Direct Versus Representative Democracy

Question 1

Define representative democracy

Answer 1

• Decisions are made by representatives rather than the people themselves
• Representatives are chosen in regular elections based on universal suffrage
• representatives should listen to the views of the electorate
• pressure groups enable minority groups to have their voice heard in political debate

Question 2

Define direct democracy (3)

Answer 2

• the people make decisions themselves
• people are directly consulted when government makes decisions
• people themselves determine what decisions should be considered

Question 3

Example of direct democracy

Answer 3

Referendums as the public vote on an issue which directly concerns themselves

Question 4

Examples of direct democracy (4)

Answer 4

• referendums
• E-petitions
• community led spending decisions
• Switzerland hold initiatives

Question 5

Advantages of direct democracy (4)

Answer 5

• more consulting which means government understand the wishes of the people more
• provides real legitimacy to controversial issues
• direct democracy is a way of combating police ao apathy in the UK
• direct democracy would create a better informed and active collection of citizens

Question 6

Disadvantages of direct democracy

Answer 6

• tyranny of the majority
• results in the public becoming over-burdened with decision making
• no element of accountability
• tyranny of the politically active

Question 7

Difference between direct and representative democracy

Answer 7

• direct democracy is purer
• referendums may carry more legitimacy than decisions made by representatives
• representatives are held accountable for their decisions while in direct democracy the people cannot be accountable to themselves

Question 8

Advantage of representative democracy

Answer 8

• people do not have the time or the interest to consider lots of decisions
• representatives have the expertise to consider political issues rationally
• representatives can be held accountable for their decisions to ensure democratic outcomes

Question 9

Disadvantages of representative democracy (3)

Answer 9

• representatives may distort the demands of the people to suit their own political ends
• the people may fail to respect the decisions made their representatives
• representatives do not make themselves accountable enough between elections