UK Politics (1) - Democracy Flashcards
What is Sovereignty
Supreme power or authority. In the UK sovereignty lies in parliament.
What is direct democracy?
A system where people express opinions themselves
What is a representative democracy?
People elect representatives who use their judgement and act on their behalf
Advantages of direct democracy
Gives equal weight to all votes
Encourages participation
People take responsibility
A sense of community and debate
Disadvantages of direct democracy
Not practical
Apathy
Lack of political knowledge to make decisions
Minority views ignored
Advantages of representative democracy
Practical
Quick decision making
Reduces tyranny of the majority
Holds representatives to account
Politicians better informed than public
Disadvantages of representative democracy
Reduced participation
Parties run by elites
Minorities under represented
Politicians avoid accountability
Politicians may be corrupt or incompetent
Key features of a functioning democracy
Peaceful transition of power
Free and fair elections
Widespread participation
Freedom of expression
Freedom of association
Protection of rights and liberties
The rule of law
Limited government
The 3 types of democracy
Unitary
Federal
Confederal
Unitary democracy
Power lies in one place
Federal democracy
Power is divided between a central authority and regional bodies.
Confederal democracy
Sovereignty held by the regions and loosely connected by a central body
UK national governance has how many branches?
3 - executive, legislature, judiciary
The legislature in the UK…
Parliament
The executive in the UK…
Government
Parliament consists of how many houses?
2 - Commons and Lords
A given area that a MP represents is called…
A constituency
Currently how many constituencies are there?
650
The voting system used for Westminster elections…
First Past the Post
Is FPTP proportional?
No
Groups which are largely united in their political beliefs
Political parties
The political authority to govern based on policy statements…
Mandate and Manifesto
What word describes the UK legislature?
Bicameral
How long can the Lords delay legislation for?
Up to a year
The name to the understanding that the Lords cannot obstruct a governments manifesto pledges
Salisbury Convention
Referendums are examples of…
Direct democracy
Examples of UK referendums are…
2016 Brexit
2011 Alternative Vote
1998 Good Friday Agreement
