Paper 1 Flashcards - Democracy and Participation
Evaluate the view that pressure groups are less influential than corporations in influencing government policy [30] (Insider Pressure Groups)
Insider Pressure Groups - BMA Gave UK Sec.State power to suspend payment of pension/benefits to any NHS professional charged, but not convicted with criminal offences. HOWEVER,
Majority of pressure groups such as Extinction Rebellion lack influence despite media coverage therefore corp>pressure group.
Evaluate the view that pressure groups are less influential than corporations in influencing government policy [30] (Corporations)
Corporations - Bank rescue package (£500m) announced by gov in 2008 as a response to financial crisis. Corp important as economy is vital for gov to remain electorally successful.
HOWEVER,
Greenpeace and others were successful in delaying 3rd runway at Heathrow despite support from major corp’s, Rashford FSM campaign also successful
Evaluate the view that pressure groups are less influential than corporations in influencing government policy [30] (Corp + Lobbying)
Corp + Lobbying - £25m spent on lobbying by big businesses (2015-17). Owen Patterson had to resign after extensively lobbying his own company. Demonstrates wealth and resources which P.Groups most likely do not have.
HOWEVER,
The Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union administration act 2014 supposed to encourage transparency but overall can be argued that corp>p.group in terms of gov influence as they have more resources and can exert more influence.
Evaluate the view that apart from referendums, other forms of direct democracy would undermine representative democracy in the UK [30] (E-Petitions)
E-Petitions - Introduced in 2010, gov responds to petitions and considers them for debate (100,000 signatures). Hillsborough disaster led to enquiry and prosecutions (2011), allow people to become more actively involved in politics.
HOWEVER,
Lazy form of participation (slacktivism). Only a few are picked for debate, can create tyranny of majority, trampling rights.
Evaluate the view that apart from referendums, other forms of direct democracy would undermine representative democracy in the UK [30] (Juries + TH Meetings)
Juries + TH Meetings - Collection of individuals representing the wider population. Meet over set period of time to discuss an issue and deliberate. Effective tool for engagement and small size is advantageous. Used in Ireland to discuss changes to abortion laws.
HOWEVER,
Over involve middle class or people with more time (elderly). Expensive and small sample size not truly representative. Could create participation fatigue.
Evaluate the view that apart from referendums, other forms of direct democracy would undermine representative democracy in the UK [30] (Recall Elections)
Recall Elections - Recall of MPs Act (2015) allowed for constituencies to recall their MP for a by-election in cases of wrong-doing.
HOWEVER,
Recall elections are limited and can be disruptive. ‘Filter’ is in hands of parliament and not the people.
Evaluate the view that there is a participation crisis in UK Politics [30] (Low Turnouts)
Low Turnouts - Turnouts decreasing in comparison to the past, 67% after 1945 compared to 80% before. 60% happy so didn’t vote (2001). Apathy led people away from polls, due to belief nothing will change. Safe seats discourages voting.
HOWEVER,
Participating more through P.Groups such as Just Stop Oil, therefore apathy not as significant.
Evaluate the view that there is a participation crisis in UK Politics [30] (Low Membership)
Low Membership - Tories have less than 80k members. Membership of SNP and LD have declined. Party membership is a key way that people can participate in politics. Fewer of the youth are signing up.
HOWEVER,
Labour under Corbyn has seen more members and has become one of the largest parties in Europe. Youthquake. SNP after 2014 ref grew in numbers + P.Group membership increasing.
Evaluate the view that there is a participation crisis in UK Politics [30] (Other Election Participation)
Other Election Participation - Low referendum turnout, Welsh Assembly (51%) AV ref (30%). Mayoral elections declining. Turnout Scottish/Welsh parliament very low. Made worse with introduction of ID.
HOWEVER,
Scottish ref (80%), Brexit 2016 (79%) due to importance. Voters did not want politicians to decide and wanted to decide themselves.
Evaluate the view that democratic legitimacy is undermined by the state of the UK’s representative democracy [30] (Democratic Pluralism)
Democratic Pluralism - Principle that every idea has a counter-idea voiced in society. Through establishment of multi-party system, pressure groups and free media. BBC deemed to be impartial so equal rep.
HOWEVER,
FPTP ensures two party system. P.Groups such as InsulateUK lack belief that system can deliver, believe media is biased to rich corp’s (anti-lockdown and support for war)
Evaluate the view that the UK’s representative democracy is in a crisis [30] (FPTP)
Encourages tactical voting, encourages the introduction and maintenance of safe seats. Smaller parties do not have same rep due to tactical voting.
HOWEVER,
Strengthens democracy as ensures stable governments often being majority. Keeps out extremism, safe seats diluted with Brexit breaking up ‘red wall’ in the North.
Evaluate the view that the UK’s representative democracy is in a crisis [30] (HOL)
The HOL is unelected, unaccountable and subject to cronyism; this is important considering the HOL has legislative power.
HOWEVER,
Increasing assertiveness when holding gov to account. Cross-benchers not affiliated to any party therefore do not have bias. HOL powers reduced, Salisbury convention cannot restrict promises made in manifesto.
Evaluate the view that rights are no longer adequately protected in the UK [30] (Gov)
Rights are protected through passing of legislation: HRA (1998), FOIA (2000) and Equality Act (2010). Acts increase protection of rights, specifically the HRA played big role in making US-style bill of rights + giving citizens utilisation of ECHR provisions (right of free speech) in UK courts.
HOWEVER,
Dominic Raab (ex-justice sec) tried to scrap HRA under gov plans to rename it to the Bill of Rights. Will not be same as ECHR and judges will not have to take Euro judgement into account. Police, Crime and Sentencing Act limits freedom to protest.
Evaluate the view that rights are no longer adequately protected in the UK [30] (SC)
SC protects rights through JR powers + dec of incompatibility. SC declared against Department for Work and Pensions in 2014 over the Back to Work schemes. SC also rejected gov claim of sov immunity, used Magna Carta to prevent this.
HOWEVER,
Power of SC limited, cannot strike down law. Belmarsh Judgement (2003) led to gov ‘control orders’ instead (form of house arrest + HR of prisoners). JRA Act 2022 makes it harder to challenge gov actions in court.
Evaluate the view that rights are no longer adequately protected in the UK [30] (P.Groups)
‘Liberty’ uses large membership and media attention to create change. Children Act (1989) case example of p.group success. P.Group ‘Justice’ produced in depth report on importance of HRA.
HOWEVER,
P.Groups often ineffective due to no insider status. ‘CAGE UK’ limited success due to lack of electoral power.
