UK Politics:Democracy & participation- How effectively does democracy operate in the UK? Flashcards
What is the significance of free and fair elections in the UK?
The UK has a wide variety of elections, allowing citizens to choose representatives for local and national bodies, providing opportunities for public participation and education through political campaigns.
What is ‘purdah’?
A phrase used to describe the period before an election where members of local councils or government cannot make new statements or proposals that could affect voting. This period is usually between 4 and 6 weeks.
Who conducts elections in the UK?
Elections in the UK are conducted by the Electoral Commission, which is independent of any particular party.
What measures ensure fair elections in the UK?
Measures include campaign spending limits, a ban on campaigning during purdah, and restrictions on broadcast campaigning based on previous electoral support.
What is the role of the Electoral Commission?
The Electoral Commission oversees and strengthens democracy in the UK, including registering political parties, advising on campaign finance, ensuring legal compliance, and educating the public on voting.
What has been the trend in voter turnout in UK general elections since 2001?
After a historic low of 59% in 2001, turnout has increased to 61% in 2005, 65% in 2010, and 66% in 2015.
What is universal suffrage?
A system where everyone over the age of 18, who is not a prisoner, mentally incapable, or a peer, has the right to vote, ensuring all votes are equal.
What is a pressure group?
A group of like-minded individuals who come together based on shared interests to influence policy-makers.
How do pressure groups contribute to democracy in the UK?
They provide alternative representation, raise public awareness, and help develop government policies, ensuring minority interests are considered.
What is parliamentary sovereignty?
Parliament holds legal sovereignty, meaning that representatives of the people have ultimate power in making, amending, and repealing laws.
What is devolution in the UK?
Devolution allows constituent parts of the UK to make local decisions, ensuring better representation and appropriate policies for each area.
What is a democratic deficit?
A term describing the undemocratic nature of institutions or procedures that are supposed to promote democracy.
How does the unelected House of Lords affect democracy in the UK?
The unelected House of Lords undermines representative democracy as its members are not accountable to the public.
What is the participation crisis?
A term describing the failure of the public to participate in the political process, undermining democratic legitimacy.
What is the West Lothian Question?
It refers to the issue of Scottish MPs voting on matters that do not affect their constituents, raising questions about accountability.
What are the flaws of the first-past-the-post electoral system?
Flaws include wasted votes, safe seats, unrepresentative outcomes, winner’s bonus, discrimination against widespread support parties, and a two-party system.
What is the lack of meaningful choice in UK politics?
Despite many parties, only two have a realistic chance of gaining power, leading to voters often choosing between similar policies.
What are the weaknesses of the Electoral Commission?
It is often reactive rather than proactive, passing judgment after events, and has loopholes in regulating spending and social media.
How does the lack of a codified constitution affect rights in the UK?
Without a codified constitution, key rights can be easily overturned by the government, undermining the protection of citizens’ rights.
What is the maximum period of detention without charge under the Terrorism Act as of 2006?
28 days
This was reduced to 14 days in January 2011.
What are the positive aspects of representative democracy in the UK?
Everyone is represented through a constituency MP and there is a variety of parties contesting elections.
What are the negative aspects of representative democracy in the UK?
The FPTP electoral system leads to wasted votes, unrepresentative outcomes, and a lack of real choice in many constituencies.
Who has the right to vote in the UK?
Everyone over the age of 18, who is not a prisoner, mentally incapable, or a peer.
What issues exist regarding voting rights in the UK?
Denial of the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds, prisoners, and disenfranchisement of groups like the homeless.
What is the typical voter turnout in general elections in the UK?
Around two-thirds of people vote, raising concerns about the democratic legitimacy of the government.
What role do pressure groups play in UK democracy?
They represent a wide variety of interests and can compete in the political arena.
What challenges do pressure groups face in the UK?
Competition can be unfair and elitist due to factors like wealth, size, and status.
What is hyperpluralism?
A situation where important issues can be drowned out by the sheer number of campaigns.
What does the Electoral Commission do?
It ensures that parties adhere to rules on spending and campaigning.
What is a challenge related to party spending in the UK?
Parties can find ways around regulations to spend more.
How has the internet impacted political campaigning in the UK?
It has allowed parties to bypass broadcasting restrictions.
