Representative Democracy

Question 1

What is Representative Democracy?

Answer 1

• Rules and policy decisions are made, not by the entire community, but by representatives accountable to the community.
• Secured through free, fair and competitive elections
• Within a liberal democracy citizens can express beliefs without danger of punishment, including criticism of officials, the government, the regime etc and can form relatively independent associations e.g independent political parties/interest groups

Question 2

How does Representative Democracy work in the UK?

Answer 2

• UK has 650 constituencies. Each constituency has 70-77,000 voters. All parts of the UK are equally represented.
• Each constituency elects 1 candidate who sits in the Parliament for 5 years. Most are members of a political party.
• Free and Fair Elections
• civil liberties are essential to allow RD to function correctly, freedom of speech, freedom of association, a free media and freedom of belief.
• Pressure Groups/Lobbyists function to influence public opinion and government policy-making. Part of pluralist element of RD. They act as a form of sectional/functional representation – representing people through their profession or social group.

Question 3

What are the advantages of Representative Democracy?

Answer 3

• Representatives make decisions on issues where the electorate is not sufficiently informed to vote on such issues. Elected representatives make decisions that consider the entire national interest rather than individual prejudices.
• Practical form of democracy for large populations. Decisions
  made quickly, especially in emergencies. It is considered suitable for modern nation-states e.g. UK (46 million voters)
• Interests of minorities can be considered by representatives
• Elected representatives are paid so have the time/resources to engage in politics. They take responsibility for political decision-making and allow the public to engage in other routine activities.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of Representative Democracy?

Answer 4

• Politicians too powerful; divert issues to suit their own purposes. Often break promises/do not carry out manifesto. Behaviour often appropriate. Not true democracy as decisions are made by the few, not the many.
• Politicians can act without a mandate particularly a few years after their election. May introduce unpopular policies.
• Party politics is too prominent within debate. More concerned about prevailing than doing what voters want. Party interests come before constituents.
• Powerful/wealthy individuals have too much influence over politics. Through lobbying, donations, pressure groups and access to ministers.
• Citizens ignorant/apathetic. Since not consulted they do not think about or form an opinion on issues
• Only issues where votes can be gained/lost are of interest to politicians. Less important issues are not taken up so ignored. E.g. animal rights, drug laws,
• Electoral systems may produce results that do not accurately represent the wishes of the electorate.

Question 5

What are the 4 types of Representative Democracy?

Answer 5

• Liberal Democracy: rights of individuals stressed and participation by all is encouraged. Freedom of speech/association, tolerance are all important. Based on a constitution and separation of powers.
• Pluralist Democracy: people are represented through groups of which they are a member e.g., pressure groups, trade unions. Groups compete with each other for influence within the system, power is distributed widely between groups
• Social Democracy: emphasises importance of social/economic equality, comprehensive welfare state/worker’s rights, benefiting the working class.
• Parliamentary Democracy: Parliament lies at the centre of the democratic process. Government is accountable to Parliament and is chosen through Parliament. Parliament is sovereign – the highest form of authority.

Question 6

What are the types of Representation?

Answer 6

• Geographical Representation – Representatives are elected geographically
• Multi-Level Representation – national, regional and local.
  Party Representation – representatives elected under a party and follow the party line
• Structural Representation - Electors vote for a representative according to social background ‘mirror representation’.
• Independent Representation - Occasionally, independents elected.
  5 in 2024, 4/5 were ethnic minorities - quite rare.
• Electoral Representation - PR systems provide more accurate/fairer representation than FPTP. Easier to elect a more diverse assembly/parliament when PR is used.

Question 7

What are the Similarities between Representative Democracy and Direct Democracy?

Answer 7

• Both systems assume the will of the people is paramount.
• They are based on mass participation of the people.
• Under both systems, there are likely to be political parties and pressure groups involved in the democratic process. Groups are likely to organise to pursue their particular agenda.
• Political education is considered important within both systems.