Key terminology - UK pol Flashcards
direct democracy
a system where the people are able to make decisions directly on an issue, usually in the form of a yes or no response
(ie. Brexit referendum)
Pressure groups
A group that seeks to influence legislation without actually seeking electoral wins (not trying to be a party in Parliament)
representative democracy
a system where the people elect a person or a group of people to represent their interests and make a decision on their behalf
liberal democracy
the right to vote is widespread and representatives will act in the interests of everyone
majoritarian democracy
when the will or desires of the majority of the population are the prime considerations of the government
parliamentary democracy
a system where Parliament stands as the highest form of authority
The executive branch will be drawn from and accountable to the people’s representatives in Parliament
presidential democracy
a system where the executive will be elected separately from the legislative body and therefore is chosen and directly accountable to the people
(US system)
pluralist democracy
a system where the power is widely and evenly distributed across society rather than concentrated in the hands of an elite
- government makes decisions as a result of the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisation
democracy
a system where power is held by the people
political participation
activities through which citizens seek to influence the individuals, institutions, and processes that shape their everyday lives
formal participation (examples)
the election of representatives, voting in referendums / elections, membership of political parties, and attending public meetings
informal participation (examples)
range of ‘bottom up’ grassroots activities
online activism, signing petitions, purchasing or boycotting certain products for political reasons, discussing politics with family and friends.
franchise / suffrage
the ability / right to vote in public elections
lobbyist
someone who is paid by clients in order to try and influence the government / MPs / Peers to act in their client’s interest, particularly when legislation is under consideration
think tank
a body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic(s)
- investigate and offer solutions to often complicated economic, social, or political issues
participation crisis (+ examples)
a lack of engagement with the political process by a significant number of citizens
- choosing not to vote
- choosing not to join a political party
- not offering themselves for public office
legitimacy
the rightful use of power in accordance with pre-set criteria or widely held agreements
(ie. government’s right to rule following an election)
civil liberties
rights and freedoms enjoyed by the citizens that protect them from unfair treatment by the government
- never guaranteed
- treatment of a person regarding certain rights
civil rights
rights and freedoms that are protected / guaranteed by the state and the constitution
- the government must play an active part in protecting and allowing people to exercise these rights freely and equally
- actual basic freedoms
accountability
where those who have been elected in a representative democracy must be made responsible for their policies, actions, decisions, and general conduct
without accountability, such representation becomes meaningless
polls
another term for elections
- establish the number of people who support a particular person, party, or issue
constituents
the ordinary voters who elect a particular representative, usually based on residence in a particular geographical area
universal suffrage
the idea that all people who are recognised as adults have the right to vote regardless of any social or economic considerations
secret ballot
the practise of voting being private so no one will know how an individual cast their vote
ballot rigging
the process of fixing an election to ensure a particular outcome
- extra votes stuffed into ballot boxes
- miscounting votes
- losing ballot boxes
civil society
all various activities that are able to occur without any government interference
–> it is a vital counterbalance to the power of the government
- pressure groups
- parties
- voluntary organisations
- charities
- media
elective dictatorship
a government that dominates Parliament - usually due to a large majority, and therefore has few limits on its power
democratic deficit
- lack of democracy
flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken / made by people who lack legitimacy (due to not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input / not being subject to accountability)
- reason for many Brexiteers (applied to the EU and its laws)
national interests
something that may not be popular but will be the best for the nation as a whole
therefore, MPs have a duty to prioritise that above the concerns of the citizens
(The responsibility of the government is to firstly protect the people)
- the reason for what is deemed as a national interest is highly debated often
redress of grievance
ancient function of the HoC
- an MP pursues a grievance that a constituent may have against a public body (usually claiming that they have been unequally treated)
–> MPs may lobby ministers and officials to raise the matter in the HoC
features of a liberal democracy
PPPFFFFRIC
- peaceful transition of power
- protection of rights
- participation in politics (widespread)
- free elections
- fair elections
- freedom of expression
- freedom of association
- Rule of law
- Independent judiciary
- Constitution
Parliament vs Government (distinction)
Parliament = HoC and HoL (+ monarch)
–> represent the public’s interests and make sure they’re taken into account by the Government.
Government = PM, Cabinet, ministers, civil servants (the winning party + civil servants)
–> responsible for running the country
–> cannot make new laws / raise new taxes without Parliament’s agreement
Causal groups (PGs) / promotional group
A pressure group that has a common goal / set of beliefs / values
- the group is open to everyone to join
- more altruistic - tries to benefit everyone
Sectional group / interest group
A pressure group that has an identifiable membership / supporting group
- they represent a section of society - not everyone is welcome to join
- mainly concerned with the group’s own concerns rather than for everyone
