Chapter 2 - Elections and Democracy

Question 1

What is a delegate model?

Answer 1

An individual is selected to act on behalf of others on the basis of clear instructions (not on their own judgement)

Question 2

What is a trustee model?

Answer 2

An individual is selected to act on behalf of others, but decides how to vote based on their individual judgement

Question 3

Who proposed the trustee model?

Answer 3

Edmund Burke,

Question 4

What does the constituency representation role of an MP entail?

Answer 4

The MP should lobby the government on issues concerning their constituency, eg. wind farms, and vote considering firstly the interests of their constituency, not their party

Question 5

What does ‘descriptive representation’ mean?

Answer 5

It is a model that suggests Parliament should reflect the society it represents. Critics say it is not necessary for people to be part of a certain group to understand their troubles and needs. (arguably cuts to disabled benefits in 2016 challenge this argument, or discussions on the tampon tax)

Question 6

Name 4 types of elections that occur in the UK

Answer 6

General, European Parliament, Devolved Assemblies, Local and By-Elections

Question 7

Name the 3 unelected parts of UK polity

Answer 7

Monarch, House of Lords and Judicary