Overview

Question 1

What is direct democracy?

Answer 1

Democracy where people directly make decisions

Likely unachievable in large, modern society due to time, inclination, and knowledge constraints.

Question 2

What is representative democracy?

Answer 2

People choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Also known as indirect democracy.

Question 3

List two strengths of direct democracy.

Answer 3

• Real democracy - people choose policies/laws they want
• Reduces influence of self-interested politicians

Question 4

List two weaknesses of direct democracy.

Answer 4

• Unachievable in large modern societies
• No guarantee of informed voting

Question 5

What is suffrage?

Answer 5

The ability or right to vote in public elections

Presently, all adults over 18 have this right if registered.

Question 6

Who are the only individuals unable to vote?

Answer 6

• People under 18
• EU citizens (except in public elections)
• Members of the House of Lords
• Prisoners
• Those convicted of electoral corruption
• Compulsory detained individuals in mental hospitals

Question 7

What significant change did the Great Reform Act of 1832 introduce?

Answer 7

Abolished separate representation of underpopulated boroughs and created seats for urban areas

Increased electorate to 650,000 (5% of adult population).

Question 8

What did the Representation of the People Act accomplish in 1918?

Answer 8

Granted female enfranchisement

However, women were not granted the vote on the same basis as men.

Question 9

Who were the Suffragists?

Answer 9

Members of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage, led by Millicent Fawcett, believed in non-violent methods of persuasion.

Question 10

Who were the Suffragettes?

Answer 10

Radical campaigners, including Emmeline Pankhurst, who utilized militant tactics to fight for women’s voting rights.

Question 11

What are pressure groups?

Answer 11

Organised groups of people aiming to influence government policies or actions.

Question 12

What are the two main types of pressure groups?

Answer 12

• Interest groups
• Cause groups

Question 13

What distinguishes insider groups from outsider groups?

Answer 13

Insider groups are regularly consulted by the government, while outsider groups lack direct access and must use other methods to influence.

Question 14

How do pressure groups exert influence through ministers and civil servants?

Answer 14

Insider groups consult with officials, using their knowledge to formulate and assess policy.

Question 15

What strategy do outsider groups use to influence public policy?

Answer 15

They shape public opinion to generate support and pressure the government into action.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Pressure groups may use _______ as a tactic to disrupt the running of the country.

Answer 16

[direct action]

Question 17

What is one function of pressure groups in the UK?

Answer 17

Represent specific interests or views and offer a way for people to participate in politics.

Question 18

What concern arises from the concept of ‘chequebook groups’?

Answer 18

Members join without active participation.

Question 19

How can pressure groups educate the public?

Answer 19

By raising awareness on specific issues.

Question 20

What role do think tanks play in influencing government?

Answer 20

They discuss and develop policy recommendations and proposals.