Is UK still a rep democ? Flashcards

1
Q

what model of govt do we follow in the UK?

A

burkean model - trustee model

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2
Q

what does burkean model mean?

A

we vote for MPs to represent us

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3
Q

how does voting work in UK?

A
  • within constituencies, we vote for candidates to represent us, who represent a political party
  • candidate with most votes becomes elected MP
  • in UK, 650 constituencies to seat in Commons
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4
Q

give an example of MP representing constituents?

A
  • 2019 LSF climate change petition

- students gave petition to Nicky Morgan, who then discussed with Michael Gove, environment secretary

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5
Q

why does MP representing constituents show UK as rep democ?

A
  • MPs, elected reps of people, can use their position to represent views of constituents in getting change for people
  • make decision that will benefit the people the most
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6
Q

does parl look like society? (functional representation)

A

in many ways no

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7
Q

what % of society is male/female?

A

women 51% men 49%

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8
Q

in 2017, how many female MPs?

A

32% MPs = women

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9
Q

how do Conservatives and Labour differ in female MPs?

A

labour 45% and Conservatives 21%

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10
Q

what % of UK are ethnic minorities?

A

19.5% ethnic minorities

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11
Q

what % of MPs are ethnic minorities?

A

2017 - 8% MPs = BAME

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12
Q

what does lack of functional representation mean UK is not rep democ?

A
  • many of elected reps don’t understand the grievances and problems of public
  • means large sects of society do not have their views represented
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13
Q

why is large amounts of society not having their views represented a bad thing?

A
  • legislation produced is less legitimate as it does not consider the views of everyone in society
  • only a certain few people will truly benefit from legislation
  • not majority of people
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14
Q

how has increased use of referenda shown UK as not a rep democ?

A
  • referenda are a form of direct democracy - exact opposite to rep democ
  • undermine trustee model as they follow delegate model
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15
Q

what do referenda do to our MPs?

A
  • we have elected reps who are well educated and informed to make decision in best interests of people
  • by giving decisions to people, makes their job void
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16
Q

what does public being less educated mean?

A

can be easily manipulated

17
Q

how were public manipulated in 2016 EU ref?

A
  • leave campaign claimed ‘we send £350m a week to the EU, lets fund our NHS instead’
  • later figure proven to be completely false
  • crucially many of public believed it and subsequently voted to leave
18
Q

why is people being manipulated bad for rep democ?

A
  • it was wasn’t will of people being represented it was will of elite
  • manipulated into thinking what they want them to think
  • decisions should be made by equated elected reps, not people
19
Q

what has increased use of referenda led to? (positive)

A

increased political participation - making UK a healthy rep democ

20
Q

what can referenda do to following legislation?

A

referenda can legitimise any following legislation - provided there is a high turnout

21
Q

what was turnout of EU ref?

A

74%

22
Q

what does high turnout show for UK rep democ?

A
  • demonstrates more and more people getting involved in and participating in politics
  • makes UK rep democracy stronger
23
Q

why is legislation more legitimate if high % of electorate voted?

A
  • will of people well represented
  • allows for MPs to check over the bill
  • can scrutinise details on behalf of constituents