A - Level Politics Democracy

Definitions and basic arguments

What is a representative democracy ?

system of government in which citizens elect officials to make decisions and pass law on their behalf

What are the features of a representative democracy ?

secret ballot, regular, non biased, civil liberties, pressure groups

Define legitimacy ?

the legal right to exercise power, for example a government’s right to rule following an election

What is a democratic deficit ?

perceived deficiency in the way a particular democratic body, especially in terms of accountability and control over policy making 

Define participation crisis?

lack of engagement with the political system, for example when people choose no to vote

What is the role of an independent judiciary in a democracy ?

to uphold the rule of law, protecting human rights and freedoms, ensuring separation of powers, ensuring fairness and impartiality and fostering public trust and confidence

What are pressure groups ?

put pressure on MPs, alternative to political system 

What is a legislative assembly ?

represents electorate in parliament - MP’s vote on laws

What are the three key functions of FPTP?

Function 1 - Representing people

Function 2 - preventing concentration of government people

Function 3 - direct democracy

What is a pluralist democracy ?

power and spread among different groups in society rather than being held by the government or a single elite

What is suffrage ?

ability or right vote in public elections

What is plural voting ?

system or practice of casting more than one vote, or of voting in more than one constituency 

What are insider pressure groups ?

Insider groups are groups that enjoy close access to government agencies and officials as a result of expertise information. E.g BMA or WWF

What are outsider pressure groups ?

Outsider pressure groups are not regularly consulted by government, and are thus reliant on winning over public opinion. E.g extinction rebellion.

What are the 4 factors contributing to pressure group success ?

Resources

Ideological compatibility with government

Popularity

Expertise

What are think tanks ?

independent organisations researching policy ideas often ideologically aligned not party affiliated. They employ academics to analyse policy areas.

What are the functions of think tanks ?

• provide governments and parties with policy proposals

• shape public debate and influence political agendas

• act as a bridge academia and policy making

What are lobbyists?

Professionals paid to represent clients interests operating through consultancy firms or in-house terms. They must register UK lobbying transparency rules.

What are the functions of lobbyists ?

• seek to influence ministers ,MPs and civil servants

• provide policymakers with information or draft proposals

• facilitate access between interest groups and decision makers

What are corporations ?

Large private sector businesses with economic power, posses financial resources for political engagement.

What are the functions of corporations?

• influence government policy protect business interest

• provide funding or expertise to policies and committees

• lobby to shape regulation, taxation and trade policy

Definition for active citizenship ?

practice of individuals taking personal responsibility to get involved in their communities and political systems beyond just voting 

Definition for civil liberties ?

freedoms individuals have under law such as freedom of speech, movement and right to a free trial - these are protected by Human Rights Act

Definition of parliament sovereignty ?

principle of UK constitution - makes parliament supreme legal authority in UK which can create or end any law

Definition of judicial review ?

process for checking the lawfulness or a decision or action by a public body

What is Habeas Corpus ?

legal procedure that requires a person under arrest or in prison to be brought before a judge to determine if their detention is lawfull 

Definition for common law ?

legal system that relies on judicial precedent, meaning laws and principles are developed from decisions past courts

What is the Human Rights Act ?

UK law that incorporated the ECHR into domestic law, making ECHR directly enforceable in UK courts (1998)

What is the equality act ?

Law protecting people from discrimination based on 9 characteristics 

What is a rights based culture ?

societal framework where human rights are central to law, policies and daily practices