Democracy AO1 Flashcards
(62 cards)
What type of democracy does Switzerland have?
Direct democracy
Switzerland is not reliant on the political class, and laws have the people’s mandate.
How many signatures are needed in Switzerland to trigger a vote on a petition?
50,000 signatures
1% of voters’ signatures are required to trigger a vote.
What is the number of signatures required in Switzerland to propose a new law?
100,000 signatures
This can happen regardless of the government’s wishes.
What significant event regarding nuclear power occurred in Switzerland in 2003?
Switzerland voted against the provision of nuclear power
It was the first country to do so.
How many referendums does Switzerland have approximately each year?
About 4 referendums
This is an average count.
What was banned in Switzerland in 1895 that affected the Jewish community?
Ritual slaughter of animals
This limited Swiss Jews’ ability to secure kosher meat products.
What accusation arose from the 1895 ban on ritual slaughter in Switzerland?
Xenophobia
The ban led to accusations that Swiss referenda play into xenophobia.
What is the average voter turnout in Switzerland?
46.40%
This reflects the participation rate in referendums.
According to Plato, who are the only people equipped to govern?
Philosopher Kings
Plato believed that only certain elites have the capability to govern effectively.
Is the Constitution in the UK entrenched?
No, it is not entrenched
The Human Rights Act can be overturned.
What right does the UK have concerning the ECHR?
UK can withdraw from ECHR
This reflects the UK’s sovereignty in legal matters.
What does the Terrorism Act (2000) allow?
Detention of terror suspects without trial
This act raised concerns about civil liberties.
What did the Terrorism Act (2006) extend?
Holding period to 28 days
This was an extension of the detention period for suspects.
What restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Lockdown restricted rights to move freely
This affected many civil liberties.
What does the prohibition of voting rights for prisoners violate?
Right to vote
This has been a contentious legal issue.
What was the controversy surrounding Blair’s ID cards?
Removal of collective rights
This raised concerns about privacy and personal freedoms.
What happened in 2014 involving a Christian-run bakery?
Refused to make a cake with ‘Support Gay Marriage’ slogan
This case highlighted conflicts between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.
What policy did a Hindi school implement regarding admissions?
Rejected non-Hindi children
This raised questions about discrimination and inclusivity.
What is the significance of the Magna Carta (1215)?
Well protected
It is a foundational document for rights and liberties in the UK.
What flexibility does the Equality Act of 2010 have?
Moved with the times
This allows it to adapt to changing societal norms.
What must the UK judiciary consider regarding rulings?
Must take ECHR rulings into account
This influences legal decisions and rights protection.
What impact did legal rulings have on flights to Rwanda?
Prevented flights to Rwanda
This was a significant legal intervention regarding immigration policy.
What did the Human Rights Act do concerning ECHR rights?
Took 16 fundamental rights from ECHR and put them into UK law
This allows individuals to seek justice in UK courts before going to Strasbourg.
What is a consequence of wealthier pressure groups in the UK?
More funding and media coverage
This can lead to disproportionate influence on policy.
