Democracy and Participation

Question 1

Direct Democracy

Answer 1

A form of democracy where citizens make decisions directly (Referendums)

Question 2

Representative Democracy

Answer 2

A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Question 3

Two advantages of direct

Answer 3

Genuine popular participation + increases political engagement and legitimacy

Question 4

Two disadvantages of direct

Answer 4

Tyranny of the majority risk + Impractical for large, complex societies

Question 5

Core values of UK democracy

Answer 5

Free and fair elections + universal suffrage + rule of law + parliamentary sovereignty + party competition

Question 6

Liberal democracy

Answer 6

Majority rule balanced with individual rights and liberties protected by laws

Question 7

How is UK a liberal democracy

Answer 7

Rights protected by Human Rights Act + independent judiciary + regular elections

Question 8

Participation Crisis

Answer 8

policitical engagement is so low that democracy is at risk

Question 9

Participation Crisis now?

Answer 9

Falling turnout (60% in 2024), declining party membership, youth disengagement

Question 10

No participation crisis now?

Answer 10

Growth in pressure group activity, e-petitions, turnout recovery (67% 2019 + brexit 72% turnout)

Question 11

Turnout in ‘97

Answer 11

71.4%

Question 12

turnout for brexit

Answer 12

72.2%

Question 13

least likely to vote?

Answer 13

18-24

Question 14

membership changed since ’50s

Answer 14

1 in 11 in the 50s, 1 in 65 now

Question 15

Most members?

Answer 15

309,000 Labour

Question 16

what are Pressure groups

Answer 16

Seek to influence gov policy without running

Question 17

Sectional

Answer 17

Represent specific group (BMA)

Question 18

Promotional

Answer 18

Focus on causes (Greenpeace)

Question 19

why is pressure group successful

Answer 19

Insider status, public support, effective leadership, good finances

Question 20

Example of successful pressure group campaign

Answer 20

Just Stop Oil 2024 - Labour gov has statted it will not issue new licenses for oil and gas exploration, aligning with JSO’s objectives

Question 21

Example of unsuccessful pressure group campaign

Answer 21

Ban conversion therapy campaigners failed and no law has been passed to ban it. Unfufilled promises since 2018
failure to protect LGBT rights

Question 22

Think Tank

Answer 22

Organisation that conducts research and develops policy ideas (Institute for Economic Affairs)

Question 23

Lobbying

Answer 23

Attempt to influence policymakers on behalf of interest groups or corporations

Question 24

Why is lobbying controversial

Answer 24

Raises concerns about unequal access and influence

Question 25

What is Human Rights Act 1998

Answer 25

Incorporates European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Question 26

How are rights protected UK

Answer 26

Human Rights Act, judicial review, parliamentary scrutiny, Equality Act 2010

Question 27

Why might UK rights protection be considered weak

Answer 27

Parliamentary sovereignty = laws override rights

Question 28

3 democratic reforms

Answer 28

Compulsory voting, reforming the House of Lords, extending the franchise to 16-year-olds

Question 29

Votes at 16?

Answer 29

Taxes = should vote, mature enough, seen in Scottish independence referendum

Question 30

Arguments against votes at 16

Answer 30

Lack of political knowledge, 18 legal age for most responsibility

Question 31

Argument for Electoral reform

Answer 31

FPTP leads to wasted votes, disproportional results, safe seats

Question 32

Counter argument for keeping FPTP

Answer 32

Simple, fast, produces strong governments, maintains MP-Constituency link