UK Politics (1) - Democracy Flashcards

1
Q

What is Sovereignty

A

Supreme power or authority. In the UK sovereignty lies in parliament.

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2
Q

What is direct democracy?

A

A system where people express opinions themselves

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3
Q

What is a representative democracy?

A

People elect representatives who use their judgement and act on their behalf

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4
Q

Advantages of direct democracy

A

Gives equal weight to all votes
Encourages participation
People take responsibility
A sense of community and debate

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5
Q

Disadvantages of direct democracy

A

Not practical
Apathy
Lack of political knowledge to make decisions
Minority views ignored

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6
Q

Advantages of representative democracy

A

Practical
Quick decision making
Reduces tyranny of the majority
Holds representatives to account
Politicians better informed than public

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7
Q

Disadvantages of representative democracy

A

Reduced participation
Parties run by elites
Minorities under represented
Politicians avoid accountability
Politicians may be corrupt or incompetent

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8
Q

Key features of a functioning democracy

A

Peaceful transition of power
Free and fair elections
Widespread participation
Freedom of expression
Freedom of association
Protection of rights and liberties
The rule of law
Limited government

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9
Q

The 3 types of democracy

A

Unitary
Federal
Confederal

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10
Q

Unitary democracy

A

Power lies in one place

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11
Q

Federal democracy

A

Power is divided between a central authority and regional bodies.

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12
Q

Confederal democracy

A

Sovereignty held by the regions and loosely connected by a central body

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13
Q

UK national governance has how many branches?

A

3 - executive, legislature, judiciary

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14
Q

The legislature in the UK…

A

Parliament

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15
Q

The executive in the UK…

A

Government

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16
Q

Parliament consists of how many houses?

A

2 - Commons and Lords

17
Q

A given area that a MP represents is called…

A

A constituency

18
Q

Currently how many constituencies are there?

A

650

19
Q

The voting system used for Westminster elections…

A

First Past the Post

20
Q

Is FPTP proportional?

A

No

21
Q

Groups which are largely united in their political beliefs

A

Political parties

22
Q

The political authority to govern based on policy statements…

A

Mandate and Manifesto

23
Q

What word describes the UK legislature?

A

Bicameral

24
Q

How long can the Lords delay legislation for?

A

Up to a year

25
Q

The name to the understanding that the Lords cannot obstruct a governments manifesto pledges

A

Salisbury Convention

26
Q

Referendums are examples of…

A

Direct democracy

27
Q

Examples of UK referendums are…

A

2016 Brexit
2011 Alternative Vote
1998 Good Friday Agreement