TOPIC 1: DEMOCRACY + PARTICIPATION - rep vs direct Flashcards
what is representative democracy?
-people pick a representative to make decisions on their behalf
-relies on constituencies where citizens pick their representative
-this gives MPs legitimacy
-holds them accountable
How could representative democracy be in trouble?
-low participation: voter turnout, party membership etc
-loss of faith in political system
What are possible ways to revive UK’s representative democracy
-automatic voter registration
-compulsory voting
-votes for 16yr olds
-use more direct democracy
-use more referenda
Give 2 examples or recent refernda
Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 Should Scotland leave UK and become independent ?
Turnout 85%. 45% voted yes
EU Referendum 2016
turnout 72%. 52% voted leave
What are positives of referendums?
-power to the people
-political education + engagement
- referndum may be useful to ensure a broad base of political support for a controversial decision
What are negatives of referendums?
-open to misinformation or influence by media and politicians
- can be extremely divisive
- too many referenda lead to voter apathy and fatigue ?
- undermines representative democracy
What is a recall petition?
The process by which an MP can lose their seat in the commons.
The petition is placed in the constituency + if at least 10% of the voters sign it —> by-election
What are the 3 IFs for a recall petition?
- Convicted of an offence in the UK and receives sentence
- Suspended from commons for 14 days
- Provides false information for allowance claims
How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy
-increases accountability of MPs to constituents
How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy
-increases accountability of MPs to constituents
-tackles lack of faith in MPs
What is democracy
The rule / power of the people
What is direct democracy
The people have direct and continuous participation in decision making through mass public meetings and regular referendums, making decisions for themselves.
What are the key features of representative democracy? Name 3
- Full adult franchise
- Secret ballot
- Regular elections
- Fair elections
- Free and diverse media
What is representative democracy the basis for? (1 word)
Legitimacy
What is pluralist democracy
A government makes decisions as a result of interplay of competing political parties and competing groups in society with different views.
Give voter turnout evidence to prove a participation crisis in the UK
1950s - averaged over 80%
1992 - 78%
2001 - 59%!!!
What is legitimacy
The rightful use of power in accordance with pre set criteria of widely held agreements
Give 2 advantages for direct democracy
-purest form of democracy. the people’s voice is clearly heard
-it can avoid the delay and deadlock within the political system
-great legitimacy
-encourages political education
Give 2 disadvantages for direct democracy
-can lead to the ‘tyranny of the majority’
-people may be too easily swayed by short term emotion appeals
-some issues may be too complex for ordinary citizens to understand
Give 3 advantages of representative democracy
-representatives can develop expertise to deal with matters the public doesn’t have time / knowledge for
-representatives can be held accountable at elections
-representatives can leave the public to get on with their lives.
-representatives can protect interests of minorities
Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy
-representatives may not act in the best interests of their constituents
-can be difficult to hold representatives accountable between elections
-can ignore needs / concerns of minorities
-can lead to public disengagement
Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy
-representatives may not act in the best interests of their constituents
-can be difficult to hold representatives accountable between elections
-can ignore needs / concerns of minorities
-can lead to public disengagement
Name 4 key features of liberal democracy
-peaceful transition of power
-free and fair elections
-a constitution and the rule of law
-protection of rights
-freedom of expression and information
-widespread political participation
-independent judiciary
What is a democratic deficit
A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy
What is an elective dictatorship
A government that dominates parliament usually due to a large majority and therefore has few limits on its power
Give 2 arguments FOR compulsory voting in the UK
- may force voters, especially young, to educate themselves more on issues
- by increasing turnout, it gives greater democratic legitimacy to parties who win
-by ensuring more sections of society are involved, decision makers would have to ensure policies address all concerns - voting is a civic duty so citizens should be obliged to carry out that duty
Give 2 arguments AGAINST compulsory voting in the UK
-its a civil liberties violation. Its a basic right to not take part
-many voters aren’t well informed- ill informed participation
-involve large amounts of public expenditure to administer and force the system
- it would favour large parties against small ones
Give 2 arguments FOR 16/17 year olds voting in the UK
-young people are better informed about politics now than ever before
-voting turnout amongst 18-24 yrs is low. May encourage more youth voices
-internet + social media allows enable young people to be informed about politics
-if one can get married, pay tax, and serve in the army, they should vote
Give 2 arguments AGAINST 16/17 year olds voting in the UK
- 16/17 year olds are too young to be able to make rational judgments
- many issues are too complex for young people to understand
- few people in this age group pay tax so they have a lower stake in society
- the very young tend to be excessively radical
Define causal pressure group
Group whose goal is to promote a particular cause or set of beliefs. Seek to promote favourable legislation
