Representative Democracy

Question 1

What is the definition of democracy by Lincoln and explain it?

Answer 1

• “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” (1863)
• By the people: Direct democracy is where citizens make decisions for themselves (referendums)
• For the people: Representative democracy is where the government works in the interest of people (elections)
• Of the people: Participatory democracy is where citizens partake in political activity (pressure groups, stand as MPs, voting)

Question 2

How does democracy establish and protect freedom?

Answer 2

• The French Revolution of 1789 made sure the political system took into account the demands of the middle and working class
• Americans fought to establish freedom for all from George III. The constitution ensured everyone could participate and be represented.
• Today, no government can threaten freedom unless it’s with the consent of the people.

Question 3

How does democracy protect minorities?

Answer 3

• It ensures all groups have access to the political process, known as pluralist democracy.
• It guarantees that minorities have a voice free from discrimination
• If democracy is reduced to ‘rule by the majority’ then minorities aren’t protected and is called tyranny of the majority.

Question 4

How does democracy control government power?

Answer 4

Makes government accountable to the people by ensuring that they must submit themselves regularly to re-election

Question 5

How does democracy encourage popular particapation?

Answer 5

In a free democracy, people can become informed and be directly involved in influencing decision making which prevents tyranny as an uninformed population is vulnerable to an autocratic government

Question 6

How does democracy disperse power more widely?

Answer 6

• If power is excessively concentrated in the hands of a small number of people than it’s inevitable for it to be denied to a wider range of the population
• If power is dispersed then democracy is well-served

Question 7

What are advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 7

• Professional politicians make complex decisions
• Minority views are considered and upheld
• Elected politicians are held to account by the people
• It is the most practical form of democracy

Question 8

What are disadvantages of representative democracy?

Answer 8

• Citizens are disengaged from politics
• Tightly controlled parties result in politicians lacking independence
• Politicians are skilled at swerving accountability
• Politicians are open to corruption and self-interest

Question 9

What is feature 1 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 9

• Elections of representatives should be regular and carried out without force and with universal adult suffrage
• In the UK, elections must be held every 5 years, using first-past-the-post (FPTP). They are held in secret and the results are legally binding

Question 10

What is feature 2 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 10

• Civil liberties must be protected
• Rights and freedoms are established and enshrined in UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998

Question 11

What is feature 3 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 11

• Elections must be contested by numerous political parties
• For example, Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats contest elections

Question 12

What is feature 4 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 12

• Constitutional checks exist to prevent a concentration of government power
• The UK constitution, although uncodified, sets boundaries of the democratic system

Question 13

What is feature 5 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 13

• An assembly exists which reflects the make-up society and passes law
• Political decisions are made by Members of Parliament (MPs) which sit in a parliament and are expected to represent the views of the electorate

Question 14

What is feature 6 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 14

• Pressure groups should have the opportunity and freedom to put forward their values
• Pressure groups are an integral part of the UK democratic, representative system

Question 15

What is feature 7 of representative democracy and how is presented in the UK?

Answer 15

• An independent judiciary should exist
• In the UK, the judiciary is separated from the executive and the legislature