Democracy & Participation Flashcards
Paper 1 (29 cards)
What is democracy?
A system where power is held by the people.
This definition emphasizes the role of the populace in governance.
How has democracy in the UK evolved?
Developed gradually over time, allowing more people to vote regardless of class, age, and gender.
In 1850, just over 4% of the population could vote.
What is direct democracy?
A system where the people are able to make decisions directly on an issue, usually in the form of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.
A historical example is Athenian Democracy.
List the main features of direct democracy.
- Decisions are reached on a majoritarian basis
- Public makes decisions themselves
- Use of referendums
- Continuous decision-making process
What are the positives of direct democracy?
- Gives equal weight to all votes
- Encourages popular participation
- Removes need for representatives
- Develops a sense of community
What are the negatives of direct democracy?
- Impractical in large, populated states
- Many may feel unqualified to participate
- Open to manipulation by articulate speakers
- Minority viewpoints may be disregarded
What is representative democracy?
A system where the people elect a person or group of people to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf.
Example: Louise Jones – North East Derbyshire.
List the main features of representative democracy.
- Regular elections for legitimacy
- Representatives act on behalf of individuals
- Accountability through elections and media
- Authority sourced from the people
What are the positives of representative democracy?
- Practical for complex issues
- Provides choice to the electorate
- Reduces chance of majority tyranny
- Politicians are often better informed
What are the negatives of representative democracy?
- Reduced political participation
- Elite agendas in political parties
- Under-representation of minorities
- Politicians may evade accountability
What is pluralist democracy?
A type of democracy where decisions result from the interplay of various ideas and arguments from competing groups and organizations.
Define legitimacy in the context of democracy.
The rightful use of power.
How do governments ensure legitimacy?
- Through elections
- Referendums
- Majority vote in legislature
What is a democratic deficit?
A flaw in democratic processes where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy.
What was the turnout for the 2024 General Election?
59.7% - second lowest in history.
What is the significance of the Great Reform Act of 1832?
Lowered property requirements, allowing middle-class men to vote and creating new constituencies.
Who were the suffragettes?
A group that used militant methods to advocate for women’s voting rights, led by Emmeline Pankhurst.
What did the Representation of the People Acts achieve?
- 1918: Most adult men and women over 30 could vote
- 1928: All adults over 21 could vote
- 1969: Voting age reduced to 18
What are the arguments for prisoners having the right to vote?
- Denial of vote hinders rehabilitation
- No evidence that loss deters crime
- Voting is a fundamental right
What are the arguments against prisoners having the right to vote?
- Those who commit crimes should lose voting rights
- Threat of losing vote prevents crime
- Prisoners may not remain in constituencies post-release
What is the purpose of the pressure group Votes at 16?
To advocate for 16 and 17-year-olds to have the right to vote.
What are the advantages of eVoting?
- Easy
- Accessible
What are the disadvantages of eVoting?
- Cyber threats
- Corruption
- Privacy issues
What is the significance of ‘TheyWorkForYou’?
Holds MPs to account.
