Democracy Flashcards
(25 cards)
Define representative democracy
Involves indirect government by the people, through representatives elected by the people.
Define democracy
Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
Define legitimacy
The right or authority to exercise power. A government claims legitimacy as a result of the mandate it secures at a general election.
Define liberal democracy
A response to fears of the ‘tyranny of the majority’ - Normally incorporates a bill of rights to protect the interests of individuals & minorities. Eg USA
Define parliamentary democracy
Generally conforms to principe of liberal democracy, plus Parliament is sovereign. Eg UK
Define pluralist democracy
Generally conform to the criteria of liberal democracy, plus there tends to be a wide range of political parties and pressure groups to disperse power into more hands.
How could UK democracy be improved?
Replacing monarchy with elected head of state, introducing an elected 2nd chamber, reforming electoral system, increased use of referendums, introducing a codified constitution, decentralising political system, improving participation & turnout
What recent developments have there been?
Devolution, referendums, proportional representation (devolved assemblies, mep’s), refine of HoL, human rights act 1998, centre left vs conservatives.
How could participation be improved?
Lowering voting age to 16, compulsory voting, e-democracy
How does e-democracy enhance democracy & participation?
Strengthens communication between government and the governed, blogs & Twitter spread politics to a wider audience and allow people to have a voice, politicians & political commentators can spread ideas & communicate for a better informed electorate, would enhance pluralism as smaller/minority groups have greater access to decision makers (helping prevent elitism).
How can e-democracy threaten democracy and participation?
Gives greater access to extremist & anti-democratic groups (anyone can start e-petitions), information released on the Internet can be manipulated by the media which could cause the general public to be confused between truths & distortions of the truth.
How can people participate in UK democracy?
Voting in GE, MEP & PCC elections, joining political parties, standing as a candidate, joining pressure groups, e-democracy, lobbying, campaigning, political protest, public consultations, voting in referendums, contact local MP at surgery
What are the turnout factors?
Type of election (eg PCC low), political apathy, ‘hapathy’, value of the vote (safe seats), the electoral system, role of the mass media
Why is low turnout a problem?
It brings into question the government’s legitimacy and the strength of its electoral mandate.
What are some positives of the UK?
Freedom of speech, universal suffrage, regular free elections, some direct democracy elements, range of political parties & pressure groups, anonymous voting, democratic institutions (HoC), human rights, independent judiciary, free media
What are some negatives of the UK?
No recall elections, elitist cabinet (not fully representative), whip system, referendums & e-petitions non binding, HoL & monarchy unelected, low turnout, prime minister not directly elected, party membership decease, no entrenched constitution, EU power
Why might a referendum be used?
If the govt is split on an issue, an important constitutional change is being proposed, an important constitutional change needs to be entrenched, there needs to be a security of popular consent
What are the problems with a referendum question?
Timing (AV), funding (1975 eec), wording (AV), turnout (AV)
Why have referendums increased in recent years?
Greater interest in constitutional reform, referendums can entrench reforms, electorate now believed to be better informed, proved a good way of ‘heading off opposition’, coalition split 2010-2015, local democracy
What elements of direct democracy are used in the UK currently?
Referendums, public consultations, petitions
What are some advantages of representative democracy?
Experience & judgment, rational judgments means stability, accountability encourages responsibility, people cannot be continuously involved so need to delegate, can mediate to avoid tyranny of the majority
What are some disadvantages of representative democracy?
Whip system undermines Burkean view, low turnout lacks legitimacy & mandate, coalition lacked legitimacy as people didn’t vote for it, no recall elections (only accountable every 5yrs), underclass not represented by elitist cabinet
What are some advantages of referendums?
Public can have direct effect, entrenches decisions with legitimacy, simple, voting age could be lowered, during coalition gained legitimacy, can resolve issues govt split on, can educate & inform, gives democracy at local level
What are some disadvantages of referendums?
Often low turnout lacking legitimacy, some questions need more complex answers, non binding, manipulated questions, public may be uneducated, funding may be unfair, undermine representative democracy (untraditional), manipulated timing
