Representative Democracy Flashcards
What is the most common democracy today ?
Representative Democracy
What is a representative democracy ?
Choose representative to make decisions on their behalf
How are representatives chosen ?
Through formal election which is a competitive process
Who are the representatives?
MPs
Who do representatives (MPs) represent ?
Their constituents
What is constituents ?
Ordinary voters who elect a particular representative based on their residence in a particular area
What is the role of the constituent?
To be held accountable
How is accountability held to representatives ?
-Through investigations, media scrutiny
-individual representatives asking questions on their behalf on their constituents
Investigations, media scrutiny and asking individuals representatives questions on behalf of their constituents is what ?
Holding representative accountable
How many MPs does Westminster have for their constituents?
650 MPs
What is an advantage of representative democracy ?
- practical in large modern state when issues are complex , more rapid response
Example of advantage of representative democracy of rapid response ?
Covid pandemic measures to put us in lockdown , if it was a referendum would take more time and more deaths
What is a disadvantage of representative democracy?
Parties run by elected who pursue own agendas and not representing and can be open to manipulation by the cleverest and most articulate speakers who persuade people to support their view
Example of disadvantage of representive democracy and corruption/persuasion ?
anachism where activists sway people into voting what they believe
Disadvantage of how Politicians avoid accountability (representative democracy ) ?
Skillful in avoiding responsibility especially as elections are usually 4 years apart
