Democracy and Participation Flashcards
What are the advantages of Representative Democracy?
Elected officials can manage to incorporate both the majority and minorities views.
Officials are professional and therefore can have a more rational view on topics.
Representatives are accountable for their actions by the public.
Representatives reflect the demographic in the area that they represent,
What are the disadvantages of Representative Democracy?
Less of the public get a say in large decisions within the country, such as devolution and Brexit deals.
There can be significant delays in the decisions made due to constituents being consulting.
People ay not agree with new legislation introduced, and the outcomes that in ensues.
Representatives can develop agendas, such as aiming to reach the cabinet rather than voting in favour of their constituents.
What would further devolution of the government do to democracy?
It would encourage greater democratic participation as decisions would be brought closer to the public.
Less people turnout at devolved elections than they do for General elections, as it’s felt they have minimal impact.
When asked in 2004 about setting up a North-East Assembly, 78% voted against it.
It can be felt that voters are overwhelmed when presented with frequent voting opportunities.
What is a democratic deficit?
When a democracy has a lack of accountability among political bodies. Similarly when citizens can claim equal influence over decisions that are made.
What would the power of recall do for democracy?
Passed in 2015, voters can trigger a by-election if 10% sign a petition to remove their MP.
The only way that this can happen is when an MP is suspended at least 21 days or sent to prison, and therefore cannot represent their constituents.
By broadening the criteria, the power of constituents would grow and the representatives are more accountable.
What would further reform to the House of lords look like?
By making it an electable chamber, Westminster would be fully accountable.
There is potential that the Lords would rival the Commons meaning that political gridlock could easily occur.
Due to concerns about electorate turnout, it’s likely that adding another election would be unhelpful.
How would digital democracy aid UK Democracy?
It would encourage electronic political discussions, and therefore aid turnout in elections across the UK.
Voter turnout would increase as people are able to vote at a point of convenience through their phone.
Cyber interference in democracy would see an increase, along with voter manipulation as voting is no longer carried out in private.
How have E-petitions been used to benefit democracy?
The have given the public a chance to have more control over the discussions that are had within Parliament.
Examples of recent e-petitions within parliament the reduction of GCSE content in 2021 and the legalisation of marijuana.
If they were given more power, they could automatically trigger a parliamentary vote. This would give the public more ways to hold members accountable.
This could however mean that Parliament is forced into debates that are both unconstitutional and impractical.
What did the 1832 Great Reform Act do?
This allowed new classes of people to vote in UK general elections.
Anyone that earned less than £10 per hour along with shopkeepers and small farmers were given the franchise.
Still only 6% could vote.
What did the 1918 Representation of the Peoples Act do?
Allowed most adult men to vote, including graduates.
All women over 80 were able to vote, however still less women could vote then men.
What did the 1928 Representation of the Peoples Act do?
Allowed all adults over the age of 21 to vote in all elections.
What did the 1969 Representation of the Peoples Act do?
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, where it is today.
What was the main aim of the Women’s suffrage movement? and who was involved?
They hoped to achieve equal voting and political rights for women universally. This was started by the suffragist movement, and then was taken over by the more radical suffragettes.
What is the name of the movement that aimed to further the franchise?
The LGBTQ+ Movement. They aimed to have better representation for all minorities being represented in parliament. They also pushed during the 1960’s for the decriminalisation of the same-sex relationships.
What are the arguments for Teen voting?
Young people are more inform about politics than they were 20 years ago, due to easy access of social media.
If you are old enough to serve in the armed forces or pay tax, then you should get to decide who represents you.
The more radical views of the youth could balance out the Conservatism of the older generations.
