DP Flashcards
(24 cards)
Q: Evaluate the view that UK democracy is facing a participation crisis.
A: ✅ Intro: crisis
Define ‘participation crisis’ – low turnout, party engagement; set up debate.
📌 Point 1: crisis
Turnout (59.8% in 2024) & party membership low (Labour: 432k → 309k).
⚖️ Counter1: Crisis
Remain in the EU petition 2019: 6 mil signatures
2nd General Election Petition 2024: 3 mil signatures
🧠 Evaluation 1: crisis
Traditional decline, but civic participation still active.
📌 Point 2: crisis
Trust in MPs = 9%,
low political legitimacy labour got 33.7% vote share but 63% seats
⚖️ Counter 2: crisis
Cynicism = demand for reform; protests & local activism persist.
🧠 Evaluation:
Trust decline is real, but not total disengagement.
📌 Point 3:
Pressure groups (RSPCA, XR) offer political voice.
⚖️ Counter:
Elitist lobbying distorts access & impact.
🧠 Evaluation:
Vital outlet, but not always fair or effective.
🏁 Conclusion:
Partial crisis in formal politics, but vibrant alternative engagement suggests transformation not collapse.
To what extent should the UK lower the voting age to 16?
✅ Intro:
Scotland precedent (2014); explore equity vs maturity.
📌 Point 1:
Boosts youth engagement; 75% turnout in 2014 IndyRef.
⚖️ Counter:
Ofcom: teens consume less news; may vote randomly.
🧠 Evaluation:
Civic education key to benefits.
📌 Point 2:
At 16 can marry, work, pay tax = rights mismatch.
⚖️ Counter:
History & 2006 Commission recommend 18+.
🧠 Evaluation:
Align rights if evidence supports maturity.
📌 Point 3:
Could sway close contests (e.g. Brexit); changes manifestos.
⚖️ Counter:
Only 5% of electorate – impact limited.
🧠 Evaluation:
Symbolic inclusion > transformative change.
🏁 Conclusion:
On balance, yes – inclusion & long-term engagement outweigh limited risks if supported by civic education.
