democracy

how many MPs and constituencies are there

650

how often does a general election take place

5 years on the first thursday of may

why can’t someone vote

1. under 18

2. convicted prisoner

3. member of the house of lords

4. guilty of election corruption

what is direct democracy

a political system whereby the people take part themselves in the running of the country and deciding

what’s representative democracy

a political system whereby representatives elected by the people take control of the decision making, as it is more practical and the representatives are better informed

what is a dictatorship

rule by one person or group. this group is all- powerful. often associated with a mitigate take over of a state

what is a theocracy

where religious leaders run the state

what is a one party state

a state where only one political party exists and runs the country

pros of representative democracy

1. every citizen has a say

2. more representative of the publics opinion

3. local mp will be very aware of the needs

what are the cons of representative democracy

1. most will vote with their party

2. may be universally educated, so not representative of constituents

3. if someone doesn’t win, they feel unrepresented

pros of direct democracy

1. gives government a mandate for action

2. give government clear directive from the citizens on an issue

3. most democratic way to make a decision

4. every voter can have a say

cons of direct democracy

1. media can influence

2. issues are more complex than yes/no

3. not every citizen understands the complexity

4. if results are close, many will be unhappy

strengths and weaknesses of fptp

strengths: simple, cheap, quick

weaknesses: only winning votes count, encourages tactical voting, some constituencies are safe seats, reduced voter turnout out

what are the strengths and weaknesses of proportional representation

strengths; fewer wasted votes, more choice, fair to minority candidates

weaknesses: coalition governments, allow extremists into the political mainstream

describe communism

a system in which all resources in a nation are owned by the state and shared among all the people

describe socialism

a system of common ownership, offering more quality in society and robust welfare for those in need

describe liberalism

belief in individual rights and less government interference, laws only passed to improve society

describe conservatism

belief in traditions, family values and authority. advocates of private ownership and free enterprise

describe fascism

an authoritarian and nationalistic system typically run by a dictator using force

what’s some things the labour party want to do

1. create free education

2. increase top earners tax to fund nhs

3. promote equality

what does the lib dem’s want to do

1. reinstate university grants

2. tax everyone more to fund nhs

3. boost economy with programs of investment

what do the conservatives want to do

1. increase in nhs spending

2. increase free trade

3. limit welfare

4. decrease government spending

what is the speaker

the mp elected to act as chairman for debates in the house of commons

what is the shadow cabinet

mps from the main opposition party who shadow MPs who head major government departments

what is the backbenches

MPs from the governing party who are not part of the government, they sit on the backbenches

describe the legislature branch of constitution

makes laws

house of commons and lords

describe the executive branch of constitution

draws up and puts policies into action

prime minister

cabinet

civil service

describe the judiciary branch of the constitution

makes judgements about the law

judges and magistrates

a devolved power in northern island

agriculture

education

environment

a devolved power in scotland

agriculture

economic development

environment

health and housing

a devolved power in wales

agriculture

economic development

environment

health and housing

arguments for scotttish independence

1. wouldn’t have to fight british wards

2. could focus on scottish issues

3. could easily encourage economic migrants

arguments against scottish independence

1. join security is better

2. would need to establish a currency union

name 4 sources of the uncodified constitution

1. legislation

2. conventions

3. common law

4. european law

advantages of an uncodified constitution

1. flexible

2. constitutional changes can be made

3. as society changes, the law can too

disadvantages of an uncodified constitution

1. citizens may not understand

2. law could change the rights thst citizens are entitled to

3. may be easier for controversial laws to be passed

what do civil servants do

administers

1. government funds

2. institutions and departments

who is in charge of the budget

the chancellor of exchequer,

they raise revenue and control how it is spent