UK Politics: Democracy and participation Flashcards

Question

What happened during the 2009 Parliamentary expenses scandal

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

the ability to vote in public elections

Answer 3

the body of people entitled to vote.

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

an area represented by a Member of Parliament. | There is one MP per constituency.

Answer 6

the people living in a constituency, represented by an | MP.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

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

Answer 11

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

Answer 12

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.

Answer 13

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

Answer 14

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.

Answer 15

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

Answer 16

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

Answer 17

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

Answer 18

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

Answer 19

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.

Answer 20

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

Answer 21

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

Answer 22

Sectional groups (interest groups) Cause groups (promotional groups) Social movements

Answer 23

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

Answer 24

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.

Answer 25

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.

Answer 26

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.

Answer 27

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

Answer 28

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

Answer 29

Publicity Leaflets/adverts Petitions Providing research

Answer 30

Illegal Direct Action Lobbying Protest Boycotts Civil disobedience

Answer 31

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.

Answer 32

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.

Answer 33

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

Answer 34

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

Answer 35

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

Answer 36

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

Answer 37

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

Answer 38

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

Answer 39

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

Answer 40

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

Answer 41

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

Answer 42

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

Answer 43

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

Answer 44

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

Answer 45

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.

Answer 46

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

Answer 47

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.

Answer 48

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.

Answer 49

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.

Answer 50

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.

Answer 51

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.

Answer 52

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

Answer 53

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

Answer 54

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

Answer 55

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

Answer 56

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

Answer 57

Too many people were trespassing on her property

Answer 58

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

Answer 59

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

Answer 60

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