Democracy

Question 1

Define representation:

Answer 1

…

Question 2

Define democracy:

Answer 2

System of rule based upon government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Question 3

Key principles for a system to be democratic:

Answer 3

Political equality for all voters

Popular participation

Choice between different options for the voter

Question 4

Define direct democracy:

Answer 4

Implies that all citizens have direct and continuous participation - involved in decision making process and do not rely on elected representatives

Question 5

Define representative democracy:

Answer 5

Indirect form of democracy in which politicians act on behalf of, and are accountable to, the public

Question 6

Define referendum:

Answer 6

Popular vote on a particular public policy issue.

Question 7

Define power:

Answer 7

The ability to get someone or a group of people to do what you want them to - even if it is against their will

Question 8

Define authority:

Answer 8

The right to tell people what to do because their is legitimacy eg authority for governments gained through elections

Question 9

Define sovereignty:

Answer 9

Sovereignty refers to absolute and unlimited power

Question 10

Define legitimacy:

Answer 10

Means rightfulness. Basis for political stability - in a democracy governments require legitimacy in order to have the authority to govern.

Question 11

Advantages of representative democracy:

Answer 11

People cannot be regularly expected to make important decisions

Representatives have time and expertise to consider political issues rationally

Representatives have a role in educating public about political issues

Question 12

Disadvantages of representative democracy:

Answer 12

Representatives may distort demands of the people

People may fail to respect decisions made by their representatives

Idea of the electoral mandate is flawed

Question 13

Advantages of using referendums:

Answer 13

Purest form of democracy

As people make decision it is very legitimate

Useful in securing consent of the people

Give people opportunity to participate directly in politics

Question 14

Disadvantages of referendums:

Answer 14

If become too frequent could be danger of ‘voter fatigue’

Undermines respect and authority for elected institutions

Represent ‘tyranny of the majority’

Issues may be too complex for average voter to understand

Question 15

Democracy

Answer 15

Rule by the people

Question 16

Direct democracy:

Answer 16

Obliterates the distinction between the government and the people

System of popular self-government as it is a form of democracy based on direct, unmediated and continuous participation of citizens in the tasks of government

Question 17

Key features of direct democracy:

Answer 17

Direct - people ‘make’ policy decisions

Unmediated - people ‘are’ the government

Continuous - people engage in politics on a regular and ongoing basis

Question 18

Advantages of direct democracy:

Answer 18

Increased political involvement

Truly represents the people

Knowing that your vote matters

Corruption is reduced

Question 19

Disadvantages of direct democracy:

Answer 19

Simply impractical

Minority has no say

Not everyone has the skills

Extremely high costs involved

Question 20

Parliamentary democracy:

Answer 20

Form of democracy that operates through a popularly elected deliberative assembly, which establishes an indirect link between government and he governed

Question 21

Liberal democracy:

Answer 21

Indirect and representative form of democracy

Right to rule is gained through success in regular elections

Question 22

6 core features of liberal democracy:

Answer 22

Competition for power between parties

Universal suffrage - everyone can vote

Civil liberties and individual rights

Constitutional government, based on formal, legal rights

Civil society - with a free media

Capitalist or private enterprise economy

Question 23

Representative democracy:

Answer 23

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them

In Britain, for example, voters elect MPs to represent them

Question 24

Advantages of representative democracy:

Answer 24

They are elected - easier if they make decisions

They are politically educated

Citizen representation

Question 25

Disadvantages of representative democracy:

Answer 25

Acting on their consciousness Misplaced trust Majority rules No accountability Officials can do whatever they want

Question 26

Referendums:

Answer 26

When a popular vote is held in which the people are asked to determine on an important political or constitutional issue

Question 27

Initiatives:

Answer 27

Form of referendum that can be brought about by citizens

Question 28

Core Features of the UK democratic system:

Answer 28

Democratic elections Parliament Pressure groups

Question 29

Supplementary features of the UK democratic system:

Answer 29

Referendums Devolution European Parliament

Question 30

Participation crisis:

Answer 30

Decline in turnout in general elections since 1959 Turnout during 2001 election was the lowest since 1918 at 59.4 %

Question 31

Distinctions between direct and representative democracy:

Answer 31

Direct democracy purer Referendums may carry more legitimacy than decisions made by government DD tends to operate with constitutional change, whereas RD concerns day to day running of the country

Question 32

Explaining liberal democracy:

Answer 32

Characterised by free and fair elections Government is limited, usually by constitution Government is accountable to the people Rule of law applies with all citizens equal under the law - government itself subject to legal constraints therefore implying an independent judiciary

Question 33

Explaining pluralist democracy:

Answer 33

Conforms to the principles of liberal democracy Particular stress laid upon features such as fee elections Implies multiculturalism

Question 34

Arguments for further use of referendums to determine political issues in Britain:

Answer 34

Changes require the consent of the people Increasing information available thus people are in a better position than ever before to assess political issues Referendums represent purest form of democracy Would bring Britain into line with modern practice

Question 35

How representative is the UK system:

Answer 35

All represented equally by an MP Elected Parliament and assemblies in Scotland, Wales and NI use fairer systems and give fairer representation Many PGs with active support and membership who represent effectively the many interests and causes in society HOL contains members who represent various sections of society

Question 36

What extent has political participation declined in Britain:

Answer 36

Membership of PP has been falling dramatically and been rise in PG members Parties finding it increasingly difficult to recruit candidates for election Election turnout has been falling to 66% at last election in 2015

Question 37

Referendums can improve participation in the following ways:

Answer 37

Direct form of democracy which gives the public direct control over decisions Political education likely to improve as debate is focuses on a particular issue Availability of an initiative system could lead to people feeling empowered

Question 38

Referendums don't improve democracy:

Answer 38

Turnout at Scottish and Welsh referendums doesn't back up idea people more likely to vote in 1997 election However SR in 2014 had an above average turnout 85% Voter fatigue if used to often

Question 39

Methods of improving participation:

Answer 39

Lower the voting age E-democracy - ease of participation Compulsory voting - increase due to threat Change in the voting system - fewer safe seats

Question 40

Points to suggest there is a democratic deficit in the UK:

Answer 40

Declining turnouts at all levels of elections Wider political apathy Deficit in political election as the wider public lack interest and knowledge in the political system Lack of the widespread use of referenda for whole of the UK Unfair voting system which creates an 'undemocratic' outcome for Westminster elections

Question 41

Reasons why there is not a democratic deficit:

Answer 41

Reforms taken place to develop democracy such as devolution New systems of PR has been introduced Reform of second chamber underway Widespread PG membership and activity ensure no democratic deficit

Question 42

How could the current system be criticised as not conforming to liberal democratic ideals?

Answer 42

Still no written constitution Parliament as a whole remains weak Blair almost presidential in style Do not have enough parties to truly represent the diverse views of the electorate