Representative democracy Flashcards
What are the features of representative democracy?
Where people are not involved in every decision but pick a representative who will make decisions on their behalf
Can also be represented by Pressure Groups and Political Parties
Relies on constituencies where citizens pick their representative. Constituents therefore expect their representative to represent them. Because they are elected, they can be legitimate, and if they don’t represent well they can be held accountable at the next election
Advantages of representative democracy
Professional politicians amke complex decisions
Minority views are considered and upheld
Elected politicians are held to account by the people
The most practical form of democracy
Only practical system in a modern state
Disadvantages of representative democracy
Citizens are disengaged from politics
Tightly controlled parties result in politicians lacking independence
Politicians are skilled at swerving accountability and passing the buck
Politicians are open to corruption and self-interest
List the 7 features of represntative democracy
Elections of representative should be regular, competitive and secret, and carried out without force and universal adult suffrage
Civil liberties must be protected e.g. freedom of assembly, press etc
Elections must be contested by numerous political parties
Constitutional checks exist to prevent a concentration of government power
An assembly exists that reflects the make-up of society and passes laws
Pressure groups should have the opportunity and freedom to put forward their views
An independent judiciary exists
(Representative democracy) Elections of representative should be regular, competitive and secret, and carried out without force and universal adult suffrage: Does this happen in the UK?
Elections every 5 years using FPTP, held in secret, results are legally binding
(Representative democracy) Civil liberties must be protected e.g. freedom of assembly, press etc: Does this happen in the UK?
There are established rights and freedoms, now enshrined in UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998
(Representative democracy) Elections must be contested by numerous political parties : Does this happen in the UK?
Numerous parties contest election, e.g. Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems
(Representative democracy) Constitutional checks exist to prevent a concentration of government power: Does this happen in the UK?
The UK constitution sets the boundaries of the democratic system
(Representative democracy) An assembly exists that reflects the make-up of society and passes laws: Does this happen in the UK?
Politicial decisions are made by MPs who sit in a Parliament and are expected to represent the views of the electorate
(Representative democracy) Pressure groups should have the opportunity and freedom to put forward their views: Does this happen in the UK?
Pressure groups are seen as an integral part of the UK democratic, representative system
(Representative democracy) An independent judiciary should exist: Does this happen in the UK?
In the UK, the judiciary is seperated from the executive and legislature
