2.2.1 - The importance of participation in a democracy & effects of non participation.

Question 1

Question 1
What is Direct Democracy?

Answer 1

A system where citizens vote directly on issues rather than electing representatives to decide for them.

Question 2

Question 2
Example of direct democracy?

Answer 2

The 2016 Brexit Referendum.

Question 3

Question 3
What is indirect/ Representative democracy?

Answer 3

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 4

Question 4
Example of indirect democracy?

Answer 4

The UK system where MPs represent constituencies in Parliament.

Question 5

Question 5
What are the other types of democracy?

Answer 5

• Liberal Democracy.
• Majoritarian Democracy.
• Parliamentary Democracy.
• Presidential Democracy.
• Pluralist Democracy.

Question 6

Question 6
What is a Liberal Democracy?

Answer 6

Widespread voting rights & representatives act in the interest of all citizens.

Question 7

Question 7
What is a Majoritarian Democracy?

Answer 7

The government prioritizes the will of the majority.

Question 8

Question 8
What is a Parliamentary Democracy?

Answer 8

Parliament is the highest authority; the executive is accountable to Parliament.

Question 9

Question 9
What is a Presidential Democracy?

Answer 9

The executive is elected separately from the legislature (e.g., the US President).

Question 10

Question 10
What is a Pluralist Democracy?

Answer 10

Governments make decisions based on interactions between interest groups (trade unions, religious groups, etc.).

Question 11

Question 11
What does turnout measure?

Answer 11

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.

Question 12

Question 12
What is political apathy?

Answer 12

Lack of interest in elections, often leading to low turnout rates.

Question 13

Question 13
What does abstention mean?

Answer 13

When voters choose not to vote or, in Parliament, attend but do not cast a ballot.

Question 14

Question 14
What is pluralism?

Answer 14

The belief that different beliefs, backgrounds & lifestyles can coexist and participate equally in politics.

Question 15

Question 15
What is elitism?

Answer 15

A system where a minority holds more power than the majority.

Question 16

Question 16
What gives a government legitimacy?

Answer 16

Public perception that it abides by democratic principles & is accountable to citizens.

Question 17

Question 17
What are the causes of Political Conflict in a country?

Answer 17

• Scarcity of resources – Disputes arise over the distribution of limited goods.
• Ideological differences – Individuals have radically different views on societal organization.
• Differences in approach – Shared ideologies, but disagreements on methods.
• Divisions of labor & power – Individuals may challenge their societal status.

Question 18

Question 18
What are the main social factors influencing voter participation?

Answer 18

• Gender.
• Age.
• Class.
• Ethnicity.
• Region.

Question 19

Question 19
How do men and women typically vote?

Answer 19

• Men tend to favor Conservative parties (47% voted Conservative in 2019).
• Women lean more toward Labour (37% voted Labour in 2019, but still 42% voted Conservative).

Question 20

Question 20
Why is gender a factor in elections?

Answer 20

• Parties tailor campaigns to appeal to different genders.
• Example: The 2024 US Democratic campaign framed voting for them as supporting women’s rights.

Question 21

Question 21
How does age influence voting patterns?

Answer 21

• Older voters tend to be more conservative & support right-wing parties.
• Younger voters lean liberal, supporting centrist & left-wing parties (e.g., Labour, Liberal Democrats).

Question 22

Question 22
Why do parties target specific age groups?

Answer 22

• Policy appeals can shape generational preferences.
• Example: In 2024, Conservatives pledged to reintroduce national conscription, appealing to older voters who view younger generations as “lazy.”

Question 23

Question 23
How does social class shape political choices?

Answer 23

• Upper-class voters favor right-wing parties that support wealth retention & the status quo.
• Working-class voters prefer left-wing parties that advocate wealth redistribution & social programs.

Question 24

Question 24
How do MPs reflect their constituents’ class backgrounds?

Answer 24

• MPs often share class identities with their voters to align with local sentiments.
• Example: Jacob Rees-Mogg represents an upper-class constituency.

Question 25

Question 25 How do ethnic minorities tend to vote?

Answer 25

* Ethnic minorities & immigrants, often economically disadvantaged, lean toward Labour for social & economic reforms. * Wealthier white voters generally support Conservatives due to economic policies that align with their values.

Question 26

Question 26 How has historical political strategy affected ethnic voting patterns?

Answer 26

* In the 1960s & 70s, Conservatives used "white fright" rhetoric to mobilize voters. * This pushed ethnic minorities toward Labour as an alternative.

Question 27

Question 27 How does geography affect voting behavior in England?

Answer 27

* Northern England (historically poorer) favors Labour due to economic concerns. * Southern England (typically wealthier) leans Conservative.

Question 28

Question 28 What is the "Red Wall," and why does it exist?

Answer 28

A block of traditionally Labour-supporting constituencies in the North, shaped by regional economic disparities.