Direct democracy is superior to representative democracy Flashcards
(7 cards)
Debate themes
- Involving the people in decision making
- Representing the whole population
- How effective is representative democracy
For: Involving the people in decision making
Direct Democracy Gives Power Directly to the People
Fulfils the Core Principle of Democracy:
Direct democracy = rule by the people, not just for the people.
Prevents elected representatives from ignoring public wishes.
Increases Participation and Political Engagement:
Voters feel their voice truly matters – turnout tends to be higher.
Recent referendums show high engagement:
2014 Scottish Independence – 84.6% turnout (inc. 16–17s).
2016 EU Referendum – 72.2% turnout.
Enhances Political Awareness:
Complex national debates inform the public.
Brexit referendum raised awareness on EU, sovereignty, trade.
Scottish independence raised awareness on the future of Trident and impact on the economy.
Addresses Declining Engagement in Representative Politics:
Turnout in general elections declining overall – 59.8% in 2024 vs 76% (1945–1997 avg).
Referendums and other direct tools may reinvigorate participation.
Overall Judgment:
Direct democracy offers meaningful engagement, public empowerment, and stronger legitimacy on key issues.
It can complement, and in some areas improve on, traditional representative democracy.
Against: Involving the people in decision making
Representative Democracy Is More Practical and Informed
Avoids Manipulation and Populism:
Public can be misled by charismatic speakers (demagogues).
Example: 2016 EU Referendum – Leave campaign used misleading claims (Bus - ‘We send the EU £350 million a week, let’s fund our NHS instead’.).
Expertise and Accountability:
MPs are full-time professionals with access to expert advice and scrutiny.
They are (in theory) more informed and less prone to emotional or misinformed decisions.
More Practical for a Modern State:
Direct democracy is slow and impractical for day-to-day governing.
Crises like COVID-19 require rapid, complex responses – better suited to representative systems.
Responsive MPs Can Incorporate Direct Input:
MPs can consult constituents to ensure democratic legitimacy.
Example: Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe held a mini-referendum in Great Yarmouth before voting on assisted dying – 75% supported, and he voted accordingly.
Direct Democracy Can Undermine Representative Institutions:
Frequent referendums can clash with parliamentary sovereignty.
Public votes may be swayed by short-term emotion or media narratives, not long-term policy thinking.
Overall Judgment:
While direct democracy has strengths in specific situations, representative democracy remains more stable, practical, and informed for modern governance.
A hybrid approach may be ideal – using direct democracy selectively within a representative system.
For: Representing the whole population
Direct Democracy Treats All Votes Equally
Equal Weight of Votes:
Every vote counts the same in a referendum –
Forces campaigns to seek to appeal all voters.
Encourages high turnout as voters feel their input directly impacts the outcome.
Contrast with Representative Democracy:
FPTP system creates vote inequality
Votes in smaller constituencies have more weight than in larger ones.
Votes in safe seats often “wasted” – limited campaign attention and low turnout as many voters have little hope of seeing their favoured candidate winning.
Marginal seats receive more focus – turnout and campaign spending higher.
Example: Thanet South – key marginal seat; consistently won by the party that wins the election.
Shows how party strategies under FPTP distort democratic equality.
Overall Judgment:
Direct democracy offers a more equal and empowering voting experience.
FPTP in representative democracy undermines equal influence, reducing legitimacy and engagement.
Against: Representing the whole population
Direct Democracy Risks Tyranny of the Majority
Majoritarian Nature:
Decisions are made by simple majority – can override minority rights or interests.
Lacks safeguards to protect underrepresented or vulnerable groups.
Example – Brexit:
Only 37% of the UK population voted Leave (52% of 72.2% turnout).
Government pursued a hard Brexit, disregarding the nuanced views of Remain voters or those favouring a softer Brexit.
Benefit of Representative Democracy:
Elected MPs represent diverse constituencies, including minorities.
Enables pluralist democracy – decisions shaped by negotiation between parties, interest groups, and parliamentary debate.
Conclusion of Point:
While direct democracy maximises majority power, representative democracy better balances competing interests and ensures broader representation.
Against: How effective is representative democracy
Representative Democracy Enables Accountability and Effective Representation
Regular Elections Enable Accountability:
MPs can be voted out if constituents feel they haven’t performed well.
This motivates MPs to actively represent and engage with their constituencies.
Strong MP-Constituency Link:
MPs hold surgeries, respond to issues, and advocate in Parliament.
Example: Infected Blood Scandal – 22 Conservative MPs rebelled to support Labour’s amendment due to local pressure.
Caroline Nokes rebelled to support affected constituents in her Romsey and Southampton North seat.
Trustee Model of Representation (Edmund Burke):
MPs are not just delegates – they use independent judgement based on expertise and the public interest.
Example: Defections – e.g., Dan Poulter (April 2024), citing NHS concerns from his work as a mental health doctor.
Conclusion of Point:
Representative democracy provides structured, informed, and accountable decision-making by professionals, allowing for both responsiveness and judgement beyond public opinion.
For: How effective is representative democracy
Representative Democracy Often Fails to Deliver Effective Representation
Party Loyalty Undermines Independence:
MPs are heavily whipped to follow the party line or risk career stagnation.
This prioritises party interests over constituent representation.
Conflicts of Interest & Second Jobs:
Many MPs have lucrative second jobs — £10 million earned in 2022/23.
E.g. Sajid Javid (£300k/yr adviser role), Boris Johnson (£4.8M from external work).
Public Distrust in Politicians:
YouGov/Sky (2024): 49% “almost never” trust govt to put the nation before party — up from 26% in 2019.
Driven by numerous scandals — 23 by-elections since 2019 due to resignations for misconduct.
Example: Blackpool South by-election (2024) after Scott Benton resigned over lobbying scandal.
‘Freebiegate’ (2024): Labour accused of cronyism after Starmer received £16k+ in gifts from donor Lord Alli, who gained privileged access.
Contrast with Direct Democracy:
Referendums give the public direct power; decisions can’t be easily manipulated or ignored.
Brexit example: Passed by public vote despite 75% of Parliament supporting Remain.
Conclusion of Point:
In practice, representative democracy often serves political elites. Direct democracy offers a more authentic expression of the people’s will, free from vested interests.
