Politics: Democracy And Participation- Democracy In The UK Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the main forms of democracy in the UK?
MPs, Lords, devolved parliaments, referendums, and petitions
These elements contribute to the representative democracy in the UK.
What is a representative democracy?
A system where representatives make political decisions on behalf of citizens
In the UK, citizens elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House of Commons.
What is the role of the House of Lords in the UK?
Amends and approves laws
Members of the House of Lords are unelected.
What are the devolved parliaments in the UK?
Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly
These parliaments are part of the UK’s representative democracy.
What is direct democracy?
A system where citizens make political decisions themselves
Switzerland has the highest level of direct democracy in the world.
What are referendums?
A form of direct democracy where citizens vote on constitutional issues
Between 1997 and 2016, 9 referendums were held in the UK.
What are e-petitions?
What is the threshold for a debate orresponse?
Online petitions that allow citizens to express views on political or social issues
Petitions with over 100,000 signatures are considered for debate in Parliament, 10,0000 recive a response.
What does the Recall of MPs Act (2015) allow constituents to do?
Recall their local MP if certain conditions are met
Conditions include conviction of a crime, suspension from the House of Commons, or false expenses claims.
What are the criteria needed to trigger a recall petition?
1.Convicted of a crime and handed a prison sentence
2. Suspended from the House of Commons for 10 days or more.
3. Convicted fmaking false expenses claims
What triggers a by-election under the Recall of MPs Act?
If 10% of eligible voters sign the recall petition.
This allows constituents to remove their MP from office.
Who was recalled in 2023 under the Recall of MPs Act?
Margaret Ferrier
She admitted to breaking lockdown and social distancing guidance (2023)
What does the Human Rights Act (1998) protect?
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
These rights belong to all individuals in the UK.
How may UK democracy be defended? (Arguments for)
- The Human Rights Act (1998) set out fundamental rights that belong to all in the UK, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly (the right to gather, e.g. for meetings, political rallies, protests),
2.Parliament has passed many other laws that protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable individuals
3.The Supreme Court frequently defends minority rights in its rulings.
How may someone criticise th UKs potical system ( arguments against)
1.There have been high-profile examples of wealthy party donors achieving significant political influence in recent years .
2.The influence of corporations and lobbyists is seen as an example of elitism .
3.The privileged backgrounds of many MPs can also be seen as evidence of elitism.
4. The appointments process for the House of Lords has been criticised for a lack of democracy. The prime minister oversees most nominations, with no opportunity for voters to express their views. For example, 29 peers were appointed to the House of Lords during Liz Truss’s premiership. despite her short term in office.
What are the three main advantages of representative democracy?
- Political decisions made by specialists
- Representatives consider the impact of legislation
- Minority interests are taken into account
What are 3significant disadvantage of representative democracy?
1.It relies on the good performance and conduct of those in power
2. Low turnout can question representatives mandate.
3. Focuse onpopularity
What was the general election turnout percentage range in the UK from 2001 to 2019?
Between 59% and 69%
What was significant about the 2024 general election turnout?
It dipped below 60% for the first time since 2001
What has been the maximum turnout for elections to the Welsh Parliament as of 2021?
Never above 47%
What has the Public Accounts Committee consistently called for?
A long-term funding agreement for adult social care
Thebig2 haveneverbackedthisasitwouldinvolve unpopular taxincreasesorcutsinotherarea
What do supporters of direct democracy argue X3
- Gives the people the most power.
- Can lead to reforms that would be very unlikely under
representative democracy
3.
What is direct democracy?
A form of democracy that gives the people the most power
