Democracy and participation Flashcards
What is direct democracy?
When individuals make decision themselves.
Advantages and Disadvantages of direct democracy
+ Encourages participation
+ People take responsibility for their own decisions
- Impractical
- Open to manipulation
What is representative democracy?
Where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy
+ In theory politicians are better informed.
+ MPs are more likely to consider the interest of society as a whole.
- Elites pursing their own agenda.
- Politicians may be corrupt.
- Minorities are under represented.
How is direct democracy used within representative democracy?
Through referendums.
What are the UK positive democratic features?
- Devolved government
- Independent judiciary
- Fair elections
- Free media
- Wide range of political parties and pressure groups
Why could the UK be suffering from a democratic delict?
- There is under-representation of minorities viewpoints
- The H of L is unelected
- Lack of protection of rights
- Ownership of media
- Parliamentary sovereignty
What was the average turnout rate between 1945 - 1997
76 %
What was the turnout rate in 2001
59.4 %
What was significant for Labour between 2015 - 2018
There membership more than doubled.
Is there a participation crisis?
Not necessarily, just a shift in the traditional sense as social media now has a huge influence in exchanging political views.
Or it could be apathy or hapthy.
Should there be compulsory voting?
Yes: As it’s a social duty.
Politicians would run better quality campaigns as would consider the whole electorate in mind.
No: Increase in spoil ballots.
Doesn’t address the deeper reason for not voting.
Should the voting age be lowed to 16?
Yes: In line with other responsibilities.
75% of 16-17 voted in the Scottish referendum.
They should have a say in issues that concern them. Intellect is not that much lower from 18 to 16.
No: Would necessary increase turnout rate as 18-24 have the lowest participation levels.
Other rights require parental consent.
Not educated enough to make an informed decision.
Why should we have referendums?
- They engage people (apathy).
- An effective check on the government.
- Determines the direction of policies
- Can prevent unpopular decisions being made.
Why shouldn’t we have referendum?
- MPs can just pursue their own interests.
- The timing can be manipulate.
- Only a snapshot.
- The public may not respect the results.
- Different results between regions can fuel independence motives.
