UK Politics - Key Terminology

Question 1

Democratic deficit

Answer 1

When there is so little democratic participation by the public and so little trust in political institutions taht only a minority of citizens engage in politics. Consequently, elected government can longer claim legitimacy

Question 2

Direct democracy

Answer 2

A form of democracy in which citizens themselves, rather than their representatives, make political decisions. The most significant modern example of direct democracy is a referendum.

Question 3

Franchise/suffrage

Answer 3

The right to vote. Currently, all people aged 18, in the UK, and over have the right to vote in public elections unless they are mentally incapacitated, in prison, or member of the House of Lords.

As of June 2024

Question 4

Legitimacy

Answer 4

Legitimate authority means power that has been legally acquired and is exercised according to the rule of law. A dictator can claim power but not legitimate power.

Question 5

Lobbyists

Answer 5

Represent the interests of a particular group or cause and seeks to influence politicians in its favour.

Question 6

Participation crisis

Answer 6

A point at which the public have become disengaged from politics and voting levels have fallen so low that the legitimacy of elected governments can be questioned.

Question 7

Pluralist democracy

Answer 7

A form of democracy where governments make decisions as a consequence of the interaction between groups and organisations who have different ideas and contrasting arguments.

Question 8

Representative democracy

Answer 8

A form of democracy in which voteres elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf. These representatives are then held accountable to the pulbic in regular elections.

Question 9

Think tanks

Answer 9

A group established to generate ideas. Political parties work closely with like-minded think tanks to develop policy.

Question 10

Classical liberals

Question 11

Left-wing

Answer 11

The left wing emphasises the importance of creating a fair and equal society through positive state intervention. This includes higher taxes on the wealthier, extensive welfare provision and greater state influence in the economy. The left wing is also socially progressive and favours an internationalist approach to global problems.

Question 12

Modern liberals

Question 13

New Labour

(Third way)

Answer 13

The third way combines a left-wing commitment to social justice with a right-wing emphasis on the values of free markets in encouraging economic prosperity.

Question 14

New Right

Question 15

Old Labour

(Social democracy)

Answer 15

Old Labour is associated with left-wing principles of positive intervention to create a more equal society through higher taxes on the wealthy, nationalisation of public services and generous welfare provisions.

Question 16

One Nation

Question 17

Party systems

Answer 17

There are several party system models, ranging from one party dominance to a multiparty sharing of influence. A two party system (duopoly) means that power is shared between two leading political parties. A two-and-a-half party system means that a smaller party may hold the balance of power.

Question 18

Right-wing

Answer 18

Right wing political beliefs derive from liberal and conservative ideology. These include a liberal focus on the importance of limiting excessive government, keeping taxation low and protecting individual liberty. The right also emphasises conservative values such as law and order and the importance of national sovereignty and strong defence.

Question 19

AMS

Additional member system

Question 20

Coalition government

Question 21

FPTP

First-past-the-post

Question 22

Marginal seat

Question 23

Minority government

Question 24

Safe seat

Question 25

STV

Single transferable vote

Question 26

SV

Supplementary vote

Question 27

Class dealignment

Question 28

Disullusion and apathy

Question 29

Mandate

Question 30

Manifesto

Question 31

Partisan dealignment