Representatives and Extending the Franchise

Question 1

What is a Representative and what is a Delegate?

Answer 1

• A representative represents their constituents in the way they see as personally acceptable.
• A delegate consults their constituents, and votes in the way they have been instructed.

Question 2

MP’s as Representatives?

Answer 2

• MPs are elected for five-year. Economy, domestic agenda and international events can change in this time. MPs need to be Flexible and adapt/alter their views accordingly. Previous manifesto policies may need replacement.
• Key feature of democracy is freedom/liberty. Individual freedom is important, especially in Liberal Democracy. MPs should be free to change their mind, the same as any other individual. Otherwise, the system, would look authoritarian
• Edmund Burke said his constituents elected him for his ability, not to follow their opinions – ‘to be a representative, not a delegate’. Different ways to interpret manifesto promises, subject to beliefs and expertise. On moral issues there are free votes, so MPs need to consider issues for themselves. Referendums advisory, MPs free to use it as such, Constituents vary so hard to represent all.
• Voting freedom helps to undermine elitism. In parties, policies are imposed from leadership – undemocratic. Parties seen as repressive if this approach is unchallenged. Differences exist within parties and allowances should be made for voting differences.

Question 3

MP’s as Delegates?

Answer 3

• MPs owe position to party so should respect this. Debt of loyalty to the party that put them in power. If they fail to respect this, they may be deselected.
• MPs have a duty to follow the manifesto – the wishes of the voters. Supposed to represent views of constituents, gives MPs legitimacy. It maintains the trust of voters. Accountable at the next election, so may be voted out if they fail to keep their promises.
• Need for majoritarian grouping within Parliament to formulate and pass legislation. Government disorganised/unaccountable if MPs voted individually. Parties need unity to function. Otherwise, unpredictability and chaos.
• Follow referendums. Theoretically advisory, in reality, they are politically binding, ‘political suicide’. MPs need to respect referendum decisions and implement policy.

Question 4

When did all men and women over 18 got the vote?

Answer 4

• 1969

Question 5

What are continuing Suffrage issues and Campaigns?

Answer 5

• Monarch/senior members of the royal family do not vote –convention (not law). Members of the House of Lords can vote in local and regional elections, but not in general elections.
• The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in 2005 UK prisoners should have the vote. Government indicated only for those serving less than 4-years, but not been implemented. (Scottish Parliament – those serving sentences of less than 12 months can vote) Campaigns to change this e.g. Prison Reform Trust
• EU citizens cannot vote in UK general elections. This disenfranchises 3 million adults who work and pay taxes in the UK whilst it was in the EU – on-going campaign to enfranchise them.
• Certified insane were not allowed to vote (from 1870 onwards). A campaign to change this resulted in only those certified as criminally insane being prevented from voting since 2007.
• Those convicted for political corruption in the last five years cannot vote in elections – no campaign to change this.
• There is an on-going campaign to lower the voting age to 16 – already done in Scotland and Wales for referendums, regional and local elections.