UK Politics:Democracy & participation- What is democracy? Flashcards
What was the turnout percentage in the UK referendum on EU membership?
The turnout was 72.2%.
What percentage of voters chose to leave the EU?
52% voted to leave.
What percentage of the voting population effectively made the decision to leave the EU?
The decision was made by only 37.7% of the voting population.
What were some issues that influenced voters’ decisions in the referendum?
Voters based their decisions on issues such as parliamentary sovereignty, immigration, and dissatisfaction with the government.
What claim was made about the £350 million sent to the EU?
It was claimed that the money could instead be spent on the NHS.
Who contested the claim about the £350 million and what did they say?
UKIP leader Nigel Farage contested the claim, stating it should never have been made because there is no guarantee the money could be redirected.
What factors may have influenced voters’ decisions in the referendum?
Voters may have made decisions based on emotion, lack of understanding, poor education, or misinformation.
What was the historical perception of democracy?
For centuries, democracy was seen as an insult and something to be feared.
Why are checks in place in modern democracies?
Checks are put in place to limit the power given to the people.
What is the historical voting right situation in Britain?
In Britain, only wealthy, male landowners had the right to vote for MPs for centuries.
How has the franchise in Britain changed over time?
The franchise has been extended to include property owners, all men, women, and eventually those over the age of 18.
What are current concerns regarding voting rights?
There are concerns about extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds and those in prison.
What is the common argument against extending voting rights?
The argument is whether these groups are intelligent, capable, and responsible enough to make decisions in the best interests of society.
What are the different forms of democracy?
There are direct and representative democracies, and some that rely on a mixture of the two.
What are the types of democratic systems?
Some democracies are presidential, others are parliamentary, or even rely on a constitutional monarchy.
