UK Politics

Question 1

Advantages of a representative democracy.

Answer 1

1. Professional politicians make political decisions.
2. Minority views considered.
3. Elected politicians held accountable.

Question 2

Disadvantages of a representative democracy.

Answer 2

1. Disengages citizens from politics.
2. Controlled parties means politicians lack independence.
3. Politicians can swerve accountability.
4. politicians are open to corruption.

Question 3

Is the UK a representative democracy?

Answer 3

1. Elections should be regular - Elections are help every 5 years using FPTP.
2. Elections should be contested - Contested mainly by 3 parties.
3. Pressure groups should have a say - pressure groups are seen as critical in UK politics.

Question 4

Pos and Neg for UK democracy: elections.

Answer 4

pos: FPTP has strengths such as quick and easy.
neg: Turnout is not as high as other western countries.

Question 5

Pos and Neg for UK democracy: Representation.

Answer 5

pos: all citizens are represented by an MP
neg: minorities can be under-represented.

Question 6

Pos and Neg for UK democracy: Rights.

Answer 6

pos: Many human rights in Human rights act 1998.
neg: human rights are not entrenched.

Question 7

Pos and Neg for UK democracy: Pressure Groups.

Answer 7

Pos: pressure groups enhance democracy by ensuring political diversity.
neg: Bigger pressure groups may be selfish instead of thinking of majority.

Question 8

Pos and neg for UK democracy: Limited Government.

Answer 8

pos: UK consitution is effective at limiting the governments power.
neg: No codified constitution so power distribution is undefined.

Question 9

Pos and neg for UK democracy: Independent judiciary.

Answer 9

pos: Rule of law is protected by judicial independence
neg: government has role in appointing judges.

Question 10

How would Compulsory voting reform democracy positively?

Answer 10

1. Governments would be more legitimate.
2. Would cause wider educational implications as all of society would be aware.
3. Citizens would be more engaged and act together.

Question 11

How would compulsory voting reform democracy negatively?

Answer 11

1. This would mask deeper engagement issues.
2. it could encourage non serious voting.
3. could be considered a violation to individual freedom.

Question 12

What are the 6 factors influencing pressure groups?

Answer 12

1. Insider
2. Social status
3. Wealth
4. Celebrity endorsement
5. Public following
6. size.

Question 13

Strengths of pressure groups.

Answer 13

1. Can educated citizens and give them an extra voice.
2. They can give the government expert knowledge.
3. Pressure groups can counter balance the parliament majority.

Question 14

Weaknesses of pressure groups

Answer 14

1. They can be selfish, so one group can dominate
2. Pressure groups can reduce parliaments power and undermine their sovereignty.
3. They can make the country difficult to govern.