Participating in UK Politics Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is lobbying?
An activity used by pressure groups to promote causes and interests
Lobbying is a crucial aspect of political advocacy, influencing decisions made by officials.
What does the term franchise refer to?
The right to vote in public elections
The franchise is a fundamental component of democratic systems.
How can one participate in the UK’s democracy?
By:
* Standing for public office
* Active party memberships
* Active pressure group memberships
* Passive party membership
* Digital activism
* Voting
High levels of participation are essential for a healthy democracy.
Who can stand for public office in the UK?
Anyone can stand, either as an independent or having won a nomination for a political party
This includes positions like local councillors or MPs.
What is the role of local councillors?
They represent their constituents and often work part-time
Elected representatives must dedicate significant time to their roles.
What distinguishes active members from passive members in political parties?
Active members are fully engaged, campaigning and voting, while passive members are less involved
Active participation enhances party effectiveness.
What trend has been observed in political party activism in the UK?
Political party activism is in decline
However, there have been exceptions, notably during certain periods for Labour, SNP, and UKIP.
What are some examples of increased political party activism?
Examples include:
* Labour 2015-2017
* SNP 2014
* UKIP during the 2015 election
These instances broke the trend of declining activism.
What general trend has been observed regarding voting turnout?
There is a general trend of falling voting turnout over the years
A slight recovery in participation has been noted since 2001.
How does turnout in referendums compare to general elections?
Turnout in referendums has been much more varied than in general elections
This variability may be influenced by the issues at stake.
What is compulsory voting?
A system where citizens are required to vote, existing in about a dozen countries
Enforcement levels vary by country.
What is notable about Australia’s compulsory voting system?
It is enforced, with significant fines for non-compliance
Australia has one of the most rigorous compulsory voting laws.
What happened to Italy’s compulsory voting system?
It was scrapped in 1998, leading to a drop in turnout from 90% to 75% in 2013
This illustrates the impact of compulsory voting on participation rates.
