UK Politics: Democracy and participation

Question 1

What is a direct democracy

Answer 1

A political system whereby the people take part themselves in the running of the country and deciding laws e.g. referendums

Direct democracy has been incorporated within our system through the use of referendums and the recall of MPs.

Question 2

What is representativa democracy

Answer 2

A political system whereby representatives
elected by the people take control of decision making, as it is more practical and the representatives are better informed.

Question 3

What is Popular Sovereignty

Answer 3

The idea that sovereign power is vested in the people and that those chosen to govern, as trustees of such power, must exercise it in conformity with the general will of the people (public opinion).

Question 4

What is Parliamentary Sovereignty

Answer 4

Parliamentary sovereignty makes Parliament the supreme legal authority which can create or end any law. Generally, the courts cannot overrule its legislation and no Parliament can pass laws that future Parliaments cannot change.

Question 5

Whats is Democratic Participation

Answer 5

Opportunities for, and tendencies of, the people
to become involved in the political process.minimum level this will involve voting, but may also involve active work in political parties and pressure groups. At the highest level it implies standing for public office.

Question 6

What is tyranny of the majority

Answer 6

This is where the majority persecuted or discrimination against minorities.

Question 7

What is a democratic deficit

Answer 7

A perceived deficiency in the way a particular democratic body works especially in terms of accountability and control over policy making

Question 8

What are the advantages of direct democracy

Answer 8

Gives equal weight to all voters, unlike a representative system where the varying sizes of constituencies mean the voters do not all have equal value

Encourages popular participation in politics by expecting people to take their duties as citizens seriously

Remove the need for trusted representatives as people can take responsibility for their own decisions

Develops a sense of community and encourages genuine debate

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of direct democracy

Answer 9

Impractical in a large, heavily populated modern state where decision-making is complicated

Many people will not want to or feel qualified to take part in decision King so political activists decide what happens

Open to manipulation by the cleverest and most articulate speakers who will persuade people to support their viewpoint

Will of the majority is not mandated by Parliamentary institutions so minority viewpoints are disregarded

Question 10

what are example of direct democracy

Answer 10

Petitions - is it gains 100,000 signatures it will be debated in the house of commons - the feed the children, 2nd referendums foe the EU - has lead to meningitis B vaccination

elections for party leadership - As the membership chooses the next leader - Jeremy corbyn elected leader 59.5% then again in 2016 with 61.8%

recall of MPs Act 2015 - allows a constituents to force a by election by a petition of 10% constituents- Brecon and Radnorshire where the Mp chris davies got charged with two counts of making a false instrument and one count of providing false or misleading information for allowance claims

Question 11

What are the advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 11

Reduces chances of minority rights being over ruled by tyranny of the majority

Elections allow people to hold representatives to account

Politicians are better informed than the average citizen about the many issues on which they must take a view

The only political system in a large modern state, where issues are complex and often need rapid response

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

Answer 12

May lead to reduced participation as people choose to hand responsibility to politicians

Minorities may still find themselves under represented as politicians are more likely to follow the views of the majority to secure re-election

Politicians are skilful in avoiding accountability, especially as general elections are five years apart in the UK

Politicians may be corrupt and incompetent, made betray election promises or put loyalty to their party before responsibility to the electorate

Question 13

Opportunities for democratic participation

Answer 13

Voting in local, regional and national elections.

Referendum used to consult citizens on single issue (think of Brexit or the Scottish indy ref).

Only members of a political party can vote for who becomes leader of that party, or have a say in the selection of a candidate.

Question 14

What is the fixed term parliaments act

Answer 14

Britain in law that every five years there is an election.

Early elections can only be good if there is a 2/3 majority in parliament

Question 15

What are positives of the U.K.’s democratic system

Answer 15

Devolved governments.

Independent judiciary.

Free media.

Free and fair elections.

Wide range of political parties and pressure groups.

Question 16

What are the problems with the U.K.’s democratic system

Answer 16

Under-representation of minority viewpoints under the first-past-the-post system.

House of Lords lacks democratic legitimacy.

Lack of protection for citizens’ rights.

Control of sections of the media by powerful business interests.

Question 17

What is a devolved government

Answer 17

The local councillor and power

Question 18

What is an independent judiciary

Answer 18

The judges of free from political power

Question 19

What is the civil service

Answer 19

Independent, non-political administrators that help elected politicians involved in the country

Question 20

What is a by-election

Answer 20

This happens when an MP dies or steps down

So the constituency will get a new MP

Question 21

What is voter turnout like in the past 50 years

Answer 21

1960 election 80% voted
1992 election 77% voted
2001 election 60% voted

When the outcome is uncertain people would come to vote
Proven by the fact in 2001 Tony Blair was assured to be Prime Minister

Question 22

How is party membership doing

Answer 22

Party membership has on the whole also fallen
significantly, apart from Labour, which has seen its
membership rise to over 500,000 since the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader in 2015.

Question 23

How did the Labour Party increase membership from 2014 to 2018

Answer 23

Labour Party increased its membership from 190 thousand in 2014 to 552,000 in 2018

This is due to the introduction of one member one vote by Ed Miliband and grassroot In due season for the radical alternative offered by Jeremy Corbyn.

Surgeon membership is also helped by the rise of momentum a socialist movement whose members must also be members of the Labour Party

Question 24

What is the establishment

Answer 24

The people that own and control the country

Question 25

What happened during the 2009 Parliamentary expenses scandal

Answer 25

The Telegraph published evidence of abuse of the system that allowed MPs to claim expenses for living costs

Leading to a number of apologies, for three payments and decisions not to Contest seats at the next general election

Five former MPs and two members of the House of Lords were sentenced to prison terms

Question 26

What is the meaning of suffrage/franchise

Answer 26

the ability to vote in public elections

Question 27

What is the meaning of the electorate

Answer 27

the body of people entitled to vote.

Question 28

What is the ballot

Answer 28

another word for a vote. A ballot box is where you cast your vote.

Question 29

What is the constituency

Answer 29

an area represented by a Member of Parliament.

There is one MP per constituency.

Question 30

What is a Constituents

Answer 30

the people living in a constituency, represented by an

MP.

Question 31

Who can vote

Answer 31

People over the age of 18.

Citizens of the UK, Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth citizens.

UK nationals that have lived abroad for less than 15 years.

Question 32

Who can’t vote

Answer 32

Under 18’s.

EU citizens (apart from Irish), although they can vote in local elections.

Prisoners -

Those convicted of corrupt or illegal electoral practise. They are barred for 5 years.

Those in psychiatric care.

Question 33

How did the evolution of universal suffrage happen

Answer 33

Before 1832: There used to be only two types of constituency: county (mainly rural areas) and boroughs (towns).
Voting in the counties was restricted to freehold property owners and in the boroughs, voting qualifications varied from town to town.
Constituency boundaries had remained fixed for hundreds of years and not kept pace with population change. Hence there
were some areas with literally a handful of voters and two MP’s, whereas other, more populated, industrial cities had none.
Plural voting allowed wealthy men with property several votes.
Women were also excluded from voting.
The great reform act 1832- redistributed the constituency seats based on population, granted rights to vote to small property holders and tenant farmers in counties, created a standard £10 property qualification for voters in boroughs.
1867- borough households (e.g tradesmen, shopkeeper) allowed to vote
1884- Rural households(e.g.farm workers, miners) allowed to vote like borough people
1918- All men over 21 and women over 30 allowed to vote
1928- Terms for men and women equalised; both sexes can vote at 21 using the act of representation of the people 1928
1948- End of parallel voting (One person and one vote)
1969- Voting age reduced to 18 reflecting changing attitudes in society about adulthood using the act of representation of people 1969

Question 34

Why were women denied the right to vote?

Answer 34

women were seen as physically, mentally, emotionally and morally inferior to men

it was felt that women could not be trusted to vote rationally

a woman’s sphere of influence was seen to be the home and raising children

public life, including politics was seen to belong to the male sphere of influence

Question 35

How did women achieve suffrage in UK

Answer 35

They could only vote and stand for elections at local council level. The suffragists had approximately 54,000 members in 1914 majority being middle class respectable citizens they believed in non-violent tactics as these tactics weren’t working fast. Emily Pankhurst started the suffragettes who used of violent tactic and lawbreaking to achieve this. The war helped the woman to get the vote as they took on male roles as men were away fighting

Question 36

What are the key studies for extending voting rights

Answer 36

16 year olds. They were temporarily granted the right to vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014. This is often credited with the much higher turnout in that vote.

Prisoners. The European Court of Human Rights (which is separate to the EU) found the UK in breach of human rights by denying prisoners the right to vote. So far, the government has ignored the ruling. Pressure groups such as liberty support prisoners voting but there is very little public pressure to change in the law
David Cameron at the time said it made him “sick to his stomach”.

Foreign nationals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in Britain.

People with UK passports living abroad.

Question 37

What was the votes at 16 coalition

Answer 37

Established in 2003 to bring together groups such as the National union of students and the Bristol youth Council to campaign for a lower voting age

Question 38

What tactics did the vote at 16 coalition news.

Answer 38

used Social media to get positive publicity. Also encourage schools and colleges debate
Slogan: engage, empower and inspire

The support of MPs is vital to make policies into laws so the vote for 16 website names all MPs and lords who support the campaign to maintain how high profile the movement is.

Question 39

What are arguments for 16-year-olds having the right to vote

Answer 39

At 16 young people can exercise significant responsibility, sexual activity marriage, pay taxes and join the armed services so it isn’t irrational that they are given the vote

In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum 75% of 16 and 17-year-olds voted

Since 16 and 17-year-olds can vote for the Scottish parliament it is illogical that they cannot vote for the Westminster Parliament

Question 40

What are arguing again giving the vote to 16 year olds

Answer 40

Voting turnout among 18 to 24-year-olds is lower than any other age groups so allowing for 16 and 17-year-olds to vote could actually compound the problem of youth apathy

16 and 17-year-olds have a few adult life experiences on which to vote based on they are that’s more likely to be manipulated into voting in a certain way by social media, per pressure

Young people are not regarded as responsible enough to be able to buy alcohol or cigarettes themselves until the age of 18 so it is disingenuous to claim they are capable of exercising all adult responsibility

Question 41

Why should there be compulsory voting

Answer 41

Optional in the UK but 22 nationstates have introduced some form of compulsory voting to ensure voting rights are as high as possible

Belgium introduced compulsory voting in 1892 it is an accepted part of Belgium life and in the 2014 federal election turnout was at 89%.
Australia has required citizens to vote in national elections in the 2016 federal elections 91% of those eligible voted

Supporters argue that it insures high percentage of the electorate are engaged in the democratic process and the outcome has enhanced legitimacy

Critics argue that it gives the state too much power over its citizens some people like Russell Brand would argue the decision not to engage at any level of the voting process can be a powerful political statement of disapproval

Question 42

What are arguments for compulsory voting

Answer 42

Voting is a civic responsibility like jury service. If citizens are not required to fulfil the duties of citizenship then the principles of civic society are undermined

There is not a voting off often from ethnic minorities, the poorest in society and young people. This means the political decision-making often favoured old and wealthy voters. compulsory voting means politicians have to be responsive to all political opinion

Compulsory voting does not have to force people to make a choice -Spoiling the ballot

Question 43

What are the arguments against compulsory voting

Answer 43

The public have the right to choose whether or not to vote in an election. It is up to politicians to increase public enthusiasm by providing reasons to vote. Compulsory voting reduces politicians engagement with the public

The votes of politically disengage citizens will carry less weight than the votes of those who take their civic responsibilities seriously therefore undermining the legitimacy of the result

Not voting can be a positive position to register dissatisfaction with the candidates or the process. Only 25% of the electorate voted for police commissioner in 2016 showing the insignificance of the post.

Question 44

What are the important paragraphs of Magna Carta

Answer 44

To no one will we shall, to no one deny or delay right or justice

No freeman shall be seized or imprisoned or stripped of his rights… Except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the laws of the land

In future no official shall place a man on trial upon his own unsupported testimony without producing credible witnesses to the truth of it

Question 45

What is a pressure group

Answer 45

A group seeking to influence government policy or business activity to secure the interests of their members and supporters.

Question 46

What are the three classifications of pressure groups

Answer 46

Sectional groups (interest groups)

Cause groups (promotional groups)

Social movements

Question 47

What are cause or promotional groups

Answer 47

Seeking to promote issues of interest to its members and supporters in relation to the particular topic.

EG. Greenpeace – seeks to promote environmental issues.

EG. Football Supporters’ Federation – promoting
issues relating to football supporters

Question 48

What are sectional or interest groups

Answer 48

Seek to protect the interest of members:

EG. The Muslim Council of Britain-represents the interests of British Muslims
EG. RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Question 49

What are single cause groups

Answer 49

Focus on a particular issue

EG. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) – attempt to
reduce smoking and encourage a whole society response against smoking.

EG. RSPB – Seeking to promote welfare, care and protection of birds.

Question 50

What are multi-cause groups

Answer 50

Focus attention on a wider range of issues often
under a generalised heading

EG. Trade Unions – seek to influence policy in relation to workers

EG. Friends of the Earth – seek to influence decision making on wide range of environmental issues.

Question 51

What is an insider group

Answer 51

Insider groups are those that the government may consult. They will listen to their opinions.

The British medical Association

The Howard league for penal reform-surprise the Home Office with important information concerning prison, policing and youth crime

Question 52

What is an outsider group

Answer 52

Outsider groups cannot be seen to be influencing the government.Whether a group is insider or outsider will depend largely on the methods that they use.

The Gurkha justice campaign

Question 53

What are examples of indirect action

Answer 53

Publicity

Leaflets/adverts

Petitions

Providing research

Question 54

What is direct action

Answer 54

Illegal Direct

Action

Lobbying

Protest

Boycotts

Civil disobedience

Question 55

What is illegal direct action

Answer 55

Terrorism –intimidation of workers or owners/management of a business, for

example:
Violence – bombings, shootings, threats, attacks.

Criminal damage –damage to property, releasing animals into
the wild – Animal Liberation Front.

Question 56

What is the difference between a social movement and pressure groups

Answer 56

Similar.

They have wider goals and are not as narrowly focused on one issue: The Occupy Movement has a wide anti-capitalist agenda for example.

They tend to be less organised and have a more chaotic structure.

Pressure groups can often emerge from social movements.

Question 57

Why do some pressure groups have more influence than other?

Answer 57

Resources - A larger membership who pay subscription means that a group is link to have the financial resources to run the office, pay permanent staff and organise publicity. EG. the RSPCA pays 1600 people, supplied by thousands of volunteers and have a full page ad in the National paper.
The size of the group could show public opinion

Tactics and leadership- experienced, capable leadership in vital for success. EG. The RSPCA collaborating with 2 similar groups to ban hunting with dogs so they wouldn’t be competing.
Knowing where the groups can apply pressure in the politically system

Public support- pressure groups whose agenda is in step with public opinion is usually more successful than those whose objectives fail to engage it or whose methods alienate potential sympathisers. EG. The snowdrop campaign to ban the use of handguns.
Favourable media coverage can play an important role in winning support o the support of a tv personality. EG. For retired Gurkha solders to be allowed to live in the UK

Government attitudes- insider contacts with government ministers and civil servants are often a key to success. E.g. The National farmers union links to DEFRA were instrumental in bringing about the 2013 badger cull
Government will usually listen to the groups on which it will live for specialist knowledge of a policy area and with whose agenda it can see some common ground

Question 58

What happened between the BMA and the ban on smoking in cars carrying children?

Answer 58

The BMA is a section group with the main purpose is to protect the interests but can also function as a cause group on issues that affect public health.

They are creditable with the government because of the professionals status and ability to provide scientific evidence

The BMA already contributed to the introduction of a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces from 2007 and it saw the prohibition of smoking in private vehicles as a Next step in its campaign

They failed to do this due to lack of support.so campaigned for prohibition when children were being carried. He’s got the support of both The House of Lords and the commons and the band came into effect in October 2015

Question 59

What are thinker tanks

Answer 59

Are groups of experts from different backgrounds who are brought together to investigate particular topics and to offer solutions to complicated economic, social or political issues. For example Margaret Thatchers free-market approach has to be given credit to think tanks such as the Centre for policy studies

Think times are an alternative source of ideas to the civil service with more time and expertise the political parties to carry out research

Question 60

What are lobbyists

Answer 60

Are members of professional organisation who are paid by clients seeking access to government or two MPs and members of the House of Lords.

Purpose is to gain influence on behalf of their clients particularly when legislation that affects the clients interest is under consideration

Long established principles that members of the public may lobby their MPs in person or by letter

Question 61

What are corporations

Answer 61

Role of corporations or large business organisations in the UK government circles is a related area of concern for some pro democracy campaigners.

There has been a discussion of The revolving door process where senior politicians and officials take well-paid jobs in the private sector after they leave government service

Question 62

What are examples of modern pressure groups

Answer 62

Friends of Earth- now regularly contracted by the Scottish government on its environmental strategy

Trade unions can have more influence in a Labour government due to them being able to fund Labour party while Institute of directors will have more influence in a Conservative administration

The National union of rail, maritime and transport workers has called strikes in order to try to stop introduction of driver only operated rail

Migration watch UK Cultivated links with Theresa May’s government because it shared commitment to reduce immigration into the UK

Question 63

What was the Gurkha justice campaign

Answer 63

The Gurkha justice campaign – Gurkhas are Napoli soldiers who have traditionally served in the British military only people retired after 1997 were granted rights to live in Britain the group wanted to extend the right to all retired Gurkhas.

Joanna Lumley a popular actress provided the campaign with a powerful celebratory endorsement.She helped to present a petition signed by 250,000 people to Downing Street and her constant pressure on the government of Gordon Brown created so much negative ability for the government decided to grant all rights to all Gurkhas

Question 64

What is the Liberty pressure group

Answer 64

Exposes discrimination, highlights infringement of the human rights act and fights attempts by the government to restrict civil liberties.

Uses why do variety of ways to influence political process including campaigning to the public and using social media

They also work with decision-makers which include MP Tom Watson to engage cross-party support for civil liberties.

Encouraged MPs to oppose the introduction of identity card and campaign to ensure Brexit does not jeopardise civil liberties. They were given the peoples clause in the withdrawal agreement

Question 65

How did the surfers against sewage become a successful pressure group

Answer 65

Drinks container recycling

A message in a bottle campaign demonstrated a growing public outrage at the way in which disposable plastic containers are blighting coastlines

Other pressure groups joined in such as council for the preservation of Rurel England and 38° in 2018 the government announced it was going to introduce scheme for all plastic, metal and glass containers

Succeeded because the campaign was helped by the way in which the facts were obviously presented together with a solution to the problem. Theresa May and environment secretary Michael Gove wanted to move forward with the proposals

Question 66

What is a successful case for a lobbyist

Answer 66

The raptor alliance, which represents pigeon fenciers, Is a tiny organisation whose members argue that the Royal Society for the protection of birds has been so successful in protecting birds of prey that they are killing of racing pigeons.

Unable to gain public recognition, lobbies have made theirCase known to Parliament by encouraging and all party Parliamentary group for pigeon racing

Question 67

What is the debate over that extent, limits and tensions within the UK is a rights-based culture

Answer 67

Judges can declare earlier axe of Parliament incompatible with the human rights act, although cannot compel Parliament to make changes because of Parliamentary sovereignty

One indicator of growing Important of rights as with the increase of judicial reviews. The numbers in 2000 was 4240 and in 2013 to 15,600

The importance and problems associated with “judge-made law “-judges have been accused of affectively creating a privacy law through the way they have interpreted the human rights act

Question 67

Why was stop the War coalition a bad and unsuccessful pressure group

Answer 67

Organise the biggest demonstration in British history in rich as many as 1 million people marched through London to protest against Tony Blair support for an American invasion of Iraq

March was peaceful, was addressed by prominent anti-war activities such as Tony Benn and made a powerful impact on the public but did not change government policy

Question 68

What is the meaning of civil rights or positive rights

Answer 68

Civil rights, or civil liberties refer to the individual’s relationship with the state. They can be positive acts such as:

The right to vote.
The right to join political parties.
To form associations like trade unions or pressure
groups.

Question 69

What is the meaning of negative rights

Answer 69

They protect citizens from the state: Right to privacy, a fair trial or the right not to be imprisoned without trial.

Question 70

What are the major milestones in the development of rights

Answer 70

Up to 1998, no single document spelling out our rights.

Most rights were protected by acts of parliament and common law/custom.

Magna Carta 1215 – oldest official statement of rights. Mostly outdated, only concerned the rights of nobles and freemen. Established the right to trial by jury and unlawful seizure of
property.

European Convention on Human Rights 1950 – drawn up by the Council of Europe (nothing to do with the EU). Enforced by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The Human Rights Act 1998 – passed by the last Labour government.

Freedom of information act 2000- established a right to access to information held by public bodies so long as it does not compromise national security

The Equality Act 2010 – brought together the Equal Pay Act, Sex Discrimination Act and the Race Relations Act and added 9 protections: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation.

Question 71

What are controversial rights

Answer 71

The right to form trade unions.

The right to strike.

Women’s rights and minority rights.

Right to safe working conditions.

Freedom from unfair dismissal.

Right to a decent standard of education.

Question 72

What happened to the human rights act

Answer 72

In 1998 (enacted in 2000), the then Labour government incorporated The Human Rights Act into British law.

On their return to power as a majority government in May of 2015, the Conservatives
promised to scrap it. This proposal seems to
have now been put on the back burner since
the Tories lost their majority this year.

Owen Jones is a left-wing journalist. This is his
take on the Human Rights Act.

Question 73

What is tolerance

Answer 73

Originally referred to religious tolerance. Until the early 19th century, only members of the Church of England could vote, stand for parliament etc.

The philosopher John Locke (1632 – 1704) said no one religion had a monopoly on the truth.

Conservatives argued that tolerance should be
limited in order to preserve order and unity.
Liberals focused more on extending tolerance
to all.

Question 74

What do people say about equality

Answer 74

Equal rights – everybody needs to be equally represented and protected. Women, the disabled, gay people, ethnic groups etc. Prejudice and inequality should be fought against and resisted. Mind sets need to be changed.

Equality of opportunity – society should find
ways of reducing the advantages and privileges of the few.

Question 75

Give 2 examples where human rights cases have been successful?

Answer 75

High court ruling that related Gurkha should be allowed to settle in the UK and that the government had not considered fairly on the compensation for people who were affected by the planning high speed rail link

Question 76

What is judicial review?

Answer 76

Process of reviewing acts done by public authorities some say it is a vital means of defending citizens rights however other argue that it places too much power in the hands of unelected and unacceptable judges

Question 77

How did Max Mosley use the Human Rights Act in his case?

Answer 77

He argued that newspaper articles about his sex life breached his privacy

Question 78

Why do some on the Right oppose the Human Rights Act?

Answer 78

They say it showed favour to undeserving individuals rather than protecting the legitimate freedom of UK citizens

Question 79

On what basis did some MP’s object to the Campaign for Freedom of Information?

Answer 79

Freedom of information says any government documents can be made public upon request however many MPs were scared that them and their constituencies communications was to be made public

Question 80

Why did Madonna object to the ‘right to roam’?

Answer 80

Too many people were trespassing on her property

Question 81

What are control orders or the more updated version, TPIMs?

Answer 81

Control orders enabled suspects to be closely monitored such as through electric typing, a request report to the police and removal of mobile phones and Internet access.

This was replaced in the coalition government with Terrorism prevention and investigation measures

Question 83

Explain what is meant by the ‘Snoopers’ Charter’?

Answer 83

Increases the power of the intelligence agencies by obliging Internet companies to store information about customers browser history

Question 84

What are some restrictions of civil liberties

Answer 84

The antiterrorism crime and Security act 2001-gave the government the legal powers to imprison foreign terrorist suspects indefinitely without trial

The terrorism act 2006 extended the time Charis suspects could be held without charge to 28 days and made glorifying terrorism a crime