Supreme Court

Question 1

What is direct democracy?

Answer 1

A system where people can make decisions directly on an issue- usually in the form of a yes or no response (Referendums)

Question 2

Give 2 examples of direct democracy

Answer 2

-Citizen juries- where a selected committee make recommendations to decision makers
-Public petitions- if it reaches over 100k signatures it must be discussed in Parliament- e-democracy

(Both require input of elected reps so not entirely direct)

Question 3

What is representative democracy?

Answer 3

A system where the people elect a person or group of people to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf

Question 4

What are the key features of representative democracy?

Answer 4

-Popular participation is indirect - the public don’t exercise power themselves
-Popular participation is mediated - MP constituency link- accountability
-Popular participation in government is limited - vote in gen election every 5 years, local council elections in between

Question 5

State what popular control means in the context of representative democracy

Answer 5

MPs should represent their people, not act in selfish interests- so people must vote for their rep, so there’s a clear majority- more legitimacy

Question 6

What are 3 examples of popular control in the context of representative democracy?

Answer 6

1) Free and fair - share views and free to participate
2) Universal Suffrage - All adults can vote, and all votes are equal
3) Party and candidate competition - voters must have a choice and equal opportunity to learn about different parties before voting

Question 7

State 3 examples of elections that use representative democracy

Answer 7

-London Mayor and Assembly
-Meteo mayor’s - Manc 2017
-Police Crime Commissioners
Devolved assemblies and Parliament

Question 8

What are 3 strengths of Direct Democracy?

Answer 8

-All votes are equal in the outcome
-Increased legitimacy in decisions
-Increased participation

Question 9

What are 3 weaknesses of Direct Democracy?

Answer 9

-Uninformed electorate leads to less legitimacy
-Electoral system used means some votes can be worth more than others
-Decrease in participation due to apathy

Question 10

What are 3 strengths in Representative Democracy?

Answer 10

-Encourages the use of expert politicians
-Encourages compromise between parties - stability
-Allows the electorate to get on with their lives

Question 11

What are 3 weaknesses of Representative Democracy?

Answer 11

-Accountability is weakened - hard to get rid of MPs
-Model of representation isn’t always what the constituents want (trustees)- less legitimate
-Increase in apathy- don’t think they can make an impact

Question 12

What is constituency representation? (RD)

Answer 12

-MP creates strong MP- constituency link
-Constituencies can be represented as a whole- achieving more funding- Levelling up fund
-MPs expected to vote on constituents behalf - even when personal belief is different and against governing party
-Can vote in self-interest if party whip allows it - maintains discipline

Question 13

What is social representation? (RD)

Answer 13

-Social characteristics of political institutions, when elected, should represent the social characteristics of the public as a whole
-Boosts representation of minorities
-Extends to occupation - E.g, if MP has worked in health- try to represent that area and trade union workers

Question 14

What is National Interest Representation? (RD)

Answer 14

MPs are expected to represent national interest
Difficult if constituents don’t like something, but it’s good for the economy-HS2, Brexit

Question 15

What is Party Representation? (RD)

Answer 15

-Most MPs belong to a party with a shared set of aims, beliefs/ policy
-Allows the public to know what the individual MP stands for

Question 16

What is Casual Representation? (RD)

Answer 16

-MPs may represent those who share ideas rather than belonging to a group like a constituency or social group
-E.g they will pursue human rights abuse, environmental causes
-(minor rep because its more often done by pressure groups)

Question 17

What is a pluralist democracy?

Answer 17

-Representation of various groups and interests
-So decisions are made as a consequence of various groups with competing interest
-Encourages compromise

Question 18

How has the UK democracy been reformed?

Answer 18

-Proportional electoral systems - STV- used 22’ and AMS
-2021- SNP, Green coalition (69 seats won)
-Wales- Lab and Plaid Cymru coalition
-Impact: gave power to smaller parties, voter choice
-HOL Act- 1999- 92 heredity peers
-Impact: reduces influence of peers who don’t have expertise, increases accountability
-Recall of MPs Act 2015- conviction, if seat is vacant and early election
-E.g 2019 Chris Davies- convicted of false expense claims
-Impact: litmus test - see the support of gov
E- democracy: 2019 GE - 35% of electorate signed a petition

Question 19

How did the suffragettes extend the franchise?

Answer 19

-Violence gave media attention coverage which raised public awareness
-Repeated violence kept public fearful
-Brutal oppression- force feeding led to Cat and Mouse Act- created sympathy

Question 20

How did the suffragettes NOT extend the franchise?

Answer 20

-Violence showed women aren’t responsible enought to vote
-Gov couldn’t be seen giving into terrorism- prevented negotiations
-Violence turned away many- creation of WSPU- mors peaceful

Question 21

Why could voting at 16 extend the franchise?

Answer 21

-Have more responsibilities without the right to vote - NI, join army, job
-Youth interests are ignored by politicians - manifestos focus on older people - triple lock pension
-Stronger political engagement - 2014 IndyRef- 78% of under 18’s chose to vote, 97% said they would again

Question 22

Why could voting at 16 NOT extend the franchise?

Answer 22

-Too immature- lack of education/ stake in society and could vote for extremist parties (UKIP)
-Undermines TO- IndyRef 2014- 25% didn’t vote given the chance too
-Preserving childhood- still in school

Question 23

Why could prisoners being given the right to vote extend the franchise?

Answer 23

-Inc Participation as TO may increase, which could improve legitimacy
-Rights of prisoners are more likely to be considered in policy decisions
-Could help them to reintegrate into society - 2017 franchise was extended (criticised - very small group)

Question 24

Why could prisoners being given the right to vote, NOT extend the franchise?

Answer 24

-If you break the law, rights should be taken away
-No overall demand for it
-U Gov poll 2012- 63% said prisoners shouldn’t have the right to vote
-May not inc TO

Question 25

How would compulsory voting extend the franchise?

Answer 25

-Increased participation - TO has been declining- Australia- 90% TO due to compulsory voting
-Greater legitimacy - 2019 con- 43% vote share, 80 seat majority
-Civic duty - more likely to value society and create more ties in the community

Question 26

How would compulsory voting NOT extend the franchise?

Answer 26

-Abuse of Freedom- violation of individual freedom
-Wouldn’t addres lack of participation- apathetic/ disengaged voters being forced to vote
-Worthless votes- Inc number of votes wasted

Question 27

How does the wealth of a pressure group determine success?

Answer 27

-Knowledge and expertise that are essential to form economic policy
-Benefit from media exposure - CBI consult media on business matters
-Over £10 million from Unite to Labour Party

Question 28

How does the wealth of a pressure group NOT determine success?

Answer 28

-2019 Johnson told that he wasn’t cutting corporation tax to 17% from 19%- later to 28% due to covid
-Tech and social media help less wealthy groups to still have an impact by contacting reps and getting media attention
-Westminster accounts

Question 29

How does the size of a pressure group determine success?

Answer 29

-Large groups can represent a larger group of people
-NSPCC ensure membership remains high to give them more influence
-Larger groups can have a greater impact - 2022 TU strikes

Question 30

How does the size of a pressure group NOT determine success?

Answer 30

-Membership doesn’t matter if they don’t have insider access- lack of success negotiations in TU strikes
-Howard Penae League is very small but has insider & consulted regularly in gov plans to build more prisons

Question 31

How does the organisational leadership determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 31

-Revolving door politics - Clegg hired by Facebook as Head of global affairs after office to utilise his knowledge of politics since being deputy PM

Question 32

How does the organisational membership NOT determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 32

-Well organised groups dont always succeed- 2014 BMT junior doctor strikes over changing contracts- gov were unwilling to back down on a key manifest pledge of offering 7- day NHS service in 2015

Question 33

How does ideology determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 33

Groups are more likely to be successful when their goals line up with gov policy- line of inflation control against Inc pay in 2022 meant little change in policy

Question 34

How does ideology NOT determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 34

-1990 poll tax introduced by Thatcher- saw action from Anti Poll Tax movement and widespread protest - some violent
-Partly a reason for Thatcher being removed as PM and con policy shift

Question 35

How does popular support determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 35

-Gov can way up how damaging not supporting a pressure group can be in terms of electoral damage
-2020 free school meal campaign boosted by Rashford forced Johnson into a U- turn extending use of vouchers into the holidays

Question 36

How does Popular Support NOT determine the success of a pressure group?

Answer 36

-BMA has large public support but still lost 2014 doctor strikes
-TTs and lobby groups don’t rely on public support, instead revolving door politics & connections to exert influence

Question 37

State 2 insider interest pressure groups

Answer 37

-British Medical Association - BMA
-Influence over gov decisions- regulation of anaesthesia, Inc in doctors salaries
-Influence over Parliament: safety of the Rwanda Bill
-National Education Union- NEU
-Influence over gov decisions: Inc in teacher salaries
-Influence over Parliament: made to negotiate with PM over deals

Question 38

State two outsider cause pressure groups

Answer 38

Extinction Rebellion
-Influence over gov decisions: Net zero meetings - Net zero by 2050
-Influence over Parliament: The UK has declared a climate crisis, individual MP pledges made
Just stop oil
-Influence over gov decisions: pressure on individual MPs to stop the consumption of fossil fuels
-Influence over Parliament: Bill to stop protests disturbing and endangering people’s lives

Question 39

State an outsider interest group

Answer 39

-RMT- covers the transport sector (train lines, offshore, buses)
-Influence over gov decisions: called for public negotiations with the gov for pay rise of 5% across the industry
-Influence over Parliament: The Strikes (minimum service level) Act- make regulations requiring minimum level of service during strikes

Question 40

State what the Adam Institute Think Tank did

Answer 40

The Adam Institute
-Influence: 1980s- privatisation of key industries
-NHS- internal market with hospitals buying use of facilities from other areas
-Taxation: lowering top rate of tax- personal income tax allowance raised to £12k per year by 2020 implemented
Education: Education Reform Act 1988- more parental representation and power to headteachers

Question 41

What does the Institute of Economic Affairs do?- think-tank

Answer 41

-Undertake research and produce publications
-Funded by Britain, American Tobacco, and American friends
-Helped in Truss’ mini budget, Kwarteng

Question 42

Give 2 examples of revolving door politics

Answer 42

-Alex Dean- the former chief of staff to Cameron, friends with Russian ambassadors, con minister Wittengale, and Carty Simons - mistress and wife of B. Johnson
-Francis Moore - former cabinet Office minister - 9 posts

Question 43

Why are think tanks good for democracy?

Answer 43

-More positive contribution to debates and decision-making
-Distinguish legitimate policy making from sources of expertise
-Ignite public debate
-Brooking Institute helped rebuild Europe after WW2

Question 44

Why are think tanks NOT good for democracy?

Answer 44

-Funded by immoral industries- Big Tobacco
-Opaque think tanks- £22 million of ‘dark money’ to shape public debate and influence politics
-Idea laundering
-Only started to campaign for clean energy after they got a large donation from S.P manufacturers
-IISS- £25 Mill donation from Persian Gulf monarchy- with pledged to keep it a secret

Question 45

State what happened with Owen Patterson as a lobbyist

Answer 45

-Investigated by commissioner of Parliament for breaking lobbying rules
Used Parliamentary office for consultancy and failed to devalue his interests

Question 46

How does lobbying have influence on government?

Answer 46

-Helps fill any gaps in knowledge and persuades gov action
-Facilities access to help in making complex goc decisions
-Able to communicate concerns directly
-Powerful for policy influence - tax inc

Question 47

How does lobbying have an influence in Parliament

Answer 47

-Facilities public debate in key issues
-Keeps politicians in touch with the latest developments in business
-Contribute a variety of different research and policy that keeps politicians open to different ideas

Question 48

How does Oil and Gas companies use lobbying firms to influence PMs and decision makers in government?

Answer 48

-Quietly helping run parliamentary groups on energy and climate policy without needing to declare involvement
-APPG- point of interest due to arranging chair meetings
-Oil and Gas UK- point of enquiry for the British Oil and Gas industry APPG