Types of Democracy

Question 1

Define Direct Democracy

Answer 1

A political system where the people make key decisions themselves.

Question 2

Define Representative Democracy

Answer 2

A political system where the people elect an MP to make the key decisions.

Question 3

Give an example of a country that is a Direct Democracy

Answer 3

Switzerland

Question 4

Give an example of a country that is a Representative Democracy

Answer 4

UK

Question 5

Give 2 advantages of a Direct Democracy

Answer 5

1) Engages political participation in many different types of issues.

2) Representative of what a majority of people want.

Question 6

Give 2 disadvantages of a Direct Democracy

Answer 6

1) Low turnouts do not make outcomes representative.

2) Some people may have a lack of political knowledge. Some issues may be difficult to grasp due to the complexity.

Question 7

Give 2 advantages of a Representative Democracy

Answer 7

1) Political expertise is used by MPs to lead to an outcome.

2) MPs can be held accountable if an issue gradually gets worse.

Question 8

Give 2 disadvantages of a Representative Democracy

Answer 8

1) The MP may not vote on their constituent’s behalf, and only vote what they think.

2) Low turnouts for electing the representative is not representative of the constituency.