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28 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Give 3 features of democracy |
- Multi-party system (electoral choice) - One person, one vote - Independent judiciary - Elected representatives - Free and fair elections |
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Define legitimacy |
The idea that a government or any other political institution has a democratic right to hold political power |
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Define direct democracy |
A type of democracy where the people make important political decisions or are consulted before key decisions are made |
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Give 3 forms of direct democracy used in the UK |
- Referendums - Petitions - Initiatives - Public consultations |
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Where is direct democracy used and why would it not work in the UK? |
Used in... - Swiss Cantons - Originally in ancient Athens Wouldn't work in the UK because... - The population is too big - Too time consuming - Lack of political knowledge/expertise |
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What is the House of Commons? |
The lower house of parliament which is an elected body of 650 members (MPs) who debate political topics to later be voted on. |
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What is the House of Lords? |
The upper house of parliament which was traditionally unelected although due to questionable legitimacy, is now elected rather than hereditary. |
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Give 3 advantages of direct democracy |
- Purest form of democracy - Promotes political education - The public is held accountable for its own decisions - Increases political participation - Increases the dispersal of power |
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Give 3 disadvantages of direct democracy |
- "Tyranny of the majority" means that the minorities are less likely to be represented fairly - The political system may be too complex for the public and lead them to make bad decisions - The public may become "politically fatigued" if they have to constantly make/debate laws - It is very time consuming and inconvenient |
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Define representative democracy |
A type of democracy in which most decisions are made by representative bodies which are appointed or elected. |
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3 features of representative democracy |
- Free and fair elections - Representatives are elected by the people - Pressure groups operate freely - Elected representatives can be made accountable - There is a legislature to represent the people |
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3 advantages of representative democracy |
- Representatives typically have superior experience or judgement - People delegate their power to representatives so are not continually involved - Representatives act as a medium for the interests of society creating a strong link between public and government |
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3 disadvantages of representative democracy |
- Representatives may not accurately represent the views and opinions of constituencies - Party representation means that representatives may not act fully independently - Only a fair system if the elections are fair - Can be seen as elitist and not widely dispersing power |
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How is the UK not democratic? |
- Elections can be seen as unfair as some parties are over represented e.g. Labour - HOL has considerable power but is not fully elected - Some pressure groups have more power than others (insider groups) - Government is not accountable enough |
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Define referendum |
When an important decision is put to the people rather than being determined by government/representatives assemblies. It involves a single question being asked, for the public to answer with a simple "yes" or "no"
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Give 3 examples of referendums |
- 2014 - Should Scotland be independent from the UK? - No (high turnout) - 2011 - Should the alternative vote system be used to elect MPs rather than FPTP? - No (low turnout) - 1997 - Should Scotland and Wales have devolved powers and tax-varying powers? - Yes-Yes (high turnout) |
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3 arguments for increasing the use of referendums in the future |
- People are more accustomed to being consulted on political topics - It is easier to inform people via the media# - There is less public confidence in politicians - Increases rates of public participation consequently increasing legitimacy |
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3 arguments against increasing the use of referendums in the future |
- People may lose even more respect for representative institutions - Voter fatigue may occur - Highly politically motivated media may sway rational arguments to become emotional appeals - Public may be swayed by their view of government rather than the view on the topic
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Define liberal democracy |
A type of democracy that conforms to liberal political principles, such as rights/liberties, a strong constitutional frame work, tolerance and rule of law. A key example is the USA. |
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3 features of a liberal democracy |
- Responds to the "tyranny of the majority" - Promotes a tolerant and equal society - Power is divided/dispersed to prevent too much power falling into too few hands - Strong constitution protects individual rights |
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Define pluralist democracy |
Conforms to the idea of a liberal democracy but in addition: - Has a large number of political parties - Power is widely dispersed - Wide variety of pressure groups and political parties A key example is Germany |
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Define parliamentary democracy |
A type of liberal democracy where parliament is the central body and is the source of all political power - parliament is sovereign. A key example is the UK |
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How can you be politically active in the UK? |
- Stay educated/informed about political issues - Voting regularly in referendums/elections - Standing for office at a local or regional level - Joining a pressure group or political party - Taking part in direct action such as walks/petitions |
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Strengths of the UK's political system |
- Strong representation of individuals - Electoral choice and wide range of pressure groups - Judiciary is politically independent - Rule of Law applies ensuring equality under the law - Government has a clear mandate to govern |
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Weaknesses of the UK's political system |
- The prerogative powers of the MP are not subject to law - House of Lords is not fully elected and neither is the Monarchy - FPTP does not accurately represent the proportion of votes cast by the public - Turnout is decreasing along with party membership |
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Ways the UK is a liberal democracy |
- Regular and free elections - Government is accountable to parliament - Parties and pressure groups operate freely - Free media - Independent judiciary - Rule of law applies |
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Ways the UK is not a liberal democracy |
- Our constitution is not entrenched or codified - HOL is not wholly elected - The PM has arbitrary powers - There is an unelected head of state (Queen) |
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How can democracy be improved in the UK? |
- An elected 2nd chamber to replace the HOL - Introduce a codified constitution - Make ECHR binding on UK parliament - Leave the EU - Digital democracy - Increased use of referendums - Compulsory voting - Lowering the voting age |
