UK Politics:Democracy & participation - Rights in context 2 Flashcards
What are human rights?
Human rights, sometimes known as ‘natural rights’, are those rights and liberties that all people are automatically entitled to.
What are the characteristics of human rights?
Human rights are absolute, universal, and fundamental.
What does it mean for rights to be absolute?
Absolute rights cannot be compromised or diminished in any way.
What does it mean for rights to be universal?
Universal rights are applied to everyone equally, regardless of any other considerations, such as race or gender.
What does it mean for rights to be fundamental?
Fundamental rights are an essential part of life and cannot be removed for any reason.
What are civil liberties?
Civil liberties are the basic freedoms that allow people to express themselves and live without fear of oppression or a police state.
What are the two forms of rights and liberties?
They can be either a fundamental right to do something or a fundamental freedom from government oppression.
What is the significance of the Human Rights Act 1998?
The Human Rights Act codified the European Convention on Human Rights into British law, providing greater legal protection for citizens.
What are positive rights?
Positive rights are clearly given to a citizen, usually in the form of a constitutional protection.
What are negative rights?
Negative rights are not explicitly set out and only exist because of an absence of any law banning them.
What was the purpose of the Westminster Social Policy Forum in 2016?
The forum discussed how transgender equality issues are dealt with by various government departments and aimed to ensure legal rights for trans people.
What are some key milestones in the development of rights in the UK?
Key milestones include the Magna Carta (1215), Bill of Rights (1689), European Convention on Human Rights (1953), and Human Rights Act (1998).
What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
The Freedom of Information Act ensures political transparency by allowing citizens to access non-security related information held by public institutions.
What are civic responsibilities?
Civic responsibilities include respecting and obeying the law, paying taxes, and voting.
What are some arguments in favor of individual rights?
Arguments include ensuring protection from government abuse and leading to civil responsibilities.
What are some arguments against individual rights?
Arguments include that individual rights can come at the expense of wider society and may hinder effective government operation.
What role do pressure groups play in rights protection?
Pressure groups raise awareness of threats to civil rights, promote the application of rights, and put pressure on the government to ensure rights are protected.
What is compulsory voting?
Compulsory voting could be introduced to increase public participation, potentially involving fines for non-voters.
What is the argument for reforming the voting system?
Reforming the voting system to a more proportional one would distribute votes more fairly and reduce the number of wasted votes.
What is a potential consequence of repeated forced voting?
It could lead to public apathy and resentment.
What was the outcome of the 2015 general election in the UK?
The Conservatives won a majority of MPs with 36% of the vote, UKIP gained 1 MP with nearly 4 million votes, and the SNP gained 53 seats with fewer than 1.5 million votes.
What are some proposed voting systems to improve fairness?
Single transferable vote (STV) or closed party list.
What issues could arise from changing to a proportional voting system?
They can be confusing, lead to extremist parties gaining seats, and weaken the link between representatives and their constituencies.
What is one simple proposal for reforming the House of Lords?
To remove the remaining hereditary peers.
What is a concern regarding an elected House of Lords?
It might mirror the House of Commons and lead to gridlock politics.
What is the purpose of a recall system for MPs?
To make MPs more responsive to their constituents’ demands.
What is ‘Burkean representation’?
The idea that MPs should use their judgement to make decisions in the best interests of their constituents, not just follow their wishes.
What is the West Lothian Question?
It refers to the issue of Scottish representatives voting on matters that do not affect their constituents.
What reform did the Conservative government introduce in 2015 regarding voting?
‘English votes for English laws’ (EVEL).
What is a proposed reform for the monarchy?
Introducing an elected head of state.
What is the argument for a codified constitution?
It would help entrench citizens’ rights and promote public education.
What is e-democracy?
Any electronic or digital method that can lead to greater democracy.
What are the advantages of online voting?
It would make it easier for people to vote.
It could be difficult to monitor and ensure free votes.
What is a potential disadvantage of online questioning of ministers?
It could undermine the role of MPs.
What was the outcome of the petition to ban Donald Trump from entering the UK?
A debate was held in Westminster Hall, but the power to ban him lies with the home secretary, making it largely symbolic.
