politics democracy and participations

Question 1

What is Representative Democracy?

Answer 1

A form of democracy where people select individuals to act on their behalf and make decisions.

It is the usual form of democracy in the modern world, where representatives exercise their own judgment and are held accountable through elections.

Question 2

What is Direct Democracy?

Answer 2

A democratic system where individuals vote directly on laws and policies themselves.

Originated in ancient Athens, it is impractical for large modern states.

Question 3

How is Direct Democracy used today?

Answer 3

Through referendums and specific laws like the 2015 Recall of MPs Act.

Examples include the Brexit Referendum and Scottish Independence Referendum.

Question 4

What is a key feature of the 2015 Recall of MPs Act?

Answer 4

Allows a petition for a by-election if an MP is imprisoned or suspended for more than 21 days.

Requires 10% of eligible voters in a constituency to sign the petition.

Question 5

What does Switzerland’s use of direct democracy entail?

Answer 5

Around 10 referendum-style votes each year.

This allows Swiss citizens to have a direct say on various issues.

Question 6

What was the purpose of the Climate Assembly UK?

Answer 6

To explore public opinions on achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

It consisted of 108 members selected to reflect the broader public demographics.

Question 7

What conflict arose from the Brexit referendum?

Answer 7

It highlighted a disconnect between public opinion and representatives’ positions.

No major party officially supported leave, leading to complications in the Brexit process.

Question 8

What is a Pluralist Democracy?

Answer 8

A type of democracy where decisions result from the interplay of various ideas and arguments from competing groups.

It encourages all voices in society to be heard.

Question 9

What is Legitimacy in the context of democracy?

Answer 9

The legal right to exercise power, such as a government’s right to rule after an election.

It validates the policies of those in power based on public support.

Question 10

What is the Protective Perspective on Democracy?

Answer 10

Focuses on democracy as a protection for individual freedom without expecting large-scale citizen participation.

It emphasizes competitive leadership for electoral support.

Question 11

What is the Developmental Perspective on Democracy?

Answer 11

Believes citizens need to engage actively for democracy to be successful.

Greater engagement leads to a more equal society addressing inequalities.

Question 12

What happened between the 2019 and 2024 UK general election with MPs?

Answer 12

Three MPs defected from the Conservatives to Labour due to concerns with Conservative policies.

Notably, Christian Wakeford’s defection occurred just before Prime Minister’s Questions.

Question 13

What is a similarity between Direct and Representative Democracy?

Answer 13

Both aim to implement the will of the people based on majority rule.

Citizens vote in both systems, whether directly or through representatives.

Question 14

What is a key difference between Direct and Representative Democracy?

Answer 14

In direct democracy, individuals express opinions themselves; in representative democracy, citizens elect representatives.

This leads to different levels of citizen involvement.

Question 15

What is an advantage of Direct Democracy?

Answer 15

Gives equal weight to all votes.

This contrasts with representative democracy, where votes can have unequal value due to electoral systems.

Question 16

What is a disadvantage of Direct Democracy?

Answer 16

Impractical in large, modern states due to complicated decision-making.

Many people may feel unqualified to participate in regular decision-making.

Question 17

What is the ‘tyranny of the majority’?

Answer 17

A criticism of direct democracy where minority viewpoints are disregarded.

This occurs as decisions are made based on majority rule without parliamentary mediation.

Question 19

What is representative democracy?

Answer 19

A system where elected officials represent a group of people, especially in large countries with complex problems.

Question 20

What is an advantage of representative democracy during crises?

Answer 20

It allows for rapid responses to complex problems, which is crucial during crises like COVID.

Question 21

How do parties function in representative democracy?

Answer 21

Parties represent the public and provide a choice of representatives.

Question 22

What does representative democracy do for minorities?

Answer 22

It reduces the chances of tyranny of the majority by giving minorities a voice in parliament.

Question 23

How do elections contribute to accountability in representative democracy?

Answer 23

Elections allow representatives to be held accountable, ensuring responsible behavior.

Question 24

Why are politicians considered better informed than average citizens?

Answer 24

They are (in theory) better informed and less likely to be swayed by emotional appeals.

Question 25

What is a disadvantage of representative democracy regarding participation?

Answer 25

It may lead to reduced participation as responsibility is handed to politicians.

Question 26

Why might parties not represent the best interests of the people?

Answer 26

Parties and politicians don't necessarily align with the best interests of the electorate.

Question 27

What issue arises from minority representation in elections?

Answer 27

Minorities are often underrepresented as they lack significant electoral weight.

Question 28

How can politicians avoid accountability?

Answer 28

They may be skilled in avoiding accountability, especially with infrequent elections.

Question 29

What example illustrates politicians betraying election promises?

Answer 29

In 2010, the Liberal Democrats did not follow through on their promise to scrap tuition fees while in coalition with the Conservatives. ## Footnote Example of broken promises in coalition government.

Question 30

What is a concern with the UK's FPTP electoral system?

Answer 30

Representatives are often elected with less than 50% of the vote, indicating potential disagreement among the electorate.

Question 31

What is the participation crisis in UK democracy?

Answer 31

It refers to the significant decline in voter turnout and political engagement.

Question 32

What has been the trend in voter turnout in recent UK General Elections?

Answer 32

Voter turnout has been significantly lower than the historical average of 76%.

Question 33

What was the voter turnout in the 2024 general election?

Answer 33

The turnout was just 59.8%.

Question 34

What is a reason for lower voter turnout?

Answer 34

Political apathy, characterized by a lack of awareness or interest in political issues.

Question 35

What is the current party membership percentage among the electorate?

Answer 35

Only 1.6% of the electorate belongs to a political party.

Question 36

How has Labour Party membership changed under Corbyn?

Answer 36

It fell from 500,000 under Corbyn to 370,000 today.

Question 37

What does 'hapathy' refer to in the context of voter turnout?

Answer 37

'Hapathy' suggests that people are generally content and therefore don't feel the need to push for change.

Question 38

What was the turnout for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

Answer 38

The turnout was 84.6%.

Question 39

What is a positive sign of political engagement despite low general election turnout?

Answer 39

High turnout in referendums indicates significant public engagement on critical issues.

Question 40

What is the impact of social media on political participation?

Answer 40

Social media allows people, especially the young, to engage in politics online.

Question 41

What is a recent example of a successful e-petition?

Answer 41

The Revoke Article 50 petition received over 5.5 million signatures in March 2019. ## Footnote Example of significant public engagement through e-petition.

Question 42

What is a democratic deficit?

Answer 42

A perceived deficiency in the way a democratic body operates, particularly regarding accountability.

Question 43

What has contributed to increased distrust in politicians since 2019?

Answer 43

Scandals and a belief that politicians prioritize party interests over national needs.

Question 44

What scandal involved Michelle Mone and PPE procurement?

Answer 44

The PPE Medpro scandal involved allegations of cronyism and mismanagement in PPE contracts during COVID. ## Footnote Example of corruption impacting public trust.

Question 45

How much were MPs paid for second jobs in 2022/23?

Answer 45

MPs were paid £10 million for second jobs and freelance work.

Question 46

What is a concern regarding the last two Prime Ministers in the UK?

Answer 46

They were appointed through internal party processes without facing a general election.

Question 47

What are some positive democratic features of the UK political system?

Answer 47

Devolved governments, independent judiciary, free media, and regular elections.

Question 48

What is a criticism of the first-past-the-post electoral system?

Answer 48

It leads to unrepresentative results and limited legitimacy for elected representatives.

Question 49

Who can vote in UK elections?

Answer 49

All adults over 18 who are registered to vote.

Question 50

Who can vote in UK elections?

Answer 50

All adults over 18 who are registered are allowed to vote. ## Footnote British and Irish citizens have reciprocal rights to vote in each others' countries. Commonwealth citizens are allowed to vote, as are UK nationals who have lived abroad for less than 15 years.

Question 51

Who can’t vote in UK elections?

Answer 51

People under the age of 18, EU citizens (except those from the ROI), members of the HoLs, prisoners, those convicted of corrupt electoral practices (barred for 5 years), and people compulsorily detained in a psychiatric hospital.

Question 52

What did the 1832 Great Reform Act accomplish?

Answer 52

It abolished rotten boroughs and gave the vote to middle class men, representing 8% of the population.

Question 53

What change occurred in 1858 regarding MPs?

Answer 53

Any man over 21 could become an MP whether or not they owned property.

Question 54

What did the 1867 Second Reform Act achieve?

Answer 54

It gave many working men the vote, allowing 2.5 million to vote (1/3 of men).

Question 55

What was introduced by the 1872 Ballot Act?

Answer 55

The secret ballot, which decreased bribery and bullying in voting.

Question 56

What did the 1884 Third Reform Act do?

Answer 56

It granted most working men the vote, representing 18% of the population and 2/3 of men.

Question 57

What was required by 1885 regarding constituencies?

Answer 57

Constituencies had to have an equal number of votes.

Question 58

What did the 1918 Representation of the People Act accomplish?

Answer 58

It granted all men and women over 30 the vote, representing 75% of the population.

Question 59

What change occurred in 1928 regarding women's voting age?

Answer 59

The women's voting age was reduced to 21.

Question 60

What was established in 1969 regarding voting?

Answer 60

Everyone 18 and over could vote.