Politics and Participation [Paper 1] Flashcards
What is Democracy ?
A way of governing which depends on the will of the people.
What is Representative Democracy?
a type of democracy where elected people represent a group of people
What are the values that underpin Democracy
- Rights
- Responsibilities
- Freedoms
- Equality
- The rule of law
What does the Government do?
The Government is responsible for running the country
What does the Prime Minister and the Cabinet do?
- The Prime Minister leads the government and is ultimately responsible the policy and decisions of the government.
- The cabinet meet and discuss the most important issues for the government.
What does a Local Government do?
Responsible for a range of services for people in specific areas
What is the Regional Government and what do they do ?
A Government responsible for a particular county
What is Devolution
The transfer of power by a central government to local or regional administrations
[ Parliament -> Regional Government (Like Mayor) ]
Explain who can stand for election
Anyone above the age of 18 and with a UK citizenship of some sort
What are some of the debates regarding making the voting age younger.
- They deserve to have a say
- Increase voter turnout
- It would get younger people more interested in politics
What are some of the debates regarding making the voting age older.
- Generally uneducated in politics
- Not mature enough
What are some of the issues relating Voter Apathy/turnout.
votes do not encompass the entire population who are eligible to vote
Suggestions for increasing voter turnout at elections
- Send voting Reminders
- Address voters personally during speech etc
How is money raised and spent by the government
Through the increase of taxes and spending it on public services like schools, the NHS and army.
Explain First Past the Post.
A voting system in which the one with the most votes is elected
How frequent are Westminster Elections.
[54 members]
Every 4 years
Explain Proportional Representation
Include an Advantage and Disadvantage.
The percentage of votes a party shares is equal to the percentage of seats they will hold in parliament
(+) Give minority parties a better chance of winning seats in Parliament
(-) potentially provide a route for extremists to force their way into the political mainstream
Advantage and Disadvantages of Non-Proportional Systems [like FPTP]
(+) Makes elected party more inclined to tackle issues
(-) Minority parties do not receive as many seats
What is a Monarchy
One where A ‘Royal Family’ rules [King or Queen in power]
What is Communism
A classless society in which all property and wealth are communally-owned
What is the Judiciary
Our Justice system
What is Legislature
A body that decides upon the laws that apply to a state.
[Parliament]
Explain what a Bicameral is.
The name given to a parliament made up of 2 chambers.
Like in the UK system with the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
What is the House of Commons
he publicly elected chamber of Parliament
What is the House of Lords
the second chamber of the UK Parliament
What is the Role of the Monarchy
- Opens and closes Parliament
- Gives royal approval to new laws
- Meets leaders of other countries
- Acts as the symbolic head of the commonwealth
What is a Constitutional Monarchy
System of government in which a monarch shares power with an organized government
What is a referendum
A vote on a single issue in which all citizens can take part
(if they are eligible to vote)
Explain the Labour Philosophy.
Political philosophy built on equality, social justice and compassion
Explain the Conservative Philosophy
Political philosophy that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values
