Unit 1 Topic 1 Democracy And Participation

Question 1

What are the main features of direct democracy

Answer 1

1. Direct Participation: Citizens have the power to make decisions on laws and policies without relying on elected representatives.
2. Referendums: Citizens vote on specific issues or proposals.

Question 2

What is an initiative? (a feature of direct democracy) and give 2 examples

Answer 2

Petitions to Parliament:
Citizens can create or sign online petitions via the UK Parliament’s petition system. If a petition gains 100,000 signatures, it is considered for debate in Parliament. While this doesn’t directly change the law, it pressures elected representatives to act.

Question 3

What is an initiative? (a feature of direct democracy) and give 2 examples

Answer 3

Petitions to Parliament:
Citizens can create or sign online petitions via the UK Parliament’s petition system. If a petition gains 100,000 signatures, it is considered for debate in Parliament. While this doesn’t directly change the law, it pressures elected representatives to act.

1.Stop Brexit Petition (2019): A petition to revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit gained over 6 million signatures

2.Citizens can initiate local referendums by petitioning their local council.
Bristol Mayoral Referendum (2012): Citizens petitioned for a referendum on whether Bristol should have a directly elected mayor. The referendum passed, and Bristol adopted the system.

Question 4

Main features of representative democracy

Answer 4

Elected Representatives:
Citizens vote to elect individuals who will represent their views and interests in decision-making bodies, such as parliaments or councils.

Regular Elections:
Representatives are chosen through periodic elections, ensuring accountability and the opportunity for citizens to change their representatives.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights:
Decisions are made based on majority rule, but rights and protections for minority groups are upheld.

Rule of Law:
All individuals, including representatives and leaders, are subject to the same laws, ensuring fairness and justice.

Question 5

Advantages of representative democracy

Answer 5

A1.Efficiency:
Decision-making is faster as elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the public, avoiding the need for frequent public votes.
A2.Expertise:
Representatives are (ideally) more knowledgeable about laws and policies, making informed decisions that benefit society.

Question 6

Disadvantages of representative democracy

Answer 6

1. Lack of Direct Control:
   Citizens have less influence on day-to-day decisions and must trust representatives to act in their best interests.
   2.Risk of Corruption:
   Representatives may prioritize personal or party interests over the public good.

Question 7

Advantages of direct democracy

Answer 7

Greater Public Involvement:
Citizens have direct control over decisions, fostering engagement and trust in the system.
True Representation of Public Will:
Policies reflect the majority’s desires without being filtered through representatives.