UK Democracy

Question 1

Explain, in detail, the features of a Democratic society (human rights)

Answer 1

One feature of a democratic society is guaranteed human rights.

There are guaranteed human rights in the UK as the Human Rights act that was introduced in 2000 guarantees that public bodies such as the police, courts and councils, must not take away or damage the rights laid down in the European Charter of Human Rights
HCR).

For example, the EHCR guarantees the individual several rights such as
the right to life, a fair trial and freedom of thought and religion.

Question 2

Explain, in detail, the features of a democratic society (Free elections)

Answer 2

Another feature of a democratic society is regular free and fair elections.

In the UK citizens can vote for their representatives at many different levels and these elections are fair and occur regularly.

For example, the UK General Election, that elects Members of the UK Parliament, should happen at least once every 5 years and everyone over the age of 18 has the opportunity to vote in secret for the candidate that they would like to be elected.

Question 3

Explain, in detail, the features of a democratic society (Free media)

Answer 3

Another feature of democratic society is access to free media.

In the UK we have a wide choice of media, from print, to radio/TV and social media. In a democratic
society the media should be free to report on events in the country and the wider world without government interference.

For example, the media can be very critical of the actions of the current Conservative government without fear of being punished

Question 4

Describe, in detail, the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament (Health)

Answer 4

One devolved power of the Scottish Parliament is health.

The Scottish Parliament is in charge of the Scottish NHS and trying to improve the health of the country in
general. This can lead to many differences between health care in Scotland the rest of the UK.

For example, in 2016 the Scottish Parliament passed a law which
made it illegal for anybody to smoke whilst in a car with somebody under the age of 18. This was because second hand smoke can cause serious health conditions.

Question 5

Describe, in detail, the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament (Education)

Answer 5

One devolved power of the Scottish Parliament is education.

The Scottish Parliament is in charge of delivering education in Scotland. This includes nursery schools, primary and secondary schools and higher education such as Colleges and
Universities.

For example, a major difference between Scotland and the rest of the
UK regarding education is that in Scotland students attending higher education do not have to pay tuition fees.

Question 6

Describe, in detail, the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament (Environment)

Answer 6

One devolved power of the Scottish Parliament is the environment.

The Scottish Parliament is in charge of looking after the natural environment of Scotland and the ways in which energy is generated.

For example, in 2016 the Scottish Parliament voted to ban ‘fracking’. This a controversial way of generating energy that many people argued would damage the environment. Fracking is still currently allowed in England.

Question 7

Describe, in detail, the reserved powers of the UK Parliament (Social Security)

Answer 7

One reserved matter of the UK Parliament is Social Security.

The UK Government is responsible for deciding who is eligible for welfare benefits and the rate at which benefits should be set, as well as any changes which are made to social security.

For example, the Coalition Government introduced a Welfare Reform Bill and one of the effects of this is that anyone receiving housing benefit who is considered to have an extra bedroom in their house has had their benefit cut.

Question 8

Describe, in detail, the reserved powers of the UK Parliament (Defence)

Answer 8

Another reserved matter is Defence.

The UK Government’s Ministry of
Defence makes decisions about defence spending and cuts, threats to security in the UK and how to deal with them and also about deployment of troops.

For example, in 2016 UK MPs voted to renew the UK’s nuclear weapons system Trident, despite
opposition from many MSPs.

Question 9

Describe, in detail, the reserved powers of the UK Parliament (Immigration)

Answer 9

Another reserved matter is immigration.

The UK Government’s Border Agency is responsible for checking the status of people arriving in the UK from abroad, for making decisions about visa requirements.

For example for foreign students in the
UK, and also for making decisions about deportations. For example, only the UK Home Office can make decisions about the cases of asylum seekers in Scotland, the
Scottish Government has no power over this.

Question 10

Describe, in detail, the reserved powers of the UK Parliament (Foreign Policy)

Answer 10

Another reserved matter is foreign policy.

The UK Government makes decisions about how to deal with other countries economically, socially, politically and
militarily on behalf of the whole of the UK.

For example, the UK parliament voted
to hold a referendum in 2017 about whether the UK should remain in the European Union OR for example, in 2013, the UK Parliament voted not to intervene militarily in the Syrian conflict.

Question 11

Describe, in detail, the powers of the Prime Minister of the UK (Appointing Ministers)

Answer 11

One of the powers of the UK Prime Minister is the ability to appoint the important Cabinet roles.

As the leader of the Government the Prime Minister is able to appoint
other MPs to important roles. MPs with the most important roles become members of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister can change these appointments at any time by having what is called a ‘reshuffle’.

For example, in 2021 Boris Johnson removed the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson from the Cabinet.

Question 12

Describe, in detail, the powers of the Prime Minister of the UK (Representing the UK)

Answer 12

Another power the Prime Minister has is that they are seen as the representatives of the UK when it comes to international issues.

As the leader of the Government
and head of the Cabinet the Prime Minister will have the power of meeting with other world leaders establishing relationships with them, and gaining much media attention.

For example, Boris Johnson represented the UK at COP26 climate
conference.

Question 13

Explain, in detail, the powers of the Prime Minister of the UK (Final Say on Policies)

Answer 13

Another power of the Prime Minister is that they will have the final say on the
direction that they want their Government to take when it comes to policies.

The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet and chair of the meetings. This means that they decide what is to be debated.

For example, Boris Johnson set out her clear priorities on how the UK should try to manage the Covid pandemic.

Question 14

Describe, in the detail, the campaign methods used by political parties in the UK (Social Media)

Answer 14

One method that political parties cause to campaign for votes is connecting with voters through social media.

Social media is a cheap and effective way for political parties to spread their
message to lots of people during election campaigns. Parties use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to try and convince voters to support them.

For example, the Labour campaign group Momentum produced viral videos in support of Jeremy Corbyn during the 2017 UK General Election campaign, and they estimated that a quarter of all UK Facebook users watched at least one of these
videos.

Question 15

Describe, in the detail, the campaign methods used by political parties in the UK (Canvassing)

Answer 15

Another method used by political parties to campaign for votes is using local constituency activists to canvas for votes in the local area.

Local constituency activists will volunteer to canvass the local area by knocking on
doors, setting up stalls in busy high streets and raising the profile of their party a candidate.

For example, in the 2017 UK General Election local SNP party activists in the
Lanark and Hamilton East campaigned successfully to elect Angela Crawley as the MP for the area.

Question 16

Describe, in detail, the campaign methods used by political parties in the UK (Celebrity Endorsement)

Answer 16

Another method used by political parties to campaign for votes is getting
celebrities to endorse their party.

Celebrities will gain lots of media attention and could persuade their fans to vote for the political party that they support. Lots of fans will listen to what the celebrity says and perhaps be influenced by their views.

For example, during the 2017 UK General Election, the UK artist Stormzy supported the Labour Party and appeared publically with Jeremy Corbyn to persuade people
to vote for the Labour Party.

Question 17

Explain, in detail, the role of an MP in the House of Commons (Scrutinise Government)

Answer 17

One of the roles of a MP in the House of Commons is to scrutinise the work of the Government by asking questions during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

Prime Minister’s Question Time is when MPs are given the opportunity to ask questions of the Prime Minister Theresa May every Wednesday. During this time the Prime Minister will be asked about the Government’s performance and may also be asked how the Government will respond to current events in the world.

For example, the Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn is allowed to ask Theresa May several questions each week to ensure the actions of the Government are under scrutiny from the opposition.

Question 18

Explain, in detail, the role of an MP in the House of Commons (Attending Votes)

Answer 18

Another role of an MP in the House of Commons is attending a vote in the chamber to represent their constituents.

This is when, following the creation of a bill, MPs decide whether it becomes a
new law by individually voting ‘aye’ or ‘no’. They make this decision officially on behalf of their constituency.

For example, in 2015 Angela Crawley, whilst representing the constituency of
Lanark and Hamilton East, voted against allowing the Government the authorise the Army to bomb Syria.

Question 19

Explain, in detail, the role of an MP in the House of Commons (Attending Select Committees)

Answer 19

One way members of Parliament scrutinise or check on the government is by regularly meeting in small groups called select committees.

These committees can make recommendations to the government on particular issues such as education, the environment and foreign affairs.

For example, the Petitions Committee of the House of Commons exists to consider any petitions or e-petitions put forward by member and make recommendations for which petitions should be debated in Parliament.

Question 20

Explain, in detail, the role of an an MP in their constituency (Surgeries)

Answer 20

When they are not working in parliament, MPs work in their constituencies, communicating with their constituents by writing letters, emails and replying to phone messages.

Often MPs will hold ‘surgeries’ where local people can meet with their MP and ask questions. Constituents usually meet with their MP to seek help with a problem or issue.

For example, the MP Angela Crawley holds a monthly surgery in across her Lanark and Hamilton East constituency.

Question 21

Explain, in detail, the role of an MP in their constituency (Attending meetings)

Answer 21

MPs are also asked to attend a large number of meetings and events, including with their local constituency political party.

They require the support of the local party to ensure that they will be selected to stand as a candidate in future elections.

For example, the MP Angela Crawley will visit local events in the Hamilton area such as the opening of a local community centre and local SNP branch meetings.

Question 22

Explain, in detail, why some groups are underrepresented in UK politics (Online Abuse)

Answer 22

One reason why females and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in UK politics is because they are more likely to suffer discrimination and online abuse than other groups.

Research into online abuse of politicians in the UK described how sexism and racism are everyday occurrences for female and ethnic minority MPs. This level of abuse discourages females and ethnic minorities from becoming involved in politics.

For example, Black and Asian female MPs received 35% more abusive tweets than their white colleagues.

For example, research shows that female MPs were three times more likely to have
abusive comments made at them about their appearance and gender than male MPs.

Question 23

Explain, in detail, why some groups are underrepresented in UK politics (Parliament not being family friendly)

Answer 23

One reason why females are underrepresented in UK politics is that the UK Parliament is not believed to be family friendly.

There have be many criticisms of the UK Parliament not providing flexible childcare at the parliament and there are many late night votes.

For example, the SP MP Kirsty Blackman was cautioned for breaching the rules of the Parliament when she brought her daughter to a select committee meeting as there was not any child care available.

Question 24

Explain, in detail, why some groups are underrepresented in UK politics (Lack of Role Models)

Answer 24

One reason why ethnic minorities are underrepresented in UK politics is because there is a lack of ethnic minority role models in UK politics.

In UK politics there has been a lack of ethnic minorities in senior roles in
Government, and this can lead to young people not having a role model to aspire to be like.

For example, there has never been an ethnic minority Prime Minister and currently only 4% of Cabinet positions are taken up by ethnic minority MPS.

Question 25

Explain, in detail, why some groups are underrepresented in UK Politics
(Bias from political parties in choosing candidates)

Answer 25

One reason why ethnic minorities and females are underrepresented in UK politics is because research has shown that political parties are biased when it comes to selecting candidates.

Research has shown that ethnic minorities and females experience direct and
indirect discrimination by party selectors when it comes to selecting candidates.

Question 26

Explain, in detail, the role/ benefits of the House of Lords

Scrutinising Legislation

Answer 26

One of the roles of the House of Lords is scrutinising the Government’s actions and legislation.

The House of Lords is the second chamber of Parliament but because it
is unelected it does not have the same powers as the House of Commons but it does provide a crucial check on the power of the Government.

For example, the House of Lords consists of around 700 members with many having extensive expertise and the power to veto the legislation of the House of Commons but it is far more likely to recommend changes of legislation to the Government.

Question 27

Explain , in detail, the role/benefits of the House of Lords
(Help to Create Policy)

Answer 27

Another role of the House of Lords is helping to create policy.

Many members of the House of Lords are members of committees. Committees are small groups of
people that consider specific policy areas like economic affairs.

For example, the committees produce reports by questioning expert witnesses in meetings that are
open to the public.

Question 28

Explain, in detail, the role/benefit of the House of Lords

Holding Government to Account

Answer 28

Another role of the House of Lords is holding the Government to account.

This happens during question time and debates in the House of Lords in which the Government has to respond. For example, in 2016-17 session the House of Lords asked the Government over 7,500 questions on issues ranging from child poverty to immigration.

The public are welcome to visit and sit in the galleries that overlook
the chamber during when these questions are being asked.

Question 29

Explain, in detail, why some people criticise the House of Lords (Too Much Power)

Answer 29

One criticism of the House of Lords is that it puts too much power in the hands of those that appoint members of the chamber.

Many argue that this system gives too
much power to Prime Minister and is just as undemocratic a system as the old one.

For example, in 2015 David Cameron was criticised for appointing people to the House of the Lords that had donated large amount of money to Conservative party in the past.

Question 30

Explain, in detail, why some people criticise the House of Lords (Undemocratic)

Answer 30

Another criticism of the House of Lords is that it is undemocratic.

Many people argue that if a chamber has the power to pass laws that it should be 100% elected if it is to be democratic.

For example, there are currently 85 hereditary peers in the House of Lords that are only there because they inherited their peerage from a
family member. Many people that this undemocratic to have these people passing the laws that impact on everyone in the UK.

Question 31

Explain, in detail, why some people criticise the House of Lords (Unrepresentative)

Answer 31

Another criticism of the House of Lords is that it is unrepresentative of the UK
population in general.

The House of Lords is dominated by a majority of white males and there is a lack of representation of the views from females, minorities and disabled citizens of the UK.

For example, only 25% of members are female, which is far lower than the general population of the UK.

Question 32

Explain, in detail, the advantages of the FPTP electoral system in the UK
(Close Relationship with MP and Constituents)

Answer 32

One advantage of FPtP is that is creates a close relationship between the MP and the constituency that they represent.

One representative is elected for each constituency and this usually means there will be a strong constituency-MP relationship. It also means that if voters do not like their MP they can also vote to get rid of an individual person.

For example, the constituents of Lanark and Hamilton East know that their MP is Angela Crawley and they are able to develop to contact her directly if they need to.

Question 33

Explain, in detail, the advantages of the FPTP electoral system in the UK
(By-elections can be held easily)

Answer 33

Another advantage of the FPtP system is that by-elections can be held easily.

If an MP were to die or retire another election is held in that constituency to elect a new representative. Under more complicated systems this is not possible and can result in a political party choosing the replacement.

For example, the Welsh MP Paul Flynn died in February 2019 and there will be a by-election in his constituency to elect a direct replacement MP.

Question 34

Explain, in detail, the advantages of the FPTP electoral system in the UK
(Popular with the Public)

Answer 34

Another advantage of the FPtP system is that it is a simple system that is popular with the public.

The FPTP system is easily understood and familiar as it has been used for UK
General Elections for a large number of years.

For example, a large majority of the UK public voted in 2011 during a referendum in favour of FPtP instead of another electoral system. This shows that the public are happy with the system and do not support any change.

Question 35

Explain, in detail, the disadvantages of the FPTP electoral system in the UK (Smaller Parties Representation)

Answer 35

One disadvantage of FPtP is that smaller parties do not gain fair representation as the system is not proportional.

As smaller party’s votes are not concentrated in certain areas and instead spread across the country, this does not result in the party winning Seats.

For example, in 2015, UKIP polled 12.6% of the vote but
returned only 1 MP. This means those that voted for UKIP did not get fair
representation.

Question 36

Explain, in detail, the disadvantages of the FPTP Electoral System in the UK (Safe Seats)

Answer 36

Another disadvantage of FPtP is that it creates safe seats.

Many seats in UK elections have not changed hands in 100 years and this results in voters in these seats believing that that their vote does not matter as the outcome is very
unlikely to change. Also, political parties focus their attention and resources on the small numbers of seats, called marginal seats that could potentially change.

For example, the Electoral Reform Society estimate that 14 million voters in the UK live in seats that have not changed party since the Second World War.

Question 37

Explain, in detail, the disadvantages of the FPTP electoral system
(Voters only have one representative)

Answer 37

Another disadvantage of FPtP is that voters only have one representative in the UK Parliament and most voters in the UK end up with an MP that they did not vote for.

MPs can be elected with a very small share of the vote under FPtP, in many cases MPs are elected with a minority of the vote in the constituency. This can lead to voters believing they lack representation as their MP does represent their views
politically.

For example, in 3 of the last 5 general elections, at least 50% of votes went to
losing candidates.