1. Democracy, Governments & Politics Flashcards
(32 cards)
what is the definition of democracy
way of governing that depends on the will of the people
government on behalf of the people, power of the people
what is autocracy and dictatorship
one person rules
what is an oligarchy
small segment of society rules
what are the 2 key principles of democracy
individual autonomy
equality
what is individual autonomy regarding democracy
no one should be subject to rules which have been imposed by others
people should be able to control their own lives within reason
what is equality regarding democracy
everyone should have the same opportunity to influence the decisions that affect people in society
what are the three pros of democracy
promotes interests of citizens
protects freedom and human rights
prevents abuse of power
how does democracy protect the freedom and human rights of its citizens
autonomy and equality
equal rights among citizens on the basis of caste, religion, and sex
how does democracy prevent abuses of power
is abused their power, then wont get re-elected
what are the 4 threats to democracy
disengagement
lack of youths in politics
uninformed voting
lack of representation in politics
why is voter disengagement a threat to democracy
questions legitimacy of democratically elected governments and officials if they are in reality elected by the minority of the total electorate who do vote
what is a real world situation/statistic for the disengagement of voters
in NZ’s 2022 Auckland local elections only 35.5% enrolled voters voted
why is lack of youths a threat to democracy
small number of MPs and other elected representatives who are in younger age bracket
lower proportion of younger voters vote when compared to older voters
what is a real world situation/statistic for the lack of youths in politics
2019 UK general election only 47% of 18-24yos voted while 74% of 65+ yo voted
how is lack of representation a threat to democracy
inclusivity and reflectiveness of people’s wishes and responsiveness to people’s needs are not championed if those in politics do not represent the demographics of the community they serve
what are some real life situations and statistics regarding lack of representation in politics - specifically womens rights
most countries have given women right to vote but only recently
NZ was 1st country in world to grant universal suffrage in 1893 but women were only granted right to stand for parliament in 1919
Saudi arabia only granted women the right to vote in 2011
what are some real life situations and statistics regarding lack of representation in politics - specifically marginalised communities
immigrants, migrant workers, prisoners and children cant vote but still pay taxes and are obliged to obey the local laws
in NZ’s 2022 Akl local elections how many of the enrolled voters voted
35.5%
in the 2019 UK general election what % of 18-24yo voted
47%
in the 2019 UK general election what % of 65+ yos voted
74%
when do NZ grant universal suffrage
1893
when were women allowed to stand for parliament in NZ
1919
when were women given the right to vote in saudi arabia
2011
what are the 3 main ways to improve our democracy and participation
recognize what it means to have democracy
participate in government/democracy and recognise the different levels of participation available
be more representative
