Representative vs. Direct

Question 1

Disadvantages of direct democracy

Answer 1

• people can’t understand complex decisions
• tyranny of the majority -> oppression of minorities
• voter fatigue -> apathy
• some people won’t participate
• people vote in their own interest rather than in the national interest (congestion charge referendum)

Question 2

Disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 2

• Political parties are so powerful in the UK that elected representatives aren’t able to act independently.
• Power is concentrated in the hands of the small political elite.
• Infrequent opportunities to participate-> remoteness
• Not socially representative representatives
• Political parties don’t represent the interests of ordinary people
• Once elected politicians can do what they want
• balancing the interests of the constituency and the political party can be difficult

Question 3

Advantages of direct democracy

Answer 3

• engages and educates general public
• ensures decisions are accepted by the public
• disperses power
• encourages people to participate in the political process
• more different view points
• New communications technology means that direct democracy is not as impractical as it was in the past

Question 4

Advantages of representative democracy

Answer 4

• Many complex decisions are too complex for regular people to understand
• elected reps are more educated and experienced and can therefore make better decisions
• reps speak for all constituents even minorities

Question 5

The main features of representative democracy

Answer 5

Free and fair elections involving competing parties

Reps make decisions in assemblies and parliaments

Universal suffrage

Question 6

What conditions need to be met for democracy to work well

Answer 6

Fair elections

Accountable government

Citizen engagement

Universal suffrage

Citizens understand issues

Reps are honest and decent