. Flashcards
(16 cards)
Evaluate the view that representative democracy is more effective than direct democracy.
Define both forms of democracy. Advantages of representative democracy: expertise, practicality, accountability. Limitations: elitism, lack of engagement, unfulfilled mandates. Strengths of direct democracy: purity of will, high legitimacy, referendums. Problems: voter fatigue, uninformed electorate, populism. Balanced conclusion on context (e.g., Brexit).
To what extent does the UK suffer from a participation crisis?
Define participation crisis. Decline in turnout (e.g., 2001 GE), party membership. Contrast with rise in e-petitions, protests, pressure group activity. Examples: Extinction Rebellion, 2019 GE turnout increase. Evaluate generational differences, media influence.
Evaluate the view that FPTP should be replaced for general elections.
Define FPTP and outline alternatives (e.g., AMS, STV). Arguments against FPTP: disproportionality, safe seats, wasted votes. Arguments for: simplicity, strong government, constituency link. Use examples: 2019 GE results, devolved systems. Conclude with balance – maybe suggest reform, not abolition.
Evaluate the extent to which Parliament effectively holds the government to account.
Role of PMQs, Select Committees, debates. Strengths: ministerial accountability, committee reports, Lords’ scrutiny. Weaknesses: executive dominance, party loyalty, patronage. Examples: Covid decisions, Johnson era scandals, PAC effectiveness. Consider reforms: Lords reform, committee independence.
Evaluate the case for a codified UK constitution.
Define codified vs uncodified. Arguments for: clarity, entrenched rights, limit government power. Arguments against: flexibility, parliamentary sovereignty, unwritten traditions. Examples: US Constitution vs UK’s gradual evolution. Discuss feasibility and political will.
To what extent has devolution undermined the UK Parliament’s sovereignty?
Define devolution and parliamentary sovereignty. Evidence of undermining: Scotland Act 2016, divergence in policy (e.g. tuition fees). Counter: legal sovereignty remains; Parliament can revoke powers. Realpolitik vs legal theory. Conclusion on practical sovereignty being shared.
Evaluate the extent to which the Prime Minister dominates the political system.
PM’s powers: prerogative, patronage, media access. Examples: Thatcher, Blair (strong); May, Truss (weak). Cabinet importance vs “presidential” style. Parliamentary checks, party divisions, crises. Evaluate based on context (majority size, party unity).
To what extent are pressure groups good for democracy?
Define pressure groups. Benefits: pluralism, participation, expertise. Issues: elitism, unequal access, insider/outsider distinction. Examples: BMA, Greenpeace, lobbying scandals. Balanced conclusion on how they complement/undermine representative democracy.
Evaluate the view that representative democracy is more effective than direct democracy.
Define both forms of democracy. Advantages of representative democracy: expertise, practicality, accountability. Limitations: elitism, lack of engagement, unfulfilled mandates. Strengths of direct democracy: purity of will, high legitimacy, referendums. Problems: voter fatigue, uninformed electorate, populism. Balanced conclusion on context (e.g., Brexit).
To what extent does the UK suffer from a participation crisis?
Define participation crisis. Decline in turnout (e.g., 2001 GE), party membership. Contrast with rise in e-petitions, protests, pressure group activity. Examples: Extinction Rebellion, 2019 GE turnout increase. Evaluate generational differences, media influence.
Evaluate the view that FPTP should be replaced for general elections.
Define FPTP and outline alternatives (e.g., AMS, STV). Arguments against FPTP: disproportionality, safe seats, wasted votes. Arguments for: simplicity, strong government, constituency link. Use examples: 2019 GE results, devolved systems. Conclude with balance – maybe suggest reform, not abolition.
Evaluate the extent to which Parliament effectively holds the government to account.
Role of PMQs, Select Committees, debates. Strengths: ministerial accountability, committee reports, Lords’ scrutiny. Weaknesses: executive dominance, party loyalty, patronage. Examples: Covid decisions, Johnson era scandals, PAC effectiveness. Consider reforms: Lords reform, committee independence.
Evaluate the case for a codified UK constitution.
Define codified vs uncodified. Arguments for: clarity, entrenched rights, limit government power. Arguments against: flexibility, parliamentary sovereignty, unwritten traditions. Examples: US Constitution vs UK’s gradual evolution. Discuss feasibility and political will.
To what extent has devolution undermined the UK Parliament’s sovereignty?
Define devolution and parliamentary sovereignty. Evidence of undermining: Scotland Act 2016, divergence in policy (e.g. tuition fees). Counter: legal sovereignty remains; Parliament can revoke powers. Realpolitik vs legal theory. Conclusion on practical sovereignty being shared.
Evaluate the extent to which the Prime Minister dominates the political system.
PM’s powers: prerogative, patronage, media access. Examples: Thatcher, Blair (strong); May, Truss (weak). Cabinet importance vs “presidential” style. Parliamentary checks, party divisions, crises. Evaluate based on context (majority size, party unity).
To what extent are pressure groups good for democracy?
Define pressure groups. Benefits: pluralism, participation, expertise. Issues: elitism, unequal access, insider/outsider distinction. Examples: BMA, Greenpeace, lobbying scandals. Balanced conclusion on how they complement/undermine representative democracy.
