is the UK democratic?

Question 1

what is the UKs liberal democracy made up of?

Answer 1

• free elections
• fair elections
• widespread participation in politics
• freedom of expression and speech
• the rule of law
• protection of rights and liberties
• peaceful transition of power

Question 2

what is widespread participation?

Answer 2

having a large proportion of people getting involved with politics

Question 3

what is universal suffrage?

Answer 3

when everyone over the age of 18 have the right to vote

Question 4

what is a referendum? and give an example of real life use

Answer 4

a majoritarian form of a democracy where the side that gets over 50% of votes win- used in the In or out election for brexit

Question 5

what are electronic petitions? real life use?

Answer 5

if a petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in the House of Commons - the Meningitis B vaccine to be made on all children

Question 6

what is the Recall of MPs act 2015? real life example?

Answer 6

allows constituencies to force a by-election if an MP has been bad- Ian Paisley (9.4% of constituents signed the petition)

Question 7

how do pressure groups enhance democracy?

Answer 7

• they educate people about important issues
• they give people more opportunities to participate in politics without having to sacrifice too much of their time and attention
• pressure groups promote the interests of minority groups

Question 8

how do pressure groups threaten democracy?

Answer 8

• finance is a key factor in political influence, meaning wealthier groups may have an unfair advantage
• increases the voice of unrepresentative minorities