democracy and participation glossary definitions

legitimacy

the rightful use of power in accordance with pre-set criteria, such as a government’s right to rule following an election

direct democracy

all individuals express their opinions themselves and not via representatives acting on their behalf- e.g. referendums

representative democracy

modern form of democracy where an individual selects a person/party to act on their behalf and exercise a political choice

pluralist democracy

a type of democracy where a government mames decisions as a result of the interaction of various ideas and contrasting arguments from competing groups and organisations

democracy deficit

flaw in the democratic process where decisions are taken by people who lack legitimacy- not having been appointed with sufficient democratic input

participation crisis

lack of engagement by a significant number of citizens to relate to the political process, e.g, choosing not to vote or to become members of political parties

franchise/suffrage

ability/right to vote in public elections

think tanks

body of experts brought together to collectively focus on certain topics- to investigate and offer solutions to often complicated economic, social or political issues

lobbyists

paid by clients to influence the government, MPs or members of the House of Lords to act in their client’s interests- especially when legislation is under consideration