Democracy and participation Flashcards
(28 cards)
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.
Magna Carta
1215
An english legal charter that established the rule of law.
Bill of rights
1687
The Great Reform Act
1832
NUWSS
1897
WSPU
1903
1928
Universal suffrage:
Men and Women above 21 can vote.
&
The representation of the people’s Act
When was the voting age lowed?
In 1969 to 16.
The Human Rights Act
1998
FOI
2000
