Topic 1 - Democracy And Participation

Question 1

What are the forms of democracy?

Answer 1

Representation, Education, Protection of rights

Question 2

What are the strengths of democracy?

Answer 2

Strengths include representation and protection of rights.

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of democracy?

Answer 3

Weaknesses include risk of tyranny of the majority and undermining MPs.

Question 4

What is an example of a democratic weakness?

Answer 4

The Brexit referendum caused long-term division.

Question 5

What was the Great Reform Act of 1832?

Answer 5

It allowed more middle-class men to vote.

Question 6

What voting rights were established in 1918?

Answer 6

All men 21+ and women 30+ with property could vote.

Question 7

What change occurred in 1928 regarding voting rights?

Answer 7

Equal suffrage was established for all 21+ regardless of gender/property.

Question 8

What change occurred in 1969 regarding voting rights?

Answer 8

The voting age was lowered to 18.

Question 9

What tactics did suffragettes use?

Answer 9

They used militant tactics to gain attention.

Question 10

What was the impact of WWI on women’s suffrage?

Answer 10

WWI contribution was key to the 1918 change.

Question 11

Who was Emmeline Pankhurst?

Answer 11

She led WSPU campaigns for women’s suffrage.

Question 12

What are arguments for prisoners’ voting rights?

Answer 12

Rehabilitation tool and right to representation.

Question 13

What are arguments against prisoners’ voting rights?

Answer 13

Broken social contract and public opposition.

Question 14

What was the outcome of Hirst v UK (2005)?

Answer 14

ECHR ruled UK’s blanket ban on prisoner voting unlawful; UK made minor changes.

Question 15

Should 16-17-year-olds vote?

Answer 15

For: Mature, informed via citizenship education. Against: Lack life experience and risk of parental influence.

Question 16

What was the turnout for 16-17-year-olds in the Scottish IndyRef 2014?

Answer 16

Turnout was high at 75%.

Question 17

What are traditional participation methods?

Answer 17

Voting, joining a party, writing to MPs.

Question 18

Is there a participation crisis?

Answer 18

Yes: Evidence of declining participation. No: Active engagement through lobbying and petitions.

Question 19

What factors influence policy?

Answer 19

Public support and insider status can lead to success.

Question 20

What can lead to failure in influencing policy?

Answer 20

Legal or moral entitlements (e.g. right to free speech).

Question 21

What are the foundations of rights in the UK?

Answer 21

1215 Magna Carta established the foundation of rights.

Question 22

What did the Human Rights Act (HRA) of 1998 do?

Answer 22

It incorporated ECHR into UK law.

Question 23

What tensions increased post-9/11?

Answer 23

Tensions between rights and security increased.

Question 24

Does the Human Rights Act protect rights?

Answer 24

Yes: Courts can strike down incompatible laws. No: Not entrenched; Parliament can override.

Question 25

What is the government's proposal regarding the Human Rights Act as of 2022?

Answer 25

The government wants to replace it with a 'British Bill of Rights.'

Question 26

What are civic responsibilities?

Answer 26

Duties expected of citizens include voting, jury service, obeying the law, and respecting others' rights.

Question 27

What are examples of conflicts between rights?

Answer 27

Privacy vs national security.

Question 28

Who can best defend rights?

Answer 28

Pressure groups can fund litigation or protest for reform.

Question 29

What are some proposed electoral reforms?

Answer 29

Compulsory voting, electoral reform (e.g. PR), online voting, HoL reform.

Question 30

What are the weaknesses of proposed electoral reforms?

Answer 30

May lack maturity, undemocratic to force participation, security & fraud risks.