TOPIC 1: DEMOCRACY + PARTICIPATION - rep vs direct

Question 1

what is representative democracy?

Answer 1

-people pick a representative to make decisions on their behalf
-relies on constituencies where citizens pick their representative
-this gives MPs legitimacy
-holds them accountable

Question 2

How could representative democracy be in trouble?

Answer 2

-low participation: voter turnout, party membership etc
-loss of faith in political system

Question 3

What are possible ways to revive UK’s representative democracy

Answer 3

-automatic voter registration
-compulsory voting
-votes for 16yr olds
-use more direct democracy
-use more referenda
- digital democracy
-prisoners vote

Question 4

Give 2 examples or recent refernda

Answer 4

Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 Should Scotland leave UK and become independent ?
Turnout 85%. 45% voted yes

EU Referendum 2016
turnout 72%. 52% voted leave

Question 5

What are positives of referendums?

Answer 5

-power to the people
-political education + engagement
- referndum may be useful to ensure a broad base of political support for a controversial decision

Question 6

What are negatives of referendums?

Answer 6

-open to misinformation or influence by media and politicians
- can be extremely divisive
- too many referenda lead to voter apathy and fatigue ?
- undermines representative democracy

Question 7

What is a recall petition?

Answer 7

The process by which an MP can lose their seat in the commons.
The petition is placed in the constituency + if at least 10% of the voters sign it —> by-election

Question 8

What are the 3 IFs for a recall petition?

Answer 8

1. Convicted of an offence in the UK and receives sentence
2. Suspended from commons for 14 days
3. Provides false information for allowance claims

Question 9

How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy

Answer 9

-increases accountability of MPs to constituents

Question 10

How are recall petitions positive for representative democracy

Answer 10

-increases accountability of MPs to constituents
-tackles lack of faith in MPs

Question 11

What is democracy

Answer 11

The rule / power of the people

Question 12

What is direct democracy

Answer 12

The people have direct and continuous participation in decision making through mass public meetings and regular referendums, making decisions for themselves.

Question 13

What are the key features of representative democracy? Name 3

Answer 13

1. Full adult franchise
2. Secret ballot
3. Regular elections
4. Fair elections
5. Free and diverse media

Question 14

What is representative democracy the basis for? (1 word)

Answer 14

Legitimacy

Question 15

What is pluralist democracy

Answer 15

A government makes decisions as a result of interplay of competing political parties and competing groups in society with different views.

Question 16

Give voter turnout evidence to prove a participation crisis in the UK

Answer 16

1950s - averaged over 80%
1992 - 78%
2001 - 59%!!!

Question 17

What is legitimacy

Answer 17

The rightful use of power in accordance with pre set criteria of widely held agreements

Question 18

Give 2 advantages for direct democracy

Answer 18

-purest form of democracy. the people’s voice is clearly heard
-it can avoid the delay and deadlock within the political system
-great legitimacy
-encourages political education

Question 19

Give 2 disadvantages for direct democracy

Answer 19

-can lead to the ‘tyranny of the majority’
-people may be too easily swayed by short term emotion appeals
-some issues may be too complex for ordinary citizens to understand

Question 20

Give 3 advantages of representative democracy

Answer 20

-representatives can develop expertise to deal with matters the public doesn’t have time / knowledge for
-representatives can be held accountable at elections
-representatives can leave the public to get on with their lives.
-representatives can protect interests of minorities

Question 21

Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy

Answer 21

-representatives may not act in the best interests of their constituents
-can be difficult to hold representatives accountable between elections
-can ignore needs / concerns of minorities
-can lead to public disengagement

Question 22

Give 3 disadvantages for representatives democracy

Answer 22

-representatives may not act in the best interests of their constituents
-can be difficult to hold representatives accountable between elections
-can ignore needs / concerns of minorities
-can lead to public disengagement

Question 23

Name 4 key features of liberal democracy

Answer 23

-peaceful transition of power
-free and fair elections
-a constitution and the rule of law
-protection of rights
-freedom of expression and information
-widespread political participation
-independent judiciary

Question 24

What is a democratic deficit

Answer 24

A flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy

Question 25

What is an elective dictatorship

Answer 25

A government that dominates parliament usually due to a large majority and therefore has few limits on its power

Question 26

Give 2 arguments FOR compulsory voting in the UK

Answer 26

- may force voters, especially young, to educate themselves more on issues - by increasing turnout, it gives greater democratic legitimacy to parties who win -by ensuring more sections of society are involved, decision makers would have to ensure policies address all concerns - voting is a civic duty so citizens should be obliged to carry out that duty

Question 27

Give 2 arguments AGAINST compulsory voting in the UK

Answer 27

-its a civil liberties violation. Its a basic right to not take part -many voters aren’t well informed- ill informed participation -involve large amounts of public expenditure to administer and force the system - it would favour large parties against small ones

Question 28

Give 2 arguments FOR 16/17 year olds voting in the UK

Answer 28

-young people are better informed about politics now than ever before -voting turnout amongst 18-24 yrs is low. May encourage more youth voices -internet + social media allows enable young people to be informed about politics -if one can get married, pay tax, and serve in the army, they should vote

Question 29

Give 2 arguments AGAINST 16/17 year olds voting in the UK

Answer 29

- 16/17 year olds are too young to be able to make rational judgments - many issues are too complex for young people to understand - few people in this age group pay tax so they have a lower stake in society - the very young tend to be excessively radical

Question 30

Define causal pressure group

Answer 30

Group whose goal is to promote a particular cause or set of beliefs. Seek to promote favourable legislation