Summer Exam: Referendums, Particpation and pressure groups

Question 1

Name some examples of UK referendums

Answer 1

2016 EU Membership Leave (52%), 2014 Scottish Independence No (55%)

Question 2

How can Referendums enhance democracy

Answer 2

By the letting people decide on major changes, Enhances legitimacy, Educates public

Question 3

How can Referendums destabilize democracy

Answer 3

Undermines representative democracy, ignores parliamentary sovereignty, oversimplifies complex issues

Question 4

What is a pressure group

Answer 4

Organisations that seek to influence government policy without seeking elections themselves

Question 5

What is the function of a pressure groups

Answer 5

Representation, participation, scrutiny, policy influence

Question 6

What are some evaluations of pressure groups

Answer 6

Can distort democracy (the richer you are the more likely it is for people to hear you, Some pressure groups can represent the minority and have their voices heard

Question 7

Examples of pressure groups

Answer 7

Greenpeace (environmental lobbying), Tax Payers Alliance (influence tax cuts)

Question 8

What are some forms of participation

Answer 8

voting, pressure groups, petitions, protests

Question 9

How could some people say that participation is going down

Answer 9

Theres falling turnout, low youth interest and a growing distrust in politicians

Question 10

How could some people say that participation is going up

Answer 10

Turnout recovering (2019: 67%), theres more participation methods, youth engaged online