Democracy and Participation definitions

Compulsory voting

An enforceable system where voter turnout is increased by fining those who do not vote

Constitution

The name given to the fundamental rules outlining how a state is to be governed

Delegate model

Model of representation that states that MPs should act on the instructions of their constituents

Democracy

The modern word deriving from the Ancient Greek 'demos' and 'kratos'

Differential turnout

Term used to refer to the varying levels of electoral participation across different regions and social groups

Direct democracy

A political system where the people themselves make key political decisions

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Electorate

The term used to describe the proportion of the public that is registered to vote

Focus group

A group of people assembled to give their opinions on a political campaign or idea before it has been launched

Hapathy

When voters abstain from voting because they are content with the way things are

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to trigger a public vote on a political question by collecting enough signatures

Legitimacy

The term used to describe the extent to which a state or its government can be considered to have the right to exercise power

Liberal democracy

A form of representative democracy characterised by protected individual rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and a government limited by a constitution

Mandate

When a party has the authority to carry out its manifesto, usually gained by winning an election

Parliamentary democracy

A representative democracy where the elected parliament holds all political authority and where the government is drawn from parliament

Participation crisis

Where political engagement is so poor that it threatens to undermine democracy

Pluralism

A view that power is, or should be, fragmented and dispersed. Open competition creates a degree of balance, preventing the emergence of a powerful elite

Political apathy

When the public has a lack of emotion, interest or concern about politics, leading to lower participation and engagement

Political participation

The term used to describe any action (formal or informal) taken by citizens to influence the outcome of a political issue

Politics

This term refers to the activity of managing the state, attempting to overcome differences of opinion and conflict to create rules and make decisions

Presidential democracy

Where the head of government is also the head of state, and is directly elected to lead an executive branch that is separate from the legislature

Primary elections

Elections held by political parties that allow voters to choose their candidate for an upcoming election

Recall election

Where voters sign a petition calling for a vote to remove an elected official ahead of their next election

Referendum

A mechanism that allows the electorate to choose between alternative courses of action on a particular issue

Representation

The term used to describe elected officials acting on behalf of others

Representative democracy

A political system where key political decisions are taken by elected individuals, on behalf of the people

Turnout

The proportion of the registered electorate who vote in a given election

Trustee model

Model of representation proposed by Edmund Burke MP, stating that an MP, once elected, should freely use their own judgement when voting on issues

Voter fatigue

Where apathy is caused by voters being asked to participate in too many elections and referendums