Democracy and Participation Review

Flashcards to help review key concepts from the lecture on Democracy and Participation, including statistics about voter turnout, political parties, and major events.

What was the voter turnout for the 2019 general election in the UK?

67.3%

What was the lowest general election turnout since 2001?

59.7% in 2024

What percentage of seats did the Liberal Democrats win compared to their vote percentage in 2019?

Won 19% of seats yet only received 2% of votes.

What was the turnout for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

84.6%

What year did the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act come into effect?

2016

In what year did the BMA demand an increase in pay for junior doctors due to lost wages?

2023

How many members did the Labour Party have in 1970 compared to 2022?

1.8% of the electorate in 1970 vs 0.9% in 2022.

What did the government provide after Marcus Rashford's campaign for free meals?

£120 million ‘Covid summer food fund’ and £170 million ‘Covid winter grant scheme’.

What was the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights regarding prisoner voting in Hirst (2005)?

The UK’s blanket ban on prisoner voting breached human rights.

What is the key aspect of the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

Allows people to access information that was previously unavailable.

What is the significance of the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act?

Gave greater surveillance and data access powers to police.

Which party passed the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act in 2013?

The Labour Party.

What does the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, enacted in 2023, require?

Certain workers must continue working during strikes or risk being sacked.

What is the main focus of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)?

Often aligned with conservative policies and critical of harmful restrictions.

Which lobbying crisis involved Lord Blencathra in 2012?

He accepted a contract to lobby on behalf of the Cayman Islands.

What electoral system did Labour propose to reform in their 1997 manifesto?

Replace FPTP to prevent long-term Conservative rule.

What was the outcome of the 2014 EU Referendum in Scotland?

62% voted to remain in the EU.

What voting system does Northern Ireland use?

Single Transferable Vote (STV).

How did the Brexit referendum in June 2016 impact political dynamics in the UK?

It caused significant polarization and led to the resignation of PM David Cameron.

What was a key policy challenge faced by Labour in the 2019 election regarding its leadership?

Jeremy Corbyn's unpopularity due to various scandals.

What tactical voting trends were noted in the 2019 election?

Labour supporters voting Conservative to keep UKIP out, and vice versa.

What approach did the Liberal Democrats take towards the Communications Data Bill?

They opposed it, arguing it threatened civil liberties and privacy.

What role did media play in the 2008 MPs’ expenses scandal?

It held MPs accountable, revealing inappropriate claims and leading to public outrage.

What is the consequence of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022?

It criminalizes one-person protests and expands police powers.

In which year did the Conservatives pledge to increase the number of police officers?

2019.

What major change in party membership levels occurred for the Conservatives from 1970 to 2022?

Membership decreased from 3.1% of the electorate in 1970 to 0.4% in 2022.

What demographic factor significantly impacts voting patterns according to the notes?

Age; older voters tend to support Conservative candidates more.

What was the context of tactical voting in the 2024 election?

Voters supported candidates to block parties they oppose.

What was the percentage of Labour seats won in the 2024 general election?

63.2%