Democracy And Political Partcipation Flashcards
(70 cards)
What are free and fair elections?
Elections that provide everyone an equal say in the selection of their representatives.
This includes transparency and the absence of corruption.
What is the role of education and information in democracy?
Enables effective and informed participation in the political process.
Access to accurate information from trustworthy sources is crucial.
How do people contribute to politics and policy making?
In numerous ways, including voting, advocacy, and public discourse.
Engagement can take many forms beyond just voting.
What is accountability in government?
Elected officials must be held accountable for their actions, which should be transparent and free from corruption.
This ensures that officials act in the public’s best interest.
What does a smooth transition of power entail?
A formal process for handing power from one government to the next, taking place peacefully without violence or mass protests.
This is crucial for political stability.
What is representation in a democratic context?
Elected officials must act in the best interests of their constituents and represent their views.
This ensures that diverse perspectives are included in governance.
What is the significance of civil rights?
The rights of the people are protected and defended by the law through the courts.
This includes protection against discrimination and upholding individual freedoms.
What does the rule of law imply?
Laws apply equally to everyone, including the government, and anyone who breaks the law is punished.
The concept of ‘ultra vires’ means actions beyond legal power are not recognized.
What is legitimacy in government?
Governments and legislatures have legitimacy or legal authority as they have been freely chosen by the people in elections.
This is foundational for public trust and effective governance.
Fill in the blank: Elections should be _______ and fair.
[free]
What is representative democracy?
A form of democracy where people vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Representatives are accountable through regular elections
How does accountability work in representative democracy?
Through regular elections where voters can remove unsatisfactory representatives
Some criticisms include lack of accountability between election cycles
What is direct democracy?
A system where people vote directly on issues and laws that affect them
This was the earliest form of democracy, favored in ancient Greece
How is direct democracy implemented in the UK?
Through referendums where people express their opinions on specific issues
Direct democracy is rarely used in the UK, mostly for constitutional questions
What is a referendum?
A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal
Referendums have become more common in recent years
Give an example of direct democracy in Switzerland.
50,000 people can challenge any piece of legislation within 100 days of its adoption
This showcases a strong form of direct democracy
What was the result of the 2016 UK referendum on EU membership?
The Leave campaign won with around 52% voting yes for Britain’s departure
Turnout was approximately 72%
What happened in the 2019 general election in the UK?
Voters in traditional Labour heartlands shifted to the Conservative Party, breaking the ‘red wall’
Dissatisfaction with Labour’s stance on Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership contributed
What percentage voted to remain in the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum?
55% voted to remain a part of the UK
This referendum is an example of direct democracy at a regional level
What was the outcome of the 2004 North Eastern Assembly referendum?
78% voted against having a North Eastern Assembly
This demonstrates local level direct democracy
Fill in the blank: The role of the prime minister in the UK is described as ‘______ among equals’.
first
What does the term ‘franchise’ refer to?
Those who can vote
The franchise includes all eligible voters in a democratic system.
At what age can individuals in the UK register to vote?
16
In the UK, individuals can register to vote at the age of 16, but they must be 18 to actually vote.
What are the criteria for voting eligibility in the UK?
Must be mentally capable, of adult age, and not in prison
This ensures that only eligible individuals participate in the democratic process.