ETV that UK democracy is in crisis

Question 1

Para headings & LOA

Answer 1

Representation
Participation
Legitimacy/ accountability
Yes deficit but not a crisis

Question 2

Para 1: representation
Is in crisis

Answer 2

FPTP:
* MPs not always available for debate as they have other responsibilites
* 1 person may not be enough and how hard will they work if they have a very safe seat > 1 opinion (aligned with views of party) does everything and they may have only just won the vote
* excludes smaller parties- undemocratic to deny smaller parties the representation their voters want/ need

HOC: 35% W, 10% ethnic minority
HOL: 29% W, 6% ethnic minority
Public: 51% W, 18% ethnic minority

Question 3

Para 1: representation
Is not

Answer 3

• Strong MP-constituency link, direct link > MPs accountable > ensuring that elected representatives are responsive to the needs of their local electorate
• demographics are improving in HOC&L
• The House of Lords Act 1999 removed the majority of hereditary peers but allowed a compromise where 92 remained
• lack of minority party power allows vaster popularity of party in power

Question 4

Para 2: Participation
Is in crisis

Answer 4

• disillusionment & apathy by ‘2-party’ dominated system
• wasted votes & unequal vote value
• turnout is declining (2017 = 68%)
• party membership low > Con. dropped over 1mil since 70s

Question 5

Para 2: parcipitation
Is not

Answer 5

• simplicity of FPTP encourages turnout
• comes in other forms (informal online & in-person): protests, E-petitions, social media
• PG membership has rocketed
• high turnout in some elections and referendum e.g. 2014 Scottish independence referendum turnout over 80%

Question 6

Para 3: legitimacy/ accountability
Is in crisis

Answer 6

• questionable legitimacy of mandate from FPTP - safe/ marginal seats, less voter choice
• Disproportionate FPTP = 2019 Cons. won 44% & got 56% seats, Greens got 800K & 1 seat
• votes wasted in safe seats
• Large maj. govs. can pass leg. easier
• whips pressure to vote in line w party
• HOL can’t block leg. (Parl Acts 1911 & 49)
• punch & judy politics

Question 7

Para 3: legitimacy/ accountability
Is not

Answer 7

• transparency > voters can clearly see who their representative is and if dissatisfied can vote them out in next election
• accountability improved since recall of MP’s act
• PMQs = chance to hold gov. to account
• select committees (e.g. Home Affairs, Public Accounts) = cross-party & infkuential, investigate gov. policy, spending & failures
• HOL scrutinises leg. & can make amendments