Chapter 9 Democracy And Participation Flashcards
(34 cards)
An example of how people ‘can’t be trusted’ in our democracy
With regards to the EU referendum, it is claimed that there was a lack of understanding on the issues involved. Eg, the claim that the £350 mil being sent weekly to the EU could instead be spent on the NHS being false. Arguably, people had therefore made a decision based on emotion, lack of understanding, poor education or misinformation
What are some differences between a presidential and a parliamentary democracy
In a parliamentary democracy the gov is drawn from members of Parliament whereas in a presidential one the gov is elected separately From members of the legislature.
In a Parliamentary democ the gov is held to account by parliament but in a pres. It is done by the electorate.
What are some more differences between a presidential and a parliamentary democracy
In a parl. democracy there is a unified system whereby the exec and legislature are drawn from the same party. In a pres. Democracy there is the possibility of a divided government when different parties control the exec and the legislature.
In a parl. democracy the head of state and head of government are separate but in a pres. Democracy the HoS is usually HoG aswell
What are some positive aspects of UK democracy
Free and fair elections, turnout, universal suffrage, diverse party system, pressure groups, parliamentary sovereignty, devolution
How are elections in the UK ‘free and fair’
They are conducted by the electoral commission, which is independent of any particular party.
There are lows in place about campaigning in and around ballot stations on the day of an election
There spending limits and restrictions on the amount of broadcast campaigning by ensuring that broadcasts are allocated according to previous elelctoral support.
Why is a diverse party system good for democracy
There are 10 parties currently active in the UK Parliament. This variety provides a wide range of options for voters with different views and visions for the country, which is significant as it ensures a greater degree of representation.
Why are pressure groups good for UK democracy
Pressure groups provide an alternative avenue of representation, particularly on small or minority issues, that might not concern a majority of the electorate. They provide a mouthpiece for minority interests, increasing political participation.
They also investigate issues, raising public awareness and help to develop government policies in order to educate the electorate and can very vocally hold the gov to account.
Why is parliamentary sovereignty good for uk democracy
Parliament holds legal sovereignty meaning that the chosen representatives of the people hold the ultimate power in law making, amending, appealing. In trying to pass policies on taxation and spending, the government must get consent from the HoC, thereby gaining consent indirectly from the people.
Why is devolution good for uk democracy
Constituent parts of the UK in addition to some cities can make decisions on a local basis. As representatives are closer to the community that they serve, there is better quality representation as policies are more fitting to a specific area
What are some negative aspects of UK democracy?
Unelected elements, turnout, the West Lothian question, voting system, lack of meaningful choice, we,a ness of the electoral commission,
How are unelected elements bad for UK democracy
HoL and Monarchy are unelected and this undermines the concept of representative democracy in the UK. As Lords can only be removed by death, or (following the 2014 HoL Reform Act) reigning or being expelled for a serious criminal offence there is no way to hold them to account.
Appointed by PM, so often criticised for cronyism (Cameron,May) stacking the Lords with conservatives and cabinet ministers.
How does the West Lothian Question undermine UK democracy
The Fact that Scottish MPs (and Welsh, NI depending on the issue) can vote on issues that do not I pact their constituents but do I past other people creates an imbalance in UK politics. Eg increase to student tuition fees in 2005 passed with the vote of Scottish MPs despite the fact that it would not affect Scottish people
What are some flaws with our voting system
Wasted votes- any vote cast for a losing candidate plays no role in the selection of representatives
Safe seats- some constituencies elect a candidate from the same party in every election and the lvl of support to win is so high that some people just don’t vote
Unrepresentative- differences in conc. of support across the UK mean that the result of elections doesn’t reflect way the public votes (2015 UKIP 13% if the vote but 2 seats, SNP 56 seats with 2% of the national vote)
What are some more flaws with our voting system
Minority constituencies- MP wins most of the votes but not above 50% of the total vote, meaning a majority of the public did not vote for their representative.
Two party system- favours a party with a lot of support spread evenly across the country and generally results in one of the two main parties forming a ‘government in waiting’. Parties with widespread support that are it concentrated in certain areas suffer
Why are elitist pressure groups bad for UK democracy
A small number of pressure groups tend to dominate any political debate at the expense of other interests. This as a result of insider status, size of membership, wealth, public profile. Consequently, British pressure group participation is based on elitism rather than a pluralist system of representation.
Is the UK democracy in deficit- reasons why
System is more elitist than pluralist Electoral system is deeply unfair Gov not as limited as it ought to be DD has undermined RD Asym. Dev. Has caused tension
Reasons why UK democracy is not in deficit
FOI Act has allowed the press to spread truth to power, enhancing accountability
Eg request sensitive info on Saudi arms deals (use in pint against as-well)
Non-trad methods of participation are very popular
E petitions
Ref turnout
38 degree website has over 50 million visits
Examples of pluralism in our democracy
Article 50 Parliament votes on it We voted on it PM triggered it SC weighed in on who should trigger it
Examples of elitism in our democracy
Dominance of the eton set in the Cameron government
Some pressure groups are too powerful. E.g private healthcare companies had a huge influence in writing the ‘health and social care act’ which was made to benefit them
Example of how the rule of law holds up in our democracy
Tony Blair questioned during the ‘cash for honours scandal’ and in June 2017 Cons member for South Thanet charged over accusations of illegal campaign spending
Demonstrates that our liberal democracy is working well as corruption is punished
Example of how our liberal democracy protects civil liberties
HRA allows citizens to use UK courts to protect their rights under the ECHR
Eg.
Elderly couple reunited after courts ruled that placing them in separate care homes infringed their right to ‘family life guarantee’ as ensured by the ECHR
Does our PM have too much power for a democracy example?
Yes, use royal prerogative to abuse their power
Eg.
Gordon Brown using RP to send extra troops to Afghanistan and Cameron initiated military action against Libya before there was a vote in Parliament
Example of how DD has undermined RD
In Article 50 vote most MPs largely voted in favour of giving PM authority to signal Britain’s withdrawal from EU even though many voted to remain- Parliament just following Public discourse rather than shaping it.
Ex ole of how asymmetrical devolution has undermined our democracy
No meaningful devolution in England. Scottish voters arguably have greater representation than English ones since they have a Scottish Parliament and Westminster (refer to examples given in West Lothian question)l
