UK Democracy

Question 1

How well does UK democracy function in elections?

Answer 1

• Free and fair, based on universal franchise/suffrage, choice and party competition
• FPTP has strengths like simplicity, speed, constituency-MP link
• Use of proportional representation for devolved elections is an improvement
• FPTP is disproportionate and leaves minor parties under-represented. It also leads to wasted votes. (2015: 50% of votes were cast to a losing candidate)
• Turnout is not high but is in line with many other Western democracies (69% in 2017)
• Health of representative democracy has been called into question by general public apathy towards politics

Question 2

How well does UK democracy function in representation?

Answer 2

• Parliament represents constituents and holds the gov. to account on behalf of the electorate
• Parliament can be ineffective in holding the gov. accountable as it’s dominated by a gov. with an overall majority.
• Unelected House of Lords has the ability to delay laws
• All citizens are represented by an MP and can expect their concerns to be take up
• Many MPs ignore constituents’ concerns because they hold ‘safe seats’ and want to remain loyal to their party
• Women, ethnic minorities and working class are under-represented in Parliament

Question 3

How well does UK democracy function with citizens’ right?

Answer 3

• There are extensive freedoms and rights incorporated in the Human Rights Act 1998
• Humans Rights Act isn’t fully entrenched; govs. can ignore judges’ rulings
• The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the government to reveal information on how and why decisions were taken on behalf of the people
• The Freedom of Information Act has too many exemptions which govs. use to further their own interests

Question 4

How well does UK democracy function in pressure groups?

Answer 4

• Pressure groups supplement democracy by giving a voice to minorities, allowing citizens to exert influence between elections
• Wealthy and powerful pressure groups may pursue their own interests, which may not benefit the majority of the population
• Pressure groups enhance democracy by ensuring political diversity
• Leaders of pressure groups aren’t elected, accountable or under public scrutiny

Question 5

How well does UK democracy function in the limited government?

Answer 5

• The UK constitution is effective at limiting gov. power and adapting to changing circumstances
• There is no codified constitution, so power distribution is undefined
• Fusion of executive and legislature creates an over-powerful executive

Question 6

How well does UK democracy function in an independent judiciary?

Answer 6

• Rule of law is protected by judicial independence to protect citizens and limit gov.
• All govs. are subject to law, upheld by judges via judicial review, and the Human Rights Act
• Gov. has a role in appointing judges