UK Democracy and participation

Question 1

What are think tanks?

Answer 1

A group that has been formed with the specific purpose of formulating and developing ideas through research and advocacy.

Question 2

What is one similarity and one difference between think tanks and pressure groups?

Answer 2

-They undertaken research with the aim of influencing government policy
-They do not represent members but instead the aims of the institute or organisation.

Question 3

How can think tanks be beneficial to democracy?

Answer 3

-Carry out extensive research that can inform the electorate.
-Provide impartial advice to the government and draw up proposals to help the government to make decisions in the national interest.
-provide expertise to the government.

Question 4

What is an example of think tanks being beneficial to democracy?

Answer 4

-In 2020 Centre for health and public interest published reports about the NHS and the issues surrounding its funding in order to provide academic support for groups attempting to gain additional funding for the service.

Question 5

How can think tanks undermine democracy?

Answer 5

-Working largely in the interest of their founder and funders.
-Produce poor quality or misleading reports which can lead to the public believing something that is false.

Question 6

What is an example of think tanks undermining democracy?

Answer 6

-Institute for economic affairs is partly funded by British American tobacco and had produced research to counter government policies on tobacco advertising and smoking bans.

Question 7

What are lobbyists?

Answer 7

-Organisations paid by clients to gain access to government and other political groups in order to persuade them to support their political aims.

Question 8

How can lobbyists be seen as a positive thing for democracy?

Answer 8

Groups are hired by experts so can provide the government with expert advice and help inform policy making.

Question 9

How can lobbyists be seen as a negative thing for democracy?

Answer 9

Creates and elitist environment where access to the political process goes to those with the most money.

Question 10

What are the main methods used by lobbyists?

Answer 10

-May provide a map to guide their client through the political process including who the key players are and advising them who they should consult.
-Arrange meetings with key players by offering hospitality to those people and selling seats next to them so their clients have the opportunity to Lobby.
-Has direct links to the person in power and will meet with them to persuade them on behalf of their client.

Question 11

What are two recent incidents which demonstrate that lobbying is an issue in British politics?

Answer 11

-2021, Public accounts committee criticised lack of transparency in the awarding of contracts for PPE companies in the pandemic. Links with ministers and companies awarded contracts.
-Johnson sought to change the rules on MPs conduct and block the recommendation from the Commons select committee on standard that Owen Paterson should be suspended from parliament for 30 days of lobbying govt on behalf of companies that had paid him.

Question 12

What is a case study that shows lobbyists influence on government?

Answer 12

Fixed odds betting terminals 2018-
-Crouch lobbied by both gambling companies and individuals affected by gambling
-eventually lowers cap from £100 to £2 by had to work with the treasury who delayed the change
-Crouch resigned over the issue and claimed that the treasury listened to lobbyists over her.

Question 13

What are corporations?

Answer 13

Major companies that have huge influence on the economy and key sectors of national life so much so that they influence political decision making directly.

Question 14

How can Corporations influence government?

Answer 14

Exert pressure by controlling their sectors of the economy such as the banking industry or the automotive industry.

Question 15

What is an example of corporations pressurising government?

Answer 15

In 2016 government made promises of tariff free trade to persuade Nissan to keep uk factories open to prevent unemployment.

Question 16

What is one positive and one negative on corporations effect on uk government?

Answer 16

-They represent major sections of the economy and sources of employment so its good that they can access and impact government.
-Corporations use influence for their own interest rather than to benefit the people of the country

Question 17

What is a pressure group?

Answer 17

Groups that look to influence those in power by generating public support and persuading the government to support their point of view.

Question 18

What are sectional pressure groups?

Answer 18

-Look after their own section of society, often professional associations.
-Often have closed memberships and try to act in the best interests of their members

Question 19

What are causal pressure groups?

Answer 19

-Campaign for a particular case or issue, often campaigning on behalf of others.
-Usually open membership
-Aim to improve society in some way or may take the form of a charity

Question 20

What is insider and outsider status for pressure groups?

Answer 20

Insider groups have a special relationship with the government and are given access to individuals and decision makers.
-Outsider groups do not have such close links to the government and so may resort to activities that will generate attention from the press and put pressure on the government.

Question 21

What are five methods used by pressure groups?

Answer 21

-Lobbying- as insiders
-Research and publish reports
-Organise publicity campaigns
-Organise public demonstrations
-Go on strike

Question 22

Why do people join pressure groups? 5 reasons

Answer 22

-If they are not represented by the main political parties
-Because it reflects their beliefs
-Because they want to get involved in a political issue
-Because of material benefits gained such as joining the AA for breakdown cover
-Because they have to to protect their job or to achieve a desired goal.

Question 23

How can the internet be positive for pressure groups?

Answer 23

-Cheap way to spread information
-Easy way to organise large events
-Easier means of participation
-Can be used to target campaigns at those who may be interested

Question 24

How can the internet be negative for pressure groups?

Answer 24

-Volume of groups make it difficult for campaigns to stand out
-Needs a professional website to really stand out which can be expensive
-Can lead to slacktivism where people may like something but not engage with the wider issue
-Misuse of personal data can turn the public against groups

Question 25

What is an example of insider status causing pressure group success?

Answer 25

2014 Howard lege for penal reform successfully campaigned to end the ban on books being sent to prisoners by family or friends.

Question 26

What is an example of wealth causing pressure group success?

Answer 26

2012 British bankers association paid lobbyists to persuade ministers to cut corporation tax and tax on banks overseas subsidies.

Question 27

What is an example of large membership causing pressure group success?

Answer 27

2015 RSPB utilised over 500,000 members to help carry out extensive research as part of its big garden birdwatch.

Question 28

What is an example of organisation causing pressure group success?

Answer 28

2012 the RMT Union organised a series of strikes to secure a bonus for members during the summer olympics in London

Question 29

What is an example of expertise causing pressure group success?

Answer 29

2016 the AA provided evidence and statistics to persuade the government to increase the penalties for using a mobile phone while driving

Question 30

What is an example of celebrity endorsement causing pressure group success?

Answer 30

2009 Joanna Lumley and the Gurkha Justice campaign secured equal; rights for British and commonwealth soldiers

Question 31

What are four factors which may limit the success of a pressure group?

Answer 31

-Checkbook membership -Slacktivism -Small membership -Outsider status

Question 32

What is an example of pressure groups goals contradicting with government policy which led to failure?

Answer 32

BMA campaign against a 7 day NHS have failed as since 2015 the government have wanted to introduce this.

Question 33

What is an example of the government resisting pressure form a pressure group, leading to failure?

Answer 33

Stop the war coalition attempted to stop the invasion of Iraq in 2003 but the Blair govt was ale to resist the pressure.

Question 34

What is an example of countervailing force leading to to pressure group failure?

Answer 34

Pro smoking group forrest has failed to prevent restrictions on smoking because it had lost out to the group Ash which has campaigned for restrictions on smoking

Question 35

What is an example of pressure group failure due to the groups goals going against popular opinion?

Answer 35

Groups such as coalition for marriage failed in their campaign against the legal recognition of same sex marriage because most of the public where in favour of it

Question 36

What is an example of a pressure group failing because it alienates the public?

Answer 36

Groups that use violent action such as the animal liberation front fail to achieve their goals because the public are opposed to their methods even if they might support their causes.

Question 37

What are methods of the RMT union?

Answer 37

Insider status-especially under the labour government Lobbying politicians Strikes throughout 2023 there was a high volume of train strikes which placed pressure on the government to raise wages of members Social media

Question 38

What did the RMT gain during the 2012 Olympics?

Answer 38

Staff members had a bonus of £850

Question 39

What is a failure of the RMT Union?

Answer 39

Throughout 2015 and 2016 strikes against ticket offices on the London underground closing failed to gain public support and by November 2016 289 ticket offices had been closed

Question 40

What methods are used by Greenpeace?

Answer 40

Direct action raises awareness through actions lobbies politicians insider status in the United Nations and often consulted on environmental issues Media campaigns which pressure politicians to stick to the Paris agreement Research

Question 41

What was a success of Greenpeace?

Answer 41

2011 stopped UK supermarkets from buying tuna which wad fished using aggregating measures

Question 42

What is a failure experienced by Greenpeace?

Answer 42

2011-12 failed to prevent Cairn energy from exploring gas reserves in Greenland due to alienating the Greenland population.

Question 43

What are rights?

Answer 43

human rights all people are automatically entitled to them they are fundamental, absolute and universal can be the right to or the freedom from something

Question 44

What was the main aim of the Westminster social policy forum in considering transgender rights?

Answer 44

2016 British think-tank which was aiming to ensure that trans people are given the same rights and recognition as anyone else

Question 45

What was the 2010 equality act?

Answer 45

Introduced to simplify and codify a variety of parliamentary acts conventions and regulations that existed in different forums. Consolidated all measures relating to equality.

Question 46

What was the 2000 freedom of information act?

Answer 46

Passed to improve transparency in public bodies, requests can be made to see information that relates to any public Bodie as long as it does not compromise national security. 2009 expenses scandal came to light through this act.

Question 47

What was the 1998 Human rights act?

Answer 47

incorporated many of the provisions of the ECHR meaning human rights violations could be judged in the UK by British courts meaning that it was easier fr citizens to seek legal redress.

Question 48

What is an example of the HRA defining individual rights?

Answer 48

In Miller vs The college of policing and chief constable of police humberside, it was ruled that the police had impinged on a twitter users freedom of speech by threatening him with legal action if he continued to post gender critical tweets.

Question 49

What points can be made to say that the HRA effectively protects right and liberties in the UK?

Answer 49

-Rights now clearly enshrined in statute law -Legislation has to comply with the human rights act -Citizens can access rights protection through UK based courts

Question 50

What points can be made to say that the HRA is ineffective at protecting rights and liberties in the UK?

Answer 50

-Act is not entrenched and therefore can be replaced as the conservative part has pledged to do with the British bill of rights -Act cannot overturn primary legislation in parliament -Act can be set aside by government as happened with the derogation of the rights of terror suspects after 9/11

Question 51

What are civic responsibilities?

Answer 51

Duties which a citizen is expected to perform or abide by in return for the rights and liberties which have been granted. some include obeying the law and paying taxes and voting and serving on a jury

Question 52

What are two reasons why there have been a greater amount of rights conflicts since 1997?

Answer 52

-HRA gives judges more power to challenge government ministers -covid 19 pandemic saw the government enact sweeping restriction in the name of public safety but many saw this as attacks on civil liberties

Question 53

What are three strengths of the judiciary at defending rights?

Answer 53

- Exercise the rules of law and can use the HRA and their power of judicial review to ensure rights are protected -Enhanced measures for judicial independence have meant the judiciary system is independent of the other two branches and can defend rights without political pressure. -Judges are politically neutral and can therefore protect a persons rights without discrimination or considerations of their beliefs

Question 54

What are four weakness of the judiciary at upholding rights?

Answer 54

-Judges are undemocratic and unaccountable so may abuse their condition -Senior judges work with parliament to advise on the legality of legislation so are less lily to have true independence or neutrality -Lack of a codified constitution means they cannot strike down primary legislation and therefore are powerless to do anything about human rights violations -Unrepresentative and from a narrow social and gender background making them less aware of the issues facing most people

Question 55

What are five strengths of parliament at upholding rights?

Answer 55

-Holds sovereignty so can decide which rights are in the UK and weather or not they should be enforced -Parliament more representative of the people and so is better able to reflect the values of society and understand different individuals -passed and introduced all acts relating to human rights -MPs represent constituents and are in a position to raise the issue of citizens rights with government ministers -Is democratically elected and so is more accountable to the people

Question 56

What are five weaknesses of parliament at upholding rights?

Answer 56

-Short term political considerations may be more important than defending human rights -parliament has the ability to suspend the HRA to achive its goals -Usually dominated by governing party leading to tyranny of the majority and very few effective checks on government action -Role of HOL undermines democratic arguments in favour of parliament -MPs ,may be relocated to champion the cause of Human rights if it benefits an unpopular element such as terror suspects or criminals

Question 57

What are two examples of pressure groups defending rights?

Answer 57

-Liberty's "save our HRA" campaign is against the governments proposal for a British bill of rights -The 2020 anti-lockdown group gains over 3000 member of Facebook focused on campaigning against the government imposed lockdown in the name of defending human rights.

Question 58

How would compulsory voting improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 58

Would increase election turnout- 93% in Australia Would possibly mean that people educate themselves more on politics would improve democratic legitimacy

Question 59

How would reforming the voting system improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 59

Changing to a more proportional vote system would distribute votes more fairly and end the problem of safe seats and wasted votes.

Question 60

How would reforming the HOL improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 60

Removal of hereditary peers would increase legitimacy.

Question 61

How would a greater recall of MPS improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 61

Recall system is limited though it meant two MPs where removed in 2021. It relies on the MP committing some kind of crime removal for failing to represent correctly would mean that MPs keep in touch with their constituents

Question 62

How would reforming the House of Commons make the uk more democratic?

Answer 62

Making PMQs less adversarial and electing select committees as well as giving more power to the speaker to control debates would make the HOC more open to the public but these reforms could lead to gridlock

Question 63

How would reforming the system of devolution improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 63

Reintroducing EVEL which was introduced in 2015 but abolished in 2021 Introduce further devolution to England through an English parliament rejected north east devolution referendum in 2004 by 77%

Question 64

How would reforming the monarchy improve UK democracy?

Answer 64

introducing an elected head of state would increase democratic legitimacy but would be more expensive and create a rival system of power

Question 65

How would codifying the constitution improve democracy in the UK?

Answer 65

Would help entrench citizens rights and lead to greater public education but may make it harder for the government of the day to carry out reforms.

Question 66

What are the six functions of democracy?

Answer 66

-representation -accountability -participation -power dispersal -legitimacy -education

Question 67

What are examples of direct democracy being used in the UK?

Answer 67

AV referendum 2011 Scottish independence referendum 2014 EU referendum 2016

Question 68

What are the arguments in favour of direct democracy?

Answer 68

-A pure form of democracy -Increased legitimacy -Improves participation -Increases public engagement -Improves political education -It works other countries

Question 69

What are the arguments against direct democracy?

Answer 69

-Impractical -Tyranny of the majority -undermines elected representatives -Low turnouts -emotional responses -populist outcomes

Question 70

What is representative democracy?

Answer 70

people elect someone to represent them in a legislative body representatives debate and discuss laws on behalf of the people who have elected them

Question 71

How are free and fair elections a positive aspect of UK democracy?

Answer 71

-Wide variety of elections in the UK -Free from govt manipulation as they re conducted by the electoral commission -Campaign spending limits and a ban on campaigning during the period of purdah -Restricted broadcast campaigning

Question 72

How is turnout to elections a positive aspect of UK democracy?

Answer 72

Turnout in the UK has been steadily increasing since the 2001 59% low 2019 had 67% 2017 had 69% EU referendum had 72%

Question 73

How is universal suffrage a positive aspect of UK democracy?

Answer 73

Uk has a system of universal suffrage means everyone over the age of 18 can vote and all votes are equal in value.

Question 74

How is the party system a positive aspect of UK democracy?

Answer 74

UK has a wide variety of political parties and number has grown since 1970 10 parties in the commons in the 2019 election provides a wide range of options for voters and a greater degree of representation It is the parties who drive public education

Question 75

How do pressure groups improve UK democracy?

Answer 75

they provide and alternative avenue of representation and participation

Question 76

How is parliamentary sovereignty a positive aspect of UK democracy?

Answer 76

The government is drawn for parliament so is accountable to the public and they must gain consent form HOC before passing anything meaning that they gain consent from the people

Question 77

How is devolution a positive aspect of democracy in the UK?

Answer 77

Allowed the constituent parts of the UK to make decisions on a local basis Representative of devolved bodies are closer to the community they serve which allows for better quality representation

Question 78

Why do unelected element have a negative impact on UK democracy?

Answer 78

The House of Lords is an unelected element which undermines the concept of representative democracy in the UK and there is no way to hold them to account.

Question 79

What is an example of the House of Lords being undemocratic?

Answer 79

In 2020 Johnson created 36 new peerages of former conservative MPs and Brexit supporters

Question 80

What is an example of a controversial bill being blocked by the House of Lords?

Answer 80

In October 2015 HOL overturned a series of tax cuts to the tax credit system. Technically a money bill so should not have been rejected but lords said it was a welfare bill so art was okay for them to overturn.

Question 81

How is turnout in the UK an issue for democracy?

Answer 81

Often very low leading claims of a participation crisis Examples low turnout out is police and crime commissioners 33% in 2021.

Question 82

What is the west Lothian question?

Answer 82

"why should devolved MPs vote on issues that do to affect their constituents but do impact other people outside their constituencies?"

Question 83

What is an example of devolved MPs voting on Scottish and welsh laws?

Answer 83

Increase in student loan fees for English and Wales in 2004 was only passed with the votes of Scottish MPs

Question 84

How are is the voting system a problem for UK democracy?

Answer 84

FPTP has a number of flaws including being unrepresentative and discriminating against parties with widespread support

Question 85

How is a lack of meaningful choice a problem for UK democracy?

Answer 85

Only the two main parties have a realistic chance of getting into government and in devolved bodies the two party system is still present.

Question 86

How can pressure groups be seen as a problem for democracy in the UK?

Answer 86

Pressure groups do not compete on an equal footing as they have differing resources and power. It can be accused of being elitist.

Question 87

Why are weaknesses of the electoral commission a problem for UK democracy?

Answer 87

Reactive rather than a proactive means there are loopholes over spending and the use of social media that the commission has no power to regulate or ability to control other than imposing fines that are relatively small.

Question 88

Why is a lack of entrenched rights a problem for UK democracy?

Answer 88

Without a codified constitution key rights can be easily overturned without redress from the judiciary system.

Question 89

What is an example of a right being infringed upon?

Answer 89

Freedom of assembly- during covid-19 was infringed upon by the government lockdown

Question 90

What are reason that the franchise should be extended to 16-year-olds?

Answer 90

They already have a number of rights and responsibilities that should entitle them to vote Has the support of a number of politicians

Question 91

How has the campaign to extend rights to 16 year olds gained strength?

Answer 91

Scottish parliament allowed 16-17 yr olds to vote in the independence referendum in 2014 and then in all Scottish parliamentary elections

Question 92

What is the campaign to extend voting rights to prisoners?

Answer 92

Prisoners are not allowed votes which could be in violation of their rights. Hirst vs UK 2005 the ECHR declared a blanket ban on all prisoners was a violation of their human rights but UK government ignored this.

Question 93

What are some reasons that prisoners should be able to vote?

Answer 93

-The denial of the right to vote removes a sense of civil responsibility -No evidence of loss of franchise as a deterrent -right to vote is fundamental and cannot be removed -removal of the vote make the prisoner a non person and further alienates them from society -The ECHR has ruled the blanket ban is a violation of the HRA 1998

Question 94

What are some reasons that prisoners shouldn't be given the vote in the UK?

Answer 94

-Those who commit a custodial crime against society should lose the right to say how society is run -The threat of losing the right to vote prevents crimes and enhances civic responsibility -Giving convicted criminals the right to vote would undermine justice -Prisoners are concentrated in certain constituencies so they would not be likely to remain once free so they should not be able to choose the representatives for those communities

Question 95

What are traditional methods of political participation?

Answer 95

Voting, pressure groups, joining parties, petitions, marches, strikes, writing a letter, standing for public office.

Question 96

What are some modern developments in participation?

Answer 96

e-petitions, blogging, protesting on social media, organising a demonstration via social media

Question 97

Why is electoral participation evidence for a participation crisis?

Answer 97

-Low election turnout 2019 election 67% turnout Police and crime commissioner turnout 2021 average 33% turnout

Question 98

Why is low turnout a problem?

Answer 98

Can lead to small extremist part gaining more votes and leads to a lack of accountability

Question 99

Why is party membership evidence for a participation crisis?

Answer 99

Rapid decline in party membership since the 1980s in party membership and now less than 1% of the population are now party members this suggests people are disillusioned with the main political parties

Question 100

Why is the weakening of group power evidence for a participation crisis in the UK?

Answer 100

Margret thatchers treatment of trade unions meant that there is a decline in the power of group activity

Question 101

Why is increasing turnout evidence against a participation crisis in the UK?

Answer 101

since 2001 general election turnout has been increasing 2001 59% 2019 67% more people voting than ever because population is larger

Question 102

Why is more political parties evidence against a participation crisis?

Answer 102

10 parties in the UK parliament since 2019 Instant popularity of the Brexit party in 2019 shows people like parties that represent their views

Question 103

Why is pressure group membership evidence against a participation crisis?

Answer 103

Even though party membership its declining many people are members of pressure groups which means people are still finding ways to participate in politics

Question 104

Why are social media campaigns evidence against a participation crisis in the UK?

Answer 104

Have provided a means for more people to participate in campaigns and share information than in the past

Question 105

What is the evidence to show the UK is in a participation crisis?

Answer 105

-Electoral participation is below historic levels -Turnout for second order elections is low -Membership of political parties is below historic levels -Trade union membership has collapsed

Question 106

What is evidence that the UK isn't in a participation crisis?

Answer 106

-Turnout has generally been increasing since 2001 -There are far more opportunity's to participate than before -Far more parties with more diverse members than in the past -There has been a significant rise in the number of people joining pressure groups -There are new easier an more accessible ways to participate via social media