POLITICS: Democracy And Participation Flashcards
(19 cards)
Legitimacy
The rightful use of power in accordance with pre-set criteria or widely-held agreements, such as government’s right to rule following an election or a monarch’s succession based on the agreed rules.
Direct democracy
All individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf. This type of democracy emerged in Athens in classical times and direct democracy can be seen today in referendums.
Representative democracy
A more modern form of democracy through which an individual selects a person (and/or political party) to act on their behalf to exercise political choice.
Pluralist democracy
A type of democracy in which a government makes decisions as a result of the interplay of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations.
Democratic deficit
A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy, not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input or subject to accountability.
Participation crisis
A lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens to relate to the political process either by choosing not to vote or to join or become members of political parties or to offer themselves for public office.
Franchise/suffrage
Franchise and suffrage both refer to the ability/right to vote in public elections. Suffragettes were women campaigning for the right to vote on the same terms as men.
Think tanks
A body of experts brought together to collectively focus on a certain topic(s) - to investigate and offer solutions to often complicated and seemingly intractable economic, social or political issues.
Lobbyists
A lobbyist is paid by clients to try to influence the government and/or MPs and members of the House of Lords to act in their clients’ interests, particularly when legislation is under consideration.
Pressure Group
A membership based organisation that aims to influence policy and achieve their goals by influencing public opinion, parliament, and the government. However, pressure groups do not seek political office nor power
Causal/Promotional Group
A category of pressure groups that focuses on achieving a particular goal or raising awareness to a particular issue, membership is open to anyone who resonates with the cause
Special category
Stands up for any group within society without a voice and can be membered by anyone.
Causal group
A type of pressure group that is focused on a particular goal or raising awareness to an issue. Membership is open to anyone that resonates. E.g greenpeace
Sectional/Interest group
A type of pressure group that represents the interest of a certain section of society. Membership is open are usually limited to those that the group represents. E.g trade unions
Social movements
Another type of pressure group that is similar to causal groups by representing a certain cause but are more loosely structured. Membership is open to anyone and may be pressure group members or just those interested. E.g PSC Palestine protests est. 1mil to 500k protesters & 2003 Iraq war protesters with est 1.5 mil to 750k protesters
Insider Group
A status of pressure group where the group relies on its contacts with ministers and civil servants to achieve their aims. E.g NFU and DEFRA, lobbied them and the govt to reverse the changes in inheritance tax (2024)
Outsider groups
A status of pressure group who are not consulted by the government either to uphold the group’s reputation or due to incompatibility with the government’s political leanings. Often use publicity campaigns, direct action, petitions, or legal challenges to influence policy.
Recall of MPs Act
If 10% of a constituency vote out a suspended MP it triggers a by election
How does representative democracy sometimes clash with direct democracy
Parliamentary sovereignty v popular sovereignty: MPs ultimately have to represent the opinions of the people following the result of a referendum
