Democracy (UK) Flashcards
(24 cards)
Why do some people think first past the post is fair?
- Most votes wins
* e.g Alistair Jack got the most votes out of all the candidates and so won Dumfries and Galloway 2017.
Why do some people think first past the post is easy to use?
It is easy because you just cross the box next to the candidates name that you want and the ease of this encourages people to vote.
Why do some people think first past the post creates a strong government?
- It is easier and quicker to pass laws.
- One party.
- e.g Conservatives have a majority of 12 since 2015 which will make it easier to pass laws.
Who you gonna call due to first past the post?
Your one candidate for your constituency. It’s important that constituents know who represents them they can call their candidate if they have problems with fracking near their home.
Why do some people think first past the lost is unfair?
Some candidates win with less than a majority of 50% of votes. For example Alistair Jack only won with 43% of votes. Which means more people didn’t want him than want him.
Why do some people believe some votes count for nothing when using first past the post?
Voting for the loosing candidates means those votes count for nothing. This discourages voters as they believe there is no point in voting.
What are safe seats?
Safe seats are unfair. There are places where one party ALWAYS wins. Voters for others parties think there is no point in voting.
Why do some people believe that first past the post is out of proportion?
The number of votes a party gets does not reflect the proportion of the votes they won. For example in 2015 the SNP got 4% of votes but got 56 seats. Whereas Lib Dems got 8% of votes but only 8 seats in parliament.
Describe a Petition
A petition can be used in parliament. It is when signatures are collected from people who feel strongly about an issue. It is then ant to an MP or MSP.
Give an example of a petition
Stop the war coalition-petition against intervention in Syria.
Why are petitions successful.
Petition show MPs the strength of public feeling towards an issue and that they may benefit if they do what the petition says.
Why might pressure groups lobby MPs
To encourage MPs to meet with them and listen to the arguments being put forward.
Give an example of lobbying MPs
- Private Members Bill
* Vote During Debate
What is the aim of lobbying MPs?
To introduce a law that supports the aim of the pressure group.
Why do pressure groups use protests and/or demonstrations?
It allows pressure groups to attract lots of attention through the media and it can influence the government.
Give a description of a protest/demonstration
A large group of people come together to march to an important building or place to show their support or opposition to an issue.
Give examples of protests/demonstrations
- George Square-potential military action in Syria.
* Bedroom Tax and changes to Universal Credits.
Name two pressure groups
- GreenPeace
* Plane Stupid
Give an example of Illegal direct action used by pressure groups
GreenPeace shut down 74 Shell petrol stations in London and Edinburgh to protest about the impact of activities on polar bears and artic.
Why might a pressure group use illegal action?
To gain publicity however, the government fails to take them as seriously
Give an example of how Westminster has reserved powers in Scotland (Immigration)
The UK parliament was to make landlords check that tenants are legally allowed to be in the UK.
Give an example of how Westminster has reserved powers in Scotland (Decisions about social security and welfare)
The UK parliament passed changes to welfare such as Universal Credits and the bedroom tax.
Give an example of how Westminster has reserved powers in Scotland (The UK monetary system)
The UK uses the £ sterling and not the Euro, despite being a member of the European Union.
Give an example of how Westminster has reserved powers in Scotland (UK foreign policy and defence)
The UK parliament decided to send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2015 a cross party debate took place about military intervention in Syria and it was decided to take part.
