ETV that representative democracy is preferable to direct democracy

Question 1

Representation:
prefer rep.

Answer 1

• free, fair & regular elections
• MP-constituency link under fptp
• MPs can rep. in Parl. - debate, questions

Direct
* ‘tyranny of the majority’ - not all interests can/ are reflected

Question 2

Representation:
prefer direct

Answer 2

• Purest form of democracy - gives a direct voice for ppl.

Representative
* FPTP = unrepresentative = unproportional
* Unelected 2nd chamber
* HOC not a social microcosm

Question 3

Participation:
prefer rep.

Answer 3

• lots of oppurtunities to participate

Direct
* ‘quality’ of participation in E-petitions for exmaple is doubtful
* turnout can be low in referendums

Question 4

Participation:
prefer direct

Answer 4

• lots of oppurtunities to participate beyond & between election campaigns
• referendums often attract high turnout
• Brexit 2016 = 72%

Rep.
* Low turnout in elections - speculation of a participation crisis
* Disillusionment with elected politicians
* Limits to voting: ID, no vote for 16-18yr olds

Question 5

Accountability & legitimacy:
prefer rep.

Answer 5

• Elected politicians clear mandate, held accountable in elections > goves decisions legitimacy
• Gov. held too account by elected reps. (PMQs, debates; etc)

Direct
* Ppl. cannot hold themselves to account for decisions taken after referendum e.g. vote to leave EU (18% leavers say they would now vote remain > would alter result)

Question 6

Accountability & legitimacy:
prefer direct

Answer 6

• Referendums can force controversial issues on to the agenda that elected politicians would prefer to ignore
• Direct democracy mechanisms (e.g. Recall) allow politicians to hold ppl. to account in between elections

Rep.
* Questionable as to whether MPs put consituents first or feel responsible to their parties or lobbyists
* Questionable mandate > FPTP gives gov. w minority of votes huge maj. of seats in HOC