U1T1 potential democratic reforms

Question 1

name three potential democratic reforms

Answer 1

• replacing the HoL with an elected chamber
• replace FPTP with a proportional system
• codify the constitution
• devolve english parliament - West Lothian Question
• introduce state party funding
• introduce compulsory voting
• replace the monarch with an elected head of state

Question 2

evaluate replacing the hol with and elected body as a reform of uk democracy

Answer 2

• it removes the less legitimate and less accountable chamber from influencing uk laws
• however, gridlock in parliament could increase and the new body may not have the same type of expertise that the lords currently has.

Question 3

evaluate replacing FPTP with a proportional system as a reform of the uk’s democracy

Answer 3

• eliminate the negative aspects of FPTP
• however, a proportional system is more complex and will remove the MP-constituent relationship

Question 4

evaluate codifying the constitution as a reform of the uk’s democracy

Answer 4

• provide a higher, entrenched law that is less flexible to volatile and temporary changes in politics.
• however it would change the location of sovereignty which has gone well so far

Question 5

evaluate introducing state party funding as a reform of the uk’s democracy

Answer 5

• this would eliminate the focus politicians have on fundraising and remove the need for parties to get money from powerful organisations like unions for Labour or Companies for Conservatives.
• however, it is debatable that taxpayers money should be spent on parties that the elector doesnt support and may find objectionable
• the process of finding funds keeps politicians connected to voters.

Question 6

evaluate compulsory voting as a reform of the uk’s democracy

Answer 6

-increases turnout, public engagement and the legitimacy of the governments mandate
- however people may really not want to vote and compulsory voting may not benefit their political engagement

Question 7

evaluate replacing the monarch with an elected head of state as a reform of the uk’s democracy.

Answer 7

• improves accountability of the monarch
• however the monarch is meant to be completely neutral.