PAPER 1 Flashcards
(218 cards)
1
Q
What is a democratic deficit?
A
A situation where democratic institutions or processes fall short of fulfilling the principles of democracy, such as lack of transparency, accountability, or representation.
2
Q
How do pressure groups influence government decisions?
A
Through lobbying, public campaigns, and providing expert information to policymakers.
3
Q
What are think tanks?
A
Organizations that conduct research and provide policy recommendations to influence government decisions.
4
Q
What is the role of lobbyists?
A
Individuals or organizations hired to influence political decisions on behalf of a particular interest group.
5
Q
How do referendums support democracy?
A
By allowing citizens to directly participate in decision-making on specific issues.
6
Q
What is the significance of minor parties in UK politics?
A
They can influence major party policies, represent specific interests, and affect election outcomes.
7
Q
How are UK political parties funded?
A
Through membership fees, donations, and state funding.
8
Q
What is the ‘two-party system’ in the UK?
A
A political system dominated by two major parties, traditionally the Conservative and Labour parties.
9
Q
How has the rise of parties like Reform UK challenged the two-party system?
A
By gaining significant support and seats, indicating a shift towards a multi-party system.
10
Q
What is First Past the Post (FPTP)?
A
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
11
Q
What are the criticisms of FPTP?
A
It can lead to disproportionate results and underrepresentation of smaller parties.
12
Q
What is proportional representation (PR)?
A
An electoral system aiming to allocate seats in proportion to the number of votes each party receives.
13
Q
How do different electoral systems affect party representation?
A
Systems like PR tend to allow for greater representation of smaller parties compared to FPTP.
14
Q
What factors influence voting behaviour?
A
Social class, age, ethnicity, region, media influence, and party policies.
15
Q
How has media influenced UK elections?
A
Through shaping public opinion, agenda-setting, and framing political narratives.
16
Q
What is partisan alignment?
A
Long-term loyalty of voters to a particular political party.
17
Q
What is class dealignment?
A
The weakening relationship between social class and voting behaviour.
18
Q
What is One-Nation Conservatism?
A
A conservative approach emphasizing social cohesion and the responsibility of the privileged to help the less fortunate.
19
Q
What is the New Right?
A
A conservative movement combining free-market economics with traditional social values.
20
Q
How do conservatives view human nature?
A
Generally, as flawed and in need of order and authority to maintain social stability.
21
Q
What is classical liberalism?
A
An ideology advocating for individual freedom, limited government, and free markets.
22
Q
What is modern liberalism?
A
An ideology supporting individual freedoms along with government intervention to achieve social justice.
23
Q
How do liberals view the state?
A
As a necessary institution to protect individual rights, with classical liberals favouring minimal state and modern liberals supporting a more active role.
24
Q
What is socialism?
A
A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.
25
What is the difference between Marxist and social democratic socialism?
Marxists advocate for revolutionary change and abolition of capitalism, while social democrats support reforming capitalism to achieve social justice.
26
How do socialists view human nature?
As inherently cooperative and shaped by social conditions, with the potential for improvement through collective action.
27
Provide an example of a pressure group influencing government policy.
The British Medical Association (BMA) influenced the government's decision to implement the smoking ban in public places in 2007.
28
How have think tanks impacted UK policy?
The Centre for Social Justice, co-founded by Iain Duncan Smith, influenced welfare reform policies, including Universal Credit.
29
Cite an example of a referendum affecting UK politics.
The 2016 EU Referendum led to the UK's decision to leave the European Union, significantly impacting domestic and foreign policy.
30
How has party funding been controversial in the UK?
The 'Cash for Honours' scandal in 2006 raised concerns about large donations to political parties in exchange for peerages.
31
Provide an example of a minor party influencing national debate.
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) significantly influenced the national conversation on EU membership, leading to the 2016 referendum.
32
How have major parties shifted ideologically in recent years?
The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn moved towards more socialist policies, while the Conservative Party under Boris Johnson adopted more interventionist economic policies.
33
What is an example of proportional representation in the UK?
The Additional Member System (AMS) used in the Scottish Parliament combines FPTP and proportional representation to allocate seats.
34
How has FPTP led to disproportionate results?
In the 2015 general election, UKIP received 12.6% of the vote but secured only one seat, highlighting the disproportionality of FPTP.
35
Provide an example of a referendum on electoral reform.
The 2011 UK referendum on adopting the Alternative Vote system resulted in a 68% vote against the change, maintaining FPTP.
36
How did media influence the 1992 general election?
The Sun newspaper's support for the Conservatives and its headline 'It's The Sun Wot Won It' claimed influence over the election outcome.
37
What role did social media play in the 2017 general election?
Labour's effective use of social media platforms helped engage younger voters, contributing to a higher youth turnout.
38
How has class alignment shifted in UK voting behaviour?
Traditional class-based voting has declined, with factors like age and education becoming more significant in recent elections.
39
How does One-Nation Conservatism view society?
It emphasizes social cohesion and the responsibility of the privileged to support the less fortunate, promoting a paternalistic approach.
40
What is the New Right's stance on the economy?
The New Right advocates for free-market policies, deregulation, and a reduction in state intervention in the economy.
41
How do traditional conservatives view human nature?
They see humans as inherently flawed and in need of authority and tradition to maintain social order.
42
How do classical liberals view the state?
They advocate for a minimal state, emphasizing individual freedom and limited government intervention.
43
What is modern liberalism's approach to social justice?
Modern liberals support a more active role for the state in ensuring equal opportunities and addressing social inequalities.
44
How do liberals perceive human nature?
Liberals generally view humans as rational and capable of self-improvement, valuing individual autonomy.
45
What is the socialist perspective on the economy?
Socialists advocate for collective ownership or regulation of the means of production to promote equality and reduce exploitation.
46
How does democratic socialism differ from revolutionary socialism?
Democratic socialism seeks to achieve socialist goals through democratic means, whereas revolutionary socialism advocates for radical change, often through revolution.
47
What is the Third Way in socialism?
The Third Way is a centrist approach that blends traditional socialist values with market-oriented policies, exemplified by Tony Blair's New Labour.
48
Who was Edmund Burke and what was his key idea?
Burke (1729–1797) was a traditional conservative who believed in change to conserve and saw society as an organic whole. He emphasised tradition and opposed radical change.
49
What is Thomas Hobbes' view of human nature?
Hobbes believed humans are naturally self-interested and in a state of nature would exist in a 'war of all against all'; thus, a strong authority (Leviathan) is essential to maintain order.
50
How did Michael Oakeshott describe politics?
Oakeshott saw politics as a 'conversation' and rejected grand rationalist ideologies. He valued tradition, pragmatism, and the idea that humans are 'fallible but not terrible'.
51
What are Ayn Rand's core beliefs?
Rand promoted objectivism and rational self-interest. She argued for minimal state interference and full individual freedom, especially in economic matters.
52
What did Robert Nozick argue regarding the state?
Nozick believed in a night-watchman state and was a strong advocate of libertarianism. He opposed redistribution of wealth and viewed taxation as 'legalised theft'.
53
What did John Locke argue about government?
Locke argued for a limited government based on consent, natural rights (life, liberty, property), and the social contract.
54
What was Mary Wollstonecraft's key contribution to liberalism?
Wollstonecraft argued that women should be granted equal rationality and education, extending classical liberal ideas of liberty and individual rights to women.
55
How did John Stuart Mill differentiate liberty?
Mill distinguished between negative and positive liberty, supporting individuality and self-development.
56
What were Betty Friedan’s contributions to liberalism?
Friedan was a modern liberal feminist who challenged the 'feminine mystique' and advocated for legal and societal reforms to support women's freedom and workplace equality.
57
What did John Rawls argue about justice?
Rawls promoted the veil of ignorance and the difference principle, arguing for a society where inequalities are only justified if they benefit the least well-off.
58
What was Karl Marx's core theory?
Marx developed the theory of historical materialism, class conflict, and the necessity of proletarian revolution to overthrow capitalism and establish a classless society.
59
What did Rosa Luxemburg believe about revolution?
Luxemburg rejected Leninist dictatorship and argued that spontaneous mass action was essential for genuine socialist revolution rooted in workers' self-emancipation.
60
What was Beatrice Webb’s view of socialism?
Webb believed socialism should be achieved gradually through parliamentary democracy and an expert-led state, not revolution.
61
How did Anthony Crosland redefine socialism?
Crosland supported revisionist socialism, focusing on managed capitalism, social equality, and comprehensive education to reduce class divisions without abolishing capitalism.
62
What did Anthony Giddens propose in the Third Way?
Giddens blended social democratic values with free-market economics, promoting social investment in education and welfare to support individual responsibility and opportunity.
63
Name all the key thinkers for Conservatism in Edexcel Politics A-Level.
1. Thomas Hobbes
2. Edmund Burke
3. Michael Oakeshott
4. Ayn Rand
5. Robert Nozick
64
Who was Thomas Hobbes and what did he believe?
Hobbes believed humans are naturally selfish and in need of strong, centralised authority to maintain order (Leviathan). He supported absolute authority to avoid chaos.
65
Who was Edmund Burke and what was his core idea?
Burke opposed radical change like the French Revolution. He promoted change to conserve, valuing tradition, gradual reform, and society as an organic whole.
66
What did Michael Oakeshott argue about human nature and politics?
Oakeshott believed humans are fallible but capable of seeking the familiar. He rejected ideologies and advocated pragmatism over rationalism in politics.
67
What are Ayn Rand’s key ideas in conservatism?
Rand promoted objectivism and pure laissez-faire capitalism. She believed in individualism, self-interest, and a minimal state to protect liberty.
68
What was Robert Nozick’s core argument?
Nozick supported a night-watchman state and libertarianism. He viewed redistribution as theft and argued for the sanctity of individual rights and property.
69
Which conservative thinker supported an organic society?
Edmund Burke.
70
Which conservative thinker is most associated with a strong authoritarian state?
Thomas Hobbes.
71
Which thinker is linked with objectivism and rational egoism?
Ayn Rand.
72
Who argued that taxation is a form of legalised theft?
Robert Nozick.
73
Who said politics should be a 'conversation,' not a pursuit of perfection?
Michael Oakeshott.
74
Name all the key thinkers for Socialism in Edexcel Politics A-Level.
1. Karl Marx
2. Rosa Luxemburg
3. Beatrice Webb
4. Anthony Crosland
5. Anthony Giddens
75
Who was Karl Marx and what did he believe?
Marx believed in historical materialism, class struggle, and the necessity of proletarian revolution to overthrow capitalism and create a classless, communist society.
76
Who was Rosa Luxemburg and what was her key belief?
Luxemburg advocated revolutionary socialism through spontaneous mass action. She criticised Leninist centralism and emphasised democracy within socialism.
77
What did Beatrice Webb argue about socialism?
Webb supported gradualism through parliamentary reform, state planning, and the expansion of state institutions by experts to achieve socialism.
78
What was Anthony Crosland’s key contribution to socialist thought?
Crosland promoted revisionist socialism and rejected traditional Marxism. He supported a mixed economy, equality of opportunity, and redistribution through welfare and education.
79
What did Anthony Giddens argue in the context of the Third Way?
Giddens synthesised socialism and liberalism in the Third Way. He argued for social investment, personal responsibility, and adapting socialism to a globalised capitalist economy.
80
Which socialist thinker believed in class struggle and a workers’ revolution?
Karl Marx.
81
Who argued that socialism should come through democratic means, not revolution?
Beatrice Webb.
82
Which thinker believed in a mixed economy with regulated capitalism?
Anthony Crosland.
83
Who advocated for modernising socialism to suit a globalised world?
Anthony Giddens.
84
Which socialist thinker opposed centralised Leninist control?
Rosa Luxemburg.
85
What is the socialist view of human nature in general?
Humans are social, cooperative, and shaped by their environment — capable of rationality and altruism when freed from capitalist exploitation.
86
How do Marx and Luxemburg view human nature?
Marx: humans are naturally cooperative but alienated by capitalism. Luxemburg: revolution enables self-emancipation and real human flourishing.
87
How do Webb and Crosland differ on human nature?
Webb: human behaviour is moulded by gradual reform and rational planning. Crosland: downplays human nature, focusing more on managing capitalism for fairness.
88
How does Giddens' Third Way differ from traditional views?
Giddens sees human nature as partly individualistic; endorses responsibility and opportunity, not inherent class struggle.
89
What is the Marxist view of the state?
A tool of class oppression. The state must be overthrown and ultimately wither away after revolution.
90
What role does the state play in democratic socialism?
Webb: key agent of reform through planning and bureaucracy. State = instrument for gradual transition to socialism.
91
How does the Third Way view the state?
Giddens: enabling state. Not to control economy, but to invest in public services and foster opportunity.
92
Is there a consistent socialist view of the state?
No. Marxists want to abolish it; social democrats use it as a reform tool; Third Way repurposes it for enabling citizens.
93
What kind of equality do all socialists support?
Foundational belief in social equality and opposition to inherited privilege and unjust inequality.
94
How do Marx and Webb differ on equality?
Marx: absolute equality through class abolition. Webb: relative equality via redistribution and state welfare.
95
What kind of equality does Crosland support?
Equality of opportunity + social justice; doesn't require full economic equality, just no class-based disadvantage.
96
How does Giddens approach equality?
Supports equality of opportunity, not economic equality. Inequality is acceptable if there’s a level playing field.
97
What is collectivism in socialism?
The belief that social goals should be prioritised over individual ones. Society works best through cooperation.
98
Which thinkers support strong collectivism?
Marx, Luxemburg, Webb — support common ownership, solidarity, and social cooperation.
99
Which thinkers lean away from collectivism?
Crosland: values individual liberty within a collectivist framework. Giddens: embraces individual responsibility more than collectivist ideology.
100
What is meant by ‘workers’ control’ in socialism?
Direct control of production by the working class (e.g. co-operatives, self-management, nationalisation).
101
Who supports strong workers' control?
Marx: proletariat should seize means of production. Luxemburg: workers’ democracy essential. Webb: favours state ownership, but not direct worker control.
102
Who downplays workers’ control?
Crosland: supports a mixed economy and regulated capitalism, not direct worker control. Giddens: promotes market mechanisms.
103
How important is class in socialist ideology?
Marx: central. History = class struggle. Revolution needed to end class system. Luxemburg: agreed, but with democratic emphasis.
104
How do modern socialists view class?
Webb: saw class as key to reforming society through state intervention. Crosland: class still matters but is more complex. Giddens: class outdated — focus on skills, education, opportunity.
105
Do all socialists view class the same way?
No. Revolutionary socialists see it as defining. Revisionists and Third Way see it as one of many social divisions.
106
What is the argument for election campaigns being decisive?
Campaigns shape the political agenda, highlight leadership qualities, and may sway floating voters—especially in tight races.
107
What is the argument against election campaigns being decisive?
Most voters have fixed preferences (partisan alignment), and many decide before campaigns begin. Campaigns may reinforce existing beliefs more than change minds.
108
Evidence: 2017 General Election impact of campaign?
May’s poor campaign and Corbyn’s energetic rallies + social media use helped Labour surge, wiping out the Conservative majority.
109
Evidence: 1983 General Election — was campaign decisive?
No — Thatcher’s victory largely due to Falklands War and weak opposition (divided left), not campaign performance.
110
Evaluation point: swing voters and marginal seats?
Campaigns can be crucial in marginals and with undecided voters, where turnout, events, or debates tip the balance.
111
Why might policies be decisive in elections?
They offer voters clear choices and can attract support if they resonate with public concerns (e.g. economy, NHS).
112
Why might policies not be decisive?
Voters often vote based on party identity, leader image, or competence — not detailed policy platforms.
113
Evidence: 2019 General Election policy effect?
Johnson’s simple 'Get Brexit Done' slogan resonated more than Labour’s wide-ranging (and confusing) policy offer. Policy clarity won.
114
Evidence: 1997 Labour landslide — was it policy-driven?
Yes — New Labour’s Third Way policy shift reassured middle England while keeping traditional Labour values.
115
Evaluation: Are manifesto policies even read?
Many voters don’t read manifestos — vote on leadership, media framing, or party loyalty.
116
What is partisan alignment?
Long-term loyalty to a political party, often based on class, region, or tradition.
117
What is dealignment?
The decline in strong party loyalties — voters more volatile and issue-based.
118
Evidence of partisan dealignment?
Since the 1970s, class voting declined. 2017 and 2019 saw major shifts, with 'red wall' seats voting Conservative.
119
Do most voters still vote by party attachment?
Many do — especially older voters. However, younger generations more likely to switch based on issues or leaders.
120
Evaluation: are floating voters increasing in significance?
Yes. Greater voter volatility makes campaigns, leadership, and events more important than fixed partisan identity.
121
How can media influence elections?
Media shape the narrative, focus attention on issues, frame party images, and can persuade or mobilise.
122
How can media reinforce rather than change opinion?
Media often reflect pre-existing biases of their readers — they may strengthen existing views rather than shift them.
123
Evidence: 1992 General Election and The Sun?
'It’s The Sun Wot Won It' — claimed influence over the late swing to Conservatives. Arguably decisive.
124
Evidence: 2017 – social media’s role?
Labour’s digital campaign engaged young voters, bypassing traditional media bias. Surge in youth turnout.
125
Evaluation: are voters more media-savvy today?
Yes — increased access to multiple sources reduces single-media dominance, but framing effects still matter.
126
What are key criticisms of FPTP?
Disproportionate outcomes, wasted votes, safe seats, tactical voting, and under-representation of smaller parties.
127
Evidence: 2015 General Election under FPTP?
UKIP got 12.6% of vote but only 1 seat. SNP got 4.7% and 56 seats. Highlights disproportionality.
128
What are the strengths of FPTP?
Simplicity, clear winner, strong constituency link, usually produces majority governments (e.g. 2019).
129
Evaluation: Does FPTP always deliver strong government?
No — 2010 and 2017 both produced hung parliaments, despite the system’s majoritarian aims.
130
What reforms have been proposed?
2011 AV referendum proposed a compromise system — rejected by 68% of voters.
131
How do proportional systems enhance voter choice?
Voters can express support for smaller parties with less fear of ‘wasting’ votes — e.g. STV in Northern Ireland or AMS in Scotland.
132
How does FPTP limit voter choice?
Encourages tactical voting and binary party choices in many constituencies; minor parties rarely win.
133
Evidence: Voter choice under STV or AMS?
In Scotland (AMS), voters have two votes — for a constituency MSP and a regional list, enabling more nuanced expression.
134
Does complexity reduce real choice?
Some argue STV/AMS confuse voters, leading to disengagement. Simplicity of FPTP may be preferred by some.
135
Evaluation: Does electoral system really drive turnout or engagement?
Evidence mixed — political culture, leadership, and issues often matter more than the system itself.
136
How does FPTP affect government formation?
Often produces majority governments, even on a minority vote share — e.g. 2019 Conservative majority with 43.6% vote.
137
How do PR systems affect government?
PR often leads to coalition governments — seen in devolved bodies (e.g. Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly).
138
Evidence: STV in Northern Ireland?
Power-sharing coalition mandated by electoral outcomes — reflects deeply divided political landscape but can be unstable.
139
Do coalitions mean weaker governments?
Not necessarily — some argue coalitions encourage consensus and broader legitimacy. But they can lack coherence.
140
Evaluation: Is decisive government more important than representative government?
Depends on context — crisis vs stability periods may favour different systems.
141
How can referendums harm representative democracy?
Undermine parliamentary sovereignty, oversimplify complex issues, can be used tactically by governments.
142
Evidence: 2016 EU Referendum?
Created a constitutional crisis, MPs torn between personal judgement, party lines, and referendum result.
143
How can referendums support democracy?
Provide direct legitimacy, increase engagement, and settle contentious issues — e.g. 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
144
Do governments always respect referendum results?
Not necessarily — examples like the AV referendum (2011) had low turnout and limited consequences.
145
Evaluation: Do referendums require clearer rules?
Possibly — no threshold for turnout/majority can mean major decisions made on weak mandates.
146
In what areas do Labour and Conservatives show policy agreement?
Commitment to NATO, net zero emissions, a mixed economy, maintaining a nuclear deterrent, and some welfare provisions.
147
Where do major parties still differ?
On tax policy, nationalisation, trade union laws, education reforms, and approaches to inequality and public services.
148
Evidence: Similar policies in 2019/2024 manifestos?
Both support increased NHS spending and infrastructure investment — but differ in means (state-led vs private sector incentives).
149
Evaluation: Is ideological convergence real or superficial?
Some argue it’s strategic (electoral necessity) rather than genuine ideological shift.
150
What are the major areas where parties differ?
Tax policy, nationalisation, trade union laws, education reforms, approaches to inequality, public services.
151
What do both major parties support in their 2019/2024 manifestos?
Increased NHS spending and infrastructure investment, but differ in means (state-led vs private sector incentives).
152
Is ideological convergence among major parties real or superficial?
Some argue it’s strategic (electoral necessity) rather than a genuine ideological shift, masking deeper divisions.
153
Why are minor parties considered insignificant by some?
Limited parliamentary seats under FPTP, often excluded from debates, and marginalised in media.
154
How have minor parties been influential?
UKIP forced the 2016 Brexit Referendum, SNP dominates Scottish politics, Greens push climate agenda into mainstream.
155
What role do minor parties play in devolved assemblies?
Significant; e.g., SNP governs Scotland, DUP influences UK governments via confidence & supply.
156
Does the electoral system limit or empower minor parties?
FPTP hinders in Westminster, but PR systems (AMS, STV) empower in devolved contexts.
157
What defines a two-party system?
Two dominant parties alternate in power, with others playing little to no role in forming government.
158
What evidence suggests a breakdown of two-party dominance?
Rise of SNP in Scotland, support for Green and Reform UK, large vote shares for UKIP and Lib Dems in 2010s.
159
Does Parliament still reflect two-party dominance?
Yes; over 80% of seats are held by Conservative or Labour in recent elections under FPTP.
160
How does media shape party success?
Media frames parties, controls narratives, influences leadership image, and can reinforce or undermine policy positions.
161
What was the media impact in the 2017 and 2019 elections?
Corbyn vilified by right-wing press, Johnson received more favourable coverage, social media played a key role.
162
Can media compensate for weak ground campaigns?
Sometimes; heavy media coverage can raise profile, but cannot replace strong local presence.
163
Is media power declining?
Rise of alternative platforms (social media, YouTube) reduces centralised influence, but framing effects remain strong.
164
What evidence shows Labour divisions post-2015?
Corbyn’s leadership triggered conflict with centrists; Starmer's repositioning creates tensions over foreign policy, economy.
165
Are Labour’s divisions ideological or strategic?
Both; split between democratic socialist wing (Momentum) and social democrats (Blairites).
166
Have recent leaders unified or split the Labour Party?
Starmer has enforced discipline but alienated the left; unity has improved, but internal tensions remain.
167
What evidence shows Tory divisions post-Brexit?
Divisions between soft vs hard Brexit wings, ERG vs moderates, and splits on immigration, tax policy, and net zero.
168
Have Tory divisions persisted since Johnson?
Yes; Truss’s economic plan divided MPs, Sunak faces internal challenges over tax and culture wars.
169
Do divisions affect Tory electability?
Yes; polls show voters punish divided parties, as seen in 1997, 2019, and 2024.
170
What was Old Labour?
Traditional socialism: nationalisation, union rights, welfare expansion, class-based politics.
171
How did New Labour shift the party?
Accepted market economy, targeted middle classes, constitutional reform — moved to Third Way under Blair.
172
Has Starmer moved Labour back from Corbynism?
Yes; cut ties with radical policies and re-emphasised fiscal responsibility and NATO support.
173
Is Starmer’s Labour closer to Old or New Labour?
Closer to New Labour economically, but tougher on crime and migration; still evolving.
174
What were core Thatcherite principles?
Free-market economics, deregulation, privatisation, low tax, individualism, strong law and order.
175
Have post-2016 Conservatives moved away from Thatcherism?
Partly; Johnson used state intervention, while Sunak’s approach is more Thatcherite.
176
Which policies still reflect Thatcherism?
Anti-union laws, emphasis on personal responsibility, tough stance on law and order.
177
Are economic or social values more central to Tory identity now?
Divided; some push for culture wars and nationalism, others remain free-market purists.
178
What is the argument for a crisis of participation in UK politics?
Falling party membership, low trust in politicians, declining turnout in local and EU elections, low youth engagement.
179
What evidence supports a participation crisis?
67.3% turnout in 2019 GE; turnout below 40% in local elections; major party membership in decline since 1950s.
180
What evidence challenges the crisis view?
Surge in party membership during 2015–2019; growth in issue-based activism and digital petitions.
181
Is traditional participation the only valid form?
No; participation has diversified into non-electoral forms. Crisis may be overstated if only counting voting.
182
What is democratic legitimacy?
The rightful use of power, based on consent of the governed, typically through free and fair elections.
183
How might UK representative democracy undermine legitimacy?
Unelected Lords, FPTP’s unrepresentative results, safe seats, underrepresentation of minorities and women.
184
What evidence supports criticisms of UK democracy?
2019 GE: Conservatives won 56% of seats with 43.6% of votes; 1.5 million votes for Green Party = 1 MP.
185
What are counterarguments to the legitimacy criticisms?
Strong constituency links, frequent elections, media scrutiny, MPs held accountable.
186
Is the UK system legitimate enough?
Likely yes; but legitimacy could be enhanced with electoral reform, House of Lords changes, citizen participation.
187
What forms of direct democracy exist?
Referendums, recall elections, e-petitions, citizens’ assemblies.
188
How could direct democracy enhance representative democracy?
Increases public engagement, boosts legitimacy, keeps MPs accountable to public will.
189
What is a good example of referendums enhancing democracy?
1997 Scotland/Wales devolution referendums gave democratic legitimacy to constitutional reforms.
190
What are the risks of more direct democracy?
Oversimplifies complex issues, risk of tyranny of the majority, low turnout = weak mandates, populist manipulation.
191
Can a hybrid system of democracy work?
Likely yes; direct democracy should supplement, not replace, representative institutions.
192
What non-referendum forms of direct democracy are proposed?
Recall of MPs, citizens’ assemblies, online polls, participatory budgeting.
193
How might these forms undermine representative democracy?
Undercut MP autonomy, empower uninformed populism, create pressure for instant responses over long-term policy.
194
What are the democratic benefits of new direct methods?
Encourage deliberation, empower local voices, increase responsiveness.
195
Has direct democracy worked well in practice?
Yes; Citizens’ Assemblies used successfully in Ireland for informed decision-making.
196
Should all citizens have constant say?
Not necessarily; representative democracy allows for expertise, scrutiny, and stability.
197
What’s a recent example of direct democracy failing to clarify public will?
2016 EU Referendum produced a 52–48 split, deepening division and triggering constitutional conflict.
198
What is a current example of party membership revitalisation?
Green Party doubled its membership from 2020 to 2024, with a surge in young and climate-focused voters.
199
What is a neglected piece of evidence about minor parties’ parliamentary impact?
DUP held the balance of power through a Confidence & Supply Agreement with Theresa May’s government.
200
What’s a unique example of deliberative direct democracy?
Irish Citizens’ Assemblies on abortion and climate change led to referendums and legal reform.
201
What is an underused critique of digital participation?
Petitions may foster ‘clicktivism’ — low-effort participation without real civic engagement.
202
What is a key criticism of unelected institutions in the UK?
House of Lords can delay or amend legislation despite lacking electoral legitimacy.
203
What recent scandal has hurt public trust in representative democracy?
2021 Owen Paterson lobbying scandal led to widespread public anger and a by-election defeat for Conservatives.
204
What are voter ID laws and why are they controversial?
Require ID to vote in UK elections; critics say they disproportionately disenfranchise younger, ethnic minority, and lower-income voters.
205
What’s a recent case of disproportionality under FPTP?
2019 General Election: Lib Dems won 11.5% of votes, just 11 seats; SNP got 3.9% but 48 seats.
206
What electoral reform alternatives are gaining traction?
The Make Votes Matter campaign pushes for PR; Labour members and unions increasingly support PR.
207
What is an example of media misrepresentation influencing public opinion?
Daily Mail’s 'Saboteur' headline targeted judges ruling on Article 50 — undermined judicial independence.
208
How does algorithmic bias of social media affect politics?
Creates echo chambers, deepens polarisation, makes consensus-building harder.
209
What was UKIP’s core aim and electoral high point?
Focused on taking the UK out of the EU; won 12.6% of the vote in 2015 but only 1 seat.
210
What is Reform UK and how did it emerge?
Created by Nigel Farage in 2020 as a successor to the Brexit Party, campaigning on anti-immigration, anti-net zero themes.
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How did UKIP influence major party policy?
Pressure led to David Cameron promising the 2016 EU referendum to neutralise UKIP's electoral threat.
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How does Reform UK continue to shape Tory policy?
Pressure on migration and net zero has pushed Conservative MPs rightward.
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What does UKIP’s 2015 result show about FPTP?
High national vote share but only 1 seat — clear case of disproportionality.
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What electoral context favours Reform UK’s rise?
Growing voter disaffection with Conservatives post-Brexit and post-Covid.
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How did UKIP use the media effectively?
Nigel Farage’s media presence amplified UKIP’s visibility despite minimal parliamentary presence.
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How does Reform UK utilise digital media?
Focuses on viral content, short videos, and anti-establishment messaging.
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What does UKIP/Reform suggest about the two-party system?
Their influence shows the electorate is multi-party despite limited representation.
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Why are UKIP and Reform often excluded from debates?
BBC’s criteria based on previous electoral success limits airtime for minor parties.
