Topic 1: Democracy and Political Participation

Question 1

Democratic legitimacy (7)

Answer 1

• Rightful use/exercise of power
• Power gained through democratic channels
• Direct or representative democracy
• OBTAINED BY:
  
  • Majority vote in legislature
  • Success in elections
  • Referendums
  • Adhering to constitution

Question 2

Liberal democracy (10)

Answer 2

• Indirect and representative
• Right to rule gained in regular competitive elections based on political equality
• Combine limited government/elections and popular participation
• CORE FEATURES:
  
  • Free, fair, regular elections
  • Universal suffrage
  • Competition
  • Civil liberties and individual rights
  • Constitutional government
  • Freedom from government in society
  • Capitalism

Question 3

Democracy (4)

Answer 3

• Rule by people
• Two types = direct and representative
• Political equality - equal distribution of political power and influence
• Political participation - popular involvement in process of government

Question 4

Direct democracy (4)

Answer 4

• Direct, unmediated and continuous participation of citizens in government.
• People = government - no need for separate politicians
• EXAMPLES:
  
  • Ancient Athens
  • Referendums

Question 5

Representative democracy (5)

Answer 5

• Limited and indirect democracy
• Representatives speak for/act on behalf of people
• Ensured by regular and competitive elections
• KEY PRINCIPAL: popular control operations through accountability (can be removed if unpopular).
• EXAMPLES: UK and USA

Question 6

Legitimacy (2)

Answer 6

• Rightfulness

- Makes orders authoritative/binding = must be obeyed

Question 7

Representation (3)

Answer 7

• Relationship where individual/groups stands/acts for a larger body of people
• Representation acknowledges separation between representatives and people whilst democracy aims to abolish this divide
• Representative democracy = limited & indirect form of democracy

Question 8

Parliamentary democracy (3)

Answer 8

• Operates through popularly elected deliberative assembly
• Indirect link between government and governed
• Democracy = representative and responsible government

Question 9

Referendums (5)

Answer 9

• Electorate express view on a particular issue of public policy
• It’s a device of direct democracy
• May be either advisory or binding
• Generally called by government, though ‘initiatives’ are called by public petition
• Differ from elections as these merely fill office, they don’t influence the content of a particular policy

Question 10

Political participation (8)

Answer 10

• Key political decisions made by people
• Popular involvement in process of government
• Reflected in democratic idea of government by the people
• EXAMPLES:
  
  • Pressure groups
  • Membership of political parties
  • Voting
  • e-Petitions
  • Protesting