Supreme Court Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is direct democracy?
A system where people can make decisions directly on an issue- usually in the form of a yes or no response (Referendums)
Give 2 examples of direct democracy
-Citizen juries- where a selected committee make recommendations to decision makers
-Public petitions- if it reaches over 100k signatures it must be discussed in Parliament- e-democracy
(Both require input of elected reps so not entirely direct)
What is representative democracy?
A system where the people elect a person or group of people to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf
What are the key features of representative democracy?
-Popular participation is indirect - the public don’t exercise power themselves
-Popular participation is mediated - MP constituency link- accountability
-Popular participation in government is limited - vote in gen election every 5 years, local council elections in between
State what popular control means in the context of representative democracy
MPs should represent their people, not act in selfish interests- so people must vote for their rep, so there’s a clear majority- more legitimacy
What are 3 examples of popular control in the context of representative democracy?
1) Free and fair - share views and free to participate
2) Universal Suffrage - All adults can vote, and all votes are equal
3) Party and candidate competition - voters must have a choice and equal opportunity to learn about different parties before voting
State 3 examples of elections that use representative democracy
-London Mayor and Assembly
-Meteo mayor’s - Manc 2017
-Police Crime Commissioners
Devolved assemblies and Parliament
What are 3 strengths of Direct Democracy?
-All votes are equal in the outcome
-Increased legitimacy in decisions
-Increased participation
What are 3 weaknesses of Direct Democracy?
-Uninformed electorate leads to less legitimacy
-Electoral system used means some votes can be worth more than others
-Decrease in participation due to apathy
What are 3 strengths in Representative Democracy?
-Encourages the use of expert politicians
-Encourages compromise between parties - stability
-Allows the electorate to get on with their lives
What are 3 weaknesses of Representative Democracy?
-Accountability is weakened - hard to get rid of MPs
-Model of representation isn’t always what the constituents want (trustees)- less legitimate
-Increase in apathy- don’t think they can make an impact
What is constituency representation? (RD)
-MP creates strong MP- constituency link
-Constituencies can be represented as a whole- achieving more funding- Levelling up fund
-MPs expected to vote on constituents behalf - even when personal belief is different and against governing party
-Can vote in self-interest if party whip allows it - maintains discipline
What is social representation? (RD)
-Social characteristics of political institutions, when elected, should represent the social characteristics of the public as a whole
-Boosts representation of minorities
-Extends to occupation - E.g, if MP has worked in health- try to represent that area and trade union workers
What is National Interest Representation? (RD)
MPs are expected to represent national interest
Difficult if constituents don’t like something, but it’s good for the economy-HS2, Brexit
What is Party Representation? (RD)
-Most MPs belong to a party with a shared set of aims, beliefs/ policy
-Allows the public to know what the individual MP stands for
What is Casual Representation? (RD)
-MPs may represent those who share ideas rather than belonging to a group like a constituency or social group
-E.g they will pursue human rights abuse, environmental causes
-(minor rep because its more often done by pressure groups)
What is a pluralist democracy?
-Representation of various groups and interests
-So decisions are made as a consequence of various groups with competing interest
-Encourages compromise
How has the UK democracy been reformed?
-Proportional electoral systems - STV- used 22’ and AMS
-2021- SNP, Green coalition (69 seats won)
-Wales- Lab and Plaid Cymru coalition
-Impact: gave power to smaller parties, voter choice
-HOL Act- 1999- 92 heredity peers
-Impact: reduces influence of peers who don’t have expertise, increases accountability
-Recall of MPs Act 2015- conviction, if seat is vacant and early election
-E.g 2019 Chris Davies- convicted of false expense claims
-Impact: litmus test - see the support of gov
E- democracy: 2019 GE - 35% of electorate signed a petition
How did the suffragettes extend the franchise?
-Violence gave media attention coverage which raised public awareness
-Repeated violence kept public fearful
-Brutal oppression- force feeding led to Cat and Mouse Act- created sympathy
How did the suffragettes NOT extend the franchise?
-Violence showed women aren’t responsible enought to vote
-Gov couldn’t be seen giving into terrorism- prevented negotiations
-Violence turned away many- creation of WSPU- mors peaceful
Why could voting at 16 extend the franchise?
-Have more responsibilities without the right to vote - NI, join army, job
-Youth interests are ignored by politicians - manifestos focus on older people - triple lock pension
-Stronger political engagement - 2014 IndyRef- 78% of under 18’s chose to vote, 97% said they would again
Why could voting at 16 NOT extend the franchise?
-Too immature- lack of education/ stake in society and could vote for extremist parties (UKIP)
-Undermines TO- IndyRef 2014- 25% didn’t vote given the chance too
-Preserving childhood- still in school
Why could prisoners being given the right to vote extend the franchise?
-Inc Participation as TO may increase, which could improve legitimacy
-Rights of prisoners are more likely to be considered in policy decisions
-Could help them to reintegrate into society - 2017 franchise was extended (criticised - very small group)
Why could prisoners being given the right to vote, NOT extend the franchise?
-If you break the law, rights should be taken away
-No overall demand for it
-U Gov poll 2012- 63% said prisoners shouldn’t have the right to vote
-May not inc TO
