UK - Democracy and participation Flashcards
Define direct democracy
All individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf.
Define representative democracy
An individual selects a person to act on their behalf to exercise political choice.
Functions of democracy
- Representing the people
- Holding those in power to account
- Allowing for participation in the political process
In the UK, which type of democracy usually operates?
Direct democracy - referendums
Examples of direct democracy in the UK
- Brexit: EU referendum
- Scottish Independence referendum (2014)
- AV referendum (2011)
- Welsh devolution referendum (1997)
How are direct and representative democracy different?
- representative: they choose someone to represent their ideas
- direct: people make the decision themselves
- representative: multiple decisions
- direct: binary decision
Participation
The extent to which people participate or engage in the political system, e.g. party membership.
Democratic legitimacy
When it persuades people of the normative necessity of its existence.
Why is the system of representative democracy potentially problematic?
When turnout is low in elections, it means those elected are chosen by a relatively small majority, meaning that not all decisions represent all the people. e.g. 2001, New Labour won 59.4%, meaning that only 26% of all possible voters had elected a government that made major decisions.
Why would direct democracy may not solve the problem of participation in a representative democracy?
Direct democracy only increases turnout when it comes to major issues that people are passionate about it. The public may be less inclined to vote meaning there would be a reduction in turnout.
Why could voter choice may be a problem in the UK’s system of representative democracy?
Major parties tend to agree on principles of policies (devolution to Wales), supported by the vast majority of parties - no viable candidates.
How may direct democracy not improve voter choice?
It restricts the range of options the public can vote for. Scottish independence referendum 2014 - many voters favoured an option of devolution max, the referendum asked them to make a choice between independence and remain in Union.
Why may democratic legitimacy be a problem in the UK’s system of representative democracy?
A number of MPs are elected by a minority of the voters, meaning that over half the constituents who voted did so against the candidate who won the election. This is problematic as it means the representative is opposed by more people than support them, undermining their democratic legitimacy in representing the constituency.
