UK Politics - Key Terminology Flashcards
Key terminology specified by the exam board
Democratic deficit
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
Direct democracy
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.
Franchise/suffrage
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
Legitimacy
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.
Lobbyists
Represent the interests of a particular group or cause and seeks to influence politicians in its favour.
Participation crisis
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.
Pluralist democracy
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.
Representative democracy
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.
Think tanks
A group established to generate ideas. Political parties work closely with like-minded think tanks to develop policy.
Classical liberals
Left-wing
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.
Modern liberals
New Labour
(Third way)
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.
New Right
Old Labour
(Social democracy)
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.
One Nation
Party systems
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.
Right-wing
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.
AMS
Additional member system
Coalition government
FPTP
First-past-the-post
Marginal seat
Minority government
Safe seat
STV
Single transferable vote
SV
Supplementary vote
Class dealignment
Disullusion and apathy
Mandate
Manifesto
Partisan dealignment