General Democracy/Direct Democracy

Question 1

What is Pluralist Democracy?

Answer 1

• A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of various ideas and arguments from competing groups and organisations

Question 2

What is a Democratic Deficit?

Answer 2

• A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy, not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input or subject to accountability.

Question 3

What is a Think Tank?

Answer 3

• A body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic(s) – to investigate and offer solutions to often complicated economic, social or political issues.

Question 4

What are Lobbyists?

Answer 4

• A lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government and/or MPs and members of the House of Lords to act in their clients’ interests

Question 5

What are the alternatives to Democracy?

Answer 5

• Authoritarianism: a political regime, state leaders (usually dictators, autocrats or absolute monarchs) who direct and control society without being accountable to citizens. There are no competitive/free elections or votes, few civil liberties and no proper rule of law.

Question 6

What is a ‘maximalist’ and ‘minimalist’ approach regarding Representative Democracy?

Answer 6

• Minimalist: democracy is an elitist, formalistic and mechanical arrangement involving elections and little else.
• Maximalist: polyarchy – the rule of the many. Democracy is seen as an entire culture, complete with civil, legal and moral liberties, freedom of the press, protection for minorities, together with widespread interest and active citizen participation – a genuine and substantive pluralist democracy.

Question 7

What are Recent Developments regarding the type of democracy used?

Answer 7

• partial increase in the use of direct democracy – greater and more frequent use of referendums and initiatives
• Representative democracy has problems. Turnouts at elections have been relatively low in recent years. Fewer people tend to join political parties nowadays
• Joining pressure groups and using social media is much more popular these days. Lobby groups and think tanks are frequently used
• Electorates have become wealthier and better educated and thus more willing and confident in their abilities to engage directly in the policy-making process. However, they do not want lengthy or intense involvements.

Question 8

What are the features of Direct Democracy?

Answer 8

• Communities have control over affairs that affect their lives. All decisions are put to a vote, so that all decisions are a popular manifestation of the people’s will – genuine democracy.
• Democratic accountability to be extended to economic enterprises, the workplace, local communities etc.
• Citizens to engage in politics whenever necessary
• Issues are more important than leaders so leaders are not chosen though election

Question 9

What are the three aspects of Direct Democracy?

Answer 9

• Referendums: decisions decided by popular vote. Government decides the issue and when it is voted upon. UK they are advisory though politically binding (can entrench policy). Only four occurred before 1997.
• Initiative: citizens can initiate legislation themselves, and this is put to a popular vote. The questions are chosen by the people, not by the government. Introduced under Labour, but are rarely used. Used for mayoral elections
• Recall Vote: politicians recalled by the people because of an abuse of office. Passed in 2015 – two occurred in 2019. A third took place in October 2023. Triggered by 3 types of misdemeanour. 10% of constituents must sign the recall petition, thus triggering a by-election.

Question 10

What are the advantages of using Direct Democracy?

Answer 10

• communities have control over affairs affecting their lives. Genuine ‘rule of the people’. Supporters claim RD does not truly represent the people.
• Less scope for manipulation by politicians. Many of the problems associated with politicians are circumvented.
• Democratic accountability can be extended to economic enterprises, the workplace etc
• Voter ignorance/apathy less likely as they’re regularly consulted. Better informed politically/more active in participation.
• marginalised issues addressed in referendums/initiatives. Same for subjects politicians have delayed – House of Lords reform etc. Recall elections can improve MPs behaviour.

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of using Direct Democracy?

Answer 11

• Not practical in large populations. However, the internet has probably now ended this argument.
• Electorates insufficiently informed/responsible to vote particularly on technical issues (financial issues)
• The powerful/wealthy have too much influence over political debates. Too much influence in the debates/campaigns. E.g. media, funding, lobbying. Minorities are not catered for.
• Decline of parliamentary sovereignty. Elected representatives ‘avoiding responsibility of making decisions’ Politicians unlikely to allow it to be introduced as undermines their importance.
• Marxist – not possible until socialism is introduced: capitalist class will always oppose direct democracy.