politics full Flashcards
(174 cards)
1
Q
What is the definition of Direct Democracy?
A
Direct democracy allows citizens to make decisions directly, without intermediaries.
2
Q
Provide an example of Direct Democracy.
A
Ancient Greece (Athens) where all citizens participated in decision-making.
3
Q
What are modern-day examples of Direct Democracy?
A
- Referendums (e.g., UK referendums on Scottish independence and Brexit)
- Initiatives in US states (e.g., legalizing marijuana, same-sex marriage)
- Recall elections in some US states.
4
Q
What is the definition of Representative Democracy?
A
In representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
5
Q
How do citizens participate in Representative Democracy?
A
Citizens elect representatives who make laws and policies based on their electoral mandate.
6
Q
What is a similarity between Direct and Representative Democracy?
A
Both systems allow citizens to influence government decisions.
7
Q
What is a key difference regarding decision-making in Direct and Representative Democracy?
A
In Direct Democracy, citizens make decisions directly; in Representative Democracy, elected representatives make decisions on behalf of citizens.
8
Q
List an advantage of Direct Democracy.
A
- Maximizes Political Participation
- Greater Legitimacy of Decisions
- Prevents Political Elites from Dominating
- Responsive to Public Opinion
9
Q
What is a disadvantage of Direct Democracy?
A
- Complexity of Issues
- Low Voter Turnout
- Tyranny of the Majority
- Emotional Decisions
10
Q
List an advantage of Representative Democracy.
A
- Efficient Decision-Making
- Protection of Minority Rights
- Accountability
- Educates and Informs the Public
11
Q
What is a disadvantage of Representative Democracy?
A
- Distortion of Public Opinion
- Lack of Accountability Between Elections
- Electoral Systems Problems
- Politician-Centric Decision-Making
12
Q
What was the key provision of the 1832 Great Reform Act?
A
Expanded voting rights for male property owners in towns and cities.
13
Q
What impact did the 1918 Representation of the People Act have?
A
Marked a major step towards gender equality in politics, granting women over 30 and all men over 21 the right to vote.
14
Q
What did the 1928 Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act achieve?
A
Granted women over 21 the right to vote on equal terms with men.
15
Q
What was the significance of the 1969 Representation of the People Act?
A
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 for both men and women.
16
Q
What is the background of the Suffragists (NUWSS)?
A
Founded in 1897, the NUWSS advocated for women’s right to vote using peaceful methods.
17
Q
What methods did Suffragists use to advocate for women’s voting rights?
A
Petitions and peaceful protests.
18
Q
What is a key feature of Direct Democracy regarding citizen participation?
A
Citizens regularly vote on specific issues.
19
Q
Fill in the blank: In Representative Democracy, elected representatives are accountable to the _______.
A
electorate
20
Q
True or False: Direct Democracy allows for a higher frequency of citizen participation than Representative Democracy.
A
True
21
Q
What is one argument for reforming the current democratic system?
A
Increased Use of Direct Democracy through referendums or citizens’ assemblies.
22
Q
What proposal is suggested to address the issues of the FPTP electoral system?
A
Changing to more proportional systems like Single Transferable Vote (STV) or Proportional Representation (PR).
23
Q
What do Citizens’ Assemblies propose?
A
A deliberative democratic solution where a randomly selected group of citizens discusses and proposes policies on key issues.
24
Q
What is the conclusion regarding Direct Democracy’s effectiveness?
A
Works well for specific issues but has limitations in complexity, participation, and potential for majoritarian rule.
25
What does Representative Democracy allow for in terms of governance?
Efficient governance, but issues like accountability and electoral system fairness remain.
26
What is the significance of the 1918 Representation of the People Act?
It allowed women over 30 and all men over 21 to vote, reflecting changing attitudes towards youth participation and the social political landscape.
27
Who founded the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS)?
Millicent Fawcett
28
What methods did the suffragists use to advocate for women's right to vote?
* Petitions
* Lobbying MPs
* Organizing peaceful demonstrations
29
What was the main difference between suffragists and suffragettes?
Suffragists used peaceful methods, while suffragettes adopted militant tactics.
30
What were the key tactics used by the suffragettes?
* Civil disobedience
* Acts of vandalism
* Hunger strikes
* Direct action
31
What is the current movement advocating for lowering the voting age to 16 called?
Votes at 16
32
What are some key arguments for allowing 16-year-olds to vote?
* Political engagement
* Equality
* Youth representation
33
Which UK country has already lowered the voting age to 16 for local elections?
Scotland
34
What are insider pressure groups?
Organizations that have regular access to government decision-makers and work behind the scenes.
35
Give an example of an insider pressure group.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
36
What are outsider pressure groups?
Organizations that do not have direct access to government and rely on public mobilization.
37
What methods do pressure groups use to influence policy?
* Lobbying
* Public campaigns
* Litigation
* Petitions and referendums
* Direct action
38
What is the role of think tanks in influencing public policy?
They conduct research and provide expertise to shape policy recommendations.
39
What is the Human Rights Act 1998?
It incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, protecting individual rights.
40
What are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?
* Age
* Disability
* Gender reassignment
* Race
* Religion or belief
* Sex
* Sexual orientation
* Marriage and civil partnership
* Pregnancy
41
What is a significant milestone in the development of rights in the UK?
The Magna Carta (1215)
42
What does the Bill of Rights 1689 establish?
It placed limits on the monarchy's power and outlined certain freedoms.
43
What tension exists between individual rights and collective rights?
Conflicts can arise between freedom of speech and the need for public safety.
44
Which organization focuses on human rights and freedom of expression in the UK?
Liberty
45
True or False: Pressure groups seek to gain political power by standing for elections.
False
46
Fill in the blank: The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded by _______.
Emmeline Pankhurst
47
What is one of the criticisms of the Equality Act 2010?
It has been criticized for being ineffective in certain areas.
48
What are civil liberties pressure groups?
Organizations that work to protect individual rights and freedoms from government overreach, advocating for the preservation of rights and reform of unjust laws.
49
What is the focus of Liberty?
Campaigns for human rights, freedom of expression, and privacy.
50
What kind of laws did Liberty challenge?
Government's anti-terrorism laws that infringe on personal freedoms.
51
What does the Open Rights Group (ORG) focus on?
Defending digital rights, privacy, and freedom of speech in the digital age.
52
What are some examples of ORG's work?
* Campaigns against data surveillance
* Internet censorship
* Use of facial recognition technology by the government.
53
What role do civil liberties groups play?
Highlight government abuses of power and defend individual freedoms.
54
What are limitations on rights?
Rights are not absolute and may be limited for public safety, national security, or the protection of others' rights.
55
Fill in the blank: Freedom of Expression can be limited when it threatens _______.
public order or national security.
56
What can the UK courts do regarding human rights?
Strike down laws or government actions that breach human rights but cannot overturn primary legislation.
57
What are major milestones in the development of rights in the UK?
* Magna Carta
* Human Rights Act 1998
* Equality Act 2010.
58
What functions do political parties serve in the UK’s representative democracy?
* Representation
* Participation
* Policy formulation
* Forming government
* Recruitment and training of political leaders
* Accountability.
59
What is the core ideology of the Conservative Party?
Initially focused on maintaining traditional institutions, monarchy, and the Church of England, now embraces capitalist and market-oriented policies.
60
What is the Labour Party's historical origin?
Founded in 1900 from the trade union movement and socialist groups.
61
What kind of economic policies does the Labour Party advocate?
* State intervention in the economy
* Nationalization of key industries
* Higher taxation for wealth redistribution.
62
What was a significant shift in the Labour Party under Tony Blair?
Moved towards the center-left, embracing neoliberal economic policies while maintaining a focus on social justice.
63
What is the core ideology of the Liberal Democrat Party?
Emphasis on liberalism, civil liberties, social justice, and electoral reform.
64
What is a key focus of the Scottish National Party (SNP)?
Achieving Scottish independence and promoting Scottish interests.
65
What are the key policies of the Green Party?
* Achieving net-zero emissions by 2030
* Universal basic income
* Free education
* Affordable housing.
66
What does the Political Parties, Elections, and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) establish?
Rules for political party funding, including limits on donations and transparency requirements.
67
True or False: The Conservative Party supports a robust defense policy.
True.
68
What are the advantages of the current funding system for political parties?
* Transparency
* Equal access
* Reduced corruption.
69
Fill in the blank: Political parties in the UK are composed of members who support the party’s _______.
ideology.
70
What is a disadvantage of the current funding system for political parties?
Dependency on wealthy donors, leading to potential bias and undue influence over party policies.
71
What is a key outcome of minor political parties in the UK?
They can influence policy, represent regional interests, and hold larger parties to account.
72
What is the ideological focus of the Green Party?
Environmentalism and social justice.
73
What does the SNP advocate for in terms of welfare and economy?
* Free universal services
* Public ownership of essential services.
74
What has been a major influence on the policies of the Conservative Party?
The rise of neoliberalism and globalization.
75
What party was part of the Conservative-led coalition government from 2010-2015?
Liberal Democrats.
76
What is the Green Party's commitment towards climate change?
Strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 and promoting green energy sources
## Footnote
Examples include wind, solar, and hydropower.
77
What are the key social justice and equality policies advocated by the Green Party?
Universal basic income, free education, affordable housing, progressive tax policies
## Footnote
Aimed at reducing inequality.
78
What electoral reform does the Green Party support?
Proportional representation in the electoral system
## Footnote
This allows for greater representation of smaller and minority parties.
79
What is the Green Party's stance on austerity measures?
Opposes austerity measures and advocates for a green new deal
## Footnote
Aims to create jobs and stimulate the economy through sustainable industries.
80
How does the Green Party perform in UK elections?
Strong presence in local government, has won seats in the European Parliament and Devolved Parliaments
## Footnote
Particularly growing among younger voters concerned about climate change and social justice.
81
What is the main focus of Plaid Cymru?
Welsh independence and promotion of the Welsh language and culture
## Footnote
Advocates for greater devolution and improving social and economic prospects of Wales.
82
What does the UK Independence Party (UKIP) advocate for?
Brexit, Euroscepticism, immigration control, national sovereignty, law and order
## Footnote
Its influence has waned post-Brexit but still appeals to some voter groups.
83
What is the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) known for?
Advocating for the continued union with Great Britain and emphasizing traditional Protestant values
## Footnote
Key player in Northern Irish politics, especially regarding Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
84
What is the significance of emerging and minor political parties in the UK?
They broaden the political landscape, influence policy debates, and represent specific demographic interests
## Footnote
Parties like the SNP and Green Party are pushing important issues to the forefront.
85
What historical system has dominated UK politics?
Two-party system dominated by the Conservative Party and Labour Party
## Footnote
Reinforced by the First-Past-the-Post electoral system.
86
What factors have contributed to the development of a multi-party system in the UK?
Devolution, proportional representation, increasing voter fragmentation, coalition governments
## Footnote
These factors have allowed third parties to gain importance.
87
What are the implications of a multi-party system for government?
Increased likelihood of coalition governments, potential instability, and diverse policy agendas
## Footnote
Smaller parties may influence coalition agreements.
88
What is the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system?
A plurality system where the candidate with the most votes wins, no majority needed
## Footnote
Used in UK General Elections.
89
What are the advantages of FPTP?
* Simple & quick results
* Strong, stable governments
* Clear MP-constituency link
## Footnote
However, it has significant disadvantages.
90
What are the disadvantages of FPTP?
* Disproportionate representation
* Wasted votes in safe seats
* Governments can win without majority of the vote
## Footnote
This often leads to underrepresentation of smaller parties.
91
What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?
A mix of FPTP and regional proportional representation votes
## Footnote
Used in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd.
92
What are the advantages of AMS?
* More proportional than FPTP
* Maintains MP-constituency link
## Footnote
It has some complexities.
93
What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?
Voters rank candidates in multi-member constituencies; candidates must hit a quota to be elected
## Footnote
Used in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
94
What are the advantages of STV?
* Highly proportional
* Few wasted votes
## Footnote
However, it can lead to weak coalitions.
95
What is the Supplementary Vote (SV)?
Voters choose 1st and 2nd preferences; if no majority, top 2 candidates go to a second round
## Footnote
Used in London Mayoral Elections.
96
What are the advantages of SV?
* Ensures winner has broader support
* Simpler than STV
## Footnote
It is still not fully proportional.
97
What is a referendum?
A direct vote where the electorate decides on a specific political issue
## Footnote
Unlike elections, referendums do not choose representatives.
98
What are some key examples of referendums in the UK since 1997?
* Scottish Devolution (1997) - Yes (74.3%)
* Welsh Devolution (1997) - Yes (50.3%)
* Brexit (2016) - Leave (51.9%)
## Footnote
These referendums had significant impacts on UK governance.
99
What is a key argument for referendums in a representative democracy?
Enhances democracy by directly involving the public in decision-making
## Footnote
They can settle major issues and encourage political engagement.
100
What is a key argument against referendums in a representative democracy?
Undermines representative democracy as MPs are elected to make informed decisions
## Footnote
Complex issues may be oversimplified.
101
What is the impact of electoral systems on government formation?
FPTP creates strong single-party governments; proportional systems encourage coalitions
## Footnote
This reflects the diversity of voter preferences.
102
How does party funding influence political party success?
Well-funded parties can campaign effectively and maintain organization
## Footnote
Funding scandals can damage reputations and lead to voter disillusionment.
103
What role does media play in shaping political party success?
Media influences public perceptions and can determine electoral success or failure
## Footnote
Positive coverage can mobilize voters, while negative coverage can harm party image.
104
What is the main bias of FPTP in the context of party representation?
FPTP is biased towards larger parties, disadvantaging smaller parties like the Greens and Reform UK.
105
How do proportional systems benefit smaller parties?
Proportional systems give smaller parties a better chance to win seats.
106
Which regional parties benefit from devolution?
* SNP
* Plaid Cymru
* DUP
107
What limitation does FPTP impose on voter choice?
FPTP limits voter choice to two main parties in most constituencies.
108
What does STV allow voters to do?
STV allows voters to rank candidates.
109
What effect can more proportional electoral systems have on voter turnout?
More proportional systems can increase engagement as votes are less likely to be 'wasted'.
110
What was the result of the 1979 General Election?
Conservative victory (Margaret Thatcher).
111
What was a key factor in the 1979 General Election?
Tory focus on economic recovery and reducing trade union power.
112
What was the turnout percentage for the 1979 General Election?
76%
113
What was the result of the 1997 General Election?
Labour landslide (Tony Blair).
114
What campaign slogan was used in the 1997 General Election?
'Things Can Only Get Better'
115
What demographic shift was observed in the 1997 General Election?
Huge Labour gains in middle class and skilled working class.
116
What was the result of the 2010 General Election?
Hung parliament → Conservative-Lib Dem coalition (David Cameron & Nick Clegg).
117
What was a key factor in the 2010 General Election?
First-ever TV debates boosted Clegg’s popularity.
118
What was the voter turnout in the 2010 General Election?
65%
119
What trend in voting behavior has been observed over time?
Declining class-based voting.
120
What has increased in importance in elections according to recent trends?
Importance of leaders and media.
121
What role does the media play in politics?
Shapes public opinion, sets political agenda, holds politicians accountable.
122
What impact do endorsements from major newspapers have during elections?
They can influence public perception.
123
What is the 'Cleggmania' phenomenon associated with?
Surge in popularity after TV debates in the 2010 election.
124
What are two effects of opinion polls on voting behavior?
* Bandwagon Effect
* Boomerang Effect
125
What is a characteristic of partisan newspapers?
They tend to favor specific political parties.
126
True or False: Broadcast media in the UK is required to be neutral.
True
127
What do classical liberals believe about human nature?
Rational and capable of making decisions for themselves.
128
What is the core belief of classical liberalism regarding state intervention?
Minimal state intervention, focusing on protecting individual rights.
129
Who is a famous theorist associated with classical liberalism?
John Locke
130
What do social liberals advocate regarding state intervention?
The state should correct social and economic inequalities.
131
What is the key distinction between negative and positive freedom?
* Negative Freedom: Freedom from interference
* Positive Freedom: Freedom to do something
132
What does socialism prioritize over individualism?
Collectivism and community.
133
What ideology opposes inherited privilege and wealth disparity?
Socialism
134
What is a key policy associated with Thatcherism?
Privatization and anti-trade union measures.
135
Who developed the idea of social justice in liberalism?
John Rawls
136
What is the 'Difference Principle' proposed by John Rawls?
Inequality is only justified if it benefits the least advantaged.
137
What type of economy do social liberals support?
Mixed economy with state intervention.
138
What is a key quote associated with classical liberalism?
Milton Friedman: 'A society that puts equality ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom.'
139
What does liberalism recognize as necessary for freedom?
State intervention to enable freedom through equality of opportunity and social welfare.
140
Who stated that 'A society that puts equality ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom'?
Milton Friedman
141
Who argued that 'Inequality is only justified if it benefits the least advantaged'?
John Rawls
142
What is the core principle of socialism that opposes inherited privilege?
Economic and social equality
143
Define collectivism in the context of socialism.
Prioritises the community over the individual; cooperation over competition.
144
What does common ownership in socialism ensure?
State control of key industries ensures resources benefit society rather than private owners.
145
What is social justice in the context of socialism?
Fair distribution of wealth, opportunity, and power.
146
What do fraternity and solidarity promote in a socialist society?
Mutual support rather than class conflict.
147
What is the key belief of Marxism regarding capitalist society?
It is based on class conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
148
What does democratic socialism advocate for?
Gradual reform through parliamentary democracy, workers' control, and redistribution of wealth.
149
What does social democracy accept regarding capitalism?
It accepts capitalism but argues for state intervention.
150
What is the Third Way in the context of socialism?
A fusion of market economics with social justice, balancing state and private enterprise.
151
What drives history according to Marx and Engels?
Class struggle between ruling and working classes.
152
What are the means of production?
Economic resources such as land and machinery owned by the bourgeoisie.
153
What is alienation in Marxist theory?
Workers lose connection with their labour as surplus value is extracted for profit.
154
Define false consciousness.
The proletariat fails to recognise their oppression due to ruling-class ideology.
155
What is class consciousness?
When workers become aware of exploitation and will overthrow capitalism.
156
What is the role of revolution in Marxism?
The proletariat must seize control to abolish class divisions.
157
Who introduced the concept of hegemony in Neo-Marxism?
Antonio Gramsci
158
What does Ehrenreich's PMC Theory discuss?
A professional-managerial class mediates between capital and labour.
159
What does Marcuse argue about consciousness?
The struggle is about liberating thought from capitalist materialism.
160
What is the basis of capitalism?
Private ownership and profit motive.
161
What do critics argue about capitalism?
It creates inequality and instability.
162
Who are the defenders of capitalism mentioned?
Austrian economists such as Hayek and Mises.
163
What does Keynesian economics advocate?
State spending to manage economic cycles and prevent unemployment.
164
What is the post-war consensus?
Keynesian economics dominated until the 1970s.
165
What is the socialist approach to the economy focused on?
Common ownership and collective benefit.
166
What is nationalisation in the context of socialism?
State control of key industries.
167
What criticism is associated with public ownership?
It can lead to inefficiency, high taxation, and national debt.
168
How do democratic socialists view workers' control?
It leads to economic fairness and abolishes class distinctions.
169
What is the reserve army of labour according to Engels?
Capitalism thrives on cheap, disposable labour.
170
What is the impact of globalisation on exploitation?
Multinational corporations outsource labour to low-wage economies.
171
What theory did Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels contribute to socialism?
Class conflict, proletarian revolution, abolition of capitalism.
172
What does Ralph Miliband argue about the media?
It is a tool of capitalist elites.
173
What does Friedrich Hayek advocate?
Free-market economics; state intervention leads to oppression.
174
What does John Maynard Keynes suggest about government spending?
It stabilises the economy.
