Democracy And Political Partcipation Flashcards

(70 cards)

1
Q

What are free and fair elections?

A

Elections that provide everyone an equal say in the selection of their representatives.

This includes transparency and the absence of corruption.

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2
Q

What is the role of education and information in democracy?

A

Enables effective and informed participation in the political process.

Access to accurate information from trustworthy sources is crucial.

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3
Q

How do people contribute to politics and policy making?

A

In numerous ways, including voting, advocacy, and public discourse.

Engagement can take many forms beyond just voting.

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4
Q

What is accountability in government?

A

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.

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5
Q

What does a smooth transition of power entail?

A

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.

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6
Q

What is representation in a democratic context?

A

Elected officials must act in the best interests of their constituents and represent their views.

This ensures that diverse perspectives are included in governance.

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7
Q

What is the significance of civil rights?

A

The rights of the people are protected and defended by the law through the courts.

This includes protection against discrimination and upholding individual freedoms.

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8
Q

What does the rule of law imply?

A

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.

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9
Q

What is legitimacy in government?

A

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.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Elections should be _______ and fair.

A

[free]

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11
Q

What is representative democracy?

A

A form of democracy where people vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Representatives are accountable through regular elections

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12
Q

How does accountability work in representative democracy?

A

Through regular elections where voters can remove unsatisfactory representatives

Some criticisms include lack of accountability between election cycles

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13
Q

What is direct democracy?

A

A system where people vote directly on issues and laws that affect them

This was the earliest form of democracy, favored in ancient Greece

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14
Q

How is direct democracy implemented in the UK?

A

Through referendums where people express their opinions on specific issues

Direct democracy is rarely used in the UK, mostly for constitutional questions

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15
Q

What is a referendum?

A

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal

Referendums have become more common in recent years

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16
Q

Give an example of direct democracy in Switzerland.

A

50,000 people can challenge any piece of legislation within 100 days of its adoption

This showcases a strong form of direct democracy

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17
Q

What was the result of the 2016 UK referendum on EU membership?

A

The Leave campaign won with around 52% voting yes for Britain’s departure

Turnout was approximately 72%

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18
Q

What happened in the 2019 general election in the UK?

A

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

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19
Q

What percentage voted to remain in the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum?

A

55% voted to remain a part of the UK

This referendum is an example of direct democracy at a regional level

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20
Q

What was the outcome of the 2004 North Eastern Assembly referendum?

A

78% voted against having a North Eastern Assembly

This demonstrates local level direct democracy

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21
Q

Fill in the blank: The role of the prime minister in the UK is described as ‘______ among equals’.

A

first

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22
Q

What does the term ‘franchise’ refer to?

A

Those who can vote

The franchise includes all eligible voters in a democratic system.

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23
Q

At what age can individuals in the UK register to vote?

A

16

In the UK, individuals can register to vote at the age of 16, but they must be 18 to actually vote.

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24
Q

What are the criteria for voting eligibility in the UK?

A

Must be mentally capable, of adult age, and not in prison

This ensures that only eligible individuals participate in the democratic process.

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25
Which act allowed many men to vote in the UK in 1867?
Second Reform Act ## Footnote This act significantly expanded the electorate by including more working-class men.
26
What significant change did the Representation of the People Act 1918 introduce?
All men over 21 could vote; women over 30 with property qualifications could vote ## Footnote This was a major step towards gender equality in voting rights.
27
True or False: The Representation of the People Act 1928 granted women the right to vote on equal terms with men.
True ## Footnote This act removed property qualifications for women, ensuring equal voting rights.
28
What did the Representation of the People Act 1969 change regarding the voting age?
Lowered the voting age to 18 ## Footnote This reform was part of a broader movement to make voting more accessible.
29
Which group of people are typically excluded from voting in the UK?
Non-citizens and those deemed mentally incapable ## Footnote This includes individuals who may not be able to make informed decisions.
30
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act abolished rotten boroughs in the UK.
Reform ## Footnote Rotten boroughs were areas with very few voters that had disproportionate representation.
31
What was the impact of the Great Reform Act of 1832?
Permitted certain groups to vote, abolished rotten boroughs ## Footnote This act began the process of electoral reform in Britain.
32
Who were the first women allowed to vote under the Representation of the People Act 1918?
Women over 30 with property qualifications ## Footnote This marked the beginning of women's suffrage in the UK, although it was limited initially.
33
What were the voting rights for children under 13 in the UK?
They are not allowed to vote ## Footnote Voting rights are restricted to those of adult age.
34
What was a significant outcome of the Representation of the People Act 1928?
Property qualifications for women were removed ## Footnote This allowed women to vote on the same terms as men.
35
What were the two main groups campaigning for women's right to vote?
Suffragettes and Suffragists ## Footnote The groups are notable for their differences in methods.
36
What methods did the Suffragists use for campaigning?
Non-violent methods such as: * Leafletting * Writing to MPs * Organising petitions * Giving lectures ## Footnote The Suffragists were founded in response to the need for women's voting rights.
37
Who united the various women's suffrage groups under the title 'Suffragists'?
Millicent Fawcett ## Footnote She formed the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) in 1897.
38
What year was the first petition for women's right to vote presented to Parliament?
1866 ## Footnote This petition was voted down.
39
What significant event did the Suffragettes organize in 1910?
Black Friday protest on November 18th ## Footnote This protest resulted in a confrontation with police and many women being assaulted.
40
Who founded the Suffragettes?
Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia ## Footnote The group was founded in 1903.
41
What methods did the Suffragettes use to gain attention for their cause?
Violent and illegal methods such as: * Disrupting political meetings * Chaining themselves to railings * Smashing windows * Attacking police * Going on hunger strikes ## Footnote These methods were intended to shock and gain media coverage.
42
What was the Cat and Mouse Act?
A policy allowing hunger-striking women to be temporarily released from prison ## Footnote This act was introduced in April 1913 to prevent martyrdom of hunger-strikers.
43
What happened to Emily Davison in June 1913?
She tried to attach a 'votes for women' flag to the King's horse and was killed ## Footnote This incident brought significant attention to the Suffragette cause.
44
What were the Suffragists' views on the Suffragettes by 1908?
They distanced themselves from the Suffragette movement ## Footnote This distancing occurred as public opinion turned against the Suffragettes.
45
What promise did the Suffragettes make in 1914?
To end their violent methods during the war ## Footnote They helped the government organize women workers during this time.
46
Fill in the blank: The first petition for women's right to vote was presented to Parliament in _____
1866
47
True or False: The Suffragists were primarily composed of working-class women.
False ## Footnote Most members of the Suffragists were middle class.
48
What was the primary aim of the Suffragettes?
To secure equal voting rights for women ## Footnote They focused solely on political equality.
49
What was the voter turnout in the 1950 elections?
84% ## Footnote This was the highest recorded turnout in that period.
50
What was the lowest turnout for the Manchester North constituency?
-40% ## Footnote This indicates a significant drop in voter engagement.
51
What was the voter turnout in the 2024 elections?
75% ## Footnote This represents a decline from historical levels.
52
What was the highest turnout in the 2024 elections and in which constituencies?
75.2% in Harpenden and Berthamated ## Footnote These areas saw the most voter participation.
53
How many people voted in the 2021 local elections?
3,541 people ## Footnote This reflects local electoral engagement.
54
What percentage of votes cast was recorded in the referendum?
12% ## Footnote Indicates lower engagement compared to other elections.
55
What class dominated party membership in the 1970s?
Middle classes ## Footnote Over 3% of the UK population were Conservative members.
56
What is the average age of Conservative party membership?
57 ## Footnote This suggests an aging demographic within the party.
57
How many Conservative members were there in 2013?
088,000 members ## Footnote This number reflects party strength at that time.
58
What was the membership count for the Labour party between 2017-2024?
Lost 200,000 members ## Footnote This decline highlights challenges faced by the party.
59
What is the membership count for the Regain party?
115,000 registered supporters ## Footnote This indicates a smaller support base compared to major parties.
60
Which party had lower membership: Torp, Lib Demo, or Labour?
Torp and Lib Demo ## Footnote Labour had a larger membership base.
61
Fill in the blank: Participation through voting reached _______ in 1950.
84% ## Footnote This was a peak participation rate.
62
True or False: Elections in safe seats tend to have higher turnout than marginal seats.
False ## Footnote Safe seats generally see lower voter engagement.
63
What percentage of Labour party membership was reported in the data?
130,000 members ## Footnote This figure indicates a decline in party strength.
64
What percentage of people voted Labour?
9% ## Footnote Indicates a specific voting statistic.
65
What is the trend in party support mentioned?
Increased support for the Republican and Liberal Democrats ## Footnote Reflects shifting political preferences.
66
What are people more willing to do regarding political parties?
Shop around for the political party that best represents their views ## Footnote Indicates a more fluid political landscape.
67
What is less of a signifier in voting intentions?
Partisan alignment ## Footnote Suggests a decline in strong party loyalty.
68
What do people no longer feel towards a particular party?
A strong connection ## Footnote Indicates changing voter relationships with parties.
69
What is the general sentiment towards UK politics?
Wider disillusionment ## Footnote Reflects dissatisfaction among the electorate.
70
Which party was able to generate strong partisan gains?
Lib Dems ## Footnote Highlights the success of the Liberal Democrats in recent elections.