Is UK still a rep democ?

Question 1

what model of govt do we follow in the UK?

Answer 1

burkean model - trustee model

Question 2

what does burkean model mean?

Answer 2

we vote for MPs to represent us

Question 3

how does voting work in UK?

Answer 3

• within constituencies, we vote for candidates to represent us, who represent a political party
• candidate with most votes becomes elected MP
• in UK, 650 constituencies to seat in Commons

Question 4

give an example of MP representing constituents?

Answer 4

• 2019 LSF climate change petition

- students gave petition to Nicky Morgan, who then discussed with Michael Gove, environment secretary

Question 5

why does MP representing constituents show UK as rep democ?

Answer 5

• MPs, elected reps of people, can use their position to represent views of constituents in getting change for people
• make decision that will benefit the people the most

Question 6

does parl look like society? (functional representation)

Answer 6

in many ways no

Question 7

what % of society is male/female?

Answer 7

women 51% men 49%

Question 8

in 2017, how many female MPs?

Answer 8

32% MPs = women

Question 9

how do Conservatives and Labour differ in female MPs?

Answer 9

labour 45% and Conservatives 21%

Question 10

what % of UK are ethnic minorities?

Answer 10

19.5% ethnic minorities

Question 11

what % of MPs are ethnic minorities?

Answer 11

2017 - 8% MPs = BAME

Question 12

what does lack of functional representation mean UK is not rep democ?

Answer 12

• many of elected reps don’t understand the grievances and problems of public
• means large sects of society do not have their views represented

Question 13

why is large amounts of society not having their views represented a bad thing?

Answer 13

• legislation produced is less legitimate as it does not consider the views of everyone in society
• only a certain few people will truly benefit from legislation
• not majority of people

Question 14

how has increased use of referenda shown UK as not a rep democ?

Answer 14

• referenda are a form of direct democracy - exact opposite to rep democ
• undermine trustee model as they follow delegate model

Question 15

what do referenda do to our MPs?

Answer 15

• we have elected reps who are well educated and informed to make decision in best interests of people
• by giving decisions to people, makes their job void

Question 16

what does public being less educated mean?

Answer 16

can be easily manipulated

Question 17

how were public manipulated in 2016 EU ref?

Answer 17

• leave campaign claimed ‘we send £350m a week to the EU, lets fund our NHS instead’
• later figure proven to be completely false
• crucially many of public believed it and subsequently voted to leave

Question 18

why is people being manipulated bad for rep democ?

Answer 18

• it was wasn’t will of people being represented it was will of elite
• manipulated into thinking what they want them to think
• decisions should be made by equated elected reps, not people

Question 19

what has increased use of referenda led to? (positive)

Answer 19

increased political participation - making UK a healthy rep democ

Question 20

what can referenda do to following legislation?

Answer 20

referenda can legitimise any following legislation - provided there is a high turnout

Question 21

what was turnout of EU ref?

Answer 21

74%

Question 22

what does high turnout show for UK rep democ?

Answer 22

• demonstrates more and more people getting involved in and participating in politics
• makes UK rep democracy stronger

Question 23

why is legislation more legitimate if high % of electorate voted?

Answer 23

• will of people well represented
• allows for MPs to check over the bill
• can scrutinise details on behalf of constituents