October test Flashcards
(68 cards)
How do citizens participate in democracies other than voting?
Boycotting
Campaigning
Joining pressure groups
Going on strike -> direct action
Protests
Petitions
Social Media Statements/ Reports
What is legitimacy?
The right to exercise power.
A ‘right to rule’ that encourages citizens to obey the state, rather than compels them.
How can legitimacy be achieved?
The double vote
Manifesto
A mandate
What is the double vote?
a line of representation from the citizen to the issue/ policy
What is the difference between a manifesto and a mandate?
A MANIFESTO is a list of policies put forward by a party before an election.
A MANDATE is a term used that a government has the right to implement the policies in their manifesto.
Just over _% of the UK population is a member of a political party. The ____ has more members than ALL UK parties put together!
1%
RSPB
How is the decline in party membership a problem?
Reduced party funds + their pool of committed activists who campaign for them.
Much more limited choice of candidates to put up for election at all levels.
For the public -> smaller groups of people influencing the direction of party policy, impacting everyone.
How has turnout changed throughout UK general elections?
Varies.
Declined but slightly increasing over recent years.
What are 3 of 5 main reasons FOR a participation crisis?
Decline in party membership.
Electoral Participation: decline in turnout
Levels of trust in politicians are at record lows.
“Hapathy” amongst voters
The weakening of group power
What are 3 of 4 main reasons AGAINST participation crisis?
1) Increasing turnout
2) More parties
3) Single issue outsider Pressure Groups & Social movements are growing fast “Politics of Particularism”
4) Participation via internet and social media
What are 3 examples of single issue outsider pressure groups and social movements?
STOPOIL & Extinction Rebellion
BLM
RMT
Give 4 ways to improve democracy and participation in the UK?
Referendums and initiatives
Recall elections
Primary elections
Lower voting age
Compulsory voting
Digital democracy
Give a FOR compulsory voting
Greater legitimacy
Increased participation
Civic duty
Stronger social justice
Give an AGAINST compulsory voting
Worthless votes
Distorted political justice
Cosmetic democracy
Abuse of freedom
Give a FOR lowering voting age
Responsibilities without rights
Youth interests ignored
Stronger political engagement
Irrational cut-off age
Give an AGAINST lowering voting age
Immature voters
Preserving ‘childhood’
Deferred representation
Undermining turnout
Give a FOR using digital democracy
Easier participation
Access to Informatiom
Ease of organisation
Power to the people
Give an AGAINST using digital democracy
Electoral malpractice
‘Virtual’ democracy
Digital divide
Anti-democratic forces
General Definition of PRESSURE GROUPS:
1) An organised _____ that seeks to __________ government policy and ___________.
2) Can either be _______ or through public opinion.
3) Members are united by a _______ set of beliefs or interests.
4) Pressure groups normally have a _______ interest, whilst parties on the other hand stand for a very wide range of issues.
5) They can be _________ groups or ___________ & Insider or outsider.
General Definition of PRESSURE GROUPS:
1) An organised group that seeks to influence government policy and legislation.
2) Can either be directly or through public opinion.
3) Members are united by a shared set of beliefs or interests.
4) Pressure groups normally have a narrow interest, whilst parties on the other hand stand for a very wide range of issues.
5) They can be sectional groups or promotional & Insider or outsider.
General definition of SOCIAL MOVEMENT:
1) Large groupings of individuals or ____________ which focus on specific ________ social issues.
2) Broader and more _____________ than Pressure groups. Often a __________ of groups, or individuals from different pressure groups, working together.
3) Often _______ technology/ the internet to mobilise people globally.
4) Provide a way of social change from the “bottom up”.
General definition of SOCIAL MOVEMENT:
1) Large groupings of individuals or organisations which focus on specific political social issues.
2) Broader and more informational than Pressure groups. Often a collection of groups, or individuals from different pressure groups, working together.
3) Often utilise technology/ the internet to mobilise people globally.
4) Provide a way of social change from the “bottom up”.
What are the four classifications of pressure groups?
Sectional/ interest
Promotional/ cause
Insider
Outsider
Sectional/ interest pressure groups…
… represent the interest of a section of society.
- Membership is exclusive
- Usually more likely to be permanent.
Promotional/ cause pressure groups…
… promote causes/ ideals UNrelated to personal professional or economic interests.
- Members motivated by moral concerns.
- membership isn’t usually restricted.
Give an example of a promotional/ cause pressure group:
Shelter
Greenpeacr
