DEMOCRACY AND PARTICIPATION- paper 1

first topic of a level politics paper 1

Direct democracy

People make decisions themselves rather than through representatives.

This form of democracy allows citizens to directly vote on laws and policies, engaging in referendums or initiatives.

Representative democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

This system emphasizes elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents in legislative processes.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Direct Democracy

Direct Democracy
✅ Purest form of democracy, high legitimacy.
✅ Encourages participation and political education.
❌ Can lead to tyranny of the majority and populism.
❌ Impractical on complex issues.

Advantages / Disadvantages

	Representative Democracy

	Representative Democracy
	✅ Practical for large populations.
	✅ Representatives bring expertise and accountability.
	❌ May cause apathy and “elective dictatorship”.
	❌ Representatives may not act in line with voters’ views.

Features of UK Democracy

• Free and fair elections — secret ballot, independent Electoral Commission.

• Universal suffrage — all adults 18+ can vote (except prisoners).

• Civil liberties — protected by Human Rights Act 1998.

• Pressure groups — alternative avenues for participation.

• Devolution — power spread to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London.

• Independent judiciary — rule of law, checks on government.

• Free press — holds politicians to account (though bias exists).

Positive Aspects of UK Democracy

• Turnout improving slightly: 2019 GE = 67.3% (vs 59% in 2001).

• Pressure groups: e.g. Extinction Rebellion (2019) raised climate awareness.

• Referendums: give citizens direct say (e.g. Brexit 2016).

• Freedom of expression: media scrutiny, protests legal.

• Independent judiciary: limits abuse of executive power (e.g. Miller case 2019).

Criticisms / Democratic Deficit

• Low turnout: e.g. 2019 GE 67.3%; local elections often < 40%.

• Unelected institutions: House of Lords still unelected.

• FPTP electoral system: disproportionate results (2019 Conservatives 43.6% votes → 56% seats).

• Under-representation of minorities and women: 34% MPs female (2024).

• Media bias: press leanings — Sun & Mail support Conservatives.

• Decline in party membership: Labour 480k (2021) vs membership boom 1950s > 1 m

Ways to Improve Democracy

Reform	Explanation
Compulsory voting	Make voting mandatory.
Lower voting age (16)	Engages young people early.
E-voting / online registration	Makes voting more accessible.
Electoral reform (PR)	Replace FPTP with PR system.
House of Lords reform	Make Lords elected.
Recall of MPs	Voters can petition to remove MPs.

Electoral Participation

• Turnout trend: 1950 = 84%; 2001 = 59%; 2019 = 67%.

• Referendums: 2016 EU = 72% turnout (high).

• Voter apathy: “hapathy” = contentment → non-voting.

Non-Electoral Participation

• Pressure groups: influence without office (e.g. RSPB 1.2 m members).

• E-petitions: over 100k → Parliament debate (e.g. 2016 Trump ban).

• Demonstrations: e.g. Black Lives Matter 2020 protests.

• Party membership: Labour ≈ 480k (2024); Conservatives ≈ 170k.

Factors Affecting Participation

• Education & interest

• Age (older vote more)

• Trust in politicians

• Perceived efficacy (belief vote matters)

Pressure Groups

Organisations seeking to influence government policy without seeking election.

Pressure Group Types

Type	Description	Example

Sectional (Interest)

Represent a specific group or occupation.

BMA (doctors), NUT (teachers).

Cause (Promotional)

Campaign for a moral or societal cause.

Greenpeace, Stonewall.

Insider

Close links with government.

NFU, CBI.

Outsider

Rely on media and public support.

Extinction Rebellion.

Why Pressure Groups Succeed

• Resources: money and members.

• Access to decision-makers: insider status.

• Public support & media: e.g. Marcus Rashford school meals 2020.

• Leadership & organisation: experienced leaders help (negotiate with gov).

• Government attitude: sympathetic governments aid success.

How rights are protected (4 main ways):

Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) – adds ECHR into UK law.

Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) – access to gov info.

Equality Act 2010 – bans discrimination on 9 characteristics (age, race, sex, etc).

Judicial review & common law – judges ensure gov acts legally.

Who protects rights?

Independent judiciary (enforces law).

Parliament (passes rights-based laws).

Pressure groups (Liberty, Amnesty, Stonewall).

Free media (exposes abuse).

Threats to rights:

Anti-terror laws (detention & surveillance – “Snooper’s Charter” 2016).

Media intrusion (phone hacking 2011).

Protest restrictions (Public Order Act 2023).

Parliamentary sovereignty (rights not entrenched).