3.4.1 Where does political power reside in the UK, and how is it controlled

Question 1

What is democracy?

Answer 1

A political system based upon the concept of the people having the power to decide, typically expressed via participation in free and fair elections.

Question 2

What are the five categories of the Democracy Index?

Answer 2

• Electoral process and pluralism
• Functioning of government
• Political participation
• Political culture
• Civil liberties

Question 3

What type of regime is defined by a score indicating full democracy?

Answer 3

Full democracy

Question 4

What percentage of the world’s population lived in a democracy in 2023?

Answer 4

45%

Question 5

Which country was ranked as the most democratic in 2024 according to the Economist Democracy Index?

Answer 5

Norway

Question 6

What is the definition of direct democracy?

Answer 6

Where citizens take part in all decision-making.

Question 7

What is the definition of representative democracy?

Answer 7

Where the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf within an assembly.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The wishes of the people ensures that the will of the people is ______.

Answer 8

clear

Question 9

What is a major disadvantage of direct democracy?

Answer 9

Impracticality due to time and costs associated with frequent decisions.

Question 10

What does the term ‘political participation’ refer to in a democracy?

Answer 10

The population’s ability to engage or disengage in the political process freely.

Question 11

True or False: In representative democracy, each vote is directly proportional.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

What is a key strength of representative democracy?

Answer 12

Representatives may be better informed on political issues than the general public.

Question 13

What did the 2016 EU Referendum cost approximately?

Answer 13

£142.4 million

Question 14

What is a ‘people’s initiative’ in Switzerland?

Answer 14

A process that enables citizens to propose alterations to the Swiss constitution.

Question 15

What are the rights in a democratic society?

Answer 15

Legal, social, political, and ethical entitlements enjoyed equally by all citizens.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Responsibilities are the duties placed upon its citizens by ______.

Answer 16

society

Question 17

What does ‘the rule of law’ state?

Answer 17

Every person must obey the law without different treatment based on title, background, wealth, religion, or sex.

Question 18

What is one key element in a democracy regarding elections?

Answer 18

There are regular elections.

Question 19

What is the significance of a free press in a democracy?

Answer 19

It ensures no censorship and allows for free expression of ideas.

Question 20

What is a key feature of non-democratic systems?

Answer 20

Lack of free and fair elections.

Question 21

What percentage of the world’s population lived in a full democracy in 2023?

Answer 21

6.6%

Question 22

What is the term for a system where power is concentrated among a few elected officials?

Answer 22

Representative democracy

Question 23

What is an advantage of direct democracy?

Answer 23

It gives a voice to all people who are eligible to vote.

Question 24

What does ‘civil liberties’ refer to in a democracy?

Answer 24

Personal freedoms and rights ensured for citizens.

Question 25

What are the freedoms people have in a democratic system?

Answer 25

People have the freedom of expression, worship, assembly, to join political parties or pressure groups, and trade unions and other groups are free to operate. ## Footnote These freedoms are essential for a functioning democracy and ensure citizen participation.

Question 26

What is an absolute monarchy?

Answer 26

A traditional form of government in which power is held by one family based upon a hereditary principle of power being transferred down a royal line. ## Footnote Examples include Brunei, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Question 27

Define dictatorship.

Answer 27

A system of government where there is rule by one person or group. ## Footnote As of 2020, there were 50 dictatorships worldwide according to Freedom House.

Question 28

What is technocracy?

Answer 28

A government system based upon people who are not elected but are technical experts in their field. ## Footnote An example is Ukraine's technocratic government formed in 2019.

Question 29

Define aristocracy.

Answer 29

Government by the few, usually based upon inherited wealth and status in society.

Question 30

What is a one-party state?

Answer 30

A system that allows only one political party to hold power, often with no choice of candidates on the ballot paper. ## Footnote Examples include China, Cuba, and Laos.

Question 31

What characterizes authoritarian rule?

Answer 31

Power is in the hands of a leader or a small group that is not constitutionally accountable to the people.

Question 32

Define oligarchy.

Answer 32

A system whereby control of the state and economy is by a small group of well-placed, extremely wealthy insiders.

Question 33

What is a military junta?

Answer 33

A group of military officers running a country, often after a military takeover.

Question 34

What is theocracy?

Answer 34

A government of the state held by religious figures whose beliefs dominate the governmental system. ## Footnote Examples include Iran and the Vatican.

Question 35

What is the British constitution?

Answer 35

The framework of a political system detailing the laws, rules, and practices that stipulate the relationship, power, and institutions of the state and citizens.

Question 36

Why have a constitution?

Answer 36

It gives clarity on power distribution, allows citizens to hold those in power to account, outlines political processes, and offers a guide to the political system.

Question 37

What are the institutions of the British constitution?

Answer 37

* Prime Minister * Cabinet * Sovereignty of Parliament * Legislature * Opposition * Political parties * Monarch * Citizens * Judiciary system * Police * Civil Service

Question 38

What is the nature of the UK constitution?

Answer 38

Uncodified, with no single source, and unentrenched, allowing changes without special procedures.

Question 39

What is statute law?

Answer 39

Acts of parliament that can be considered constitutional if they impact the political process. ## Footnote Examples include the Human Rights Act (1998) and the Scotland Act (1998).

Question 40

What are conventions in the context of the UK constitution?

Answer 40

Unwritten rules which are binding, such as the Salisbury Convention which prevents the House of Lords from blocking manifesto promises.

Question 41

What are authoritative works in the UK constitution?

Answer 41

The works of legal scholars which act as guidebooks and explanations, such as The Cabinet Manual.

Question 42

What is common law?

Answer 42

Laws developed through judicial tradition and rulings.

Question 43

What role do treaties play in the UK constitution?

Answer 43

Formal agreements with other countries that can influence constitutional aspects. ## Footnote Examples include the ECHR and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Question 44

Should the UK codify its constitution?

Answer 44

Yes - for clarity and accessibility; No - to maintain flexibility and avoid entrenchment.

Question 45

What impact did Brexit have on the UK constitution?

Answer 45

It affected relations between different UK nations, led to political party actions, and increased citizen power through sustained actions. ## Footnote Examples include petitions, judicial reviews, and demonstrations.

Question 46

What does devolution refer to in the context of the UK constitution?

Answer 46

The gradual transfer of power from the UK government to UK nations and city regions, creating a more complex and politically dynamic constitution.

Question 47

What was established by the Constitution Reform Act (2005)?

Answer 47

A clear separation of powers and the establishment of a Judicial Appointment Commission.

Question 48

True or False: The Supreme Court was established in 2009.

Answer 48

True.