Representative and Direct Democracy

Paper 1 Politic

What is representative democracy?

A form of democracy by which voters elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy by which citizens make political decisions for themselves

What are advantages of representative democracy?

• Representatives are well informed and educated on political issues

• , representatives must balance conflicting interests so even minority groups are represented,

• clear accountability

What are the advantages of direct democracy?

• Public are encouraged to engage with politics more,

• forced to be well informed with politics,

• referendums can be reduced to a simple yes/no decision, 

• turnout is ofter higher- EU 2016 72% turnout

What are the disadvantages of representative democracy?

• Representatives often have other interests and second jobs which could mean bias,

• Elitist Westminster bubble which could make them disconnected from constituents,

• representation of minorities in the house of commons is low (although women make up 35% now), 

• votes for smaller parties essentially get wasted.

What are the disadvantages of direct democracy?

• Tyranny of the majority,

• not practical in a modern state,

• many people aren’t sufficiently educated to make well informed decision.

Examples of direct democracy include

• Referendums,

• recall of the MPs act 2015

• , e-petitions,

• consultative exercises, 

• open primaries,

• election of the leadership of politcal parties.

How are representative democracy and direct democracy similar?

• Both seek public opinion,

• both create legislature that represents the publics views,

• pressure groups that use direct democracy are a key part of the representative democracy.

Give an example where Direct Democracy was used?

-Brexit referendum -52% for leave and 48% for remain

-Scottish independence referendum 2014

-Recall of MP Fiona Onansanya, Peterbrough, 2019