form of democracy - majority rule

Question 1

conclusion opinion ?

Answer 1

proportional representation is the most representative, equal and fair form of democracy. It is no less inefficient than first past the post majority rule.

Question 2

pros with majority rule

Answer 2

efficient (arguably)

all decisions can be challenged.

Question 3

2 main issues with majority rule

Answer 3

persistent minorities with no say
disenfranchisation with politics as ‘nothing really changes’ and votes don’t count if you’re voting green in a safe tory seat.

Question 4

two alternatives to majority rule that will be considered

Answer 4

lottery voting

proportional representation

Question 5

lottery voting pros -

Answer 5

egalitarian and democratic - stemming from ancient Greece - famous for democracy
gives minorities a chance.
avoids corruption and coercion in a way no other system can

Question 6

what does Montesquieu say about lottery voting?

thoughts?

Answer 6

“voting by lot is the nature of democracy, voting by choice is the nature of aristocracy”

sounds convincing in a way considering the tories in power systematically brainwashing the working class. but with all the problems of lottery voting, a more representative democratic system that doesn’t discourage campaigning, leadership and enthusiasum is preferable.

Question 7

criticisms of lottery voting? (3)

Answer 7

• can leave 99% of the population unhappy, or worse succumed to dangerous ideas with very minimal support in a hunger-games style lot.
• drives down efforts for cooperation as it would be trivial if two parties hoping to cooperate weren’t picked
• not voted on good leadership or enthusiasm

Question 8

what is proportional representation?

Answer 8

party gains seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them around the country

Question 9

3 main pros of proportion representation (with stat)

Answer 9

• gives minorities not large enough for first past the post typical 2 party system e.g. 1983 election - labour has 203 seats , lip/snp had 23 despite having only 2% less of the vote. Would see massive green increase :)
• would encourage coelitions of compromise pleasing more of the country
• would see a bigger voting turn out as votes would count even though you were in a ‘safe seat’. less disenfranchised communities :)

Question 10

what are Tim Cavey’s 2 criticisms of proportional representation?

Answer 10

1 - allows extreme minorities a voice e.g. ukip would make gains in parliament giving official voices to groups spreading hate.

2- it allows individual parties to dodge accountibility in the mismatched co-operation of parties.

Question 11

replies to Tim Cavey’s 2 criticisms of proportional representation?

Answer 11

1 - to the extreme minority representation criticism-
a - Mill - should not censor opinions of even the most controversial figures as freedom of speech in democracy leads to the greatest overall happiness.
These opinions not being given an official voice limits them to internet emotive populist videos rather than in official debates where they can be undermined by more moral figures. Giving them an official platform where they can be undermined is a more progressive and egalitarian way of actually changing extreme opinions in society.
b- Crystal Ayres- proportional representation systems are actually less likely to fall to extremism as they actively encourage co-elitions.

2 - accountibility - first past the post system parties can hardly be said to take responsibility for ‘mistakes’ as they never admit to making them. Further, surely this is a small price to pay for compromise !

Question 12

what is criticism of proportional representation of inefficiency?
response?

Answer 12

• inefficiency
  CHirstopher hitchens - clear winners and decison makers make an efficient state
  support - proportional representation is criticised for leading to politicial deadlocks - inability to get through policies etc..

response - in actuality - the main sign of inefficiency (the amount of elections called) statistics are not in favour of this with around the same amounts of elections called as first past the post system governments

Question 13

what is the criticism of personal relationships in regard to proportional representation?
response?

Answer 13

voting takes place in larger districts voting for multiple candidates so the personal 1 mp per small district relationship is lost.

response - conceed but local elections for personal touch and local issues.
- people mainly just vote for the party anyway - bbc reported 3/4 of the country can’t name their mp - first past the post