Democracy and Participation

2019 general election turnout

67%

2024 general election turnout

below 60%

how many mps were suspended inbetween 2019-2024

20

Recall of mps act 2015

constituents can recall mps (vote to remove them) due to criminal offenses

Give me the year, result and turnout for the Scottish referendum act

2014 - 55% NO - 85% turnout

Give me the year, result and turnout for the creation of the Scottish assembly

1979 - 52% Yes - 64% turnout

Give me the year, result and turnout for the creation of the welsh assembly

1997 - 50.3% Yes - 50 turnout

Examples of think tanks

Adam Smith institute

examples of think tanks not being transparent

Adam Smith Institute funded by tobacco companies, released study about why regulation is tobacco would be bad

Examples of direct action using pressure groups

extinction rebellion, just stop oil, BLM

Examples of lobbying using pressure groups

BMA lobbied government to give senior doctors a wage rise

Examples of when social media has been used as a form of pressure gorups

2020 Rashford campaigned against food poverty and gained significant public support and media attention.

3 reasons how pressure groups increase UK democracy

1. Represents interest of the minority

2. Provides expertise in policy making

3. Offers many opportunities for informal political participation e.g. marches

3 reasons for and against Rep Dem

1. decisions made by specialists who understand the complexity of the situation and so can hold accountability

2. Representatives have time to consider legislation whereas the public may not

3. Can take minority interests into account whereas referendums take majority view

1. Low turnout 2024- below 60%

2. Relies on the conduct of those in power. 2019-2024, 20 mps were suspended due to misconduct

3 reasons for and against DD

1. Gives the power to the people to make decisions

   e.g. 75% of mps voted remain in 2016 brexit, but only 48% of all voters did

2. Gives the most power to the people

3. When turnouts low it engages the electorate to boost turnout

1. Over simplifys complex issues

2. Referendums held have to be held via act of parliament and so are unlikely to happen unless the PM favours it

3. Tyranny of the majority