Politics and participation- where does political power reside Flashcards
What principle is a democratic government based on?
That all people are equal and collectively hold power and those elected are accountable to the people
Features of a democracy
-regular, open and fair elections for public bodies
-secret ballot
-accountable results system
-citizens can stand for election
-government is accountable
-candidates can campaign equally (no bribes, finances or intimidation)
-media can freely report
-independent judiciary
-public can use legal processes to hold the government to account
What type of democracy is the UK?
Representative
What are the characteristics of a liberal democracy?
System of democracy where certain freedoms of the individual are upheld and citizens are protected from excessive government power
e.g. UK, USA, EU countries
Referendums are an example of which type of democracy?
Direct- all citizens directly participate in decision making
A system of government where citizens are elected to represent others is a ………… democracy
Representative
The definition of a dictatorship is…..
Form of government where one person or a small group holds absolute power with no limitations
The definition of theocracy is ……
Country governed by a religious leader
Examples of countries which follow absolute monarchy
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
Examples of one-party system countries
Russia
Countries currently ruled by a dictator include
North Korea, Qatar
Which voting system is used in UK general elections?
First past the post
What is the fixed-term Parliament act 2011?
-fixed term for future parliaments in UK
-abolished in 2022, general elections must now be held within a 5 year period decided by PM or a vote of no confidence by the government
What are responsibilities?
Duties placed upon citizens by society
What are freedoms?
A power or right to speak and act or think as you want
Examples of responsibilities:
Pay taxes, obey the law, do jury duty
Examples of freedoms:
Freedom of choice, freedom of the press, freedom of movement, freedom of expressiom
Define equality
Equal treatment for all within society
What are 2 examples of equality legislation for women?
-representation of the people Act 1928
-Equal pay Act 1970
-Equality Acts 2006 and 2010
-Sex discrimination Acts 1975 and 1986
-Employment and equality Regulations 2003 and 2006
Give an example of legislation for racial equality
Any from
-Race Regulations Act 1965,1968,1976,2000
How are children’s rights legally protected?
-UN convention on rights of the child in force from 1992
-over 40 specific rights for children
Which three acts protect the rights of those with disabilities?
Disability discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005
Special Educational needs Act 2001
Give examples of legislation which protects sexual rights
-Sexual offences Acts 1967 and 2003
-Civil Partnership Act 2005 (amended in 2019 to allow same-sex partnerships)
-Gender recognition Act 2004
Marriage Act (Same-sex) 2013
Which piece of legislation brings together number of equality acts into one?
Equality Act 2010
Who can pass laws in the UK?
Parliament
What is the ‘official opposition’?
The largest party not in the government
Currently Labor
What is the role of the opposition?
To hold the government to account and to oppose government on policies they disagree with
What is the issue if a government holds a large majority?
Able to pass most of its policies
What is a political party?
Group of people who share a common ideology and political beliefs and wish to win an election to carry out their ideas
What are major National party’s in the Uk?
Conservative, Labor, Liberal Democrat, green
Give two examples of regional UK partys.
Any from
-Scottish Nationalist
-Plaid Cymru (Welsh nationals)
-Democratic Unionist (Northern Ireland)
-Alliance Party
-Sinn Fein (NI, refuse to take seat in House of Commons
What is the civil service?
People employed by the government to advise and carry out policies.
Name the three core principles of the civil service
Impartial- serve the crown
Anonymity- not identified of associated with specific policies
Permeance- stay in posts when government leaves office and continue to serve
The British constitution is described as……
Unwritten (no single written document, but there are constitutional laws and conventions)
Uncodified (range of documents containing aspects of constitutional arrangements which are unlinked or identified as constitutional)
Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of having an unwritten and uncodified constitution
+
-easy to change constitutional law
-law at aspects individually
:(
-power given to the government
-when broken into pieces changes could undermine existing rights
How has the nature of constitution allowed change?
Judiciary- Supreme Court ruled that the government could not close down parliament to hold an election
Devolution- increased variation of laws and powers of decision making
Citizens- use of referendum increased power of citizens to determine policy
The UK has a ……… monarchy
Constitutional
