Politics: UK Politics: Democracy: Variations of Representative Democracy

What is Liberal Democracy?

Conforms to liberal principals
- Respect rights and liberties
- Strong constitutional framework
- Tolerance
- Rule of Law

Features of Liberal Democracy

- Involves Bill of Rights to protect individuals and minorities
- Avoid too much power falling into few hands "tyranny of the majority"
- "Separation of powers" between different branches of government
- System of checks and balances: Legislative, Executive and Judicial can control each others powers
-Sense of Constitutionalism
- Strong constitution means separation of powers, individuals and groups are protected.
- Cherish rights of individuals and organisations
- Tolerance to different beliefs, groups and interests can flourish as long as they don't threaten security of the state or individual freedom
EXAMPLE: USA

Pluralistic Democracy?

- A liberal Democracy
- Large amount of different parties
- Wide variety of political associations and pressure groups
- Power is widely dispersed and not concentrated in a few hands
EXAMPLE: Germany

Parliamentary Democracy

- Liberal Democracy TO AN EXTENT
- Parliament is sovereign and ultimate political power
- Laws only enforced if legitimised by UK Parliament
- Government is drawn by Parliament
- Parliament ensures geographical representation of all parts of the UK