rights in context Flashcards
what is the difference between direct and representative democracy
direct is where individuals express opinions themselves whereas representative is where people elect politicians to stand on their behalf (uk)
advantages of representative demoacracy x4
+only practical system for a large complicated state
+where common people aren’t qualified to make decisions, politicians are able to have control
+politicians are able to balance conflicting interests to pacify two opposing groups.
+ensures accountability through regular elections where voters can decide to renew the mandate
disadvantages of a representative democracy x5
-MPs could be argued to be disengaged from their constituency and do not truly represent their views
-MPs also can have other interests such as second jobs which compromise their ability to perform (eg George Osborne was also editor of the Evening Standard)
-FPTP creates an unrepresentative Parliament as is often dominated by 2 parties
-It is not diverse so therefore its ability to truly represent all minorities is compromised.
-HOL is unelected and therefore unaccountable.
what is direct democracy
consultative, where decisions are made directly by the public not by representatives. (REFERENDA)
adv of direct democracy x3
+gives equal weight to all votes unlike a rep system where constituencies vary in size
+encourages participation
+removes distrust of MPs
what is a pluralist democracy
where no single party dominates the government and all compete for influence into policy-making. allows a wide range of views to be heard alongside thorough debate.
examples of direct democract x4
- 1975 & 2016 referendums over membership to the EU
- 2011 - changing the system of voting for Westminster Parliament
- recall of MPs if 10% of constituents sign => a by-election:
a)MP Fiona Onasanya lied to avoid a speeding ticket and lost her Peterborough seat as 27% signed.
b) Margaret Ferrier lost seat in 2023 after a COVID breach - where she sat in Parliament whilst awaiting a positive COVID test result. - electronic petitions - if reaches 100,000 signatures, will be considered for debate in the HOC
-no leglisation or debate promised.
features of a liberal democracy x10
- peaceful transition of power
- free elections - ‘universal suffrage’ (secret ballot)
- fair elections - everyone has 1 vote which wont be frauded.
- participation - the population must be well informed and active to prevent dictatorial govts
- freedom of expression and information - people can critique the govt (civil liberty) without fear of arrest. No media censorship
- the rule of law
- protection of rights and liberties - should be firmly safeguarded in a bill of rights or equiv. so the govt cannot erode them
- freedom of association - to form parties or pressure groups
- a constitution - democracy risked if there is no limit of the govt’s power
10 - an independent judiciary - ensures laws are kept and govt doesnt abuse powers
democratic deficit? points idk x5
- underrepresentation of minor parties
- HOL lacks legitimacy and accountability
- lack of protection for civil rights
- lack of codified constitution
- a participation crisis in voter turnout and party membership
voter turnout stats
1979 was 76%
turnout June 2017 was 68.7%
turnout 2019 was 67.3%
=whilst it statistically has dropped, there are still healthy levels of participation which legitimise governments.
in 2014 by-elections, the turnout was mostly 20-30%, and Police Commissioner elections had 15%.
HOWEVER - scottish independence was at 84% in 2014 and 2016 EU membership turnout was 72.2%
party membership stats x2
in 2016, only 1.6% of the electorate where members of the main 3 parties. however, there is a growth of people joining pressure groups and minor parties such as the SNP, Green and UKIP
+ 2014, SNP membership at 100,000, 2015, UKIP at 50,000 - the ‘apathy’ may be exaggerated.
reforms to increase voter turnout x4
more flexible polling station locations.
voting to be spread over several days
E-voting applicable.
even making voting compulsory like Belgium of Australia.
australia compulsory voting stats
90% turnout - voters who fail to pay the fine can be prosecuted, even in turkey and belgium the turnout s are 80%
should voting be compulsory? yes x4
- citizens who dont wish to participate can leave a blank ballot if they want to abstain
- increases the legitimacy of politicians if everyone votes. Police Commissioner turnout was 15%, 2014 by-elections was 20-30%
3.Politicians would have to pay attention to all groups of voters instead of the more engaged groups who are the ones who vote. in 2010, 76% of over 65s voted whereas 44% of 18-24s voted. turnout was 76% among professional and managerial groups but 57% among unskilled workers. - if everyone votes, this may increase interest and intelligence about politics leading to a better electorate and democratic process.
arguments against compulsory votign x3
-forcing people to go to the polling station is an infringement of liberty. voting is a civic right rather than duty. the religious beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses fro example forbid them from voting. legitimacy born out of force loses its effectiveness
-little evidence from countries who employ compulsory voting that their electorate is actually MORE interested in politics
-absence in voting may not be apathy but indicate satisfaction eg in 97-01, people were so happy witht he expected Labour vixtory, some saw no need to vote.
