1. Democracy and Participation Flashcards
(69 cards)
1
Q
What was participation in 1950, 1979 and 2001?
A
1950 = 85%
1979 = 76%
2001 = 59%
2
Q
What did Abraham Lincoln say democracy was?
A
“government of the people, for the people”
3
Q
What did Edward I say about direct democracy?
A
“whatever touches all should be approved by all”
4
Q
In 2015 what % of votes were for a losing candidate?
A
50%
5
Q
When was the Human Rights Act?
A
1998
6
Q
When was the Freedom of information Act?
A
2000
7
Q
Athenian Democracy
A
250,000 Males over 18
Assembly made up of 30,000 with 3000 regally attending
Assembly was paid
Uses sorting and term limits
Assembly held every 2/3 months with 6000 attending
The Boule - 500 who decided topics (100 wealthiest had the most influence)
8
Q
What did Thucydides say about apatheics?
A
“We alone consider a citizen who does not partake in politics…useless”
9
Q
How many CCTV cameras were there in 2010?
A
1 camera per 14 people
10
Q
How many members does AgeUK have?
A
12 million
11
Q
What did Plane Stupid do?
A
In 2015 13 people shackled themselves together on a runway at Heathrow
12
Q
How was Stonewall successful?
A
David Cameron legalise same-sex marriage in 2014. 95 weddings in first 48 hours, with 15,000 in the first year.
13
Q
What did the Human Rights Act 1998 do?
A
Citizens can now challenge laws and defend rights in UK courts rather than having to go straight to ECHR. UK courts can issue declaration of incompatibility.
14
Q
What did the Freedom of Information Act (2000) do?
A
Gives citizens the right to know who and how/who made decisions, exemptions for national security
15
Q
Labour Party income
A
£49.8 million
16
Q
Conservative Party income
A
£28.3 million
17
Q
Lib Dem income
A
£8.5 million
18
Q
SNP income
A
£4.9 million
19
Q
UKIP Income
A
£3.4 million
20
Q
What is pragmatism?
A
the quality of dealing with a problem in a sensible way that suits the conditions that really exist, rather than following fixed theories, ideas, or rules
21
Q
What does dogmatic mean?
A
If you are dogmatic, you are certain that you are right and that everyone else is wrong.
22
Q
What was the electorate pre 1832?
A
400,000 men
23
Q
What act was passed in 1832, what did this do?
A
Great Reform Act
Abolished rotten boroughs (Weobley) , created seats for urban areas (Manchester
24
Q
What was the Electorate after the 1832 Great Reform Act?
A
650,000 men - 5% of adult population
25
What Act was passed in 1918, what did this do to the electorate?
1918 Rep. of the people act
All Men over 21 and women over 30 can vote
75% of adults
26
How was Electorate altered in 1928 and 1969?
1928 - both sexes can vote at 21
1969 - voting age lowered to 18
27
Turnout in 2015 GE
66.1%
28
What % voted conservative in 2015 GE, what % of public therefore endorsed them?
36.9% voted for them
WMT only 24.4% actually endorsed them
29
What year was peak turnout reached? What was this?
1974
78.8%
30
Turnout in 2012 PCC?
15%
31
What was turnout in 2001 GE?
59.4%
32
What was turnout in 2017?
68.8%
33
Turnout in 1998 London Mayor and Assembly referendum
34%
34
Turnout in 1998 Good Friday Referendum
81% (71% for yes)
35
Turnout in 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, what was turnout amongst 16-17 year olds?
84.5%
75% turnout amongst 16-17 year olds
36
% of electorate who were members of Con, Lab or Lib Dems in 1983 and 2015
1983 - 3.8%
2015 - 1.1%
37
How has membership of the Labour party changed since 1950s?
1950s - 1 million
2010 - 193,000
38
How has membership of the Conservative party changed since 1950s?
1950s - 3 million
2010 - 130,000-150,000
39
What is it called when people become less supportive of one particular party?
Partisan Dealignment
40
The 2015 Audit on political engagement found that what % of public was a 'strong' supporter of a political party?
30%
41
How did SNP membership change following the 2014 independence referendum?
Pre 2014 - 22,000
2017 - 120,000
42
The 2016 Audit on political engagement found that what % of public was a 'strong' supporter of a political party?
41%
43
How many members does the RSPB have? of this how many are youth members?
1 milllion
195,000 youth members
44
In the 2015 GE those over 65 were how much more likely to vote compared to under 24s?
x2 more likely
45
The 2015 Audit on political engagement found that what % of both 18-24 year olds and DE social grade agreed that parliament is 'essential to our democracy?
46% for both groups
46
The 2015 Audit on political engagement found that what % 55-64 year olds and AB social grade agreed that parliament is 'essential to our democracy?
70% of those aged 55-64
81% in AB social grade
47
What did Iain Duncan Smith say when he resined as Work and Pensions Sec. in 2016?
the Govt.'s reluctance to cut the benefits given to older people is "more and more perceived as distinctly political, rather than in the national economic interest"
48
How many responses and Petitions did the 2012 Consultation on Same Sex Marriage receive?
228,000 responses and 19 petitions
49
From 2011-2015 how many e petitions received over 10,000 signatures? (official response)
150
50
From 2011-2015 how many e petitions received over 100,000 signatures? How many debated in commons?
37 - 31
51
The 2105 Audit on political engagement found that what % of voters would still not engage even if they felt strongly about an issue?
31%
52
How do pressure groups contribute to preventing a 'tyranny of the majority' in a democracy?
Pressure groups provide functional representation for minority interests, ensuring they have a voice in the political process and preventing their marginalization by the majority.
53
What example illustrates the role of pressure groups in drawing attention to societal issues?
The Howard League for Penal Reform and the Prison Reform Trust, which drew attention to the rising rates of suicide within UK prisons in September 2017.
54
What term is used to describe the phenomenon where pressure groups become so numerous and influential that government functionality is hindered?
'Hyper pluralism'
55
What factors determine the success of pressure groups, and how does success vary depending on a group's aims and issues?
The success of pressure groups can be influenced by factors such as the clarity and realism of their aims, the salience of their issues, and their alignment with government agendas. Success can vary based on whether groups aim to influence legislation, change public opinion, or raise awareness about specific issues.
56
Discuss the significance of insider and outsider status for pressure groups, and provide examples to illustrate their impact.
Insider groups, with access to the political system and government consultations, often have greater success in achieving their aims. For instance, medical experts and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver provided evidence to the House of Commons Health Select Committee, influencing the introduction of a sugar tax.
Conversely, outsider groups may focus on public engagement but face challenges in directly influencing policymakers, as seen with Class War's publicity stunts.
57
How do human and financial resources contribute to the success of pressure groups, and what examples demonstrate their impact?
Mass membership and financial resources can provide pressure groups with significant influence, as seen with umbrella groups like COPA and COGECA, representing over 30 million farmers across the EU. Financial resources enable groups to afford professional lobbyists, influence political parties through donations, and conduct research to support their campaigns.
58
Explain the role of methods employed by pressure groups in achieving success, considering the influence of status and resources.
The methods used by pressure groups, such as direct action or lobbying, can impact their success. Insider groups typically engage in formal channels like consultations, while outsiders may resort to publicity stunts. For example, the BMA utilized strikes after negotiations failed in 2015, while Class War employed direct action to gain attention but faced criticism for their methods.
59
How does the presence of opposition affect the success of pressure groups, and what examples illustrate this dynamic?
Pressure groups may face opposition from well-resourced and influential entities, impacting their success. Groups advocating for banking regulations post-2007 financial crisis faced opposition from banks with significant political influence.
60
How much money did The Living Wage foundation receive from Trust for London
£1 million donation
61
How much is membership to the Conservative Party Members group per year?
£50,000
62
What recent developments have led to the UK government distancing itself from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), and what is the significance of these events?
Recent allegations of sexual misconduct against CBI Director-General Tony Danker and other senior leaders have prompted several of the CBI's largest members to terminate their memberships. As a result, the UK government has suspended all interactions with the CBI, marking a significant departure from their previous close relationship.
63
How does the case of the CBI demonstrate the variability of pressure group status and its impact on success?
Despite being considered a core insider group, the CBI's status has been challenged by recent events, leading to its suspension from policy activity and a loss of influence with the UK government. This demonstrates that a pressure group's status is not fixed and can change over time.
64
Discuss the role of aims in influencing the success of pressure groups, using the CBI as an example
The CBI's success has varied depending on the aims it pursued. While it has achieved minor policy reforms, such as those included in the Spring 2023 Budget, it was unsuccessful in its broader aim of keeping the UK in the EU. This illustrates how the nature and scope of a pressure group's aims can impact its success.
65
How have human and financial resources contributed to the CBI's influence, and what challenges have arisen due to the diversity of its membership?
How have human and financial resources contributed to the CBI's influence, and what challenges have arisen due to the diversity of its membership?
66
What was the historical context of the relationship between Labour governments and business interests in the UK?
In the 1990s, New Labour sought support from business and held regular meetings with business leaders, earning the nickname "prawn cocktail offensive" from the Conservatives.
67
How has Keir Starmer's Labour Party approached its relationship with business?
Keir Starmer's Labour Party has been described as launching a "prawn cocktail offensive 2.0," emphasizing its pro-business stance. Starmer declared the party was “not just a pro-business party, but a party that is proud of being pro-business.” I
68
How has Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attempted to mend relations with the business community?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to the CBI's suspension of operations by inviting 200 CEOs and business leaders to a government conference called "Business Connect" in London, signaling an attempt to rebuild ties with the business sector.
69
