Democracy And Participation Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is an example of a successful e-petition,how many signatures did it have and how was it successful?
The End Child Food Poverty petition (2021), it got 1.1 million votes, and the gov announced a comprehensive support package to help families through the winter.
What are the advantages of referendums? (There are 9)
1) You get direct say on an issue
2)Encourages participation as electorate see their vote share mattering more
3)Increase legitimacy as it is fulfilling will of the people
4)It is free, fair and more democratic
5)Votes are proportional
6)No wasted votes
7)Constitutional issue of EU affects everyone
8)Stops politicians not reflecting views of constituents (representation)
9)Boosts turnout due to simple answers
What are the disadvantages of referendums? (There are 9)
1) Lack of political awareness plus education can lead to informal decisions
2)When TO is low can lead to tyranny of the minority
3)Campaigns involve false info, mislead electorate
4) Voter fatigue, Swiss vote average is 42%
5)expensive and time-consuming (not practical)
6)Draws out decision
7)Tyranny of the majority
8) Neverendums (voted on to many times, makes them feel never ending)
9)Rep system, requiring MPs to make these decisions, electorate should be less involved.
What is an example of a failed e-petition, how many signatures, why did it fail?
Prevent Trump making a state visit (2017), 1.8 million signatures, and he still made the visit, hence why it failed.
What are the advantages of Citizen Juries? (There are 2)
1)Allow public to consider an issue in depth (scrutiny in depth).
2) People come to well-supported conclusions, citizens better educated/informed.
What is an e petition?
An online formal written request on a specific issue
What is a citizens jury?
A small group of ppl who learn and discuss a specific issue in depth with the aim of reaching a decision
What is an example of a citizens jury looking at an issue?
They researched into assisted dying, believe it should be optional, Starmer agrees, vote held in Scotland Autumn 2024 and the Assisted Dying Bill is in its 2nd reading as of January 2025.
What is Rep democracy?
The people elect a group/person to represent their interests, winning party gains legitimacy and claims a mandate.
What is the Burkean Model?
MPs act according to their own conscience
What is an advantage of the Burkean model?
MPs have a lot of experience and usually a higher education level than the average person.
What are the three disadvantages of the burkean model?
1)MPs may not represent ppl’s views
2)MPs only choose what they want to happen
3)MP may listen to their own ideologies , not do what’s best for the public
