what they think about the government and the direction of public policy
How are the governments ultimately accountable to the electorate?
this is because during the brief period of an election campaign, the voters are the masters who decide the fate of those who rule over them
From what century has there been an elected system of local government in operation?
since the 19th century
What are the 5 types of elections that England now has?
- general elections
- local elections
- european elections
- elections in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Other elections
In local elections, who do we elect?
we elect members of local councils at various levels
Who do we elect in the European elections?
MEP’s
Who do we elect in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland elections?
members of the devolved assemblies
What is meant by other elections?
these are elections beyond government such as by secret ballot to choose trade union officials
Why do we have occasional by-elections?
to fill vacancies that may arise when an elected representative dies or regions during his term of elected office
