3.1.2.1 Democracy and Participation Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is direct democracy?
Citizens make decisions themselves, e.g. referendums.
What is representative democracy?
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.
Give one benefit and one drawback of direct democracy.
✅ Promotes participation. ❌ Impractical at large scale.
Name three features of UK representative democracy.
Free elections, universal suffrage, accountable government.
What makes elections in the UK democratic?
Free, fair, competitive, and based on universal suffrage.
Has voter turnout declined?
Yes – dropped in early 2000s, but has slowly recovered.
Give an example of increased modern participation.
E-petitions, protests (e.g. BLM, climate), social media activism.
What is a participation crisis?
The idea that people are disengaging from politics.
What did the 1832 Great Reform Act do?
Removed rotten boroughs, expanded the franchise to property-owning middle-class men.
What year did all women and men get equal voting rights?
1928.
When was the voting age reduced to 18?
1969.
What is a pressure group?
A group that seeks to influence policy without standing for election.
How can pressure groups enhance democracy?
Represent minorities, raise awareness, hold power to account.
How can pressure groups undermine democracy?
Can be elitist, use undemocratic tactics, or lack internal democracy.
