Political Reforms Flashcards
What are proposed reforms to improve participation?
1) Peoples referendum
2) Electronic petition
3) Power of recall
4) Further devolution
5) House of lords of reforms
6) Digital reform
7) Reform of the Westminister system FPTP
What is the peoples referendum?
Peoples referendum gives people the power to trigger referendums instead of the government. For example, in Switzerland 100,000 signatures demanding a new law triggers a referendum, increasing participation and legitimacy. Popular direct democratic element. However, this could undermine the work of of representatives e.g. government proposals to introduce green tax in Switzerland 2021, undermining long term environmental commitments meaning it can cause a clash between direct democratic element and plans made by representatives. Its also a majoritarian form of democracy. 2009- building marinates was banned in Switzerland as a result of the referendum. Also could lead to democratic overload e.g. Ireland had over19 referendums between 2002-2022.
What is electronic petitions?
Electronic petitions are a form of petitions signed online. It has elements of direct democracy helping the public to engage with politics, raising issues that should be resolved. Devolved bodies such as the Scottish and Welsh parliament use this. However, they don’t trigger a parliamentary vote. This also undermines parliamentary sovereignty, debating on issues that parliament has already decided on. Has limited power, causes impractical debates. Helps with engagement but is more of a superficial form of democracy called slacktivism.
What is power of recall?
The recall of MPs act 2015 allows the public to recall an elected representative between elections if 10% sign a petition sovereign power lies with the people, this is an element of direct democracy. This allows people to hold representatives to account that fail to perform their their responsibilities. This also reduces risk of bribery and corruption. However, it may be used as an advantage by the opposition and also there is a possibility of misunderstanding and wrong judgement. This is also limited power as an MP had to have been sentenced to prison to be recalled or have been suspended for at least 10 days.
What is further devolution?
Further devolution involves giving devolved bodies more power this encourages greater participation and responds to the needs of a specific population, strengthens national identity, and provides regional representation. In 1997 Scottish devolution referendum 74% said yes 60% turnout. However, the problem with devolution is that there is often low voter turnout , there is a lack of support and it decreases legitimacy, people lack the sufficient knowledge.
What is the house of lords reform?
The reform would make all lords elected by the public. Currently the house of lords is filled with unelected individuals many of which are selected through political patronage. For example, overly conservative and elitist Boris Johnson elected 86 life peers making 51% of peers conservative. Electing peers would increase legitimacy and participation given high public demand. However, a chamber of people who hold experience from different professions politics that was elected could lead to legislative gridlock, rivalry to the house of commons.
What is digital democracy?
Could be used to vote online. This could encourage political engagement so higher turnout if voting could be done online. This is also more practical and encourages political discussion online. However, cyber interference and voter manipulation could occur, social media could undermine debate and it makes it easier for groups to spread intolerance. People are also more open to corruption and a digital divide could be created.
What is the reform of the westminister system?
Using an alternative voting system to FPTP would increase chances of smaller parties gaining representation in parliament. Despite having a lot of support UKIP and green party in 2015 had a combined vote share of 15% of the yet they each only had 1 seat. If we used proportional representation instead this could give equal weight to votes eliminating wasted votes safe seats. However, low demand (2011 AV referendum 67.9%) greater risk of coalition, difficult to fulfil responding ineffective, inefficient.
