democracy Flashcards
(21 cards)
point (participation)
This essay argues that direct democracy has better features than a representative democracy for participation.
explain (participation)
Within a direct democracy people are able to make a decision which directly comes into place from their votes. This increases political literacy because people will learn more about politics in order to make the right decision to benefit them because they know that their view will be heard. This increases the participation levels because people know what they’re voting on and are therefore more likely to be engaged in politics.
example (participation)
One example of this was the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, within the referendum the voter turnout was 85%.
analysis of example (participation)
This shows that people are more likely to vote on issues they care about if they know that their vote is being directly contributed to the overall decision made
balance (participation)
On the contrary within a direct democracy there are countless voting opportunities per year, this can cause a problem called voter fatigue. This is when voters get tired of having to vote frequently and they begin to disengage within elections and referendums. One example of this is in Switzerland, where they use direct democracy, there was an average voter turn out for referendums in 2011 which was 49.2%. This shows that due to the amount of referendums and elections that are held in Switzerland, the people of the country are tired of voting which therefore decreases participation levels.
evaluation (participation)
Overall, direct democracy is superior to representative democracy in terms of participation because it gives people more opportunities to directly influence decisions. Even with the risk of voter fatigue, direct democracy encourages a higher level of engagement since citizens feel that their vote truly matters.
point (reliance on politicians)
This essay argues that the benefits of a direct democracies are superior to representative democracies for reliance on politicians.
explain (reliance on politicians)
Within a direct democracy due to citizens voting directly on an issue it removes the reliance on possibly self-serving or corrupt politicians. For example, within representative democracies there is a possibility of politicians making decisions to benefit themselves rather than to help the public, but in direct democracies because of them voting directly on the matter rather than through a representative, this isn’t an issue.
example (reliance on politicians)
One example of untrustworthy politicians was during the COVID lockdown when some UK politicians such as Boris Johnson were fined for engaging in parties at 10 Downing Street when the nation was in lockdown
analysis of example (reliance on politicians)
This shows how politicians aren’t always trustworthy as they don’t always have the public interests at heart or don’t always act in line with the laws they set. Direct democracy overcomes this problem because each person represents their own views and therefore less likely to be manipulated by politicians.
balance (reliance on politicians)
On the contrary, in representative democracies, elected representatives have experience and are highly educated on politics which means that people making the final decision are more politically educated than possibly most citizens of a country. The Greek philosopher Plato believed in a representative democracy because he believed that the masses lacked the intelligence to make an important decision. He used the steering ship analogy to show that just as a captain is needed to steer ship, so too politicians are needed to govern a country.
evaluate (reliance on politicians)
Overall, the benefit of not having to rely on possibly self-serving or corrupt politicians is superior to having someone with expertise in politics making the decision on behalf of the public.
point (legitimacy)
This essay argues that the right democracies are superior to that or representative democracy for legitimacy.
explain (legitimacy)
or many, direct democracy is seen as the more legitimate form of democracy, this is because within their system, citizens are voting directly on an issue, rather than through a politician. This means there is a higher level of legitimacy because citizens can ensure that their opinions are heard and are directly contributed, this means that the citizens are making the decision directly without the risk of any changes or manipulation. Additionally because citizens are directly involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to accept the results, since they helped make the decision themselves.
example (legitimacy)
An example of this is the Brexit referendum. Even though many people protested afterwards and wanted to reverse the decision, politicians argued that Brexit had to go ahead because the majority voted for it.
analysis of example (legitimacy)
This showed it was seen as the will of the people, making the result more legitimate.
balance (legitimacy)
Although within direct democracies the voter turn out tends to be lower than that of a representative democracy. This can cause the decisions made in a direct democracy to be illegitimate. This is because if the voter turn out is less than 50% this creates less legitimacy in the decision made because the small minority have made the decision for the masses.
evaluate (legitimacy)
In evaluation, even though low turnout can be an issue, direct democracy still gives a more honest and accurate reflection of what the public really wants because the decisions come straight from the people,
essay plan for democracy
intro
point
explain
example
analysis
balance
evaluate
point
explain
example
analysis
balance
evaluate
point
explain
example
analysis
balance
evaluate
conclusion
conclusion
In conclusion, this essay argues that direct democracies are superior to representative democracies through several aspects. Direct democracies increase political literacy and engagement by allowing citizens to vote directly on issues that matter to them as well as removing the reliance on potentially corrupt or self-serving politicians and they are more legitimate because decisions are made directly by the people. While representative democracies can reduce voter apathy and place experts in positions of power, they are ultimately less superior because elected representatives often fail to truly reflect the views of society or act in the public’s best interest.
introduction
In a direct democracy, citizens actively participate by voting on issues concerning them through various referenda and elections. Representative democracies rely on elected representatives to make decisions on behalf of the people. This essay will discuss the benefits of each system through the key features of participation, legitimacy, reliance on politicians, and control. This essay will argue that the benefits of a direct democracy are superior to those of a representative democracy.
