Has The UK Become More Democratic?

Question 1

Referenda

Answer 1

+ Many more Referenda since 1997

+ Used locally, regionally and nationally

+ Allow the people to have a more active role in decision making

• Still rare
• No people’s initiative
• Outcome only advisory

Question 2

Devolution

Answer 2

+ Government closer to the people and have more control over their own affairs

+ Scottish Parliament controls education and ended tuition fees

+ In Wales, prescriptions are free

• Limited powers
• Devolution not extended to England
• Not entrenched

Question 3

E-petitions

Answer 3

+ Set up in 2011. Any petition garnering more than 100,000 signatures is considered for debate in the Commons

+ Increase participation

+ 3/4 of petitions that meet threshold are debated

+ 6.4 million signatures In first year

• Falls short of initiative
• Government can use its majority against the people

Question 4

Lords

Answer 4

+ 1997 all but 92 hereditary peers lost their seats in the Lords

• Still 100% unelected and unaccountable

Question 5

Rights and civil liberties

Answer 5

+ HRA 1998

+ 2005 Constitutional Reform Act created separate, independent Supreme Court

• Snooper’s Charter
• Detention without charge put up in 2006 to 28 days

Question 6

Openness

Answer 6

+ Freedom of Information Act

+ Used to expose expenses scandal

+ In 2015, Department for Work and Pensions forced to admit that over 2,000 people had died after having their benefits taken away

• Government can still easily withhold information