Key Terms

Question 0

Descriptive representation

Answer 0

Where Parliament reflects the demographic composition of society

Question 1

Doctrine of the mandate

Answer 1

Theory of the legitimacy of the government translating its manifesto commitments into law.

Question 2

When are referendums used?

Answer 2

1. When the govt is split on an issue
   E.g 1975 European community
2. When an important constitutional change is being proposed which affects the way people are governed
   E.g 1998 London mayor referendum
3. When it is necessary to entrench an important constitutional change
   E.g 1997 Scottish and welsh devolution
4. When there is need for popular consent
   E.g 1998 Good Friday agreement and eu in/out referendum

Question 3

Example of an illegitimate referendum

Answer 3

Referendum for London mayor 1998 - 34% turnout

Question 4

Arguments for e democracy

Answer 4

1. Provides greater access
2. Promotes direct form of democracy
3. Increase electoral turnout
4. Internet provides vast source of independent political info

Question 5

UK is democratic:

Answer 5

1. Regular elections
2. Free press
3. Rule of law
4. Govt accountable to parliament
5. Freedom and equality maintained in HRA
6. FoI act

Question 6

UK isn’t democratic:

Answer 6

1. Unelected lords
2. Low turnout
3. Majority of MPs do not have majority mandate
4. Govts elected on minority of vote
5. Parliament is sovereign

Question 7

Advantages of referendums

Answer 7

1. increase political awareness
2. Purer form of democracy
3. Improve political education
4. Improve participation
5. More legitimate if turnout is high

Question 8

Disadvantages of referendums

Answer 8

1. Voter fatigue
2. Complex issues
3. Tyranny of the majority
4. Voters vote on emotion
5. Not legally binding