What is Democracy? Flashcards
Define Democracy
Key decisions made by the people not a select few in order to achieve equality in making political decisions
Define Democracy as described by Abraham Lincoln
‘By the people, for the people’
Define ‘Direct Democracy’
‘Citizens’ gathered in one place to vote on every decision
Define ‘Representative/Indirect Democracy’
People vote for representatives to be elected and vote on their behalf
What are the strengths of Direct Democracy?
- Genuine ‘people power’
- Educated people take responsibility for their decisions
- No need for politicians
What are the weaknesses of Direct Democracy?
- Population size makes it difficult and expensive
- Public don’t have time and may not be interested or educated
What are the strengths of Indirect/Representative Democracy?
- Most practical option
- Elected representatives are well educated and have access to greater expertise
- Can implement necessary but unpopular politics
What are the weaknesses of Indirect/Representative Democracy?
- Representatives may not accurately present the views of the public
- May make the public loose interest in politics as they have little power
Name 3 features of UK Democracy
- Democratic elections
- Pressure Groups
- Parliament
- Referendums
- Devolution
- The European Parliament
Name the features of a Majoritarian Democracy
- Protects society
- Parliamentary Sovereignty
- Majoritarian Electoral System
- Single-party rule
- Centralised Government
Name the features of a Constitutional Democracy
- Protects the individual
- Divided Sovereignty
- Proportional Electoral Systems
- Coalition Governments
- Fragmented Governments
How can you enhance democracy?
- Referendums
- Other forms of direct democracy
- Lowering the voting age
- Compulsory Voting
- Digital Democracy
