uk unit 1 Flashcards
what is direct democracy
Decisions are made by the public. for example the Brexit referendum
what is representative democracy
the public trust mps to make their decision on their behalf.
what are the two strands of democracy
direct democracy
representative democracy
advantages of representative democracy
MPs are experts in politics.
Anyone can talk to or raise an issue with an MP so they understand everyones issues
MPs balance conflicting interests. this is important in order to fairly represent the people.
what is first past the post
Winner is the party with the most votes. Winner takes it all principle. Currently used in the uk
what are safe seats.
seats that always fall to the same party.
reasons for the uk suffering from a participation crisis
- voter turnout is falling in 1950 it was %83 now in 2024 it was 60
- Some feel there is a lack of trust in MPs for example party gate.
- membership rates of political parties is falling. in 1950 2 million people were member of the conservatives now its 130,000
reasons there is not a participation crisis
- When there is more at stake public interest is higher for example the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 there was a %84 turnout.
- E-petitions gain a lot of movement when people feel strongly about a point for example 6 million people signed an e-petition to revoke article 50 (Brexit)
£. uk turnout is in line with other western democracy like us France etc.
what is a democratic deficit
This is when supposedly democratic institutions such as governments do not fulfil the principle of democracy and how they operate. For example party gate
what are some ways to solve a democratic deficit
Referendums-
who can’t vote in the uk
A prisioner
Someone who is not registered to vote
members of the house of lords
someone charged with an illegal practice within the last 5 years.
who can vote in the uk
An EU citizen living in the uk
Irish citizen in the uk
A British citizen living abroad for up to 14 years
someone who has been arrested but not charged
civil servants
Arguments for lowering the voting age
Over 16 pay tax so they should have a say on it
A large amount of policy affect 16 year olds eg national service idea
allowing 16 year old to vote would encourage an interest in politics for a lot of young people.
at 16/17 people can have a lot of responsibility eg driving relationships living alone jobs
Arguments against lowering the voting age
they aren’t interested
they are not ads mature or have as much knowledge
according to law they are not an adult so should not be allowed to vote.
why are some pressure groups more successful than others
Resources- more money means more ability to make a point. eg British medical association employ doctors.
ideological compatibility- some pressure groups have opposing ideas to a a large amount of the public or the government so therefore will get less backing
popularity- the more backing the more likely it is to be successful for example rashfords free school meals campaign had Ashford backing it so it became more successful
expertise- if a pressure group has more experts in it it may be listensed to more for example the British medical association.
