UNIT 1 Representative and Direct Democracy

Question 1

Where did democracy begin?

Answer 1

IN ATHENS!!!

They used a voting system where two stones (one black one white) would begin to members voting. They were not anonymous. Male landowners could vote, but women and
slaves were not given the vote.

Question 2

What is direct democracy?

What are some examples of direct democracy?

Answer 2

Decisions are made directly by the public without the use of representatives.

E Petitions, referendums, Recall of the MPs Act, Election of the leadership of Parties.

Question 3

A thing to remember!!!

Answer 3

Elections are like orange squash, referendums are like orange juice.

Question 4

Advantages of direct democracy?

Answer 4

1. It is the purest form of democracy, people’s voices are heard much more clearly and there is more transparency between the government and the people.
2. People are becoming hapathetic… this would encourage higher levels of participation and results would have higher legitimacy. 2019 GE 69% turnout, 1992 GE 78% turnout.
3. Stabilising impact - direct democracy offers stability and a quick/efficient response to prevalent issues. E.g., 1998 GFA Referendum

Question 5

Disadvantages of direct democracy?

Answer 5

1. Tyranny of the Majority - if everyone’s views are of equal importance, then why are minorities ignored? 2016 Brexit Ref
2. It would be inappropriate to assume that everyone would have the same level of political education. Hapathy would remain the same - it might destabilize society and facilitate extremism to have a platform. 2016 Brexit Ref
3. voter manipulation BECAUSE of the lack of guidance and education e.g., 2011 AV Ref pamphlets

Question 6

What is representative democracy?

Answer 6

Representatives are elected in fair and frequent elections to speak/act on behalf of the people.

Question 7

What are the three key features of representative democracy?

Answer 7

1. Popular participation in government is limited - it is infrequent, brief, and voting usually happens every few years on polling days.
2. Popular participation is indirect - we do not exercise power ourselves, but we do choose representatives on our behalf.
3. Popular participation is mediated - we are linked to the government through representative institutions e.g. Parliament.

Question 8

What is important in a representative democracy?

Answer 8

Genuine variety and choice between candidates and their parties.

Political parties must spell out how they will govern in their manifesto. The governing party is only given their Mandate to govern.

Question 9

Advantages of representative democracy?

Answer 9

1. Educated officials compensate for the wider political hapathy e.g., the Bills process (The committee stage in particular) means that policy is effectively scrutinised. The Lords is effective too - Shami Chakrabarti became a life peer in 2016 (barrister and LIBERTY director previously)
2. Power to the people - Recall of the MPs Act 2015 is a form of accountability. Elections are also a form of accountability. 2019 - Chris Davies, repping Brecon and Radnorshire. 2021 - (nearly) Owen Paterson.
3. Tyranny of the majority is avoided - the delegate model compensates for minority views. This can be seen through constituency relationships; Henry Smith and the Future of Aviation Industry group in Parliament because Gatwick is in his constituency.

Question 10

Disadvantages of representative democracy?

Answer 10

1. Revolving door - Westminster bubble is exposed via a revolving door - this highlights the disconnect between ordinary civilians and politicians. E.g., David Cameron and Greensill; Cameron worked there as a paid advisor since 2018 - he lobbied ministers such as Sunak to include Greensill in the CCFF.
2. Tyranny of the minority + FPTP; MPs reflect an elite. The % of Commons educated at public schools is 29%. The % of England at public schools is 6%. FPTP - 2015 G.E = UKIP won 3.5 million votes but won 0 seats.
3. Unaccountability - House of Lords is unelected and unaccountable. Patronage of the existing life peers and the 92 Hereditary peers. 2006 Cash for Honours Scandal (Tony Blair)

Question 11

TYPES OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Recall of MPs Act 2015

Answer 11

Last time it was successful? Conservative Christopher Davies of Brecon and Radnorshire 2019; he was providing misleading expenses claims, and 19% of his constituency signed a petition which triggered a by-election. In this by-election, a lib dem won the seat.

Owen Paterson scandal Nov 2021 - his lobbying breaches could have triggered a recall petition but the Commons, following a govt whipping order, rejected the 30-day proposed suspension in Nov 2021. Paterson resigned despite the Tories back-tracking and offering another vote.

Question 12

TYPES OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Open Primaries

Answer 12

Introduced in 2009

Experimented with by the Tories

2010 Election - first time it was experimented with was at Totnes where Sarah Wollaston was selected. She won the seat too in the general election.

Question 13

TYPES OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Consultative exercises

Answer 13

Direct trial between a policy proposal and the constituents it will affect.

E.g., Heathrow airport expansion (third runway) and its effect on the surrounding constituencies.

Question 14

TYPES OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Referendums

Answer 14

We’ve had 12 UK referendums - not frequent.

Last one was Brexit in 2016 - 72% turnout

Question 15

TYPES OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Petitions

Answer 15

‘Reduce Uni fees from £9250 to £3000’

581,287 signatories

The govt are NOT considering changing it