Positive Democratic Features of the UK Political System

Question 1

What is the definition of devolved governments in the UK?

Answer 1

Devolved governments are powers transferred from the UK Parliament to regional assemblies and parliaments, such as the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and Northern Ireland Assembly.

Question 2

What are the key significances of devolved governments in the UK?

Answer 2

• Promotes local decision-making closer to the population.
• Recognizes and addresses regional differences and national identities.
• Encourages democratic accountability at a regional level, such as the scrutiny of local representatives

Question 3

Provide an example of how devolved governments work in the UK.

Answer 3

Scotland has powers over education, health, and justice, allowing for policies tailored to local needs, such as providing free university tuition in Scotland.

Question 4

UK Democracy

What is devolution?

Answer 4

Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to lower levels of government while maintaining overall sovereignty.

Question 5

What is the definition of an independent judiciary?

Answer 5

An independent judiciary operates separately from the executive and legislative branches of government.

Question 6

What is the significance of an independent judiciary in the UK?

Answer 6

• Upholds the rule of law and ensures that government actions comply with the law.
• Protects personal freedoms.
• Ensures impartial adjudication in cases involving individuals and the state.

Question 7

Provide an example of how an independent judiciary works in the UK.

Answer 7

Judicial review allows courts to check whether government actions are lawful.

Question 8

What is the key theory behind the independent judiciary?

Answer 8

The Separation of Powers, as discussed by Montesquieu, is essential for safeguarding liberty and preventing the abuse of power.

Question 9

What are free and fair elections in the context of the UK?

Answer 9

Free and fair elections are conducted without corruption or intimidation, ensuring the public can express their will.

Question 10

What is the significance of free and fair elections in the UK?

Answer 10

• Reflects the principle of consent in a representative democracy.
• Provides accountability by enabling citizens to replace or re-elect representatives.
• Referendums supplement representative democracy by involving the public in major decisions.

Question 11

Provide an example of a free and fair election system in the UK.

Answer 11

Elections to the UK Parliament follow the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, ensuring quick results and strong governments, although not necessarily proportional.

Question 12

What is electoral integrity?

Answer 12

Electoral integrity refers to the adherence to democratic norms in the conduct of elections.

Question 13

What is the definition of free media?

Answer 13

Free media operates without undue influence or censorship, holding those in power to account.

Question 14

What is the significance of free media in the UK?

Answer 14

• Exposes government wrongdoing and corruption.
• Informs the public, enabling informed participation in politics.
• Acts as a watchdog for democracy, scrutinizing political decisions

Question 15

Provide an example of free media’s role in the UK.

Answer 15

Investigations by outlets like the BBC or The Guardian have uncovered scandals such as MPs’ expenses in 2009.

Question 16

What is the key theory behind free media?

Answer 16

Pluralism, which suggests that media diversity contributes to pluralist democracy by allowing competing viewpoints to be heard.

Question 17

What is the role of political parties and pressure groups in the UK?

Answer 17

Political parties and pressure groups provide diverse platforms for political expression and participation.

Question 18

What is the significance of political parties and pressure groups in the UK?

Answer 18

• Encourages pluralist democracy by allowing different interests and opinions to be represented.
• Pressure groups enhance policy development by contributing expertise and lobbying for change.

Question 19

Provide an example of the political landscape in devolved governments.

Answer 19

The multi-party system in devolved governments includes the SNP, Labour, and Conservatives in Scotland.

Question 20

What is the key theory related to political parties and pressure groups in the UK?

Answer 20

The Elite vs. Pluralist Theories: Pluralists see pressure groups as enhancing democracy, while elitists argue that some groups dominate due to greater resources

Question 21

What is democracy?

Answer 21

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Question 22

What is liberal democracy?

Answer 22

Liberal democracy protects individual rights and freedoms, ensures free elections, and upholds the rule of law.

Question 23

What is representative democracy?

Answer 23

Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 24

What is participatory democracy?

Answer 24

Participatory democracy encourages the direct involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, such as through referendums or citizen assemblies.

Question 25

What are objectively positive features of the UK political system?

Answer 25

Free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and devolved governments are widely regarded as core strengths of UK democracy.

Question 26

What are nuanced features of the UK political system?

Answer 26

Free media and the role of pressure groups are more complex, offering both benefits and challenges depending on their implementation and regulation.

Question 27

What challenges must the UK political system adapt to in the future?

Answer 27

The UK political system must adapt to challenges such as technological change, globalization, and growing demands for equality and representation.

Question 28

What is necessary for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions in the UK?

Answer 28

Reform is required to address weaknesses in the system without undermining its strengths in order to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.