Democracy and Participation

Question 1

Representative vs Direct Democracy

Answer 1

Representative democracy
- People vote for elected offcials
Direct Democracy
- People decide on policy initiatives directly

Question 2

Should there be greater use of direct democracy in the UK?

Answer 2

Advantages for direct democracy
- Political participation
- Improves accountability
- Popular amongst voters
- More legitimate

Disadvantages of direct democracy
- Lack of education
- Referendums not legally binding
- Populsim
- Turnout low

Question 3

Suffrage Act and date introduced

Answer 3

Representation of People Act 1918
- Men over 21, women over 30, property qualification
Representation of People Act 1928
- All men and women over 21 could now vote.
Representation of People Act 1969
- Voting age 18

Question 4

Chartists

Answer 4

Demanded adoption of 6 Points of People’s Charter
- Elections by secret ballot
- Elections every year
- Right to vote to all men

Question 5

Suffragists and suffragettes

Answer 5

Suffragists
- Peaceful and constitutional methods
Suffragettes
- Violent methods, chaining themselves to railings

Question 6

Argument for giving the vote to 16- and 17-year-olds

Answer 6

• Can join the army
• Paying tax
• Can get married

Question 7

Should prisoners in the UK have the right to vote?

Answer 7

Yes
- Voting fundamental right
- Removal of vote makes prisoner non-person
- No evidence that taking away vote is effective deterrent

No
- Cameron 2013 idea makes him physically ill
- If commit serious crimes should lose the right
- Losing the vote serves as deterrent against law breaking

Question 8

Is there a participation crisis in UK politics?

Answer 8

Yes
- Turnout low
2024, 60%, AV 42%m
- Membership of political parties declined
Cons, 1970 3m, 2025 138k
- Modern political participation methods not true activism

No
- Some parties membership grew, Reform 200k
- Turnout fluctuates
Scotland 2014 85%, Brexit 2016 72%
- Shift to modern forms of participation