politics paper 1 democracy Flashcards
direct democracy
a form of government where people themselves make key decisions
representative democracy
where people elect a representatives to make key decisions for them
features of uk democracy
- peaceful transition of power
- free and fair elections
- widespread participation
- freedom of expression and association
- protection of rights and liberties
- limited government and constitution
democratic deficit
feature of system that are not democratic
sovereignty
unlimited power
party membership
- decline in participation since 1940-2016/3M to 0.460
- exceptions: 2015 £3 to join corbyn for labour
- 2014 SNP referendum rose to 100,000
- 2017 election increase in UKIP 4th largest party
voting
- General trend of falling turnout since 1970s, although slight recovery since 2010.
- Referendum turnout is inconsistent.
- 1979 = 76%, 2001 = 59.4%, 2017 = 68.7%. 2014 Belgium = 89.2, 2016 USA = 55%.
- 1998 London Mayor Referendum = 34.1%, 2016 EU Referendum = 72.2%.
digital
E-democracy is a fast-growing form of participation. One example is e-petitions
- 2007 Against Charges for Using Roads = 1.8m Signatures. Success.
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pressure groups
As party membership declined pressure group activity increased.
- large membership of sectional groups i.e those that represent the interests of part of society such as trade unions
- Promotional groups i.e those who pursue an individual cause have increasing activity e.g. Extinction rebellion in 2019.
pressure group functions
A pressure group is an association that aims to influence policy without seeking power.
- insider = links to policy makers
- outsider those without links
- functions: represent and promote interests ; to protect the interests of minorities; to promote causes that have been ignored by political parties; to inform and educate the public ; to call government to account over its performance ; to pass key information to government and inform and influence policy; to give further opportunity for citizens to participate in politics.
access points
insider groups are able to rely on access points through links to policy makers
lobbying
an activity that take various forms to promote causes and interests.
Public campaigning
mobilising public opinion to promote themselves.
pressure group methods
appeals through courts; illegal methods; media campaigns; giving money; parliamentary representation through an MP.
pressure groups effect on democracy
Enhance: disperse power, educate public; increase opportunity for participation; promote the interests and rights of minorities; help call the government to account
- Threaten: some groups are elitist and concentrate power in the hand of the few; may distort information for their own interests; undemocratic; money providers have too much influence.
