TOPIC 1: DEMOCRACY + PARTICIPATION - rep vs direct Flashcards

1
Q

what is representative democracy?

A

-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

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2
Q

How could representative democracy be in trouble?

A

-low participation: voter turnout, party membership etc
-loss of faith in political system

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3
Q

What are possible ways to revive UK’s representative democracy

A

-automatic voter registration
-compulsory voting
-votes for 16yr olds
-use more direct democracy
-use more referenda

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4
Q

Give 2 examples or recent refernda

A

Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 Should Scotland leave UK and become independent ?
Turnout 85%. 45% voted yes

EU Referendum 2016
turnout 72%. 52% voted leave

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5
Q

What are positives of referendums?

A

-power to the people
-political education + engagement
- referndum may be useful to ensure a broad base of political support for a controversial decision

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6
Q

What are negatives of referendums?

A

-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

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7
Q

What is a recall petition?

A

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

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8
Q

What are the 3 IFs for a recall petition?

A
  1. Convicted of an offence in the UK and receives sentence
  2. Suspended from commons for 14 days
  3. Provides false information for allowance claims
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9
Q

How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy

A

-increases accountability of MPs to constituents

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10
Q

How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy

A

-increases accountability of MPs to constituents
-tackles lack of faith in MPs

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11
Q

What is democracy

A

The rule / power of the people

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12
Q

What is direct democracy

A

The people have direct and continuous participation in decision making through mass public meetings and regular referendums, making decisions for themselves.

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13
Q

What are the key features of representative democracy? Name 3

A
  1. Full adult franchise
  2. Secret ballot
  3. Regular elections
  4. Fair elections
  5. Free and diverse media
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14
Q

What is representative democracy the basis for? (1 word)

A

Legitimacy

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15
Q

What is pluralist democracy

A

A government makes decisions as a result of interplay of competing political parties and competing groups in society with different views.

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16
Q

Give voter turnout evidence to prove a participation crisis in the UK

A

1950s - averaged over 80%
1992 - 78%
2001 - 59%!!!

17
Q

What is legitimacy

A

The rightful use of power in accordance with pre set criteria of widely held agreements

18
Q

Give 2 advantages for direct democracy

A

-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

19
Q

Give 2 disadvantages for direct democracy

A

-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

20
Q

Give 3 advantages of representative democracy

A

-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

21
Q

Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy

A

-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

22
Q

Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy

A

-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

23
Q

Name 4 key features of liberal democracy

A

-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

24
Q

What is a democratic deficit

A

A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy

25
Q

What is an elective dictatorship

A

A government that dominates parliament usually due to a large majority and therefore has few limits on its power

26
Q

Give 2 arguments FOR compulsory voting in the UK

A
  • 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
27
Q

Give 2 arguments AGAINST compulsory voting in the UK

A

-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

28
Q

Give 2 arguments FOR 16/17 year olds voting in the UK

A

-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

29
Q

Give 2 arguments AGAINST 16/17 year olds voting in the UK

A
  • 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
30
Q

Define causal pressure group

A

Group whose goal is to promote a particular cause or set of beliefs. Seek to promote favourable legislation