Representative And Direct Demoracy Flashcards
What are the advantages of representative democracy?
~ Much more practical
~ Representatives have much better knowledge and experience
~ Representatives may be more rational than the electorate
~ Representatives can protect minority groups
~ Allows for a high level of accountability
~ Prevents voter fatigue
What is an example of representatives protecting the rights of a minority group?
The legalisation of gay marriage in the UK in 2014
What is an example of a country experiencing voter fatigue?
Switzerland
What is an example of the electorate holding the government to account?
In 2015 the Liberal Democrats lost all but 8 of their seats because the public were dissatisfied with their work as part of the coalition.
What are the weaknesses of representative democracy?
~ Political participation is low which calls into question the legitimacy of the system
~ The people are forced to relinquish their power after the election
~ People can rarely vote on single issues
~ Party discipline compromises the will of the people
~ Representatives aren’t necessarily socially representative
How is the people relinquishing their power a bad thing?
The government may not make decisions that the public agree with such as the decision to = invade Iraq in 2003.
What is an example of party discipline compromising the will of the people?
The Lib Dems were forced to vote in favour of increasing tuition fees because the party forced them to.
What is the typical MP?
White, middle class, middle aged, highly educated men.
What are the advantages of direct democracy?
~ More democratic as the power remains in the hands of the people
~ Citizens’ views not distorted
~ Increases political participation as participation is continuous
~ Enhances political education
~ Citizens can vote on a single issue
What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?
~ Impractical in large communities
~ Impossible to take rapid decisions in emergencies
~ Most citizens lack the level of political knowledge to make shrewd decisions
~ Direct democracy may result in Tyranny of the Majority
~ Constant participation could lead to voter fatigue and apathy
~ Undermines parliamentary sovereignty
What is an example of Tyranny of the Majority?
Voters in California voted to outlaw gay marriage in 2008
What is an example of the opposite of Tyranny of the Majority taking place?
In 2012 Maine, Maryland and Washington all voted to legalise gay marriage after their representatives failed to do so.
How has direct democracy been used more widely in the UK in recent years?
~ Lots more referenda since 1997
~ Introduction of government e-petitions in 2011
How many signatures did the government e-petition website receive in its first year?
6,400,000
