Just Democracy

Question 1

What are the five principles of democracy outlined by Robert Dahl?

Answer 1

Participation, Voting Equality, Understanding, Agenda Setting, and Universal Rights.

Question 2

What is legitimacy in a political context?

Answer 2

The rightful use of power, often gained through consent of the governed via elections or participation.

Question 3

How does democracy promote political stability?

Answer 3

Through legitimacy, dispersal of power, and inclusive participation, reducing chances of unrest.

Question 4

Why is participation important in a democracy?

Answer 4

It allows citizens to influence decisions, hold government accountable, and enhance legitimacy.

Question 5

What is direct democracy?

Answer 5

A system where citizens vote directly on political issues rather than through representatives.

Question 6

Give one modern UK example of direct democracy.

Answer 6

The 2016 EU Referendum (Brexit).

Question 7

What is representative democracy?

Answer 7

A system where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people.

Question 8

List one strength of direct democracy.

Answer 8

Increases legitimacy through direct public involvement.

Question 9

List one strength of representative democracy.

Answer 9

Allows governance by elected experts who can handle complex decisions.

Question 10

Why might direct democracy lead to division?

Answer 10

Close referendum results can cause long-term societal splits (e.g., Brexit, Scottish Independence).

Question 11

How can representative democracy promote compromise?

Answer 11

It distances citizens from constant decision-making, enabling elected officials to negotiate.

Question 12

How does direct democracy educate the electorate?

Answer 12

Encourages citizens to research and engage in issues directly, increasing political awareness.

Question 13

Why is representative democracy considered more practical in modern societies?

Answer 13

Large, diverse populations make frequent direct votes logistically difficult.

Question 14

What is constituency representation?

Answer 14

MPs represent the local concerns and issues of their constituency.

Question 15

Define social representation.

Answer 15

Parliament reflects the demographic makeup of society, e.g., gender, ethnicity, occupation.

Question 16

What is national interest representation?

Answer 16

MPs consider the broader interest of the UK, even if it conflicts with local interests.

Question 17

Explain party representation.

Answer 17

MPs represent the ideologies and policies of their political party.

Question 18

What is causal representation?

Answer 18

Representing a cause or idea rather than a specific group of people.

Question 19

What is a participation crisis?

Answer 19

A situation where there is a decline in political engagement and turnout.

Question 20

Give evidence of low turnout in recent UK elections.

Answer 20

2022 local election turnout was 30%; 2019 general election turnout was 67% and 2024 was 60%

Question 21

Provide evidence that participation is increasing.

Answer 21

18–24-year-old turnout rose to 65% in 2024 from under 40% in 2005.

Question 22

How has referenda use impacted participation?

Answer 22

High turnouts (e.g., 84% for Scottish Independence) suggest increased engagement in key issues.

Question 23

What is slacktivism?

Answer 23

Low-effort political participation like signing online petitions or sharing posts.

Question 24

What does democratic deficit mean?

Answer 24

When democratic institutions or processes are perceived as lacking legitimacy or accountability.

Question 25

What was the purpose of the Recall of MPs Act 2015?

Answer 25

To allow constituents to remove MPs under certain conditions via a petition.

Question 26

How could voting at 16 improve democracy?

Answer 26

Engages young people earlier and may boost lifelong political involvement.

Question 27

Why might compulsory voting be beneficial?

Answer 27

Increases turnout and government legitimacy.

Question 28

What’s a criticism of reforming the House of Lords?

Answer 28

An elected Lords may challenge Commons authority and cause legislative gridlock.

Question 29

Who currently cannot vote in UK general elections?

Answer 29

Prisoners, House of Lords members, convicted electoral fraudsters, and the homeless.

Question 30

What are two arguments for votes at 16?

Answer 30

They have responsibilities (e.g., work, pay tax); stronger youth political engagement.

Question 31

What’s one argument against votes at 16?

Answer 31

Perceived immaturity and low political awareness.

Question 32

What is the outcome of Hirst v UK (2005)?

Answer 32

The European Court ruled that a blanket ban on prisoner voting violated human rights.

Question 33

Name one argument for prisoner voting.

Answer 33

Encourages rehabilitation and reinforces civic responsibility.

Question 34

What is a pressure group?

Answer 34

An organisation that seeks to influence public policy without standing for election.

Question 35

What is the difference between insider and outsider groups?

Answer 35

Insiders work closely with government; outsiders do not have official access.

Question 36

Give an example of a cause group.

Answer 36

Extinction Rebellion (climate change).

Question 37

Name a pressure group with strong government influence.

Answer 37

British Medical Association (BMA).

Question 38

What makes some pressure groups more successful than others?

Answer 38

Insider status, wealth, alignment with government ideology, organisation.

Question 39

What is a think tank?

Answer 39

A research organisation that develops ideas to influence government policy.

Question 40

Name one right-leaning think tank in the UK.

Answer 40

Adam Smith Institute.

Question 41

What is lobbying?

Answer 41

Trying to influence MPs or officials on behalf of interest groups.

Question 42

What scandal is associated with Owen Paterson?

Answer 42

He was found to have breached lobbying rules while working for private companies.

Question 43

What is ‘revolving door’ politics?

Answer 43

When politicians move between public office and private sector roles, raising conflict of interest concerns.

Question 44

Do pressure groups strengthen democracy?

Answer 44

Yes, they enhance participation and give voices to minorities.

Question 45

How might pressure groups damage democracy?

Answer 45

Wealthy groups may exert disproportionate influence, reducing political equality.

Question 46

How does group size impact pressure group success?

Answer 46

Larger groups may influence elections or mobilise public opinion, increasing power.

Question 47

What does pluralism mean in democracy?

Answer 47

The belief that multiple groups competing for influence leads to balanced decision-making.

Question 48

Why is insider status important for pressure group influence?

Answer 48

It gives access to decision-makers and policy consultations, increasing impact.